PARISH COUNCIL: The retiring chairman, coun Ann Herbert, opened the first meeting of the new parish Council. The council nominated and elected coun Trish Hayes as chairman and coun Allen Firth as vice-chairman. A proclamation of thanks was given to the retiring chairman and also to coun Gaden for their many years of dedicated service to the council and the parish. It was noted that there would be a village clean up to be held on Saturday, in preparation for the first round of judging for the Best Kept Village Bledisloe cup competition. The next meeting of the council is on June 2 and parishioners are invited to attend.