Parish Newsletter celebrates issue 200!
Thirty three years ago issue one of the new Laverstock & Ford Parish Newsletter was distributed to every dwelling in the parish Foreword by Nick Baker, Chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council:
Published: 4 July 2023
As you read through this edition you will find the rich diversity of our community life illustrated. From novice reporter Beatrice’s first trip to the Ray Mac to see Salisbury FC to David Bowie tributes and Sea Shanties at the Farm there has been plenty of entertainment on offer. We have also seen some exciting new beginnings, opening new play areas at Bishopdown Farm, a permanent home for the Old Sarum and Longhedge Community Pantry and the Chalk Stream Challenge in Laverstock.
As I read Renée Sharp’s recollections of Laverstock in the fifties and sixties, I was struck by the image of the brick-a-week fund, with the Parish News deliverer coming around from house to house to collect contributions from the community to build the new village hall. It takes a lot of bricks to build a community, some of them physical but most of them human. This edition is packed with the stories of the human brick who make up our community, past and present.
The Football Club, the Pantry, the Farm, the Parish Council and the Devenish Bradshaw Trust are all testimony to how individuals can make a difference. Any initiative needs “pioneers” with the vision to start something new and “settlers” who follow on and sustain and build up that vision. Each are equally needed and equally valuable. So whether you have an idea for the next project which will add to our community life, or you have a few hours a month to help support something already in place, you are much needed and building on the strong foundation of many bricks that have already been laid.
If you are a ‘pioneer’ and do have an idea for a new initiative, please do talk to us about how the parish council can support you. We offer grants for local community organisations and are often able to support in other ways through advice, making connections and publicity.
One particular need is for more parish councillors to represent the communities of Bishopdown Farm and Riverdown Park. There is a lot happening in the community at the moment from new play parks and changes to the way the Pavillion is operated to the ASDA development and campaigns around the quality of some of the social housing and the re-opening of the doctor’s surgery. Local voices are needed more than ever. Parish councillors come in all shapes and sizes, some of us work full time, some combine work and busy families, others are retired or carers. If you think you could be of service to your community as a Councillor, please do get in touch.
