Community

 

This year’s Feast Day event on June 28th was another huge success despite being marred by showers throughout the day and early evening.

The attendance was affected and I estimate that crowds were down about 40% on last year but those that made the effort to attend were rewarded with a fabulous array of entertainment and activities.

Over 100 stalls, a fun fair, a variety of entertainment in the arena and on the stage, Morris dancing, Punch and Judy, classic cars, a dog show, you name it, we had it!

The evening featured a superb concert by leading Beatles tribute band Meet the Beatles ably supported by The Toffees and earlier impromptu performances from Ben McElvey and yours truly.

 

Playing in front of a crowd, which at the time probably numbered some 3000, was a great experience and one I hope to repeat in future years.

At the time of writing the final accounts are being prepared but it looks at though we will have raised in excess of £17,000 for local good causes as a result of our efforts too.

Once the summer holidays are out of the way, my thoughts will turn to the organisation of the Xmas Fun Night on December 5th. This is a night where we close the main road through the village centre and have stalls, a small stage with entertainment, late night shopping and a kiddies fun fair. The evening is a great opportunity for around half the village population to enjoy themselves in the lead up to Christmas.

As well as my involvement on the Feast of St Peter organising committee, I am currently Vice Chairman of the Neighbourhood Action Group which works with the local community police team to ensure that their actions are directed at the areas most required by the local community.

I am delighted to say that Chalfont St Peter has a very low crime rate and the highest priorities are usually based around illegal parking, speeding and some minor anti-social behaviour.

Over the years I have worked very closely with the Parish Council and that relationship may be about to change in that I have raised my head above the parapet with a view to joining them. I am currently up for co-option and we’ll have to see whether the existing powers that be are really keen to have me amongst their ranks?

I am not prepared to be “hijacked” by the political aspects of the Parish Council so will they be prepared for an independent view and someone who knows his own mind. We’ll see?!