2. ( No progress had been made.)

3. 2. Matters which could alleviate the effects of the MSA on the Farnhams.

4. (BCC did not believe there would be any real effects on the Farnhams)

5. 3.To consider what could be done regarding illegal parking on the Zig Zag lines relating to the two Pedestrian X`ings in Farnham Common, now that Tesco and Sainsbury have opened

6. ( BCC said it was a matter for the Police but the delegation said that what was needed in addition to the occasional Police presence were some kerb alterations to make it impossible to abuse the Zig Zags, otherwise it would be only a matter of time before someone was injured. The delegation left a sketch of suitable kerb alterations with the BCC. It is believed that the suggestion has not been pursued.)

7. 4. To consider the perennial question of rat- running through residential areas

8. (BCC said it was a difficult problem to solve. It is believed that the matter has not been considered further.)In September 2008 the Group , who had not been consulted, objected to the switching off of the street lighting on the A355 between Farnham Common and the MSA. Street Lighting has over the decades, proved to have made the greatest contribution to road safety of any measure. The A355 with Street Lighting, was considered so dangerous that just a few years ago the speed limit was reduced to 50 mph, following a series of accidents. To the A355 Group, it seemed that to removed the SL was a silly and potentially dangerous thing to do. The Group believe that there has been an insufficient and coordinated objection the BCC action. It is not too late to object.<br />In recent weeks the A355 Group met both the Slough Borough Council Officers ( SBC ) and, separately, with the General Manager of the Slough Trading Estate, to see what could be done to relieve the heavy traffic through the Farnhams. At the meeting with Slough Estates it was soon realised that their new Development Plan is destined to direct traffic up the A355 and not onto the Motorway Box, hence frustrating any hope of a reduction in traffic in the future. On contacting the BCC it was realised that they had not had meetings with SBC, as is intended, between abutting local authorities and had therefore not commented on the Slough Estate Plan during the formal consultation period. The A 355 Group asked for an urgent meeting between all interested parties -- which was agreed. The meeting will take place in the next few days. The Group will fight hard to protect the Farnhams.<br />The Group have also contested the need, at the MSA for large and unsightly advertising at the entrance on the A355. The original proposals for Illuminated Logo Signs were considered by SBDC to be to big - but despite the Groups opposition only slightly smaller ones were approved by the District Council. This a pity because at the Public Inquiry, we were assured everything would be done not to highlight the presence of the MSA. Such is the way of things nowadays !<br />Colin Snowden,<br />Chairman <br />THE FARNHAMS MAGAZINE <br />The Farnhams magazine continues to make a strong impact on the life of the Farnham villages. This is evidenced by maintaining our subscription base, having a full advertising book, despite some recessionary impact and consistently over-running copy versus space available for each issue. <br />The print run for the subscription issues is just short of 1000 copies. This includes sales through retail outlets and copies mailed to our advertisers. We have lost three sales outlets this year (Spar, Stars and F Royal Post Office) and added one (Sainsbury) but overall retail sales are down. It would be good to find a sales outlet in Farnham Royal and we are currently seeking an additional shop in Farnham Common. Our print run for the two free issues in June and December remains at 4000, delivered to 3000 homes in the civil parish and a further 1000 homes in the ecclesiastical parish south of Church Road. <br />Advertising is sold on an annual basis and it is usual for us to see a few departures at the year-end. We are currently full to the end of 2009. We increased colour advertising space from 4 pages to 6 pages during 2008. <br />Copy and Pictures. It is at one disappointing to discard material supplied by readers and correspondents but also encouraging to see that residents are increasingly prepared to write for us and send in interesting pictures. This makes for a challenging time for the editor in deciding what gets in, how much can be delayed to a future issue, or is cut or spiked. This should also improve overall quality and breadth of content. Twice last year we over-ran our print space with the printer manually inserting an additional four pages and the insert is now a common rather that a rare occurrence. This report provides an opportunity to apologise to those whose material we have not been able to use in 2008.