At the time of writing the Covid virus is still with us but has been strongly combatted by the majority of Suffolk Residents having had the vaccine and many who have received booster shots.
This has enabled community gatherings and confidence to grow and thus he CCC has responded positively
A Christmas Tree was once again put on the green. Shining light into the darker months.
A number of speed quizzes were held which proved very popular , a big thank you to those who made this happen.
The Cinema started again in May and confidence to attend is steadily growing. This involved a lot of hard work for the team to organise within Covid restrictions. Well done to all.
A Sale Trail was held in July and was well supported with many interesting items being bought and sold.
The Cockfield Produce and Flower show was held in the Village Hall in September, it was inspiring to see how the thought of winning a rosette can prompt so many people to take part.
An event to get people together again after the “lock down” was held on Great Green in September. We had a band and disco on a covered trailer, he football club ran the bar and over 150 people attended. It was heart warming to see so many people together again enjoying themselves.
I pay tribute to the entertainers who waived their performance fee in favour of a charitable collection which raised over £350, the monies were split evenly between Macmillan and Catey Pre School.
A splendid evening all round, thank you to all who made it so.
In Mid-November A Speed Quiz was as held in the Village Hall , It was very well supported by more than 60 people in a unique format using mobile phones and tablets . Good to see a noisy, full, energetic hall and a fine Fish and Chip supper. A successful event and a credit to those who worked hard to make it happen. More Speed Quizzes are being planned for The New Year,
Once again a Christmas Tree will be put up on Great Green and, on December 5th, an informal Carol Sing song will be held with some pressies for the children . Keep your eye on the community broadcast for details.
Earlier this year a very sensitive decision was taken by the Community Council trustees regarding the community minibus. Obviously during the pandemic the minibus was not used by the village but in the previous year it had had so little usage that the trustees questioned if it was still needed, The bus just about broke even financially but no funds were accruing to fund a replacement when the current bus reached the end of its life. Much of the usage was from outside the village and the trustees thought it unwise to risk community council funds to subsidise this usage.
A joint letter from the Community Council and the Parish Council was published in Green Links and on the Community broadcast explaining the situation and asking for views, ideas and suggestions as to how the minibus could be better supported and utilised. Sadly there were very few responses and the Community Council concluded that the situation was unlikely to improve. A motion was put to the trustees and the majority vote was in favour of passing the minibus back to the Parish Council, its legal owners. Accordingly the bus was MOT’d, serviced and passed back to the Parish Council on 31st March 2021.
The Earl’s Meadow, Bruff’s Line and Jefferies Green project has really been a valuable asset for the community during these difficult times, a quiet, beautiful place to relax, wander and, sorry to say it, remain safely socially distanced in the fresh air. A credit to the team who has made it so!
During these times the Community Council has not been able to raise funds for the village so we joined a charitable Post Office donation scheme. A huge Thank you to all who have responded.
During this year the Community Council has donated £5000 to the new play area on Great Green and £5000 to the refurbishment of the village hall bar and kitchen area.
It is said that hard times bring out the best in people and that is certainly true for this village of caring people caring for people.
We say a big THANK YOU to Susan Metcalfe who is leaving us and welcome to Mr Tony Turner who is Joining us. Let us all strive for a safe and successful New Year.
Well done to all
R Williams. CC Chair
