Building on last year’s successes, the Chilworth Village Green has continued its transition to a green space for all to enjoy recreational pursuits and relaxation. 

A further 400 native trees, kindly donated by the Woodland Trust www.woodlandtrust.org.uk, have now been planted along with over 3000 spring flowering bulbs kindly donated by the Parish Council. The woodland adjoining the Village Hall has been cleared of the many years of casual waste tipping and has now been planted out with both trees and bulbs. The goal posts have been repaired and fitted with new nets and the overall area has been kept relatively litter free thanks to local residents doing their bit and, in particular, regular litter picking by the staff and young people from the Squirrels. Next year will see the addition of bench seating and perhaps play equipment, however, this is currently under review by the Parish Council.

Users of the Village Green are reminded to keep dogs under control and to remove all dog waste and litter. Horse riding and the use of any motorised vehicles are both strictly forbidden.

If you have any ideas for improvement of the Village Green or would like to get involved in village green projects please contact David Pointer at djpointer@yahoo.com.

If you would like to hire the Village Green for an event please contact the Parish Clerk, Andrew Nairn, at leonairn@btinternet.com.

To hire the Village Hall please contact the Bookings Clerk, Donna Jones on 02380 767592, 07800 901208 or donnajones2011@btinternet.com

Once again, we are suffering unnecessarily early sunsets throughout the winter. It doesn't have to be like this. We could stop wasting hundreds of hours of valuable early morning daylight in spring, summer and autumn, before most people get up, and enjoy lighter evenings all year round. Unlike the vast majority of Private Members' Bills, the Daylight Saving Bill successfully cleared its Second Reading. The UK Government has tabled some amendments and is now committed to supporting it. The next stage is Third Reading and, once again, we will have to get over 100 supportive MPs in the Commons on that day or the Bill will die. As ever with PMB's, it's on a Friday (20 January), and it's hard to get MPs to stay in London on a Friday. I'm pleased to say that our local MP, Caroline Nokes, has already confirmed that she will be supporting the Bill, once again, in the Commons that day.

Your support can help bring about this long overdue reform that will save lives, help people to be happier and healthier, reduce crime, and also reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. It's good for UK business, too, and it's simple and effectively free to implement. No other initiative offers as overwhelming a net benefit case in terms of enhancing the quality of life in the UK. So, if you haven't done so already, please help to make a positive difference by joining the Lighter Later campaign today, at http://www.lighterlater.org. Thanks - and here's to a brighter future. 

From Jon Athawes, Chilworth resident and member of the LighterLater campaign team.

The Borough Council will be holding a public consultation on its plans for the future of the area, contained in its Core Strategy document. This consultation meeting will be held on 18th January 2012 in Chilworth Village Hall.

It will be important for residents to attend either the exhibition which runs from 2pm until 9pm and/or the meeting which will start in the evening, probably at 7:30pm (time to be confirmed). The main proposal affecting the area is the intention to designate much of the woodland as forest park. 

News item supplied by Alison Finlay.

The country-wide consultation, which affects Southampton "General" Hospital's unit, has been subject to a judicial review due to a complaint by the Royal Brompton Hospital (RBH). RBH's complaint has not been upheld completely. The Joint Primary Care trust has decided to appeal the decision, which means that the consultation will have to await the outcome and a re-consultation might ensue. 

News item supplied by Alison Finlay.

The public's legal challenge to this was rejected and the local health authority is presently awaiting further information from Southern Water in respect of the dosing process. Due to the abolition of the local health authority under the NHS reform programme, due, I believe in the next year or so, this matter is being watched with great interest by those who objected to fluoridation. Not many in Chilworth did when given the opportunity to do so about 2 years ago.

News item supplied by Alison Finlay.

Why not start the festive season with the carol singing in Chilworth?

Meet in Chilworth Close at 4.45pm on Wednesday 21st December followed by festive refreshments at the Community Centre. All welcome - children should be accompanied by an adult.

The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Thursday 1st December 2011. The meeting will be held in the Village Hall committee room. Members of the public are welcome to attend the open forum at the start of the meeting. Please contact the Parish Clerk with reasonable notice before the meeting if you would like to discuss any specific issues. The Parish Clerk can be contacted at; 

Clerk to Chilworth Parish Council

53 Maytree Road

Chandlers Ford

Hants  SO53 5RT

leonairn@btinternet.com

02380 274176

What is Nordic Walking?

Nordic walking is a fitness walking technique which originated from cross country skiing.  

What are the benefits?

It feels easy to burn lots more calories than ordinary walking, and provides fun, sociable ‘green exercise’ in the fresh air.  Releasing tension in the neck and shoulders, strengthening the back and improving posture, this walking workout will tone the whole body!

How do I get started?

If you can already walk comfortably for at least 2 miles, take a technique lesson with your qualified instructor (poles provided). Then enjoy Nordic walks from Chilworth every Saturday morning, and other guided walks. For more details contact Kate Gray at Fitskool.

http://www.fitskool.com/nordic/

The Christingle service will be held at St Denys Church at 11.15 am on Sunday 18th December. The service is in aid of the Children's Society. Families and childen are especially welcome!

www.baddesleychurch.org/drupal/buildings/stdenys

The makeover of the Chilworth Village Green continues this weekend with the planting of over 400 trees which have been kindly donated by the Woodland Trust. This is a community event designed to enhance the natural environment on the Chilworth Village Green. Planting of the trees will take place on Saturday 3rd December 2011 commencing at 2pm. Bring a spade and gardening gloves!

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk