Willington Parish Plan
Appraisal & Aspirations of a Bedfordshire village
September 2006

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Happy Anniversary Willington Parish Plan

Come and see what we have done in one year and help us do more

Have a piece of Birthday Cake and Toast the Success of the Plan

13th October 2007

Village Hall 2pm - 4:30pm

PARISH PLAN REVIEW AND VILLAGE EXHIBITION 13 OCTOBER

The Parish Plan was launched last September. One year on the Steering Group wanted to publicise what we have achieved during the year. We decided that we should combine a review with an event allowing any organisation or activity in the village to set up a display showing what they do.

On the day we crammed twenty stalls into the village hall. I think every group in the village was represented. We had the church and the chapel, the Post Office, the History Society, the school and Willingtots, the pub and the new licensees, Les and Fran Renphrey and many more. The sub-groups of the Parish Plan were also represented to show what they have been doing this past year: Traffic and Transport, the Environment, the Built Environment, Open Gardens, the Village Market, the new village website, the Youth Forum. The Willingtones, our music group, provided music for the occasion.

The guest of honour was Richard Godber, whose long family association with the village means that he is known to many. He congratulated us on the vitality of our village and cut the birthday cake to the accompaniment of ‘Happy Birthday’ from the Willingtones.

The achievements of the Parish Plan for this year were described by those who have led the various groups and the hopes for next year laid out. A formal report of our activities and the plan for next year will be distributed to all households in due course.

If you are new to the village and don’t have a copy of the original Parish Plan, please contact me and I will get one to you.

The Parish Plan seems to be having the intended effect of focusing us on getting things done. We are always pleased to have more people involved. If you want to contribute, please contact me.

Julia Buckroyd Co-ordinator
For the Steering Group
01234 831316
58 Church Road
J.Buckroyd@herts.ac.uk

Willington Village Market

VILLAGE MARKET

The last of the three Village Markets for this year was held on 15 September. It has been interesting to see how over the three markets in June, August and September the produce available has changed with the seasons. This time there were apples and carrots, tomatoes and potatoes. Also interesting how purchasers are coming back for more of the same; home-made bread has been a popular addition, as have local eggs. The hot-dog stall run by the Youth Forum at the August market was a great idea which we hope will appear again next year. Our stalls haven’t been quite as consistent as we hoped, but we are still learning. Certainly judging from the response from the village, the market is well-liked so we are encouraged to continue. It is likely that we will try four markets next year in June, July, August and September. We have had feedback that some people are deterred from taking part because they haven’t enough produce for a stall; next year we will have a special Community Stall, so that those who want to contribute, for instance, a few pounds of tomatoes or a dozen small cakes, can do so. Proceeds will go to Parish Plan activities.
One of the best features of the market this year has been that it has raised significant funds for local charities. Our own Handicapped Riding has been the main beneficiary but money has also been raised for other good causes. Dates of next year’s markets will be publicised in due course; keep a look out for them. We look forward to welcoming you to the market again.

Julia Buckroyd for the committeee