PARISH ANNUAL MEETING

Steven Potter gave the Parish Council's report. He said the Council had held its normal twelve monthly meetings at which councillors had made 87 out of a possible 100 attendances, with 4 members attending every meeting.

District Councillors John Archer and John Seats have regularly attended the meetings as has PCSO Stephen Butler and the members were grateful for the time they take in listening to Purleigh's concerns and keeping the council informed.

He spoke about the amount of vandalism on the playing field and the pavilion and the cost of repairing the damage.

He thanked the Playing Field Association for painting the exterior of the Pavilion, though the graffiti appeared again almost as soon as it was finished. He recorded the Parish Council's thanks to Brian and Rose Dilworth for keeping the pavilion clean and tidy; to Jim Ovel for undertaking the many, often unpleasant, jobs around the parish which often go unnoticed; to John and Jill Challis for keeping the War Memorial garden bright and colourful throughout the year; and lastly to the Parish Clerk, Jane Potter for keeping the Council on the straight and narrow in complying with government dictates and consultation documents.

He then read the school report sent by Headteacher, Dawn Dack in which she quoted from the excellent Ofsted Report on the school. Bernard Steeples gave the Purleigh Playing Field Association report on its fund-raising activities, the Race Night and Murder mystery evening, and its plans for 2008. Don Nowell gave a report on Purleigh Village Hall, saying that during the year it had re-floored the kitchen and installed more electrical sockets in the hall. Hall bookings had risen during the year.

Neither John Archer or the Police were able to attend. The evening ended with delicious home-made refreshments.

ART SHOW

Purleigh's 46th annual Art Exhibition is being held on Friday May 2, 10.30am-8pm, Saturday May 3, 10.30am - 6pm and Sunday May 4, 11am - 5pm in Purleigh village hall and is in aid of village hall funds, exhibits include art works, pottery and ceramics.

Admission is 50p, children free if accompanied. Refreshments are always available. Ample car parking space.

PLANT SALE

This annual event in aid of The Friends of Purleigh Church is being held on Purleigh playing field on Sunday May 4 prompt at 10am. Admission is free, there is ample free car parking and refreshments will be available. A good range of perennial and annual flowers, shrubs, trees, herbs and vegetable plants will be on sale. You can come to the Plant Sale and then look round the Art Exhibition.

ALL SAINTS ANNUAL MEETING

All Saints' Vestry and Annual Meetings were held on Wednesday April 23 in the Cock Clarks Room with a good attendance of the Electoral Roll members. Alan Crome, Lay Chairman of the Maldon and Dengie Deanery Synod chaired the meeting. Churchwardens Jill Burrage and Eric Gildersleve were re-elected and the PCC was also re-elected en bloc with the addition of Mr. Michael Gillingham who was voted on.

The PCC now consists of Ruth Ascott, Ann Gillingham, Michael Gillingham, Peggy Madge, Pauline Potter, Susan Owen, Graham Snow, Linda Soul and Roger Woodcock. Votes of thanks were given to Graham Snow for his work as treasurer, to Alan Crome for chairing the meeting and to Elspeth Bland for all her work in the village over the eight years of her incumbency. The meeting closed with refreshments.

RACE NIGHT

Purleigh Playing Field Association is holding a Race Night on Friday May 9th at Latchingdon Football Club. The entry price is £6 which includes a fish and chip supper. The proceeds will be shared between Purleigh village hall and the Playing Field Association.

For further information ring Bernie Steeples on 828312.

COFFEE MORNING

Mrs Peggy Turner held a Coffee Morning on Friday April 26 in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was pleased to have wonderful support from friends and neighbours ,which resulted in raising £167 for the Charity.