The Annual Parish Meeting was held on 19 May. The turnout was disappointing – perhaps the lovely weather kept folks in their gardens rather than coming to the hall – but we are here to bring you (almost) everything you missed.

The presentation from Sara Chick, who wrote an article in April’s FM, outlined her vision for Fairfield in Bloom. Sara is a keen amateur gardener and a member of the Royal Horticultural Society and has researched the schemes that they run to recognise and support community gardening.

The ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ scheme provides assessment of progress and gives advice, plus the possibility in the future of wider recognition of our efforts. Sara thanked the parish council for supporting her proposal for Fairfield to join the scheme, giving her the green light to register Fairfield.

All the existing community gardening and environmental projects can now be brought together under the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ banner. Projects already underway are the community garden, the orchards, the Urban Park and the enhancement of the outside of the community hall. New projects can be added at any time. It is hoped that giving a higher profile to these projects will generate wider interest and support.

Sara recognises that Fairfield has a very diverse population, with cross-generational groups who have very different priorities, interests, time constraints and responsibilities. Not everyone can or would want to commit to a regular volunteering slot, but many would be prepared to pitch in to help with one-off projects that would augment our beautiful village. If you would like to register your interest in becoming involved in ongoing or future schemes, or if you would just like to be kept informed, please email enquiries@fairfieldparishcouncil.gov.uk.

As well as Sara’s presentation, Nick Andrews, the council chair, gave his annual report, which is reproduced in a separate article . None of the ward councillors were able to attend, but they sent in their reports. The CBC Councillors’ report is reproduced in a separate article and Councillor Nicola Harris’s report is below. As well as the presentations and reports there was an opportunity to visit the new display of hospital artefacts curated by the Fairfield WI.

Councillor Nicola Harris’s report

I have approved the following grants in the last financial year to help the Fairfield community.

  • Organisation: Fairfield Parish Council

Purpose of grant: Contribution towards displaying Fairfield Artefacts

Amount: £976.59

  • Organisation: Fairfield Bowls Club

Purpose of grant: Contribution towards purchasing turf doctor equipment

Amount: £129

  • Organisation: Fairfield Community Trust

Purpose of grant: Contribution towards replacement tables

Amount: £644.41

Fairfield has had six new properties registered for council tax between April 2021 and April 2022. A further 11 new properties haven’t been registered for council tax.

Highways are working with fix my street for further updates so we can drill down the ward within an area (i.e. Fairfield) so I cannot bring you an update at the moment for reports outstanding or repaired.

Next steps going into the new year is to keep pushing officers and gather more public support for the cycle path upgrades or relocation.

Kind Regards

Cllr Nicola Harris

Stotfold, Langford, Fairfield & Astwick Ward CBC Councillor