THE village saw a busy end to the year and after a short break, a hectic start to January as groups and organisations started their activities again.

It is the usual mix of regular activities and special projects and longer term plans which fill some with excitement and enthusiasm and others with concern and questions.

It is difficult sometime to reflect this mix in a community news column but I shall have a try !

  • Firstly a reflection on the end of last year.

The village came together for the annual Christmas Fayre, the Carols by Candlelight in the first school and the Christingle service in the Village Hall. All were very well supported and the fayre raised goodly sums for various village organisations and charities.

One of the busiest groups in the run up to the festive season was the Scout Group with the Christmas Post scheme.

Given the added impetus of raising money in memory of Barry Shroder for a special project on the camping ground.

The result saw an increase on the number of cards delivered in previous year with a new record of 7,250.

The generosity of villagers has seen 'Barry's Fund' grow to in excess of £1,100 in a very short time.

A working party is now going to get together to put together a plan for the installation of adventure zones on the ground.

Mind you Brownjohn's Copse is a bit of a building site at present as the electricity supply is finally being installed.

As soon as the earth-moving equipment moved on the rain poured down and doesn't seem to have stopped since.

  • The adventure zones are not the only plans being considered for our young people to use.

Regular Echo readers will have read of the impressive presentations being made by members of the younger community in relation to plans for a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and skate bowl.

The plans are innovative and exciting and would see the village working very hard at the integration of the needs of the young people for safe play areas as well as the concerns of residents to preserve their peace and quiet.

A consultation meeting and questionnaire have already been undertaken and now councillors and interested parties are due to visit similar schemes to see for themselves what is involved.

Key figures in this work have been Kris Hallett, the community development worker, and Vickie Hedges, the community support officer.

They have helped co-ordinate the presentations and activities which have seen the young people themselves showing how they want to take ownership of the project as well as showing an appreciation for the concerns of others.

  • The recent meeting of the parish council saw a lot of business to be transacted as councillors had taken a break with a Christmas recess.

The recent precept proposals has seen a very small rise in the parish council share of the council tax burden which leaves budgetary control and a need to be very careful with expenditure.

The aim of delivering the level of service expected by parishoners without increasing the costs is a delicate and difficult task which can cause problems. Part of this is the problem of flooding in Combe Way (alongside Crossways Court) which the council has been urged to adopt and tackle the water which ponds there after heavy rain.

Councillors did welcome an initiative from the residents of Moynton Close in approaching a problem with a tree which was causing problems and had been identified for some costly tree surgery It will now be felled with the residents making a proportionate financial contribution as well as planting a replacement in a more practical location.

This was unanimously praised by councillors as a welcome illustration of residents working in partnership with the council.

  • The council is about to consider a four-part planning application for the development of land on the edge of the village and has been actively seeking the views of all villagers with an exhibition in the school as well as devoting a public meeting to the issue.

It calls into question the longer term planning aspirations for the village and is proving an interesting discussion topic.

  • The more mundane housekeeping tasks also seem to attract attention and comment.

The subject of the wreaths which were laid at the war memorial in November had been raised.

One councillor felt they should be removed as they were making the area look tatty'.

This brought about a robust argument from a lot of the organisations who had participated in the commemoration.

The consensus of opinion was that they should remain as it was the primary purpose of the memorial and an important part of the village life.

It was felt that the chairman of the council should use his discretion when wreaths had become too weathered for them to be removed but overall as many to remain for the maximum amount of time.

  • The parish council has purchased the 'golden tile' for the village church and I, as former chairman had the great pleasure of receiving the cheque from the Rector in appreciation of the council's donation which kicked off the appeal for funds to erect the building.

I should mention the next big fundraiser for this project is a Valentine's bingo to be held on Saturday, February 16 in Crossways Village Hall.

Eyes down at 7.30pm with a beautiful selection of romantically' themed prizes to be won.

  • Congratulations goes to Frome Valley First School for a very successful Ofsted inspection reflecting the care and dedication of so many.

The school is now an integral part of Crossways life with so many opportunities not only for young people but the community as a whole.

Headmistress Helen Boyce is looking forward to receiving the written report which will be presented to the community.

It is fair to say that part of this achievement has been the preparation work which the pre school playgroup makes with a large proportion of the reception class having moved up' from the playgroup which meets in the village hall.

There are currently 28 children on the roll, which ensures a busy time for all involved with a varied programme of activities which carries out the motto of 'children learning through play'.

  • Entry forms are now available for the village quiz night which is run by the Scout group and has been run for many years.

It is open to teams of four and you don't have to be a Crossways resident to enter.

Of course there is a village pride in keeping the silver salver in the community but it has travelled outside the village border on some occasions. It is held in Crossways Village Hall on Friday, March 7 and more details van be obtained by visiting the parish magazine online at www.crosswaysdorset.info