We have agreed to enter the competition again this year and are hoping to improve on the “highly commended” result which we have achieved twice in the past few years.  The first round of judging takes place in June, and we know we can count on residents and organisations to have their gardens and properties looking tidy and attractive. The judges comments were very complimentary last year.  If there is anyone who would like to volunteer to put in some extra effort, perhaps cleaning bus shelters or gutters, we would be very grateful – please let us know if you would like to help so we can make sure you are covered by our insurance and co-ordinate efforts with other volunteers.

The Finance Committee made a recommendation to the Parish Council which has been agreed, that in future years (2009/10 onwards) the Parish Council will make a much larger amount of money available which can be given as donations or grants to village organisations to help support their endeavours or for special projects.  The figure which will be available in 2009/10 will be £1000 in total – and at the beginning of the year we will ask any group or organisation who wish to request a donation to let us have as much information as possible.  The Parish Council will then consider all requests and allocate the funds.  Applicants will have to be based within the parish of St Briavels. We hope that by helping our village groups in this way we can help to reverse the apparent decline in community life which many people fear is happening as a result of the loss of many of our village services.