I suppose like me you have had your fill of politics and listening to the candidates on television on television denouncing each other and singing their own praises. It’s not only confusing, it’s all a blur.

So, just when the general and borough elections are over and you just want to forget it all and get back to normal, what happens? The parish elections arrive. You may think that they don’t matter, you don’t have to vote and actually you can’t be bothered. I sympathise! Actually in many ways, for us - the parishioners of Downholland – these elections are more important because what the parish council does is work for our village, our parish, you and me.

Their actions affect each one of us personally, so please vote for whoever you think will fight your corner most effectively and enthusiastically.

The other very important reason, of course, is the PC candidates have put their heads above the [parapet. They care enough to put themselves forward and their places on the parish council are in your hands. For that reason, they deserve your consideration and your vote.

They are committed to making our parish better in all sorts of ways. I know what it’s like – ‘What if no one votes for me and it’s made public – how awful!’

All they ask is that you take the time and make your choice. This is local democracy; you have a right to vote and a responsibility

KIT planned to publish the report of the Annual Assembly of the Parish Council and the Residents Guide in this issue but technical difficulties at our regular printers have made this impossible. KIT apologises for any disappointment and hopes to bring you these items in the Late Summer issue of KIT.

All seven of Downholland’s Parish Councillors’ terms of office come to an end this year; the end of a four year Parish Council. Normally the Parish Council elections would have been held on Thursday 6^th May but as some you may have noticed we had a General Election on that day which means that the Parish Council Elections has been delayed until 27^th May.

You may well be fed up with elections, but please do go and vote for your Parish Council on 27^th May.

Your ballot paper will have the names of the nine candidates who have put themselves forward for election this year. You have up to seven votes but only one per candidate .You need not use them all, you can vote for just one candidate if you want to.

To let you know a bit about the candidates, KIT has asked them all to provide a few words about themselves. In alphabetical order, the candidates with their election notes are;

Lynsey (previously Sephton) is 31. She is married to Sean & they have a 2 year old Son. She has lived in Haskayne all her life. Lynsey currently runs Tiny Tigers Playgroup at Haskayne School. Lynsey became Parish Councillor in 2009 so she could help keep our Parish a safe and happy place for us all to live.

Lynsey says, ‘In the next 4 years I’d to give everyone in our Parish the opportunity to have their voices heard by our Parish Council & to help them best I can, and stop speeding cars and bikes travelling through our village.

Bill has lived in West Lancashire for 25 years and been a resident of Barton, in Downholland, for six years. Bill retired from Merseyside police in 1994 with the rank of detective superintendent. He has served on the Parish Council for over twelve months and is a Parish Councillor member of the Standards Committee of West Lancashire Borough Council.

Bill says ‘I’d like to see that a community spirit is maintained in the Parish, that the opinions of all residents are taken into account and that the Parish is well looked after in terms of safety and amenities.’

Owen has lived in Haskayne since 1972. He is long-time member of Downholland Parish Council and a Governor of Haskayne School. He was Chairman of Haskayne and Downholland Community Association when the lottery funding was achieved and the Village Hall built. He is chairman of the parish committee of Our Lady's Church Lydiate. He is the local promoter for the Rural Touring Network, bringing plays and entertainments to the village hall.

Owen says, ‘I’d like to see the preservation of the Green Belt, and Downholland to continue to be a safe and pleasant environment for the people who live and work here.’

Dianne Cull grew up in the village and attended Haskayne School. She was a founder member of the H.D.C.A. which raised the money to build the village hall, and has been the booking secretary since it opened. She has served on the Parish Council since Sept.2007. A particular interest is the children’s play area on the parish field, & she was instrumental in acquiring a piece of early years play equipment which should be in place in the next few weeks.

Dianne says, ‘Over the next term, I’d like to focus on upgrading the rest of the area.’

Norman has lived in Haskayne for 43 years and has been a parish councillor for 8 years. Norman has delivered KIT to Sumner Avenue and Riding Lane for many years He campaigned successfully to have the 315 bus service to Ormskirk reinstated so now local residents can travel directly to Ormskirk.

Norman says ‘I believes that in rural areas public transport is vital and that we are entitled to the same services as other residents of the borough. I’d like to see Downholland remain as it is; a rural area and not part of a bigger authority.

Andrew has lived in Haskayne since 1978 and has been chairman of Downholland Parish council for 16 years. He was a District Councillor on West Lancashire District Council and is a governor of Haskayne School and chairman of PACT. He was a committee member of the HDCA, and was closely involved with the fund raising and building the Village Hall. He currently prepares KIT for publication and distribution to the residents of Downholland.

Andrew says, ‘I’d like to continue to serve our local community, to achieve Quality Parish Council status for Downholland and to refurbish and expand the pavilion.

Peter has lived in Woods Close for 20 years. He earns his living in landscaping/property repairs and has been self-employed for eight years.

Peter says ‘I have never been on the local council before but I would very much like the opportunity to help serve our local community in every way I can.’

