8th March meeting of the GHRA saw another large turnout at the Small Meeting Place, and the committee would like to thank everyone for their support. It was a meeting not only packed with people but also with things to discuss and a bit of a shocker for all of us, read on to find out more.

Once the meeting was officially opened by our Chairperson, a very poorly Nyomie, we heard from Roy that the finances are looking good for the GHRA. Dave and Roy had also attended the Fullers Slade RA and reported briefly on happenings there.

We were then joined by local Police Officer Kate Story who was there to reassure the residents of Galley Hill that, despite appearances to the contrary, the area still has a very low crime rate. Reporting of crimes was discussed as there is a general feeling that smaller crimes aren’t being reported as people don’t want to bother the busy police service with seemingly trivial things. Kate advised that even if nothing needs to be investigated reporting crime (telephone 101 for non urgent calls or report online on the TVP website) helps the police to build a profile and may lead to preventing further crimes. Everybody agreed that the talk had been helpful, and we thank Kate Story for her time. Kate has also asked us to make this Home security booklet available for download.

CCTV was also discussed with Kate advising to be careful that it doesn’t intrude into a neighbours privacy.  Also, signage advising of CCTV  must be plainly displayed.

Following the usual discussions of potholes (the council have use of a new pothole filling machine so we should see it used over the next two years), Antisocial parking, trees and landscaping (still being brought to the attention of the council regularly by GHRA, councillors and residents) etcetera we heard from Roy that the tree carving project is still in progress and that the school is still involved in the designs.

Nyomie dropped the bombshell that she was stepping down as Chairperson with immediate effect. All present were a little shocked, but thank her for her hard work during the formative year of the GHRA. We all wish her well and hope to see her at the future meetings of the residents association she has helped to start and shape.

Cllr Mick Allsopp informed us of the upcoming elections of the local Council and the Neighbourhood Plan which will be important for all of us to get involved in. Mick also informed us that he has put Galley Hill forward as a Key Site which may help us in our efforts to get more repairs done to the area.

-Litter picking was discussed and the Steward at Stony Community Church, which helps run the Fullers Slade litter picks, can come on 8th April, 10:30 a.m., meeting outside the school, and then every second month on a Sunday.  (6 times a year.)  We need volunteers to help litter pick.

Finally we need to mention our Easter Egg event to be held on Good Friday again, please email our events team to prebook so we can get an idea of numbers.

Full minutes of the meeting will be available here soon.

Thanks for your support

The GHRA committee