NEWSLETTER APRIL/MAY 2009

Annual Village Meeting

This took place on 8th April when the Parish Council activities for the year 2008-2009 were reported to the 60 members of the public in attendance. Lt Col Tex Pemberton gave his final report as our County Councillor as he is not standing at the forthcoming elections.  Amongst other issues, he reported a proposed scheme to upgrade the road signing on the A272, between Easebourne and the Lodsworth road junction.  Also under consideration by the County Council is an extension of the 30mph limit, on the A286, to north of Budgenor Lodge.  This section of the road is now lit, with several new lamp columns having recently been installed, and may now meet the criteria for a 30mph speed limit. In recognition of his twelve years of loyal service as the County Councillor for Easebourne, the Parish Council chairman, Ian Heustice, presented Lt Col Pemberton with a framed, historic, multiple engraving of Easebourne Priory.
After refreshments the meeting was entertained by local Cowdray historian, Bridget Howard, who told the story of “Queen Elizabeth I Comes to Cowdray”. This was an enthralling tale of loyalty, intrigue, dishonour and dark deeds that created an atmosphere of mistrust during the Queen’s visit.

Annual Village Spring Clean

This took place on 30th March, with 12 helpers, including Parish Councillors and members of the public.  Many sacks of litter were collected but special thanks have to go to the 3 ladies from Hurst Park who collected the litter on King’s Drive.  They put in many hours of work and between them collected over 20 sacks of rubbish and many miscellaneous items too large for sacks.  On behalf of all parishioners the Parish Council would like to extend its appreciation of their efforts.

Midhurst Rother College (Easebourne Site)

Representatives of the Parish Council have met members of the County Council to express our interest in the future of the recreational/sports facilities on the site, if the new school is built in Midhurst, as is the WSCC “preferred option”. The Parish Council would like to see a recreational centre for Easebourne, using and enlarging upon, the existing sports provision there.  We shall keep our interest in this scheme to the fore in our contacts with the County Council.

The next Parish Council meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 13th May 2009 at 7pm in the Refectory.  All are welcome.