News

Hawkinge Palace of Varieties

Strutting joyfully and gay between and around the legs of our esteemed Parish Councillors I nonchalantly pretend to be looking for treats as dropped items of their succulent and exotic menu whilst listening to gossip about our intended Parish future.

A moment of this better for my digestion than months of that stuff as used to be given by tourists in that square place with a statue in London amongst the droppings from whence I came.

So what is being said then, you ask?

A new Council having to take on all that has been approved by the last one. Two new members with ambition galore. One of each of the sexes. Will that make a difference, its asked.

The female, a lady already affectionately known as ‘Jimmy’ (Mrs James) , of immense talent and many concerns about the past and the future. Not giving much away but must be laughing at being asked to be Vice Chairman. Its said she will see through the purpose of that one. She is presently recovering from jet lag but no doubt in training for the constructive long battle ahead.

The male, is also known to be a little concerned with the past; to say the least. A wise elderly Gentleman known for views of logic and hating waste. now asking questions with a long list having been given already to the new Clerk. Not much passes him it would seem.

Amongst the discussions generally; at the top of the list is the position of the new Clerk who spends some of her working hours in the Partnership Office and the rest working from home. Bit unusual that, whilst some wonder who approved it. The post should perhaps, be at home on a part time basis or at the office full time other than when attending meetings and such like, as with all other such post holders in such employment.

Also asked: why does Hawkinge suddenly need a full time Clerk. Nothing has changed since the last one who was part time. Perhaps increase the hours a bit. How much is all this needlessly costing the residents, it may well be wondered.

The new Clerk is considered a very able lady and already improving administration systems to ensure compliance with correct procedure as becoming such a body with potential to spend our money unwisely if not kept in line and in compliance with accepted policy and procedure. It is hoped the new members will also be ensuring that.

One other item causing an exhalation of hot air being concern with the decision of the last lot to make a rather large payment to the previous Clerk when she retired. A decision perhaps correctly made but illogical when there are so many more other needs for such an amount of money which could have been used for the benefit of the residents who had the money taken from then in the first place through the rates they pay by a system jokingly known as ‘Demanding money with menaces’

There are other matters being discussed of fascinating interest but to reveal them all might spoil the entertainment for those who attend in the audience. You will have to wait and see.

One hint though: the sale of the Leisuredrome is again on the Agenda probably meaning a lot of objections by being the only indoor place for the youth to play sport which it is hoped will be retained. Its said that big audiences may be expected for what could become the Hawkinge Palace of Varieties in the future with improved attendance. Seats may have to be by invitation only. Efforts are said to be in hand to improve the acoustics. A microphone system has been suggested which would, at least, improve audibility when all of them are talking at once as only the one, with the microphone, will be heard. (Guess who that will be).

Another suggestion having been given is that the Councillors tables be more logically arranged so that they can be heard from the public area without deafening each other.

In the mean time two of our elected Members are awaiting ‘Trial’ for alleged offences leading to report to the dreaded Standards Board. Bit unfair on them, having to wait so long for the investigation. Wonder why that is?

Promising times ahead for the those who give of their time so generously and for those who watch and wonder.

The Pigeon