Corton

Parish council - A meeting of Corton Parish Council was held in the village hall on June 2. David Butcher was in the chair and PCSO Kershaw and five members of the public were among those present. The chairman reported that the valuation of the village hall site carried out at the request of the trustees and parish council had resulted in a figure of �60,000, made up of �50,000 for the hall and �10,000 for the bowling green. Suffolk County Council had submitted preliminary plans for the site which included purchase of land to the rear of 4 The Close as a staff and visitors' car park. Before the end of the month it was hoped to hold a meeting at the school where the officials concerned would display and explain the plans, which people could then inspect and discuss. Included in the plans was the intention to retain the bowling green until replacement facilities were in place. As a result of the hall's non-exempt status, the Charity Commission would have a greater involvement in its sale. Regarding the insurance of the Village Event on July 12, consultations with Suffolk ACRE had resulted in a premium of �40 being quoted. It was agreed that the parish council would accept and pay this sum on its own insurance, on the understanding that it might vary in future years, depending on the event's extent and attendance. It was reported that the new bus stops at the church were fully operational and much appreciated by those who had already used them. PCSO Kershaw reported that 10 crimes had been reported in the last month, among them thefts of a cycle, from a vehicle and from the beach. There had also been three cases of criminal damage and one assault. Thanks to the alertness of neighbours and the lack of rain, there had been no damage to the interior of the school following the recent theft of lead from the roof. A special item on the agenda found council members giving unanimous support to a proposal to nominate playing field groundsman Bill Canham for a Pride in the Community award. Mr Canham had not only given freely of his time and effort on the field but also saved considerable sums by maintaining the necessary machinery in good condition. Mr Butcher expressed deep regret at the death of playing field treasurer Dave Scudder and paid tribute to his work. Ed Brighty had retired as chairman of the playing field committee, but a new chairman, Peter Guyton, had come forward and Anne Shreeve had agreed to act as treasurer. Local historian Michael Soanes had spoken at a meeting of the Village Hall Trustees and had indicated points that should be mentioned when negotiations with the county began. School governor Lynne Pavey wrote that the summer term had brought an increase in the number of outdoor events. The new intake was due to visit the school and for the last time leavers would visit their future middle school. Tony Long welcomed the intention to retain the bowling green for as long as possible but expressed doubt about how soon the new facilities could be provided. Concerning the closure of the naturist beach, the chairman said that the plans for relocation would be purely a matter for Waveney District Council. Former Poor's Land trustee Don Ayers volunteered the information that sheds were not allowed on the Trust's allotments, following a ruling banning anything larger than a one metre square compost box. It was agreed to make a presentation to Stephen Ames as thanks for his voluntary services as internal auditor of the accounts.

The Mustard Seed - The June meeting of the Mustard Seed will be held at Corton Methodist Church on Wednesday when Julie Warren will speak on Nursing in the 21st Century. Meetings begin with tea and chat at 1.30pm, with the talk from 2 to 3pm.

Church services - On Sunday there will be a service of sung eucharist at St Bartholomew's Church at 9.30am. There will also be a service of evening prayer at 6pm. The morning service at Corton Methodist Church at 11am will be led by Miss L Lawrence.