There were also presentations made for (senior!) Citizenship Award and Group Award, which were as justly earned, even if they didn’t get the same gasps of  delight.  If you think there is any individual or group in the village that has made an outstanding commitment to the community, look out for the opportunity to nominate them soon. (See Page 3)

Another highlight, and not just for me, was the return of the Crow Fair, and the Crow Dance.  That the Fair happened at all was due to the hard work of the Parish Plan group IMPPs, and if you have any ideas of how it could be improved I’m sure they would welcome your input.  The Crow Dance stole the show no doubt, but who were the mysterious men behind the masks, and why did they have to rehearse in the pub?

Crow Fair took place for the first time on the Playing Field. One of the roles of the Parish Council is as Trustees who look after and improve the Playing Field.  To this end, we have been working towards raising the funds needed for Phase 2, the junior and infant playgrounds.  When I say ‘we’, I mean mainly our excellent Parish Council Clerk, Elaine Beech, who works tirelessly on our behalf. The plans have been ready for some time; we just need the money to start work on replacing the current playground, which I think all would agree is somewhat inadequate.  Fundraising has been slowed down by  bureaucracy but we are  hopeful that all the money can be raised for a start in 2007.  I’m sorry the children have to wait for their new playground, but it will be worth it.

It’s nice to have your efforts rewarded, and if you volunteer for any group or organisation in Moulton, you can bask in the glow of gaining ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Building Communities’ category of the Cheshire Village of the Year 2006.  The award recognises the contribution made by all those in Moulton who give their time and energy for the benefit of the community.  At the meeting with the judges we were able to give numerous examples of community groups run by volunteers, serving all ages and activities. The groups are too numerous to mention but to all those who run them, thank you, your efforts have been noticed.

Looking to the future, Moulton and Davenham Parish Councils have agreed to fund a Police Community Support Officer to cover our villages, including Kingsmead ward. The officer will be dedicated to local  policing, including anti-social behaviour such as glass smashing and dog fouling.  We will want him or her to get tough on the minority who spoil our community and communal spaces for the majority.  In order for this to happen the amount you contribute to Moulton PC through your council tax has had to increase by about £3 per year.  We think it will be well worth it.

In the meantime I’m looking forward to the Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, November 25th, which will be even bigger and better this year. (See page 4). The mulled wine was good last year, hope they are doing it again!

If there is anything you want to put to the Parish Council, you can write to, or email the Clerk, phone or collar a parish councillor, or come along to the public consultation session of a meeting. If you do come along to make your point, it doesn’t take long and you are free to go at anytime, leaving us to get on with the run-of the-mill stuff.                                                                                                                               J Kershaw

 

Jo Kershaw– Chairman

       Thanks to those who

 

              work for Moulton!

You may have been wondering ’What has the Parish Council been up to over the last year?’ Or maybe not, but if you have, or now find yourself curious, read on.  The answer is, mostly a lot of fairly run-of-the-mill stuff that keeps the wheel of local democracy turning, but among that there have been quite a few highlights over the last year that I’d like to share.

My best memory this year is the pleasure on the faces of the Moulton Primary  pupils when the winner of the Junior Citizenship Award, an innovation of the   Parish Council, was announced to be Charlotte Wynn.  What a popular winner!