PARISH COUNCIL: At their January meeting, chaired by Cllr Tony Wilkins, the parish council heard that the county council's rural estates services would be erecting this spring the replacement fence protecting the belt of trees planted on Mabel's Farm land alongside Back Street. The area to be fenced off would be extended to tidy up a corner of the field, with the farmer's agreement.

Dangerous parking at the junction of Middle Street and Front Street was again discussed. It was felt that if the two vehicles belonging to Dumbra could be taken off the road with a new entrance to the property, a possible improvement to the parking might be to create a one-way system round the chestnut tree on Lower Green. The parish council would investigate.

Two new green dog bins would be bought, one for the area by Crab Mill in Grump Street and one for the entrance to the Compton Scorpion Road.

At the recent meeting of the playing field committee, the matter of the bowls club fencing had been discussed, and the parish council had agreed that the present fencing was a potential health and safety hazard. The chairman reported that he had spoken to Mr Richard Adams who had obtained an estimate of £1,290 for netting, which he considered would be adequate for the job. The chairman would speak to Mr Bill Addison of the bowls club about this.

A letter had been received from Mr John Wilber, secretary of the village show committee, asking if there had been any proposals to hold events to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Nothing had been organised to the parish council's knowledge and the subject would be discussed at the annual parish meeting in May. Mr Wilber had suggested a bonfire and fireworks.

A report had been received from Mr Maurice Ribbans on the East of Stratford Bus Users Group. There was a proposal to restore the bus link between Ilmington and Quinton, with two buses each way in the morning. There was a need for a bus for children going to Chipping Campden School, but this was not likely as Ilmington did not fall within the catchment area of Campden. This matter was being pursued.

A letter had been received from the Gloucestershire Housing Association about 8, Cross Leys which was now available, and asking for local nominations for the shared ownership property. There was already one nomination and inquiries were being made about anyone else who might be interested.

A planning application had been received for a double garage and studio above and other alterations to Pembroke House, Grump Street. Councillors heard the property was in a dominant position overlooking the Upper Green, and due to design details did not contribute favourably to the appearance of the conservation area. The present hip roofs did not belong there, and the new proposals are further detrimental to the area's appearance. The hip roofs to the garage and dormers, the bay window and the row of window panes replacing two of the present dormers, were not acceptable. The Catholic Church and Presbytery were at a lower level, and the space around them was important to their setting. Concern had also been expressed that vehicles would be turning about six feet above and close to the retaining wall of the Presbytery garden. This proposed development would be bulk and massing development and would compromise the amenities of neighbouring properties. The parish council would therefore recommend refusal of the application.

Cllr Sabin asked if the parish council had had any say in the siting of the Cotswold AONB marker stones. The chairman reported that the general areas had been agreed, but that the exact siting depended on the location of electricity and water services. There had been complaints about the siting of the stone on the Stratford Road because it was dangerously close to the edge of the road and would make mowing of the verge difficult. The chairman agreed to ask if it could be moved two metres back from the road.

BURNS NIGHT: Burns Night came to Ilmington a few days after the official date but it was none the less traditional for more than 70 guests. Robert Gardner piped in the haggis which had come from the celebrated Macsweens of Edinburgh. The haggis and the memory of Robbie Burns were addressed by Irene Bird. After the meal prepared by the ladies of the village the evening continued with traditional dancing with Dee Chapman from Stratford as caller.

The music was provided throughout the evening by David Bradley on his accordion. Sara Hobson sang several folk songs from over the border.

The evening ended with Auld Lang Syne - sung and danced in the correct manner. Irene and Dickie Bird were thanked for organising the evening.