Arreton Parish Council Newsletter May 2020 - Anniversary special

Arreton Parish Council Newsletter 
May 2020 - Anniversary special

As we all know, there was a special anniversary last week when the 75th anniversary of VE- Day was celebrated. However, this week here in Arreton we have a special anniversary of our own. Those of you in the Blackwater area will probably be well-acquainted with John Orchard, your local Parish Councillor. Well, on Monday John reached quite a milestone when he achieved 50 years’ service with the Parish Council. John is following in a family tradition as his grandfather, William was elected to the Parish Council in 1919 and served as Chairman in the 1940s. Unfortunately, we could not mark the occasion as we would have wished as we are currently meeting by means of video-conferencing and John was unable to be present this month. A card and gift will be sent to him by the Clerk on behalf of the Parish Council. 

When John was elected in May 1970, it is unlikely that he was thinking of fifty years’ service. Much has changed since then and he would probably have been even more surprised that his 50th-anniversary meeting took place by video-conferencing. Many issues are new but some John has seen before including speeding (a perennial favourite) and, maybe more surprisingly, exploratory oil drilling. The current members of the Parish Council are very appreciative of John’s long years of service and the background history he can supply on occasion, especially when combined with the forensic attention to detail he brings to bear on planning applications. 

Congratulations John! 

An Isle of Wight helpline has been set up to support people who are affected by coronavirus self- isolation measures. You can call 01983 823600 between 9am and 5pm, seven days a week. 

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACT DETAILS Chairman: Cllr Martin Kimber – martinkimberapc@gmail.com Clerk: Mrs Sheila Caws - arretonpc@outlook.com 07587 008183