Word has got around and there were several parishioners at the August P.C. meeting. In fact we nearly got to double figures which made up for the four absent councillors. Sort of

Trees and walls were a cause of concern again this month. An enormous sycamore abuts one of the cottages on Church Hill and we all know what a pest they can be. The owner sought support for pruning at least. The P.C. adopted the air of grave concern which such requests engender and they are going to give all the help they can to the supplicant.

The virulent colour chosen for the newly painted facade of the Takeaway shop was another item raised; was it appropriate for a Conservation Area? Another thing which is going to be looked at.

Then, an ex-councillor raised the matter of 'planning gain'. Did you know that a charge is levied on each new building for which planning is granted and there it is, just waiting to be spent in the parish where the gain occurred. 'Well I never knew that' is not a phrase which comes lightly from the lips of our Parish Clerk but the facts were confirmed by our District Councillor. We are not exactly going on a spending spree but it is nice to think of a little cache being held in trust for us by the M.D.C.

Then the meeting proper commenced. The Council is going to give such support as is appropriate to the Uffculme School Anniversary Appeal.

A deputy has been found to cut grass while Mr Kingdom is in hospital, the clerk has visited him and he hopes to resume duties before too long. There are moles in the cemetery and at Magelake.

The B.M.X. scheme is still simmering though it may well be that the craze will have subsided before something needs to be actually done.

There was a moment of high drama when our Footpath Guru dropped a padlock and chain onto the table with a clang. This was removed from a gate on the public footpath to Culmstock. Though the gate was unlocked blocking is Not On. Especially as the finding coincided with a sponsored walk from Culmstock to Uffculme. There would appear to be some dissension on the Millennium Wood. We know that it is in Culmstock parish but Uffculme residents were generous contributors when the scheme was first mooted. Sadly the Woodland Trust have not shown the interest which was hoped at its inception.

Just when we were all getting comfy again there was a loud explosion from The Square. An early firework one supposes. Surely there should be a moratorium on such activity until November 5th. Most of us just don't care whose celebration it is when our ears are unexpectedly assaulted.

The Clerk was given a brownie point on the new doggie bin in Clay Lane.

The next meeting is on Tuesday October 26th, 7.30pm at the Square Corner. Come early, the best seats go first.

JBG

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