Val says ‘I hope if elected that my experiences in life would stand me in good stead to help serve our local community. I count myself lucky to live in such a lovely place and would like to preserve its beauty and heritage whilst promoting the needs and wishes of the community and individuals within it.’

Paul has lived in Downholland since 1986, is married with 2 children who attend local schools, he is a helper and committee member of a local scout troop. Paul has served as a parish councillor for two years having first helped in the development of the parish plan.

Paul says, ‘As a parish councillor I would be working to maintain the community spirit and agricultural heritage of Downholland’

Andrew Johnson, Chairman of Downholland PC ,tells KIT ‘A few weeks ago, I contacted BBC North West‘s ‘The Politics Show’ to highlight the Parish Council’s concern about the delayed Parish Council elections – reported in the last edition of KIT.

The reporters were interested at first, but when they contacted West Lancs. BC were told that there was nothing new about a delayed parish council election and that they were required by law to hold our election three weeks after the General Election.

However they were interested in finding out more about parish council elections and wanted to come to Downholland and talk to us.

So on Thursday 23^rd March Arif Ansari North West Tonight’s politics reporter and his team turned up to meet Bill Coady, Lynsey Blane and me. They interviewed and filmed for over two hours. The result? About three minutes of reporting! But Downholland looked lovely and those who saw it seemed to think we had shown our parish council in a good light, highlighting the importance of public participation in Parish Council meetings, the new CCTV and the speeding on the main roads.

The Parish Council has heard that that some residents with L31 postcodes and 0151 telephone numbers occasionally experience difficulties when contacting the emergency services who may be under the misapprehension that all such addresses are in Merseyside. The Parish Council has written to the police, fire and ambulance services and asked them to draw to the attention of all their officers that a number of dwellings with L31 postcodes and 0151 telephone numbers are in Lancashire

The Parish Council has successfully applied for a grant from West Lancashire Borough Council for a grant to refurbish the car park. The existing kerbstones will be lowered – making them less easy to move and reducing the risk of damage to cars. The rainwater drains need clearing out and work needs to be done to stop rainwater cascading down the steps by the back door of the hall. Work should start soon.

The Zingo Du play equipment reported in the last KIT will be here very soon. The Parish Council consulted a number of parents from Haskayne School before buying it so the climbing wall, slide and other pieces of equipment promise to be real winners with children - and parents

Worried parents and residents of Sumner Avenue approached the Parish Council about the increasing danger of cars travelling too fast around Sumner Avenue. Parish Councillor Lynsey Blane told the council that children have played on the avenue for generations, but with more traffic on the roads, much of it travelling very quickly, the children are now in danger. Lancashire County Council has accepted our request for Children Playing signs to be erected on the Avenue, observing that they are effective in reducing traffic speeds in residential areas. Before they can be put up the signs have to be approved by the police.KIT understands that the request will be considered by the police at a meeting with Lancashire County Council officials in May.

Newly appointed Parish Councillor Lynsey Blane has suggested a new way for you to tell the Parish Council how you feel about it - details below;

It’s good for YOUR Parish Council to know what you like and dislike about the Community. We know not everyone can make it to our meetings (Just in case you can they are the 2nd Tuesday of EVERY Month from 7.30pm) so here’s an easier way to let us know.

If there is a problem within our community, let us know. We may be able to help. If there is something you feel we need in our community, let us know. We may be able to get help.

All you have to do it rip off this page and pop it through the door of any Parish Councillor (names and addresses on KIT’s back page) OR pass it to Ray/Lyn at the News-Agents and we’ll collect them. You can remain anonymous but if you want a reply please give your name & address. If you want it kept private put it in an envelope.

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The school reopened after the Easter break on April 19th. There are 37 children on roll and 3 nursery children now attend our long induction programme in the afternoons. Unfortunately “The Easter Egg Hunt” was rained off prior to the Easter holidays but the children and parents were still able to enjoy Easter related activities that resulted in all children having a chocolate feast. Similarly the friendly football match with Halsall School had to be abandoned because of rain and hailstones. However the children had played fantastically and did not concede a goal. Likewise the children’s participation in the swimming Gala was excellent and although we did not win, all individual children were placed within the first three positions.

To help with further research into creatures living in the rainforest “The Bug Man” visited the school with his enormous “bugs” and the children had the opportunity to study them close up. Some children were even brave enough to handle them carefully. It really brought the rainforest habitat to life. So much so that a giant Rainforest role Play Area has “grown” in the corridor. You are welcome to borrow a machete to get to the Headteacher’s room!

At the beginning of this term we were delighted to welcome “Tiny Tigers” Mother and Toddler group to our school. The new venue gives young children the opportunity to play in our Early Years Play area, spread out in the hall as well as giving mums, dads and friends a chance to have a chat and a drink knowing that their children are playing safely in a bright cheerful environment. It will now be known as Tiny Tigers@ Haskayne School and will run every Monday during term times from 1.30pm until 3.00pm. Please contact the school or Lynsey Blane for more details or you are welcome to just turn up.

