Review of 2023
As we enter December it’s traditional to look back over the year. One of the key themes for this year has been our continued work to progress several big village projects, including the regeneration of the Youth Hall, the development of traffic calming schemes and improving the overall village environment.
Improvements #UPOnTheRec
At the beginning of the year, we focused on improving some of the amenities #UpOnTheRec. The skate park refurbishment was finally completed. At the same time, we formally named the BMX track ‘Benny’s Bumps’ in recognition of Benny Gould who had taken the time to shape the waste soil heap into a usable BMX track. We also started adding chippings around Rocket Park to make things less soggy, something we will be doing again this month as it is much less expensive than buying all-weather flooring for the area, even over a ten-year projection. Adding to this, we installed two new benches, one on the Rec, along the halfway line of the top football pitch, which was paid for by LMFC, and one up on the Astro. We will also be installing a replacement bench in Middle Road with contributions from nearby residents. If there are any other areas that you think might benefit from a bench, please let us know.
Developments with our roads
Later in the Spring, we succeeded in lobbying the Dorset Council (DC) highways team to improve the road signage along Wareham Road at the Rose & Crown crossroads. This included removing the incorrect ‘right of way’ signage and repainting the faded ‘stop here’ white lines. We have continued to lobby the highways team to find a resolution to the traffic issues around the school and hope that DC will commence a formal consultation around a proposed solution in the new year. We also had the first of the year’s litter picks, with the second being just last month. There is always a good turnout for the litter picks and the village does look so lovely once it has been tidied up. The amount of litter collected seems to be reducing each year. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that so many people are now litter-picking regularly and keeping their roads and open spaces clear. Thank you for the ongoing work that everyone puts into this.
In May the key highlight was the village ‘Big Picnic’ and the concert for the King’s Coronation. We are hoping that we can recreate the great community feeling experienced that day and build on the D-Day events next June 2024 and perhaps have a village fete.
Progressing the Youth Hall project
Across the second half of the year, we have been working on the Youth Hall, installing new windows and doors, and making the facilities more accessible. We hope to be opening up for just a few days in December to celebrate everyone’s efforts and get set for the proper New Year launch. We would particularly like to thank the Village Flower, Craft and Produce Show for their very kind donation of £100 which will be put toward buying a new coffee machine. We also need to give a big thank you to all the great volunteers who have joined in the paintathon that has transformed the existing building. The plan is for the youth club to start on Wednesday 8th January. It will be open to all individuals who are in school years 6 and upwards. We also want to open our Chat-Café two mornings a week, for people to drop in, meet with friends and have a natter. If you are interested in taking part or volunteering at the youth club please get in touch and please look out on Facebook for more details.
Council Vacancies
We are looking for a new councillor. If you are interested in volunteering to join the team, helping to improve the village or representing a specific issue, please get in touch. In addition, we are advertising for a new Parish Clerk. Please email us at lytchettmatravers@dorset-aptc.gov.uk if you are interested in either role.
December parish council meetings
The December meetings will be on 13th & 20th to accommodate Christmas. January 2024 will revert to the traditional 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Agendas and meeting minutes are available online and can be emailed to you by registering for news updates on LMPC website. Please email the Parish Clerk if you would like a copy of the report pack.
Finally, may I wish you all the very best for the festive season.
Alf Bush,
Chair, Lytchett Matravers Parish Council