January and February have been relatively quiet months for the Community Council but this does not mean that we have been sitting around just keeping warm. We have another excellent programme of events planned throughout the year which we hope will appeal to everyone and we are looking forward to seeing you at them.

We also have some changes this year to our subs collectors. Margaret Chapman has decided to retire and Joyce Cocksedge is going to reduce the number of subs she collects, so we are rearranging some of the collections on a geographic basis. It could be then, that this year a new collector will knock on your door and request your subs. We’ll let you know who will collect in which area in next month’s Green Links.

The Community Council is most appreciative of the enormous contributions both Margaret and Joyce have made since the beginning way back in the seventies and, in Joyce’s case, will continue to make. Thank you ladies.

C & W Dances
Our 2016 programme started with Julie Dawn on 6th February. Next up is Kenny Lee on Saturday 5th March followed by Declan Gaynor in April and Kevin Barry in May. We are pleased that we are able to bring such top quality entertainers to the village and we appreciate the support for these events.

You’ll see the full programme for 2016 elsewhere in this edition of Green Links.

Childrens’ Party
On Sunday 20th March we will be hosting a party for children from the village in the Village Hall between 2pm and 4.30pm. There will be an entertainer and tea with loads of fun, games and laughter for the younger (up to twelve years old) members of the community. The party will be open to children under 12 years of age who live in the village or attend Cockfield School. Please let us know if you have children who would like to attend so we can plan the event accordingly – you’ll find details in this edition of Green Links. Please note that it will be necessary for children attending to be accompanied by an adult and we will be providing refreshments for Parents throughout the afternoon.

The Duck Race
The Cockfield Duck Race will take place on Sunday 17th April in Earl’s Meadow. This has proved popular in the past and whilst our younger members are cheering on their ducks, the rest of us can enjoy this beautiful, peaceful area which is a real asset to the village.

Richard Whymark
On Saturday 23rd April we welcome back Richard Whymark who had us in stitches back in 2014 and who promises more of the same for us this time. We will be providing a fish’n’chip supper and, of course, the bar will be open. As I write this in mid February, we are already getting requests for tickets, so get yours early as I’m sure that it’s an evening no one will want to miss.

The Village Hall’s 40th Birthday
To celebrate the 40th birthday of the Village Hall we have planned an evening of entertainment on Saturday 16th July. We have booked local band, Quaff, to lead the activities and, as something different, we’re inviting anyone in the village who wishes to showcase any musical or other talents they may possess to perform for us in a non-competitive ‘Cockfield’s Got Talent’ way.

Don’t Forget
The Art Show will be back on 28th, 29th and 30th May.
The Village Show will take place on Sunday 11th September.
Kevin Barry will be here on Saturday 17th September to entertain us with music from the 60s and 70s.
On Saturday November 19th we’re planning a Murder Mystery Evening – watch this space for details.
In addition we have formed a joint committee with the Parish Council to decide how we should celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday .on Sunday 12th and we look forward to making an announcement in the near future.

Waste paper collection
The next waste paper collections will be on Sunday 28th February and Sunday 27th March. As usual, collections will start at 9.00 am.

Children’s play equipment
We still need more of you to let us know your views on the children’s play equipment on Great Green. PLEASE, if you haven’t completed and returned our questionnaire, do so now as the information you provide can be vital in obtaining the grants that we need to support any future improvement project. If you require a further copy of the questionnaire please ask at Cockfield Post Office and Stores or visit the village website.

Community Council e-Mail list
Our e-mail list is now up and running, but we’ve noticed that not all of you have yet signed up. The purpose of the list is to enable the Community Council to communicate with its members to ensure that everyone is kept informed about what we are doing. If you haven’t already received any information from us then it is likely that you are not on the list – to get on the list simply e-mail rod.portwood@btinternet.com and we will do the rest. Alternatively you may join the distribution list via the Cockfield village website, www.cockfield.org.uk/email-subscription.

RJP