After what he describes as 15 very happy and extremely busy years in Little Hadham, Mike Fairchild is moving with his wife Pat to Debden, near Saffron Walden, and as a consequence is standing down as chairman of the Parish Council.

Mike’s announcement coincides with a decision by Councillor Tony Skidmore to retire from the council.  Mike took over the chairmanship from Tony and both have served as chairman of the planning committee.

“Pat and I will really miss the village and the many friends we’ve made,” says Mike. “We are looking forward to having more time to ourselves and getting to know another lovely village.”

Mike Fairchild, Little Hadham Parish Plan Group

Little Hadham recently published the second edition of its parish plan. The first, published in 2006, took three years; the second about six months. The latest edition delivers the promise in the first that its publication would be the beginning of an ongoing process – not a one-off. The overall aim continues to be to make Little Hadham a better place in which to live by building community spirit. To find out about preparing and funding a parish plan, contact the Community Development Agency for Hertfordshire at www.cdaforherts.org.uk  (01707 695517).  Here are our original Parish Plan Top Tips plus Three More added since publication of our second edition:

Carmela Piccolo

Kids, Do you want your say?

In the next couple of weeks there will be a survey carried out on behalf of Little Hadham Parish Council. Parish Councillor Carmela Piccolo (left), whose role involves Young People Liaison, and Suzanne Joslin, who works within the Specialist Adolescent Department at HCC, will be knocking on doors explaining the benefits of a Youth Council in our community.

In the autumn East Herts Council will be introducing major changes to your refuse and recycling services. The scheme is called ARC — Alternate Refuse Collection. You’ll be able to recycle more materials more easily.