Parish Council
Been a busy year and we hold this meeting after having a very abridged meeting last year due to the pandemic. The meeting was held Zoom when the meeting was adjourned after we met and it was unattended by anyone apart from the council.
The June meeting last year was the first that we had been able to meet face to face in a socially distanced village hall. We have gradually seen life get back to normal since this time with the tea and biscuits accompanying the post office and other village social groups meeting again. Recovery has been slow but with time more and more of village life has returned to normal. We were even able to meet in the Devy for a drink after one council meeting this year.
In recognition of the amazing work that the Sticklepath stores and Taw River Inn carried out during the pandemic we were approached to provide recognition of the work that Sue Paul and the team did over this period. A local artist was commissioned and two plaques were
presented this year as a sign of our gratitude.
The council held a fund during this period that was to help those suffering financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic and although some funds were allocated to those most in need we do have funds remaining. With the increase in the cost of living we have decided that we
will keep this hardship fund rather than returning it to council reserves and notices will be posted in the future to advertise this.
The year has again seen many of the village engage in various voluntary activities. StOC and the Heritage group continued their work this year. The final exhibit was unveiled by the Bishop of Plymouth. Many of the council attended this event. StOC were involved in the
improvement of the river path and the repair of the bridge near Billy Green after it was damaged in a storm damage. The wider community also assisted in clearing several fallen trees. We had a very well attended leat cleaning, helped by the sunny weather and Village Work day was also another success. So a big thanks for all involved in those and the many other volunteers in the village.
Also worth a special mention here is the Village plant stall run each year by Malcom Brewer. He has raised and amazing £800 each for the last two years. This years main sale was at the weekend and he informed me he was doing well so far. It was a slower couple of days
than in recent years, possibly due to the sunshine but this does mean that there are some great plants left. Malcom also asked us to thank the other contributors to the stall who provided, plants, other items and support.
Selecting a few key items we have discussed this year (in no particular order).
The council investigated the feasibility of a pedestrian crossing across the main road through the village. Sadly the foot fall was not sufficient when combined with the fact that this remains a diversion route for the A30.
We had several reports of damage to the wall in back lane by vehicles entering the lane. This seems to have been improved in recent months. Support was provided by both Cllr. Daniel (WDBC) and Cllr. McInnes (DCC).
We were very pleased to receive a request from the family of some residents who lived in the village in the past and who the family wished to remember. This resulted in the bench near white rock being refurbished and a plaque has been added.
We have also been looking into the playing field bin that is not currently paid for by the council to be emptied. The extensive use of the field has resulted in more and more rubbish being put in it, including items that could be recycled. We are looking at greener options than
this at the moment.
Also in the playing field we have seen a new set of swings this year to replacing the old ones. These seem popular with the local kids. Cogs and Wheels also planted a new tree in the field (I believe it is a silver birch) and the council erected a plaque to recognise the StOC
tree.
On Saturday, September 25 around 50 people gathered at the playing field to walk the boundary of Sticklepath Parish in September this was the fourth time the boundary had been beaten since Sticklepath Parish was created in the late 1980s. This was a great success and
all those participating seemed to really enjoy the walk and joined the council for refreshment and welly wanging in the playing fields afterward.
Leaving the council this year were Ali Cruise who has worked hard for many years. I am delighted to say she remains active in the village including the planting she has carried out at either end of the village. Many thanks to her for all this hard work. Cllr Peter Grubb also
stepped down as chair this year and left the council after he moved to Belstone. Andi Wyer who was clerk also moved on and so a big thanks to both of those as well.
At around this time last year we had hoped to launch a consultation on the management of green spaces that the council is responsible for. This will include an explanation of the spaces we are responsible and alternating plans for their maintenance. This will aim to
balance the encouragement of wild flowers and pollinators with the appearance of the village and road safety. We will announce a consultation in coming months.
We hope that many local will come together on 3 June for the Sticklepath jubilympics picnic. It has been decided that the council will organise this in the playing field and with the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic we decided to opt for a picnic rather than a bring and
share. The idea is that people come in groups they are happy to share with and picnic together. A blanket is essential although tea and coffee will be available. It is a BYO event although we hope that across the afternoon races will be put on for the children and possibly
even an adult race currently with the working title of the queen Elizabeth stakes. A celebration mug will also be handed out to all children under 16 attending on the day.
Finally three other events, open Gardens on 12 June, the Sticklepath fell race is planned again for this year after a few years off on 6 August. The playing field will also hold the village day again this year after a year off. This will have all the normal fun and events including welly wanging, egg throwing and the tug of war. This is on 30 July.
Kevin Sales (Chair)
Sticklepath Parish Council
9 May 2022