We were very pleased to see so many people in the public gallery for our Annual Meeting.

David Creed-Newton was unopposed as our Chairman for a third term. Pat Fairfax stood down after two years as Vice Chairman, and Roger Gill was our unopposed nomination for the coming year. David Creed-Newton said that he felt we had a good team on the Council; blending knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. It was agreed that members of the committees would stand for a further year. Membership of the remaining working parties and for the Charities of Richard Hill and Others would be reviewed at the June meeting.

After a two day hearing in March, the Tribunal case brought by our previous clerk against the Council for constructive dismissal had been withdrawn. The Council did not seek costs as we were very fortunate to have been represented on a "pro-bono", (free of charge) basis by Mr Steve Moon. Mr Moon was in attendance at our annual meeting and answered questions from both the Council and members of the public. Mr Moon recommended that the Council should now put the matter behind them and concentrate on future actions.

Christopher Lowder reported back for the Churchyards Committee following the concern expressed by Storridge PCC on the size of our contribution to their costs. Looking over the last two years Storridge PCC had received 67% of their costs and Cradley 40%. It was agreed that in future Storridge, and Cradley PCCs and Cradley Chapel would receive 70% in recognition of their work on our behalf on the burial grounds; in addition the Chapel would receive a further 30% for maintenance of the party hedge with the Chapel Lane playing field.

We were most unhappy to hear that the weekly bus to Malvern is being withdrawn. This service has a long-established value to the village. We also considered the total lack of consultation by Herefordshire Council as being contrary to the spirit of partnership and would be writing to them on this basis. We encourage you to write to Mr J Davies, Public Transport Manager, Herefordshire Council, PO Box 234,

Bath Street, Hereford, HR1 2ZD, to express your views on this matter.

Thanks to Geoff Cooper’s contacts with RAF we had received an explanation for the day of exceptional level of low flying in April. Poor weather conditions in Wales had apparently extended the exercise for us locally! A copy of the letter in full can be found in the Post Office window.

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The Agenda for Parish Council meetings is displayed at Finchers Corner, the Butchers, the Post Office and on the notice board at Storridge Village Hall at least 3 clear days before each meeting. Copies of the minutes for the last 2 years are held at Cradley Post Office.

Mrs M Barnett, Clerk to the Council, can be contacted on 01531 635 103.