The following are some of the items discussed at the meeting held on December 10.

Children's play area - the council recently investigated the provision of a permanent safety surface in the children's play area in Jubilee Field. However, all the alternatives proved to be far too expensive for the council to fund.

It was therefore arranged for a consignment of bark to be delivered to top up the existing bark which had become inadequate for purpose.

The council would like to thank Neil Cowell who came with his JCB to move the bark from where it was delivered over the hedge into the play area, and the small band of volunteers who arrived with their shovels to help the council shift the 20 cubic metres onto the play surface.

Councillor Joslin said he was very disappointed with the response to the notices he put throughout the village asking for volunteers. Only two parents came forward to help with an exercise that was for the benefit of all the children of the village. By doing the work themselves, the council saved in the region of at least £200, which of course is ultimately a saving for the village.

Village sign - the sign is currently being repainted.

Resignation of councillor - because of his forthcoming move away from the village, Reg Eager has resigned from the council.

This means there is now a casual vacancy. For full details of the process to replace him, please see the parish council noticeboards.

Date of next meeting - Monday January 28 at 7.30pm, in the Church Centre.

ST LAWRENCE CALENDAR 2008

THERE are still a few remaining calendars on sale at the Dairy.

They make ideal gifts for friends and family, so if you haven't already purchased one, please think about doing so and help support the St Lawrence Village Hall Fund. They cost £4 each.

BRIDGE

THE game on Friday December 7 was won by Barbara and Dennis Thurlow. No slams were bid.

Monday's game went to Daphne Kerr and Roy Walton. Again there were no successful slams.

The Christmas arrangements will cancel bridge on both Monday December 24 and 31. Bridge will be played on Friday evenings, December 21 and 28. No Friday morning bridge will be played on December 21 and 28.

ST LAWRENCE BAY WI

ON December 12, Shirley welcomed members and eight guests invited from other WIs to our Christmas party.

On arrival, each member put a small, wrapped gift into the Christmas sack to be distributed later in the evening.

Dick and Hilary Barnes served a scrumptious buffet. As for entertainment, who would think our own members could produce a warm-up comedian, pantomime, Barbie fashion parade and a singalong choir, all in the space of 20 minutes? Well done ladies, and thanks Val for your help. We will miss you on the committee.

It was a brilliant end to 2007.

The Christmas card collection for the Essex Air Ambulance raised £40. Michael Head, a local historian, will be the speaker on January 8 when we will welcome our new president, Elaine Hill.

Our meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month in the Church Centre at 7.30pm.

New members are always welcome.