Author: AaronC

VILLAGE MEETING – 10th MARCH at 7pm – FIRLE MEMORIAL HALL

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2nd-5th June 2022 

Firle Parish Council is seeking to engage with all village organisations, societies, businesses and parishioners with regard to the upcoming celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

Previous events like this have been celebrated in various ways in Firle Village and have been an opportunity for all groups and individuals to get involved for the benefit of the Parish and Community.

This year there will be a four day UK bank Holiday starting Thursday 2nd June and finishing on Sunday 5th June.  

Firle Bonfire Society have already agreed to “Light” the Beacon as part of a chain of over 1,500 beacons that will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and UK Overseas Territories. This will be on the evening of Thursday 2nd June. (subject to the appropriate permissions as always)

It would be great to mark the occasion of the Queen’s amazing act of service and duty in this village as we have before.

Firle Parish Council has approached all organisations and societies for their input as to their possible involvement and we are awaiting their responses.

To get the ball rolling Firle Parish Council has arranged a meeting in Firle village Hall for all those wishing to get involved for the 10th March 2022 starting at 7pm. 

The Council would like to hear from anyone who would like to be involved in supporting or helping organise these celebrations, whether that be via their organisation or as a member of the community.

If you would like to be involved but cannot attend the meeting, please contact our new Parish Clerk Lorna Thwaites in the first instance on firleclerk@outlook.com or myself on 07974 125567

We very much look forward to seeing you or hearing from you and thank you in advance for your support. 

Kind regards

Richard Gravett

Chairman (on behalf of) Firle Parish Council

The Firle Community Association (FCA) conducted a survey from the 23rd to 28th June on behalf of the Village Hall and Playing Fields Committee (VHFPC). The objective was to seek the community’s views on the upgrade of the playground, in support of the VHPFC grant funding application. for the project. The online survey was open to all the of the community, not just FCA members.

THE RESPONSE

• 110 replies were received
• The 46-65 year old age group gave the most responses, 48 people (44%)
• Only 4 responses were from those younger than 25 years
• A 78% majority, 86 people, have children (not necessarily their own!) that they would like to take to the Playground

THE CHILDREN

• Not one respondent was neutral or negative on the children’s equipment improvements.
• Of the 86 parents/carers, 30 have children that go to Firle CE Primary School
• Few children are less than 2 years old, whilst the 2-5 year age group is a little larger
• The majority of the children 62%, are older than 5 years
• 68% of respondents with children have children over age 5 years

THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

• The preferred new equipment choice was very clear
• The “extras” that could be included also has some favourites
• Shade, seating for carers, and a mini picnic/play table were popular choices

PLAYGROUND UTILISATION

• Of those with children 73 % said they would use the playground once a week or more
• 45% said they would use it 2 or 3 times a week
• 6% would use it less than monthly
• For those with children, there are mixed feelings about adding adult fitness equipment

ADULT FITNESS EQUIPMENT

• From all respondents, the question about adding this equipment had a mixed response
• Equipment preference was also evenly spread, apart from not having a Walker 
• Expected utilisation of the adult equipment was less than that of the children, with 44% saying they would use it less than once a month 

AN OUTDOOR FACILITY

• There was some negative sentiment, but the majority 74% were in favour
• This is not part of the current project, but a future option for consideration

COMMENTS

• 54 people added comments and feedback
• A selection can be viewed using the link below, some edited for brevity

and FINALLY, thank you all very much