EVEN though it was not the most glorious evening for certain sections of our community the achievements of our young people were celebrated at the recent parish council meeting.

  • As a recognition of their outstanding contribution to village life, the chairman of the council presented certificates to individuals who had been nominated by community worker Kris Hallett and CSO Vickie Hedges. Many parents had turned out and applauded the youngsters as they received this well deserved recognition.
  • Unfortunately the guest speaker was unable to attend due to illness but it is hoped he will attend at a later date. The meeting was extremely well attended with over 100 people gathered in the village hall.
  • This being the annual parish meeting, the chairman made a speech highlighting the events and achievements of the past year. He made a direct appeal for greater tolerance between councillors and for all to work for the greater good of Crossways,
  • Daniel Smy, as chairman made an impassioned plea for a line to be drawn and for the council to move forward. He received many bursts of applause as he paid tribute to all those who work for the good of the village.
  • Several residents then tabled questions on a variety of topics concerning village life and the performance of the parish council. The chairman answering these points on behalf of the council and noting the issues raised for inclusion in future council discussions.
  • MEMBERS of the council had a shorter than usual agenda for the session which followed the annual meeting. The main item for discussion and voting was the provision of a new skateboard bowl, multi use games area and teenage youth shelter. They were reminded that consultation had been going on for the past year.
  • One of the young people present asked councillors what research they had done into skateboard bowls. Most had visited at least one local example or attended a field trip with the young people.
  • Council business was suspended to ask Kris Hallett some further questions before the matter was placed to the vote. The Council agreed unanimously to back this project much to the delight of the children and villagers gathered together,
  • Many of those attending the meeting then left including all the children and young people before the council meeting concluded. No doubt they were busy talking of their aspirations for this scheme and a hope that it will not be too long before they had these new facilities.
  • This is now the start of a process to source the funding, locate and sort out the plans, so a busy time ahead would seem to be in prospect.
  • LADIES of the local women's institute were in debating mood as well at their recent meeting. April is the AGM and an opportunity of reviewing the previous year both financial and in terms of events and projects.
  • There was an opportunity of discussing resolutions being put forward nationally on a variety of topics. After this, members had a go at a picture quiz which I gather was fiendishly difficult.
  • The next meeting of the WI is a definite trip down memory lane on Monday, May 12 at 7.30pm. Two local and long time residents will be presenting memories of Crossways'.
  • I wonder how many might be looking back with happy nostalgic memories. For some I would imagine it might be a revelation to as newer residents learn about how hard the community had to work to improve facilities in a growing community.
  • LESSONS may be gained from looking back as Crossways moves forward. There have, after all been many ups and downs in the relatively short time the village has been here.