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Huge turnout at Clare's Annual Parish Meeting
This year's Annual Town Meeting in Clare was a huge success with over 60 Townioners turning out for the meeting. This is the largest gathering for very many years that anyone can remember.
There was a very full and interesting agenda with speakers including elected officers as well as leaders of community groups who wanted to let the town know what they are doing.
 Keith Haisman, the Chair of Clare Town Council reported on a very busy 2008 when, in addition to the daily running of the town, the Town Council had given their unstinting support to the Stour Valley Community College and had put forward strong views on behalf of Clare to the Boundary Committee and the Local Developmnet Framework. The Car Parking Survey, carried out in conjunction with the CBA and the Clare Society, is a good example of joint working, and is now being discussed with the relevant authorities and organisations. In 2009/10 the Town Council plans to undertake more activities for young people including perhaps a Junior Town Council, keep pursuing developments in parking and the Community Plan, and support the CBA tourism initiatives. If there is some real progress with links to Chatillon then that too will be a great success.
Sharon Benson, the Town Clerk and Finance Officer was able to report on Clare's very healthy financial situation. This was followed by Francis Wayman who gave a full report on the wide range of charities which come under the auspices of the Clare Combined Charities.
Jane Bone, our St Edmundsbury Borough Councillor, reviewed the finances of the Borough and showed just how dependent we are on central government funding. Jane Midwood, our Suffolk County Councillor, reported on a wide range of issues including social care, recycling, NATS and of course her support for the Stour Valley Community College. Regrettably she also had to inform us that the area of Suffolk she represents has the worst road surfaces in the whole of Suffolk !! She was asked to let us know at the next Town Council meeting when our roads will be repaired and thus safe for all to use including pedestrians and cyclists.
Nigel Partridge explained the good progress which has been made by the group leading the Clare Community Plan. More ideas are needed right now and everyone was urged to complete suggestion cards which can be found in the shops in Clare.
Alaric Pugh updated the audience on the ambitious plans of the Clare Business Association which include a renewed focus on attracting tourists to Clare and working with surrounding villages which can complement what Clare has to offer.
Matt Lovejoy demonstrated graphically the importance of having a First Responders team in Clare and just how lives can be saved by a First Responder being on hand within 4 minutes of a cardiac arrest. The group has only recently been established with financial support from CLASP and they have been called out on a number of occasions. They need more VOLUNTEERS AND DONATIONS so do help if you can.
 Our final speaker was the Mayor of Chatillon-sur-Indre, Michel Hetroy. The link to this town, near the Loire Valley, was forged a year ago when their firemen visited Clare and fell in love with our town. Michel had visited Clare schools and busineses during the day, had met many of our community leaders and was very impressed by all that he had seen. Links have been established between schools in Clare and Chatillon and a number of Clare businesses are developing ideas on how to benefit from commercial opportunities. Chatillon also has a 50 voice choir and it is hoped that they will accept an invitation to sing in Clare at one of the concerts arranged by SMICC, the Society for Music in Clare Church.
A marvellous evening was rounded off by the invitation from Michel to the Townioners of Clare to enjoy a glass or two of champagne from the Loire.
A very memorable evening for all those who were able to attend.
Date : 25-04-2009
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