<br />A profitable enterprise. The magazine budget is around £17500 and 2008 saw a surplus of receipts over payments of £2350. This year we have been able to make a donation towards the work of the Charles Warner trust which provides educational support to young people in the parish. <br />Thank You. We thank the broad team of volunteers who bring each issue to our readers, the editorial board, the reporters, columnists and feature writers, the distributors and both the civil parish and ecclesiastical parish councils who provide financial and practical encouragement. <br />We have strengthened our Editorial committee this year by splitting the treasury and subscription function into two with Barbara Steadman (Subscriptions) and Michael Lowton (Treasury) joining the team to handle these areas. We have also taken on an additional staff photographer (Jim Williams).<br />Magazine Editorial Committee: <br />John Archibald - Staff Photographer, Marian Fisher (Distribution-Farnham Common East), Karen Goodall (Distribution-Farnham Common West), Heidi Hodgkins (Advertising Sub Editor), Jenny Harper-Jones (Editorial), Roger Home (Advertising Sales & Production), Michael Lowton (Treasury), John Newton (Distribution-Farnham Royal), Diane Needham (Parish Council Representative), Revd Graham Saunders (Managing Editor), Barbara Steadman (Subscriptions), John Winyard (Editor).<br />John Winyard – Editor<br />FARNHAMS SHORT MAT BOWLS CLUB <br />In February 2008, Templewood WI Committee had the idea of setting up a short mat bowls club in the village hall to provide a friendly, afternoon sporting venue for those who prefer more gentle exercise. <br />For those who do not know what short mat bowling is, a mat measuring 45 feet long by 6 feet wide is rolled out down a hall. Wooden fenders are placed at each end to stop the bowls going beyond the mat. A short block of wood is placed halfway down the mat, across the centre. Bowlers must bowl round this block to reach the jack at the other end in order to score shots. Like its outdoor and indoor counterparts, short mat bowls is played with lignoid or wooden bowls, which have been shaped with a bias on one side so that the bowl cannot be bowled straight. The art is in delivering the bowl so that the bias draws it round in an arc to rest gently on, or as near as possible to, the jack. The aim is to be nearer the jack than your opponent, perhaps by knocking them out of the scoring area. Two teams play against each other. We usually play 4 people in a team. Once each person has bowled the “end” is complete. The team with the most “woods” near the jack when the end is completed, scores the appropriate number of points. If there is any uncertainty, then the distance of any disputed wood is measured from the jack to decide the closest. In a match situation, there would be a specific number of ends to be played. We have not progressed to matches – yet!<br />The initial start-up costs were daunting as we drew up our shopping list of equipment. Later we would need to cover the cost of buying second-hand bowls, hiring the hall, insurance, registration with the English Short Mat Bowling Association and general running costs. We therefore needed two short mats in order to make the club viable. As each mat weighs 45 kg, it very quickly became apparent that we needed a costly electrically-operated winding machine so that members did not have to “manhandle” two heavy mats at the start and end of each session.<br />Where to get the start-up funds? In researching our options, we were very grateful to get the support of Councillor Dev Dhillon who gave us very good advice. So, armed with the many forms and grant requirements, we applied for grants to cover our start-up costs. In July, we were absolutely thrilled to get grants from a local Social Fund and South Bucks District Council to cover our start-up costs. We quickly contacted Claire Ellson from Egham Bowls Club who provided our equipment and bowls at competitive prices, and Duncan Whitehead in Somerset, who designed, demonstrated and provided our Electrowind machine to roll up and store the mats. Also thanks should go to Joe who takes care of the Village Hall for all his help, especially in organising the storage space for us. <br />We set up our first committee in August and booked the Village Hall from 1.45 to 3.45 on Wednesday afternoons. We launched Farnham Common Short Mats Bowls Club on the 3 September, 2008, when we welcomed about 25 people, the majority of whom had not bowled before. The local press arrived to take photographs. We invited Councillor Dhillon so we were able to thank him personally for his help, without which the club would not have been possible. In addition to providing coaching, we were lucky to have 5 members from another short mat club to help our new bowlers develop their skills. We have tried to keep the fees as low as possible, charging £8 annual membership fee and £2 per week to bowl. <br />Now, one year after the initial idea, we have a strong band of increasingly dedicated bowlers who have developed their skills noticeably since their first, tentative attempts. It is a pleasure to see them enjoying themselves; the competitive spirit is developing in some and the social side is enjoyed by all. It’s great fun and very friendly.