The Chairman's Report
(Mrs. Lorna Gutteridge)
Term: May 2006/07

The Chairman, Mrs. Lorna Gutteridge, read out her annual report of the Parish Council:-

“GREEN AREAS – Again Blaby has a delightful springtime array of daffodils on many of its green areas. Every year more bulbs are planted by the Parish Council staff which make a pleasant addition to the existing displays. The Council also initiates several annual flower displays on lampposts, window-boxes, under ‘Blaby’ signs and at the cross-roads.

Full Strength – This year has seen much activity by the Parish Council. For the first time in many years it has been at full strength with eighteen Councillors taking part in the meetings.

Cemetery Extension – A major event was the completion of the first phase of the extension to the cemetery in Mill Lane. Gradually this will be suitably planted and brought into use. The cost of the extension was around £75,000 of parish money and in view of this the Council decided to increase burial charges for those from outside Blaby Parish.

Oakfield Car Park – A new project being undertaken is the resurfacing of the Car Park in Oakfield Park which is considered an absolute necessity as, in its present state with numerous potholes, it has become quite dangerous. This will also cost in the region of £75,000.

Social Programme – The Council has again promoted an extensive and varied social programme including Christmas Lights Switch-On with Miss Blaby, Christmas Carol Singing (including live reindeer), concerts, car boots, etc. More support for some of these events would be appreciated although at the Christmas Carol Singing every car parking space in Blaby was taken and John’s Court was packed with happy people. “Jurassic Park” in June – run in conjunction with Blaby District and the County Council – was an outstanding success. The theme for 30th June in John’s Court this year is “Pirates” – so watch this space!

Thanks – Most grateful thanks must go to the Groundsmen who keep our Cemetery, Parks and Play Areas in immaculate condition. Their conscientious and untiring work, together with lots of cheerful help to everyone with whom they come into contact, is most sincerely appreciated and valued. This Council is extremely lucky to have such loyal and hardworking people on board.

Deputy Clerk – Congratulations to Suzanne Hansford who has succeeded in getting to grips with many of the facets of Parish Council life. She has been promoted to Deputy Clerk. Welcomed on board as Minute Secretary/Office Assistant was Jenny Woods who soon settled in to Parish affairs.

Glenise Lee – Glenise Lee, Blaby Parish’s Clerk, has announced her retirement at the end of May. Her longstanding service to Blaby Parish is surely without parallel. She has always kept the Council on the straight and narrow and has never deviated from getting the best for Blaby at all times. She has kindly and correctly guided councillors where necessary in their work for the Parish and as the Officer for Blaby Parish Council Glenise has put Blaby at the forefront of respected Parishes in Leicestershire. At this Annual Parish Meeting may I express our most grateful and appreciative thanks to Glenise for her loyal, unswerving and faithful work on our behalf and from the Parish of Blaby wish her a very happy retirement.

Parish Councillors – Finally my earnest and sincere thanks go to all the Blaby Parish Councillors who have given me their fullest support and co-operation during the last twelve months. Their continuous help has been invaluable and much appreciated. To William Jennings, Vice-Chairman of the Council, I give special thanks for his unwavering support and cheerfulness which has helped the Council along on many occasions. Not least of his talents has been the Parish Council Team Quizmaster and – soon to repeat – an almost-convincing St. George. We regret that he does not now qualify to be re-elected. The Council will be the poorer without his presence. Many thanks from Blaby Parish, Will, your contribution has been very much appreciated.”