Farringdon Parish Council Annual Report – 2024/25
 

The last year has been quite stressful and hard work for the Parish Council: we were without a Clerk for 5 months, after the clerk resigned in May. I would like to thank Delia Gilchrist for covering all the finance during that time especially when we were locked out of the Parish Council accounts for 3 months, which was frustrating to say the least and involved 5 trips to the bank to try and solve. I would also like to thank myself (on behalf of the other councillors) for covering the admin side of things until September when our new clerk, Debbie began.

So, what did we achieve over the last 12 months on behalf of Farringdon residents?

We maintained the playground and multi-use games area in Lower Farringdon.  We employ a contractor PJ Grace to carry out grass cutting in several areas of the village, including the play areas and looking after the War Memorial Rose Gardens.

We paid for the bins to be emptied and in the last month organised and equipped a village litter pick. Thank you to all those who took part, we really appreciate it and the village and A32 look so much tidier.

We have responded to consultations received from East Hampshire District Council and HCC and all planning applications for the village.

We have looked into several land ownership cases; Crows Lane (unfortunately HCC own the road and verges so the Parish Council are unable to help), and in respect of the Chase Field car park, now act on behalf of the Housing Association who own it, in an attempt to stop it being used for car sales with untaxed cars being dumped there.

Successes this last year include:

The Parish council website www.farringdonpc.org is now complete, and you can report trees, drainage, fly-tipping, road issues directly via the 'Report It' button. The home page details what is happening in Farringdon, on the roads and around the area, and any consultations you can comment on. There is a wealth of information especially on the 'Children' and 'Helpful Information' tabs.

The track and footpath by the Lych gate were finally completed.

The War Memorial Rose Gardens had all the roses replaced (again with Marlene, but much bigger rose plants), the old roses went to good homes. Thank you to Cllr Williams and Maughan for planting these. We planted 2 Tranquillity (White) rose trees to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE day. I would like to thank Bahnstormers for watering the roses last year and for continuing to allow access to their water without which we would not have a viable rose garden.

We had the pavements and kerbs cleared of mud in Shirnall Meadows in an attempt to keep the drains clear.

Redundant Signage was removed (including the old school signs) and various new signs were erected including pedestrians walking in the road (on the A32) and finally a Woodside Lane sign (sadly it was hit within the 1st week), all of which the Parish council funded.

We have had fencing repaired and tree skirts reduced in the playing field.

We installed an 8-person outdoor gym (for anyone over 4’9 / 140cm) on the playing field which has been used by all ages.

We ran a Defibrillator / CPR course with HIOWAA and have since purchased a defibrillator for use at The Rose and Crown for easy access. We intend to run more courses. We are also looking into providing a Defibrillator at The Royal Oak.

We closed the Village Hall Charitable Trust and handed over everything to the Farringdon Village Hall Charitable Incorporated Organisation. 

We reduced the precept from £25,000 to £15,000.

And we found our new Clerk, Debbie Batley who started in September.

And sadly said goodbye to Councillors Delia Gilchrist and Peter Bosley, but welcomed our new Councillor Jules Moreton-Ford. There are still 2 vacancies, so if anyone would like to join us please let Debbie know or have a chat with one of the councillors.

Finance wise our bank balance is £138,202.38 (as of 31/3/2025).
 
I would like to say thank you .... 

To Sarah and Charlie Farquhar for continuing to manage the batteries and speed Smileys on the A32.

To Chris Maughan for renovating 2 benches (one that looked like it was from Davey Jones locker in thr playing field area). 

To the ladies who keep the corner of the A32/Shirnall Hill looking lovely with flowers beds through the seasons.

To all the volunteers who keep the village garden looking wonderful.

To those who help at the village coffee mornings, churchyard clear ups, over 65’s party and progressive supper to name some.

And to Patrick Fuller and team for keeping the Village Magazine going. 

What's in the future

We will continue to try and improve road safety and make Farringdon look like a Village rather than a throughway.

We will also be looking at the playground to see if we can improve it.