<br />Mrs J Tipping<br />Shortmat Bowls Club<br />Written reports were received from:<br />FARNHAM COMMON INFANT SCHOOL<br />Following our successful Ofsted inspection in February 2008, Farnham Common Infant School continues to focus on the ‘whole child’, believing it is as important to develop social as well as academic skills, within a nurturing environment.<br />I must start by informing you that our Headteacher, Mrs. Jan Coleman has notified us of her decision to retire from the teaching profession at the end of this academic year. The governors, staff, children and parents will be very sorry to see her leave after 18 years at the school, having been Headteacher for the last 12. The Governing Body is currently running a recruitment campaign to find a new Headteacher for the school. I know that Jan Coleman, staff and governors are all committed to ensuring a smooth transition over the coming months to make certain the children’s learning is not affected in any way.<br />Last summer the percentage of our Year 2 children achieving level 2 or above in their key stage 1 SAT results remained significantly above the national average. Themed weeks have been enjoyed by the children in areas such as Music, Art and Books. We continue to focus on Healthy Living and were delighted to receive an ‘Active Award’, in recognition of the additional physical activities in which the children take part. <br />Our ‘Footsteps’ training for Year 1 and 2 children continues, providing them with essential road safety awareness. In the summer we introduced the Bucks County Council ‘Go for Gold’ scheme, where children are encouraged to walk to or from school each day, obtaining stamps on arrival at the school. Once they have collected 40 stamps they are allowed one free swimming session at a local pool. Whilst commenting on our walking and road safety schemes, I must stress how concerned we still are about the safety of the pedestrian crossing on the A355 outside the school. There are still too many ‘near miss’ incidents occurring on an almost daily basis.<br />We are working closely with the Governing Body of Farnham Common Junior School on a number of issues, including Extended Services. Parents were recently surveyed on their views on availability of activities and child care in the area. We will shortly be feeding back to parents a summary of results and will publish a useful document giving contact information for the many activities on offer. <br />Farnham Common Infant School and I are supported by a knowledgeable and active Governing Body. I think we would all agree it is an extremely fulfilling role, especially when you witness how happy the children are in the school. We do have a vacancy for a Local Authority governor and are keen to fill this with someone from the community. If you know anyone who is interested, please contact the school.<br />Whilst we are obviously proud of the academic success of the school, the schools’ success in developing the social and personal skills of the children is also evident. On every occasion I visit I find happy, polite, well behaved children who are enthusiastic and keen to learn. I believe, and I hope you agree, that Farnham Common Infant School is an asset to the community.<br />Julie Smith<br />Chair of Governors<br />St MARY’S C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL<br />This has been another exciting and successful year for St Mary’s Farnham Royal Church of England Primary School. There are currently 328 children on roll and 49 members of staff.<br />On April 3rd 2008, the Right Reverend Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham, rededicated the school and we are very proud that we are now St Mary’s Farnham Royal Church of England Primary School which confirms our strong links with St Mary’s Church. Bishop Alan spent most of the day in school and we were thrilled to read his blog entitled, ‘Everyone is someone at Farnham Royal.’ He described the school as ‘a very safe and child friendly environment, with small courtyards and learning spaces ….Staff work hard to ensure that everybody in this school knows emphatically that they are special. This is a radically inclusive community, with a wide range of backgrounds, religions and special attainments.’ <br />The children continue to thrill us with their enthusiasm for learning which has been enriched through the school’s cross-curricular approach and by an array of visits, visitors and a diverse range of extra-curricular activities. In the spring term 2008, the school successfully bid for a Creative Partnership grant and it is now working with animators, theatre professionals and story tellers to develop the children’s understanding of mathematics. <br />The two areas for development identified by the school in its School Plan and confirmed as areas of focus by Ofsted in 2007 have continued to be developed. In the Foundation Stage outdoor learning area, all-weather safety turf has been laid, climbing apparatus purchased and a variety of markings used throughout the curriculum have been painted on to the tarmac area. A canopy has been erected to enable the children to engage in learning outdoors in all weathers. The school is completing the Quality Assurance Award for the Foundation Stage and Module 1 has been achieved. <br />The provision for Gifted and Talented pupils has been enhanced by the introduction of the TASC – Thinking Actively in a Social Context - approach. TASC provides children with the opportunity to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills in a variety of contexts. <br />The school seeks to promote a healthy lifestyle and the success of our ‘walking crocodile’ continues to grow with approximately 70 children participating each Friday, walking to school with staff from the Duke’s Head car park. We have also introduced termly ‘scoot to school’ days which have proved popular and further promote a healthy lifestyle. One parent has been trained to deliver ‘Footsteps’ training to increase awareness of road safety and National Standards Bike Ability Training will begin for children in Years 5 and 6 in the summer term. These initiatives have enabled the school to achieve a Level 3 Travel Plan.<br />This year the school again gained the Active Mark award and the Basic Skills Agency Award for the third time. The school also seeks to strengthen its links with the local community and it has been fortunate in receiving support from both Farnham Royal Cricket Club, Burnham Beeches Rotary Club, the Parish Council and the ‘Galaxy Line’ at Mars.<br />A donation from the Burnham Beeches Rotary Club enabled the school to replace its sound system and members of the Mars ‘Galaxy Line’ spent several days in school during the summer holiday redecorating the library and several classrooms. A donation from the Charles Warner trust in memory of the Revd Charles Warner has enabled the school to purchase additional reference books for the library. In addition, the children have enjoyed working with Diane Needham in designing a playground for Farnham Royal.<br />The children, staff, parents and governors of the school are all very aware of how fortunate they are and keenly raise money for charity throughout the school year. Since April 2008 the children have raised: SOFT - £325, Breast Cancer Research - £325, Tommy’s - £325, The Children’s Society - £325, Children in Need - £1000, the Poppy Appeal - £40.02, the Marie Curie Cancer Appeal - £67 and MacMillan Nurses - £400. It is currently raising money for the Marie Curie Daffodil Appeal and the children have also organised events for Fair Trade fortnight and Red Nose Day. In total, £2807.02 has been raised to date.<br />The school is fortunate to be staffed by an outstanding group of teachers and teaching assistants who promote its learning culture. It also offers adult education courses to parents to enable them to support their children in literacy and numeracy. The Governing Body, the parents, the PTA, the School’s Improvement Partner and the Diocesan adviser are all hugely supportive of the school and the school greatly values their interest, support and commitment. <br />Mary Harrison<br />Chair of Governors.<br />THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION<br />I am able to review my 2nd year as your Chairman, and 2008 has been a good year with excellent achievements by your Committee and Branch.<br />In MARCH we again held our Annual Dinner at Stoke Park Club, and we are - as ever – deeply grateful to Hertford KING for his continued support for our Branch and its aims. We were delighted to have a new record number of attendees - 105 – at the Dinner, as well as several VIPs, including :- Cllr Maureen ROYSTON, Chairman of South Bucks District Council, Lt Col Tom RIDGWAY and Mrs Gwyneth RIDGWAY, DL – Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. I took on the organisation of the Dinner, which had been carried out so splendidly for many years by David TURNER, our Treasurer, but due to ill health, he was unable to carry on the tradition this year, and subsequently resigned as Treasurer too. Our sincere thanks to him for all his work in recent years, and we will certainly miss his wise counsel. Once again we had a truly splendid fundraising raffle, organised by the indefatigable Judy TIPPING and her husband, Vic. Please note the date for next year’s Dinner, again at Stoke Park Club, which will be held on Saturday, 7 MARCH.