www.littlewenlock.org

Parish Council News

Parish Councillors from 3rd May 2007 to present day

The Parish Council elections held on 3rd May 2007 resulted in a completely new team of councillors: none of the existing members stood for re election.

The successful candidates were: Jackie Whittle (Chair), Deborah Goodman, Pat Hutchings, Deborah Peace and Edward Roberts. This team had some difficult issues to resolve in their early days in office, including the contentious “Affordable Housing” which polarised village views.

Over time, a restructuring of the Parish Council took place. In May 2008, Pat Hutchings was elected as Chair and Deborah Goodman elected as Vice Chair. During August 2008 Jackie Whittle resigned, and Deborah Peace resigned in March 2009. The Parish Council wishes to convey its appreciation for the work that they had carried out during their time in office.

Following these resignations, two residents who had declared an interest in serving as a Parish Councillor were co-opted onto the Council.

During November 2008, Patrick Pietroni was co opted. Patrick and his wife Marilyn, who live at “Windhover” in Buildwas Lane, moved to Little Wenlock in 2006. Patrick has served as a member and chair on several national and international committees. Before moving here, Patrick was Dean of Postgraduate Medicine in London and Professor of Primary Health Care at the University of Westminster.

In May 2009, Alan Lees was co opted. Alan and his wife Norma retired and moved from Staffordshire to “Hillside House”, Clee Rise in 2000. They both play an active part in several village activities. Prior to retirement, Alan was employed in a large engineering company in middle management positions.

In May 2010 Patrick Pietroni handed in his resignation from the Parish Council, which was accepted.

This resignation created a vacancy for the position of Councillor, which was filled by Cmdr Steve Collins. Steve, his partner Suzanne and daughter Charlotte moved to Wenboro Cottage in 2009. Shortly after arriving in the village Steve was asked to contribute to the Parish Emergency & Resilience Plan and has since become the Plan Coordinator.

Prior to the Parish Council local elections taking place in May 2011, two of the existing councillors decided not to enter their names for re election, namely Debbie Goodman and Steve Collins.

The Parish Council wishes to convey its appreciation for the work that Patrick, Debbie and Steve have carried out during their time in office.

With five nominations received for five Parish Council positions, no election was required on May 5th 2011. Councillors nominated are Pat Hutchings, Ed Roberts, Alan Lees, and two new councillors Sheila Hutchingson, and Juliet Esp. We wish them all good fortune in discharging their responsibilities as part of a new Parish Council.

Both Sheila and Juliet declared their acceptance of office at the AGM meeting on 16th May 2011.

Sheila Hutchison has lived in Little Wenlock for over 20 years. She was previously a member of the Parish Council, with a particular interest in public rights of way.

Juliet Esp has lived in the Parish for more than 30 years and has a broad understanding of the area. She has also been a member of Huntington Surface Mine Liaison Committee since its inception.

Update 31/8/2011

At the EGM of July 25th 2011, Pat Hutchings sent a letter to the meeting resigning as Chairman and as a Parish Councillor. Her resignation was accepted and the Parish Council would like to thank Pat for all the hard work she had given to the Parish Council and the community since joining the Parish Council in May 2007.

Pat's resignation has created a vacancy on the Parish Council, and the procedure for electing a replacement Councillor is now underway, with an election to be held during October 2011.

October 2011

At the Parish Council election held on 20th October, Steve Holding was elected to fill a vacancy in a closely fought contest. With an excellent turnout of 42% of electors, Steve had 97 votes and Jacqui Seymour had 96 votes. Our congratulations are extended to Steve, and we wish him well when he takes on his new responsibilities on the Parish Council.

Our Parish Clerk

John Marcham, our Parish Clerk, was appointed to this position in October 2006 where he was warmly welcomed onto the Parish Council.

Having retired from a long career in education, John Marcham’s qualities and experience as a Headmaster, JP and School Governor are invaluable in keeping the Parish Council well organized and focused. John has a long standing interest in, knowledge and commitment to our community.

John is more than happy for anyone with specific parish issues, concerns or ideas to raise them directly with him at “Atalaya” in The Alley Tel 505734, so he can act as a further conduit to the Council and provide practical guidance and advice wherever possible.

Parish Council receives quality award - Dec 2008

QUALITY COUNCIL AWARD

On Monday 15th December 2008 the Parish Clerk presented to the County Accreditation Panel, at The Shire Hall in Shrewsbury, the Parish Council’s application and portfolio for re-accreditation of its Quality Status. Little Wenlock Parish Council had been one of the first Parish Councils in Shropshire to gain this status in 2004 and it has to be renewed every four years. The council is very pleased that its quality status was renewed in December 2008 and wishes to thank the clerk, John Marcham, for his hard work.

The Quality Parish Scheme is a national programme with national standards set by the stakeholders to the scheme. During the interview, and by looking at the portfolio, the County Accreditation Panel looks for evidence that the Parish Council is properly managed, that it is representative of, and actively involved with, the whole local community.

There are ten tests that the Parish Council has to pass:

The above is intended only as a brief summary but it is hoped that it gives a flavour of what is expected as the whole application filled a lever arch file!

Should anyone be interested in finding out more about the application the Clerk is willing to show them the full application and portfolio.

John Marcham
Clerk to Little Wenlock Parish Council
17th December 2008.

Annual Parish Open Meeting 2011

Monday 18th April at 7.30 p.m.in the Village Hall.

Thjis is an opportunity for the electors in the Parish to ask questions and to put forward ideas for the future.

PLEASE GIVE US YOUR SUPPORT