Thank you to all who attended the Annual Village Meeting on Tuesday 15th April. As with previous years, the Annual Village Meeting was a wonderful reminder of the all the projects and activities that take place in the village and how blessed we are to have a dedicated community that makes North Waltham the vibrant and welcoming parish that it is.
A summary of updates from the various village organisations at the meeting are as follows:
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – Leader, Cllr Paul Harvey reported on local planning developments, noting increased housing targets for the borough and the proposed delay of the new hospital until 2037. He also provided an update on local government reorganisation.
- North Waltham Parish Council – Chairman, Cllr Robert Cooper, reflected on a busy year with focus on planning, tree and pond maintenance. The village pond renovations are underway, and initial steps to progress this have been taken. Financially, the Parish Council started the year with £60,657 and ended with £63,589, with earmarked reserves primarily allocated for the pond renovation and maintenance. The precept remains unchanged for 2025/26. A key focus for the Parish Council moving forward will be to continue their lobbying efforts to preserve North Waltham’s Strategic gap. The Parish Council are in ongoing dialogues with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on this and welcome resident input as part of a working group on this matter.
- The Police reported a marked reduction in rural crime, although staffing remains stretched.
- The Village Trust celebrated the addition of new playground equipment, successful community events, and is now transitioning to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to modernise its governance.
- North Waltham Primary School shared positive news on leadership and academy conversion progress, despite ongoing financial pressures, and praised the dedication of staff and support from the Friends of the School.
- St Michael’s Church gave thanks for the community’s warmth as Rev. Tim Bell prepares for retirement.
- The Village Charity Trust raised funds through community events and contributed to both the school and park improvements.
The Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers of the various community groups and organisation in North Waltham for their continued support to the village.