<br />On the subject of the Committee, following the amalgamation of the former Welfare Committee with the Main Branch Committee, we gained additional Members and valuable input to our deliberations. Later in the year, however, circumstances necessitated David and Margaret YOUNG’s resignation from the Committee too, having previously served on the Welfare Committee. Our gratitude for the services they rendered, goes to them both. A welcome addition to your Committee is our new Treasurer – Ruth POTTS - who as a longstanding Branch Member has offered her accounting expertise, for which we are most grateful.<br />During the year we have had a number of fundraising events, which offer the additional benefit of being great social events, including : Beetle Drive in MARCH; Plant Sale in MAY; Sponsored Walk in Burnham Beeches in JULY. We again held our ‘Poppy People’s Tea Party’ – in AUGUST, and with financial support once again from local Estate Agents Foreman King, and with excellent catering provided by Templewood WI, we were able to invite all our ‘Poppy People’ to this ‘thank you’ Tea. Admittedly, this had the dual purpose of not just thanking our doughty Poppy People, but also encouraging them to recruit an additional person to help with the Poppy Appeal, and also seek new Members for the RBL. The event was well supported – with some 60 attending – and, again, it was a splendidly convivial occasion.<br />Whilst figures are obviously not yet finalised for this year’s Poppy Appeal – organised once again so ably by Cherry and Dave MARRIOTT - and with the mammoth task of counting all the money being undertaken once again by Lilian and Stan COOTE, certainly this year there appeared to be still wider public awareness of the Appeal. This will – we trust – be reflected in the amount raised, as we had still more Poppy Boxes out this year. The final Branch figure for the 2007 Appeal was a stupendous £ 16,000, again placing us 2nd in the County for Branches without a Club, beaten only by Aylesbury. A magnificent achievement by one and all, and we sincerely hope that this year’s Appeal will beat even that amazing figure.<br />Last year, Remembrance Sunday and 11-11-11 coincided on the same day, but this year, we are back to 2 events. In the Farnhams, the Remembrance Ceremony took place at the War Memorial in Farnham Royal, and then the attendees moved on to the Church in Farnham Common for the Remembrance Day service. Representatives of many local Groups joined in the commemoration, and we were especially delighted to have both the Chairman of South Bucks District Council, Cllr Maureen ROYSTON, and also our County Councillor, Trevor EGLETON with us, both of whom laid wreaths from SBDC and Bucks County Council respectively, as well as Peter CATHCART, Chairman of Farnham Royal Parish Council, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Parish Council.<br />In Stoke Poges, where the service in St Giles was held by Rev Harry LATHAM, once again representatives of local organisations attended, and Kathie WEBBER, Chairman of Stoke Poges Parish Council, laid a wreath on behalf of the Parish Council, and I laid one on behalf of the Royal British Legion. At the Service, we remembered especially 5 Servicemen from the Village who had lost their lives in Wars, and eulogies for each Serviceman were read out. Once again, Poppy Posies were laid on all the 5 graves in the Churchyard for those lost in the two World Wars.<br />In Hedgerley, local Groups also attended the Remembrance Day Service.<br />Regarding Membership, sadly we continue to lose Members – all too often by death, but your Committee is working hard to enrol new Members and especially those from the younger generations. With the spotlight this year being shone so brightly on our Armed Forces’ service, and thereby losses, in Afghanistan and Iraq, there has never been a better time to interest younger generations. Please can we all bear this in mind when chatting to younger people, and thereby potential Members, these days. One misconception that we must be certain to overcome, is the belief held by so many that Membership of the Royal British Legion is open only to those with a service background. As you will know, this most certainly is not the case ; otherwise I would not be standing here !<br />At the Poppy People’s Tea in AUGUST, the Branch standard was handed over to our new Standard Bearer – Howard GIBBS – who will follow the excellent tradition laid down by John COOPER, who has been our Standard Bearer for more than 20 years. The handover was officiated over by Ken ROSS, DL, President of Buckinghamshire RBL.<br />Finally, with your continued help and support, I am confident that we will have a great year ahead, and – I trust – one where we trust we will be able to report a brand new record sum raised for the Poppy Appeal.