Minal (MIldenhall) Parish Council have said goodbye to their Chairman and two other long serving councillors. Between the three of them, they have served the Council for over fifty years.
Sir Nigel Thompson has retired after fifteen years as Chairman and a further five as a councillor. Barbara Philpott, whose family have lived in Minal for generations and who is a fount of local knowledge, and treasurer, Derek Price, who has ensured the Council were able to meet the financial requirements of their many projects, have also stepped down from the council.
Sir Nigel thanked the council team for all their hard work and commented on the fun they have had over the years. His particular highlights were: buying Church Field to keep green space in the village, buying the playing field and installing a playground with exercise equipment that draws people from other villages and towns, and introducing speed cameras.
Sir Nigel will continue to provide his engineering and technical support to Minal’s latest projects – extending the footpath to the east of the village and providing a bus shelter for children living in the Leaze and Thicketts Road.
Sue Hine is Clerk to Minal Parish Council: “Where would we be without the volunteers who serve their communities on parish councils? Often after a lifetime of working or increasingly while working and bringing up a family, many people decide to give something back to their local communities. With central Government squeezing County and Borough Council budgets and the effects of the Transparency and Localism Acts, more is being undertaken by local people at a local level.”
Three new councillors: Chris Webb, Ruth Kolish and Anna Whitehead have been warmly welcomed to the seven strong Minal Parish Council team to replace those leaving. John Bevan, who was instrumental in the speed camera campaign, will take over as Chairman.
L to r: John Bevan – wearing chain of office – & Sir Nigel Thompson