Archived News
December 2008
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U11 - 1
Langford U11 - 4
Lions floundered on Sunday and capitulated to fellow league strugglers Langford, slumping to a 14 defeat. There were occasional flashes of potential and Sean Woodhouse's second-half goal was one of several chances created.
Will Juster also made some encouraging attempts at goal but could not pick out a clean strike, a problem which hampered the host team throughout.
There were moments when Lions looked to make a competitive game of it, Alex Poynter setting up the forwards on more than one occasion with some slicing passes, Charlie Nevitt and Aarin Johnson battling a path through the Langford defence, and Chris McGee working his way to a shooting position, but the game progressed with an increasing paucity of chances and the visitors met less resistance as the clock unwound.
Some thorough defensive work came courtesy of James Pratt, Tom Horner, Adam Bradley and deserving MoM Ben Roberts, as usual displaying the level of tenacity that might have won the match had it been adopted by the majority.
Keeper Dan Kennell struggled against the low sun but put together some consummate saves nonetheless, while front men Will Petherbridge and Aaron Gauntlets showed determination in their attempts to create striking opportunities.
Source: EB Lions
Royal British Legion Annual Poppy Appeal 2008
Although this year's appeal took place during two weeks of almost continual rain, hail and snow, Eaton Bray's renowned generosity ensured that the Royal British Legion would once again benefit handsomely.
This year's collection amounted to a magnificent £1973.14.
From ourselves and the Legion we offer our thanks and gratitude to all who helped with the appeal collection and to everyone who opened purses or pockets and gave so generously to help those from the armed forces who are in need. Again this year we have been heartened by your kind and supportive words and are grateful for your continuing encouragement.
Thank you. Keith and Jean Stanley. Hon. Organisers.
Funding announced for authorised Gypsy and Traveller Sites in East of England
The funding will help reduce the costs of enforcing against unauthorised sites - it is estimated that this costs local authorities around £18 million a year.
In the East of England £1.3 million of Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant has been allocated to provide new sites, extend 2 sites, and support refurbishment works on 5 sites.
Communities Minister Iain Wright said:
"The Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant is crucial to the delivery of both new and better sites to ensure that Gypsies and Travellers have authorised, decent places to live.
The problem of unauthorised camping and the tensions it can cause will only be tackled through sufficient provision of well-managed, authorised sites, coupled with effective enforcement action. Site provision helps reduce the need for enforcement action - which costs taxpayers around £18 million a year - and makes it quicker and easier to take action where unauthorised camping does take place."
Schemes have been assessed by independent consultants and considered by Regional Assemblies. All proposals for new sites are subject to the full planning process.
The Homes and Communities Agency will be responsible for the Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant for 2009/10 onwards.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Publication of report on Gypsy and Traveller sites in the East of England
The Report sets out the conclusions and recommendations of the Panel who conducted the Examination in Public into the Draft Policy prepared by the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA).
The draft policy was pulled together following a rigorous consultation process where views from a wide range of groups were heard. The proposals follow two years of research and consultation with local authorities, businesses, voluntary organisations, the public and Gypsy and Traveller communities.
The report, including the Panel's recommendations, will now be considered by the Government, who will then publish the Secretary of States decisions on the Panels recommendations, along with any Proposed Changes to the draft policy. The policy is a vital part of the longer term planning process for homes within the East of England, and part of the Government's commitment to provide sufficient authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers to stop the cycle of evictions from unauthorised sites that is costly to the taxpayer and impacts on the quality of life for the travelling community and the wider public. The proposed changes will undergo a further 12 week consultation to allow for views to be heard before the finalised plan is published by Summer 2009.
Key recommendations of the Panel include:
- An increase in regional pitch provision from 1,187 to 1,237 over the next three years to provide adequate space for traveller families and to ease pressure caused by current shortages.
- The final policy should include provision for transit sites and travelling showpeople.
Local authorities are responsible for planning authorised pitches for the Gypsy and Traveller communities as well as the housing needs of the settled population. The additional pitches contribute to housing provision in the East of England as a whole, reflecting the fact that the lack of decent, affordable homes is a key issue for settled communities and Gypsies and Travellers alike.
The East of England Plan provides a clear, agreed, long-term vision for how the region will provide jobs and homes for its residents until 2021 and beyond. It is the framework for putting into place the Government's growth agenda within the region and ensuring that growth is sustainable. The adequate provision of homes and affordable housing to accommodate the needs of different communities is a vital element of the Plan.