<br />Naomi Arnold MBE<br />Chairman<br />TEMPLEWOOD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE <br />Templewood WI has enjoyed a varied programme of speakers and events over the last year. In April, volunteers encouraged ladies to try various hobbies, handicrafts and MS Publisher on computer as part of our Dabble evening. Our summer garden party was a great success. With the sun shining, we welcomed about 45 people and the hall and garden were soon buzzing with happy people enjoying each other’s company – and the strawberries and cream! In September, Pat Pearce of British Airways, a founder of Dreamflight, explained her vision in 1986 of taking children with life-limiting illnesses to Disney in Florida. Now, an army of volunteers, both from the UK and the US, including BA and Disney staff, doctors and nurses etc, make this an annual event, supported by donations large and small. In October, two of us attended the WI Half-Yearly Council meeting in Aylesbury, where the guest speaker, Kate Adie OBE, gave a fascinating talk on her life as a TV reporter in battle zones across the world. The Beeches Group held a joint event in Hedgerley in October for all 5 WIs in the group, with the speaker the Hon Lucia Whitehead, covering her family’s prominence in the newspaper world and her personal life, including the war years where she worked with President Eisenhower. Soon Christmas was upon us and the committee were hard at work organising a hot supper for about 50 ladies, followed by tasty puddings, mulled wine and Christmas cake. We were entertained by a lively selection of Christmas songs and carols sung by Jenny Harper Jones, a Christmas story read by Pauline and a short mimed sketch by 5 members of the committee. Thanks to the wonders of Poundland, the hall and tables were decorated in true Christmas tradition at an economic cost!<br />On the catering side, we have provided light refreshments or afternoon tea for a number of events, including the Annual Parish Meeting in March, the Poppy Appeal Collectors in August, for the Horticultural Show in September and for Ballinger WI ladies after their walk in Burnham Beeches in October. We see ourselves as part of the community of the village and all the hard work which goes into making the cakes, sandwiches, tasty bites and serving the refreshments is well rewarded by the lovely comments we receive from our satisfied “customers”.<br />As reported elsewhere, we steamed ahead and launched the Short Mat Bowling Club in September 2008. Many thanks to Judy for her drive in getting the fund-raising started. <br />Currently, Buckinghamshire Federation of WIs is in its 89th year and planning their 90th celebrations in 2010. Nationally, the WI annual conference will be at the Royal Albert Hall in June and we shall be sending a delegate. The 2009 resolutions being considered cover: SOS for Honey Bees; Action on Flooding; Calling for the reinstatement of hospital in-house cleaning services; for the Government to clearly define Residential care fees for the elderly; and the effect of GP led practices on Doctors and customers, particularly in rural areas. County meetings are held to debate these issues prior to the final resolution being put forward nationally. Templewood WI takes an active in part in these debates, following the WI’s mission statement of “Today’s Women, Working for Tomorrow’s World”.<br />There is also the opportunity to compete in quizzes, Scrabble, art, needlework, photographic and writing competitions. The formation of the Beeches Group Events Committee in September has been a great success and, as Templewood WI hosts the next group event on 23 June 2009, we know we will benefit from this shared expertise and support. It has been a full and rewarding year. <br /> <br />THE CITY OF LONDON – BURNHAM BEECHES & STOKE COMMON <br />The changes carried out in 2007 have just about bedded in including the new café, loos and information point. <br />We are continuing to improve the above and have added new facilities for cyclists, more recycled plastic benches for café customers, resurfaced the area around the new buildings and added an improved drainage system. We have also commissioned new displays for the info point and there is a new leaflet dispenser outside the café. Finally we have modified the dog free area by providing new fencing and access gates.<br />We have just completed the 1st year since the installation of the solar powered car park machines. In that time these machines have generated a voluntary income of approx. £6000. The supporters badge scheme has also performed well with a first year income of around £3000. This money has been used to provide many of the improvements mentioned earlier. We also hope to be able to purchase a bird box camera and viewing screen for use at the Info Point.<br />The closure of the lower end of LMD has proved to be very popular and has helped to extend the conservation-grazing scheme. Livestock now have access to about 30% of the site. The closure of LMD has also allowed the removal of the old toilet facilities. These were demolished and the materials recycled in January this year.