March 2003

In view of the vandalism and theft at the Minster would everyone keep an eye on the Church and check on anything or anyone who arouses suspicion.

Halam Web Site
Halam now has its very own web site at www.halam.org.uk. (If you're reading this you must know the address already! - Web-master) Why not have a look to see what's there and suggest more content to keep it fresh? If you've lost your copy of the newsletter, or the dog has chewed it up, you can find it on the web site, sometimes even before you receive your hand delivered copy

PTA
Quiz Night On Saturday 29th March (7.45pm) in the Village Hall, the PTA will be holding a General Knowledge Quiz Night. Make up a team of 4-6 people and come and join the fun. £5 per person to include supper. Refreshments available. Get an entry form from Janet Strathern on 816746.

Village Ventures
The Lempen Puppet Theatre will be performing the "Really Wild Puppet Show" in the Village Hall on Sunday 6 April at 3pm. Tickets will cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children. Family tickets (for those with more than two children) will be £10.
The Ruskin Ensemble will be performing on the 1st May in Halam Church. The classical duo of guitar and violin will perform and explain music that spans four centuries and six countries. Tickets are £5 each. Please support live events in our village!
NB. no refunds given - you wouldn't get them from the Theatre Royal!

Parish Council Meeting, 7.30pm, Thursday, 13th February

Present: Mrs.Herbert, Mr.Brown, Mr.Rickett, Mrs.Davis
Apologies from Mr Bust, Mrs Armstrong and Mrs Gathercole

Open Gardens: The date has been set for 22nd June 2003 with proceeds going to the Church and the Village Hall.

Dr Jackson's Book: A copy is to be given to Halam School. Further copies are still available for sale - £5 each.

CCTV Van: It has been confirmed that the mobile CCTV surveillance unit is not compatible with the village street lights. A letter is to be sent to Notts. County Council.

Road Safety: No response has been provided so far to the issues raised with the relevant authorities. Andy Stewart, the local County Councillor, is following this up. The flashing lights may be reinstated. The Clerk was asked to request that all signs in the village, including the Neighbourhood Watch signs, should be cleaned.

Village Hall Cleaner: No applicants have been found. Contract cleaning will now be investigated.

The Allotment: This has now been let.

Planning:

1. Ashcroft House, Gray Lane - application to alter dwelling to two storey. Passed, 2 for, 1 against, 1 abstention.

2. Manor Fields - application for certificate of lawfulness for proposals to part demolish out building and construct new enclosure with gate. Unanimously agreed to send comments to Newark and Sherwood Planning Department re. loss of amenities, change of access, believed to be in the curtilage of listed building.

3. Notification: A letter is to be sent to the District Council Planning Department regarding individual planning notices not being sent out prior to the planning discussion at the Parish Council. The Parish Council will use best endeavours to notify neighbours itself - but cannot always guarantee to do so.

Finances: Agreed to pay NALC subscription

Date of next meeting: Thursday 13th March at 7.30pm.

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St. Michael's APCM Meeting
The Vestry Meeting of the Church is on the 25th March starting at 7.30pm. in the Village Hall. This is an open meeting for the whole village and everyone is welcome to express concerns and wishes as to this building (which has had a prominent role in village life for 800 years) and the services that take place within it, such as Sunday School provision and times of services. Details of nominations for PCC membership etc. are on the Church notice board.

Maundy Thursday Lord's Supper
The Supper will be in the Village Hall at 7pm. on the 17th April and this will be followed by Communion in the Church. Please ring Beverley Perks on 812181 if interested.

Lent Course at Ashdene, Halam
This is entitled "God, Faith, the Lord" and commences on Thursday 13th March, 7.30 - 9pm. If interested please contact Rev. R. L. Perry on 815813.

Southwell Cluster Course
This is entitled "Understanding Stress : A Christian Perspective" and will be in the Minster for five Wednesday evenings, between 7.30 and 9pm, commencing the 12th March. The course includes discussion groups and costs £2. Tickets are available from the Minster Shop.

St. Michael the Archangel

Services this month -

If you have any items or information you would like publishing in the next newsletter, please get the details to Edward Gathercole (813760) by the 26th.

Thank you to Paul Berry of Ashbrook, The Paddocks, Long Bennington and Sharon Foster of Feet First Chiropody Services for advertising in this month's Newsletter

Note: Paul Berry of Roy's Vac Sweep is now providing a stove fitting service.