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REFLECTING ON ACHIEVEMENTSCHAIRMAN'S REPORT TO THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY HELD ON 16 MAY 2001"I would like to open my report this year by just saying a few words about one of Brinsworth's senior residents Mr Albert Wragg. Sadly Albert passed away recently aged 79. He was a regular attender the Annual Assembly giving his comments about local issues and was also an active member of the Sheffield Airport Liaison Committee. Our condolences go out to his family. I does not seem like twelve months have passed since the last assembly when we were busy planning for the various Millennium celebrations but here we are, all of that is passed and is consigned to the history books. So in the time honoured tradition I will reflect on the Parish Council's achievements, or otherwise, and may be our aspirations for the future. The year began as I have said preparing and organising the summer gala and despite one of the wettest years on record we were blessed with good weather and the day was a resounding success. Lets keep our fingers crossed for more of the same this year. The culmination of our celebrations for the Millennium was the bonfire night fireworks display. It had always been a desire of mine to have a display accompanied to music and it was certainly an ambition fulfilled. The many comments we received were testament to a great night enjoyed by everyone and unrivalled throughout the Borough. Each year we have the onerous task of setting the Parish Precept , the money which we use for the various projects and day to day running of the Parish Council. We decided this year, despite the ever increasing cost of living , to maintain last years figure of £98,000 which equates for the majority of Brinsworth residents to 8p per day, which we feel is good value for money in today's climate. The Pavilion changing room extension was completed slightly behind schedule due to the weather but it is now providing both the extra room and showers that were required. The new meeting room is an additional facility for any group requiring somewhere to hold their gatherings. Last years report mentioned our efforts to acquire the land to the rear of Kynance Crescent but, due to circumstances beyond our control, the wheels of bureaucracy have been moving very slowly, nevertheless, we are confident that we are now close to finalising things and hopefully 'Brinsworth Millennium Park' will at last become a reality. Our Newsletter goes from strength to strength and we now produce a copy in large print for those who have sight problems. A copy of which is available in Brinsworth Library and a copy in the Community Hall. Brinsworth, like many other areas within Rotherham, suffers from the problems of litter, damage and vandalism created by a minority element who, no matter what facilities are provided, still continue to cause problems. As a Council we have tried our utmost to provide them with something to do and somewhere to go in order to alleviate the problem. Our latest scheme is the erection of two 'youth shelters' on the playing field. It is our hope that these will give them a meeting place away from the street corners and bus shelters where they presently congregate enabling others to walk the streets feeling a little less intimidated. Nothing in this world is perfect but we hope people will give this a chance. We intend to replace the floodlight on the sports area and extend the lighting to the pathway down the field, again to improve the overall safety. Throughout the year we have made representation to the police regarding the method used by them to cover the area. Priority Orientated Policing, in our opinion, wasn't working and it is almost ironic that after its trial year they have decided to change it. Perhaps a start would be to see our Community Constable attending Parish Council meetings once again, followed by a presence on our streets. Under section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 we have continued to make a number of donations to a wide variety of groups and the grass cutting in St George's Churchyard will continue to be one of our responsibilities. Councillors have attended a variety of conferences and seminars in order to keep up to date on new legislation and other Council issues. Members of the public have attended Council meetings throughout the year in order to bring their concerns to us. Some of these we have been able to address whilst others have been passed to the appropriate agencies. Our door is always open and we will endeavour to bring any problems to a satisfactory conclusion. We cannot work miracles but we always try our best! Finally, this has been my fourth year as Chairman and I have decided that the time has come for a change and, therefore, will not be seeking re-election at the AGM. It has been a privilege and an honour to represent the Parish although at times a very time consuming one. I have been fortunate to see most of the projects instigated during the past four years come to fruition but I would be the first to recognise that without the assistance of a good team behind me this would not have been possible. One person especially within that team is the Clerk. I have each year in my reports made mention of her contribution to the smooth and efficient running of the Council and this year has been no exception. She always performs her duties far and beyond the required limits. Fortunately, she has a very understanding family! She exceeds the hours that she is required to work but never complains (Well not much!) Without her dedication and accuracy to detail my job would have been almost impossible and for that I thank her. Whatever else this next year may bring I know for me it will be a little less stressful but probably just as busy as we continue to work on behalf of and for the residents of Brinsworth." Post Script: Can I just add to the end of my report my congratulations to the new Chairman Councillor Jeff Williams. He has been Vice Chairman for the last two years and I am confident that his time as Chairman will be an enjoyable one and knowing Jeff's enthusiasm, a busy and fruitful one. Alan Buckley ST.ANDREW'S CHURCH BRINSWORTH(Opposite the Three Magpies) Sunday Services 8.30am Communion / Morning Worship
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For Wedding & Baptism enquiries please phone the Vicarage on 363850 From The Parish Registers for AprilBaptisms - Funerals - | REFLECTING ON ACHIEVEMENTS |