The newly elected Councillors are Alan Balsdon, Chairman, Bill Jarvis, Vice Chairman, Mrs. Margaret Coles, Raymond Ham. Mrs. Margaret Millman, Mrs. Sheila Wright, Mrs. Angela Yeo, Trevor Sillifant and Jane Addy together with The Reverend Richard Dorrington co-opted to fill the vacancy.
At the April Meeting, Cllr. Trevor Sillifant on behalf of fellow Councillors thanked retiring Councillor the Reverend Peter Sutton for his time as Member and Chairman and also paid tribute to the Council service given by Gus. Hockridge whose recent death was a loss to the whole community.
Bradworthy Parish Councillors are most concerned at the negative tone of the long awaited reply from the County Council about the rapidly deteriorating road surface on various sections of the Bradworthy to Holsworthy road and other matters.
The Council has County Council approval for a flower bed around the village sign opposite Langdon Road, sponsored by the Bowling Club.
The District Council is not able to provide additional lamps as agreed at Tuckers Park owing to lack of funding.
At the time of the meeting it was not known if judging had taken place. Councillors congratulated the Guides and Brownies who had carried out a litter pick around the village. The same amount of rubbish was collected as last year but it was harder to find.
There was concern at the quantity of litter pushed into and through the netting surround to the netball area at the school. This was impossible to retrieve and was even more noticeable when the other litter was cleared.
This session proved to be most successful so much so that another session is being asked for.
Is officially open. Bradworthy Surgery patients are within its catchment area. Telephone 259073 for details of assessment, therapy on a wide range of conditions.
New regulations come into force shortly with heavier penalties for those who do not clean up after their dogs. The Dog Warden is being asked to increase his visits to Bradworthy. Ford Crescent & Langdon Road are the worst fouled areas.
A Ring and Ride Scheme operating in the Holsworthy area is being talked about. Anyone interested in being involved either as organisers or users should contact Mrs. Beth Dowdeswell of the Torridge Transport Group, 14 Bridgeland St. Bideford EX39 2QE. Tel: 01237 423232
The cost of the Church clock dial restoration is £475. Knowing that parishioners already support many local organisations and charities, Councillors are hesitant in seeking donations for this work.
Over £1 extra per household on Council Tax would be needed for the Council to meet the total cost. As far as is known this is the first restoration since the clock was installed over 70 years ago. Further details will be announced regarding possible funding by sponsorship etc.
The Chairman of Bradworthy Parish Council, Cllr. Alan Balsdon chaired the meeting.
Before starting the meeting the Chairman asked Cllr. Trevor Sillifant, the longest serving councillor, to pay tribute to Cllr. Gus Hockridge who was about to complete 32 year of service on the Council. The gathering stood in respect.
Being newly appointed to the area introduced himself. There was greater emphasis on partnership with local communities. Several thought the loss of contact with local officers was a drawback.
Local organisation reports
The Church... Rev. Richard Dorrington reported that the church restoration could soon begin.
Chapel... Rev John Peak was keen that the Chapel should be more involved with community matters.
Neighbourhood Watch... This scheme is working well - the parish was reminded that it is there to be used when necessary.
Bowling Club... Cllr. Ray Ham reported. Several championship titles were won. The Ladies team also did well. A major charity funding event raised between £500 and £600.
Scout Group... Nick Sherwood, Group Leader reported Beaver numbers were 24 with a waiting list of 18, Cubs 36 with 22 waiting. Activities had increased.
Memorial Hall... Alan Cann, Committee Member reported that the extension project was complete. Extra work was possible within budget for re-decoration and for updating the heating system. The portrait of Mr W.J. Cory is in the Hall.
Playing Field Committee... Cllr. Bill Jarvis, Chairman, reported a steady year's work.
Bradworthy Local Agenda 21 group... Jane Addy, Chairperson, Plans for 1999 Fair were under way. 150 copies of The Village Video were sold. The Group had been involved in the Parish Survey, publication date has not been notified. The Group is keen to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Wednesday Club... Mrs. Eve Wonnacott, Treasurer reported 13 members. Recent funding raising added £151 in addition to grants from the Parish Council, TDC, Village Community Stall and Carnival Committee.
Twinning Association... Shaun Heard, Chairman, reported 48 visitors Audrieu. A 'To Bradworthy' signpost was presented and 35 Bradworthy twinners expect to see it erected when they visit Audrieu at the end of May.
Guides, Brownies and Rainbow Guides... Mrs. Susan Miles reported 15 members in the Rainbows. The Brownies has 29 members, Extra helpers have come forward. A wide range of venturesome activities are undertaken.