<br />The input from volunteers at BB has increased substantially with around 5000 hours of assistance being provided. Tasks have included the near eradication of Rhododendron from the site, 500m of new paths and the clearance of scrub from the heath land and wetland. Volunteers have also acted as eyes and ears, reporting problems they find out on the site, and have also provided administration support and care for our Dormice colony.<br />The site’s pollard restoration programme continues apace and we have just completed this year’s programme having carried out work on 87 veteran trees.<br />Work is also currently underway on the site’s first ever sensory trail. This is designed to enhance the enjoyment of the site for all visitors and especially those with sensory handicaps. The trail consists of a series of wooden sculptures. These provide visual and audio stimulation – and you can also sit on some of them! Local schools have provided words and speech that can be downloaded onto MP3 players.<br />As far as guided walks and talks are concerned, the team at BB has delivered 22 events in the last year and over 1200 people attended. The lantern making project with local schools was especially successful.<br />Finally as far as BB is concerned, we have carried out a restructure of the Ranger’s team. This has created 3 new roles within the team and we have just recruited 2 Asst Rangers and 1 Senior Ranger. We are also in the process of recruiting a part time admin officer.<br />Last but not least, we have also recently celebrated the first year of ownership of Stoke Common. In that time we have written a new management plan, consulted the local community along the way and have successfully applied for grant aid from Natural England to carry out the heath land restoration works on the site over the next 10 years. We have also been working closely with the BTCV to establish a team of community volunteers to assist with works on the site.<br />Andy Barnard –Superintendent<br />PUBLIC SESSION<br />Mrs Judy Tipping enquired if there would be public formalities to mark the recent planting of new trees in Farnham Common. Mrs Needham reported the 1st the new tree was on Kingsway Green - a public civil ceremony to dedicate this tree in memory of all armed forces personnel who have died since World War II. A second smaller and more private service will dedicate the tree planted on Temple Dell in memory of Duncan Stewart.<br />John Winyard brought to the meetings attention the vital issues of car parking and the annual tussle over free parking. Local businesses are competing with nearby supermarkets who offer free parking – despite tight budgetary constraints SBDC should help village communities to retain their facilities. <br />CC Egleton agreed these concerns should be included in BCC’s Economic development plans for the County.<br />Richard Baker expressed surprise that despite recessionary times no marked increase in burglaries had occurred to date.<br />Mrs Followell requested increasing the speed signs on A355 around Farnham Common Middle School to raise awareness and for consideration of short term spot checks to improve overall safety for pedestrians. Mr Karl Tipping asked if the Parish Council could arrange for mobile speed awareness devices to be utilised at this location as soon as possible.<br /> <br />Mrs Harrison reported the increasing incidence of car break-ins at St Mary’s Church in Farnham Royal during services – despite ‘patrols’ by members of the congregation, security cameras at the school and signs indicating that thieves were operating in the area.<br />Mr Robinson reported that the café in The Dell at Burnham Beeches would not be reopened by the franchisee of the Beeches Café as it was deemed uneconomic. <br />Mrs Followell enquired on the progress of the Children’s Playgrounds in The Farnhams. Mrs Needham reported the Parish Council wanted to provide a new playground in Farnham Royal, SBDC had two sites under consideration and the outcome of this was awaited. The Parish Council intends to replace the equipment at the Sports Club in Farnham Common and hopes to include a multi sport court in the old skate park area. Local schools have produced projects indicating what the children would like and the Parish Council Working Party expects to have formal proposals soon.<br />Residents expressed their concern about the signage recently erected by Broadway Tyres. Mrs Needham reported SBDC Planning Enforcement were aware of the signage and the correct planning process would now have to be followed by the tyre company.<br />Mrs Tipping commended the Burnham Beeches newsletter and the activity days offered which include projects such as making bird boxes.<br />Mr Winyard thanked members of the parish council for their hard work for The Farnhams in the past year.<br />