The largest audience for many years attended the annual Parish Assembly, which saw the launch of the latest Parish Plan, the new Village Guide and heard from organisations that serve our community.

An audience of nearly 100 enjoyed refreshments and chatted to neighbours and speakers. Maps of the latest bypass route attracted a great deal of interest as well as questions for Richard Boutal from Herts Highways. Our neighbourhood Police team were there in strength, led by Insp.Damien Kennedy who pledged improved communication between his officers and local residents.

PC Tracey Fegan, PCSO Lee Watson and Jill Dockley, watch liaison officer for East Herts, were busy giving out advice, free crime prevention aids and information about the latest online and rural crime prevention schemes.

Liz Stockley, head of Little Hadham School, gave a fascinating insight into new techniques to encourage creative thinking among pupils, and Richard Beckett reminded us of the history of our local charity and how it benefits residents.

Cllr Mike Tindale explained recent initiatives by East Herts Council and stimulated a lively debate about new plans for bin collection.
T
he Parish Plan team, led by Mike Smith, introduced the new Parish Plan and Village Guide with its profile of Little Hadham past and present and comprehensive local directory.  A pack containing both was delivered free to every home in the village with this edition of the Parish News.

Committee members Jonathan Forgham and John Purvis highlighted two of the first events in the Parish Plan programme – ‘Nature Watch’ that will include a biodiversity survey, and the all-comers Fun Run on June 14.

In his review of the year, Mike Fairchild, Parish Council chairman, thanked members of the council and its clerk, Bev Evans, for tackling
its busiest year yet involving complex planning issues and no less than 10 public consultations.  He invited more people to come to Parish
Council meetings, (see dates in the Events Calendar).