Our Year 6 children are working hard in preparation for their SATs assessments in a couple of week’s time. Although all children have worked hard in the run up to SATs, we have still continued to provide our children with a balanced creative curriculum. The whole school recently visited The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool as a starting point for topic work in the Infants. They had the opportunity to study an enormous painting of the city which proved so inspirational that theme has now developed into The Beatles and the Sixties! We plan to take the children back to Liverpool for further research into the Beatles and conclude the topic with a Sixties Disco. Groovy!

With the improved weather we have many outdoor activities planned, some after school and others as part of the curriculum. Apart from the usual football and rounders, we have secured funding to pay for coaching in golf, dance, cricket and Infant multi skills. As part of the Small schools cluster initiative we will be providing Orienteering initially during the day followed by an afterschool club. We hope all children will take the opportunity to participate in these sporting activities and help to improve their physical wellbeing.

The big event of the year, Rose Queen is approaching fast. We have listened to various comments on the location for The Rose Queen Festival and have decided to keep it in the village so that as many people as possible are able to come particularly older people who found the walk down to the school quite difficult. Therefore it will take place on Saturday June 26th at the village hall and parish field. Along with our traditional events, new activities have been planned including a clog dancing display and games. “Liquid Refreshments” will be available for all tastes so it would make a nice change from watching the world cup on telly! It is great to be part of a vibrant community and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. However a big event requires lots of help and planning and we would welcome a few extra helping hands in the week leading up to and including “The Big Day”. It would be great to include people from the community who have not had any prior connections with the school or old friends who would like to become reacquainted. Please give Mrs Williams or Mrs Winrow a call on 0151 526 0614 or pop in at anytime, you will be more than welcome. Even if you cannot help we look forward to seeing you on Saturday June 26th. We will be praying for some decent weather.

Wednesday July 21st Leavers Service St Thomas’s Church followed by party in the Millennium centre

For more information about our school visit our website on www.haskayne.lancs.sch.uk or contact Mrs Williams on 0151 526 0614

Please ring Dianne for details of our next computer courses on 01704 840175. The Computer Suite is also available for private hire.

A friendly group of over 100 members. Regular meetings at Haskayne Village Hall for talks, demonstrations, workshops and parties, on the third Wednesday of the month for much of the year. During the Summer, visits are made to gardens and plant nurseries, both local and further afield. For further information contact Sue Wright, telephone 01704 841370 or email wright@shirdleyhill.fsnet.co.uk

Come and join The Talent Factory at the Village Hall. The place where your performing talents turn into real performing skills. The Talent Factory specialises in singing, acting and movement lessons for young people, all conducted in a fun and friendly atmosphere. So whether you want to perform for pleasure or train for a serious career in performing arts, this is the place for you!

The creator of The Talent Factory is Sharon King, a professional singer. She’s a fully qualified and CRB checked voice teacher and vocal coach to many professional artistes and household names.

Classes are held at Haskayne Village Hall Tuesdays between 4pm and 7pm. Please contact Sharon King for further details on 07842 117495, email sharonking.teach@btinternet.com or check out the website www.thetalentfactory.org

Haskayne Lunch Club is held on the 2^nd and 4^th Friday of every month in the Village Hall. A light lunch of soup, sandwiches and cakes is followed by games, quizzes, activities or a speaker. The cost is £2 per person. New members can be assured of a warm welcome into a friendly group and new ideas or suggestions for activities are always appreciated. Help with getting to the club can be provided for older people with mobility difficulties.

Staff and volunteers from the West Lancashire projects such as Hospital Aftercare, Foot care, Health Trainers, Aerobics and Chair-based exercise will visit the club regularly to keep you in touch with the range of help, support, advice and encouragement available to older people in West Lancashire.

Please check out the Parish Council Website for details of future activities at the Hall on www.downhollandpc.org.uk.

KIT

KIT is an independent publication edited by Veronica Johnson. It is published and funded by Downholland Parish Council.

KIT welcomes contribution by Parishioners which should be sent to

Mrs V A P Johnson 1 Rosemary Lane, Haskayne, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 7JP, or you can email your article, preferably as a ‘Word’ attachment, to andrew.d.johnson@btinternet.com

You can read KIT on line and catch up with Parish News just click onto http://www.downhollandpc.org.uk

The Hall is available for private bookings for children’s parties at £12 per hour. Full kitchen facilities are included. All we ask is that you leave the hall clean, put all tables and chairs away and take your rubbish home.

Evening functions and family parties are welcome. Price on application. We do not have a bar, but an occasional licence can be applied for, or you can bring your own drinks, as long as you don't sell them.

PACT

There is a PACT (Police and Community Together) meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.00pm in Haskayne Village Hall. The first part of the meeting is public so anyone who has a particular issue to bring to the Committee can do so .The meeting will then close to the public, so issues raised from a variety of sources can be discussed and strategies determined

Mrs Jill Cavan, 2 Tarnbeck Drive, Mawdesley, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 2RU Tel 01704 822265