Hunton Parish Plan looks to West Berkshire

CCB was approached by the Hunton Parish Plan Team earlier this year and asked if they could use the West Berkshire Community Planning DVD which can be watched  by clicking this link. http://www.actionforall.org.uk/com-plan/guidingbestpractice

CCB agreed to send them a copy and it was finally shown to a packed village hall  in May. The team outlined the event and how the DVD had inspired their community to get started.

"Our first public event to capture the views of Hunton  residents took place on 20 May 2010.There was a good turnout of approximately 40-50 residents from various age groups; all were keen to find out more about the Parish Plan

The Head Teacher of Hunton CEP School was accompanied by a group of pupils who delighted the audience with a summary of the work they had done so far to help us with the Parish Plan. They explained how, at a special assembly held that week, they had voted for ‘things they like’ and ‘things they would like to change’ about Hunton and placed them in sealed ballot boxes.    The boxes were unsealed and ripped open  - and  a few of the children’s likes and wishes were read out.  We all enjoyed the comment made by one pupil who wanted the ’class changed to Chinese shop and you have to eat not study’, and could have happily gone through the whole set of boxes had there been time.  Luckily for the Headteacher there were no toe curling moments, since she had no idea what the children had written! 

It was a fine example of democracy in action!   

A screening of West Berkshire’s DVD followed this, explaining the merits of Parish Plans and how a community can get together to achieve a Parish Plan geared to their objectives.  

 An activity called Good, Bad and Dreams was a fun and quick way to find out how the residents felt about Hunton, providing valuable comments that the Parish Plan Steering Committee require to create a tailor-made questionnaire.  Each person was asked to write down one item on the good and bad points of our village and one aspiration (or dream) for Hunton.   The comments were put on the wall in their relevant areas where, at the end of the session, they were grouped by common themes.    There were no surprises as to the good and bad points:  we had many comments that Hunton was a peaceful and tranquil place to live with good countryside but were irritated by the amount of traffic and the speed at which they travelled.  The dreams ranged from a village shop to a ‘buddy system’ to welcome new residents to our community. "

Well done and good luck to Hunton from all at CCB. If any group starting out would like to borrow a copy please email: sarah.ward@ccberks.org.uk for further details.