Goldshaw Booth Parish Council
Wintertime can be a time for quiet reflection...
It would be easy for me to recount the Community events of this year, to recall the successes, to tell of how the growing number of residents, the school, Church and Parish Council are working together in support of the Community (and I would if I had the space here), but, for me the growth of Goldshaw Booth Community spirit comes in the form of a tin of biscuits!
At a Parish Council meeting Julie (resident) came along and presented the idea of a Christmas hamper gift for the older and more vulnerable residents of the Parish. This was embraced by the Parish Council and the Events Committee. We could all see the merit in letting residents know that they were thought of and appreciated as part of the Community, but, given the number of residents to be gifted, the hamper idea became a Christmas celebration tin of biscuits – not perhaps as grand a gesture but there is value in more than just the financial. The Community events (organised by the Events Committee, promoted by Chloe and supported by many fabulous residents) funded the Christmas gifts. The biscuits were sourced by Liz through Farmhouse Biscuits and they were distributed by Laura and children of the Community. A simple yet complete circle of Community giving which was much appreciated by many. Well done all!
If, like Julie, you would like to raise an issue that you feel would benefit the Community please feel free to come along to the Parish Council meetings or email Joe (clerk@goldshawbooth.org.uk). The next Parish Council meeting is on Thurs 5th Jan, 7.15pm at Barley Village Hall.
Despite all the progress made, it is true that the Goldshaw Booth Parish is at a slight disadvantage in that we don’t have a formal, or even casual, meeting place. Residents don’t have the opportunity to ‘bump’ into each other in the pub/community centre and bounce ideas off each other but, hopefully, we can begin to change that. Since the beginning of Covid the public toilet block has been under-utilised and it has become clear that the provision of one toilet (the unisex toilet) is adequate for the public’s needs. This leaves a lot of space available for the creation of a Community room and kitchen area. Earlier this year a grant was submitted to test the waters for this project but more work needs to be done. Watch this space… Or, even better, give us a shout and help make it real!
The Section 106 fund (Spenbrook Mill Development) is in its final stages. The fund was awarded in March 2018 with a five year time limit. The past 18 months have been quite challenging at times but various projects have been agreed with Pendle Borough Council: Sparable Lane steps, new climbing frame with slide, re-furbished swings, Access-4-All access to Newchurch Park (with retaining raised garden beds and bench with wheelchair access) and a timber pavilion/gazebo. More details can be found on the Goldshaw Booth Parish Council Facebook page and in the Minutes. We look forward to welcoming the whole Community to the new-look park in Spring!
In the meantime I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Parish Councillors and the Events Committee for all their hard work this year, the wonderful residents who jump in and help with the various Community events, the Church and St. Mary’s school for helping to bring the Community together and you, the Community, for putting up with us, for encouraging us and for enjoying the odd tin of biscuits!
A Healthy & Happy New Year to You All!