Following the consultation an Examination in Public was held in October 2008.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
New deal to provide affordable housing in the East of England
Twenty five developers have agreed to offer the HomeBuy Direct scheme which will help first time buyers purchase a home in 60 towns across the East of England aided by an equity loan, part funded by the Government and the developer. The equity loan, which will be free of charge for the first five years, can be used as a deposit and can cover up to 30 per cent of the purchase price.
This means a first-time buyer could purchase a house worth £180,000 for as little as £126,000. As with other HomeBuy schemes, any first-time buyers whose household income is under £60,000 who cannot otherwise afford to buy will be able to apply.
The scheme will also support the house building industry by identifying buyers for their new homes, helping them to weather the current difficult conditions in the market.
Eligible first time buyers will be able to apply for the scheme from early 2009 by contacting a HomeBuy agent in their region.
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said:
"We are determined to give families real help in the current economic climate. For many young families who aspire to own a home, the difficulties in the housing market have made the step on to the property ladder that bit harder. This deal will give them more support and put their dream of becoming home owners within reach. At the same time, this scheme will also help developers to weather the tough times in the market, by protecting jobs and helping to keep business going."
HomeBuy Direct is one of a range of schemes designed to help families to get a foot on the housing ladder. We have already helped more than 110,000 people buy their own homes through shared equity and shared ownership since 1997. The Government is investing £8 billion over 3 years (2008-11) for the provision of new affordable housing for both social rent and low cost home ownership.
Source: Government Office for the East of England
Parish Council Business Matters
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) the Parish Council is required to routinely and proactively provide information to the public.
These documents have been made available via a new Business Matters section on the Eaton Bray Parish Council website - www.ebpc.co.uk.
For further information about these documents, or if you have other questions regarding Eaton Bray Parish Council and its responsibilities, please contact the Parish Council Clerk.
Parish Council Minutes - December 2008
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 1st December 2008
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 5th January 2009 at 7.30pm. Items for the December agenda to be requested no later than Tuesday 23rd December 2008.
Christmas Puzzle 2008 - Theirs not to reason why
This year's annual Charity Christmas Puzzle has now been posted, and is available to download.
This, the 18th annual Puzzle that Gordon Gray has set, has a theme designed to help completion and will appeal to people who enjoy doing Crossword puzzles, such as in the Daily Telegraph (though it is not a Crossword puzzle). Puzzlers have plenty of time to find the answers and Puzzles should be returned, with donation, by 25 January.
Four winners will each receive a £25 prize.
Everyone who enters will qualify for a £25 prize draw.
So what are you waiting for, give it a go and download the Christmas Puzzle now.
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Bushmead Rovers U8
EB Lions U8 Blues
Under some of the most testing conditions, Lions bravely took on top dogs Bushmead Rovers. An encouraging start had Myles Frederick breaking away with Joe Rabey to threaten the opposition keeper and then, minutes later, a second run opened up as mid-fielders Sam Carter, James Glover and Ollie West fed the ball through to the forward again, setting up an impressive strike.
The weather showed no signs of turning, but Lions rallied and following a brace of stunning saves from Cameron Burchell, Myles skipped past defenders, made a neat pass to Ollie and adeptly, on receiving the ball back, netted a fantastic goal.
Defenders Toby McGee, Joe Thorne and MoM Sam Bramston worked hard to keep the oppressive opposition at bay, successfully wresting the ball on more than one occasion, but following the half time break goals went against the Lions in quick succession.
Like so many matches, the scoreline ought to have been a lot closer, but the ultimate tally was nothing shameful; the Rovers were a formidable opposition.
EB Lions U13 Girls - 2
Sacred Heart - 0
From the first kick of the match to the last, the Lions were playing total football, busy all over the pitch, controlling the pace, but at half time it was still 0-0. This was a high tempo game with the Lions controlling mid-field with some strong tackling and great movement forward by Darcy Ashby.
GoM Devon Ferguson was by far the fastest player on the pitch and after some great runs scored what must be a contender for goal of the season. Upfront Hattie French and Megan Viljoen worked hard and Viljoen scored a well deserved second goal for the Lions.
The Lions had Katy Thiel and Eden Scott in defence who were solid and overlapped well to give support when the Lions pushed forward. In goal another clean sheet for Nancy Oliver who was confident and commanding. This was another match when the honour of GoM could have gone to anyone, another great team display by a side with a great future. Congratulations to every one of you and thank you to the subs for their great support.
Team: Oliver, Thiel, Scott, Ashby, Ferguson, Hudson, French, Viljoen, Kirkwood, Byrne.
Source: EB Lions