The following article was prepared for publication in the December 2004 edition of the Dun Valley News.

BROADBAND - What's all the fuss about?

Having had access to Broadband for the last two weeks I can definitely confirm that it's a vast improvement. Following trials in other parts of the Country, British Telecom announced that they would be able to remove the previously imposed distance limits for the provision of ADSL services. The Lockerley exchange was enabled in December last year and the Farley exchange is scheduled for upgrading in April 2005. Whilst BT provide the infrastructure, there are over one hundred Internet Service Providers (ISPs) able to deliver the connectivity.
Trying to decide which ISP to use could be a bit daunting but there is a very helpful Website at www.ADSLguide.org.uk where users report on their experiences of competing ISPs. It's a real self-help community where users and communication engineers will help to resolve each other's broadband problems. Need advice on a particular make of DSL hardware and the chances are that your question will be answered within a few hours.
Once you've decided on your ISP and the type of connection hardware that you're going to use, the next step is to place the order. It should take about 7-10 days for BT to enable the line, once the ISP has given the instruction. That should be enough time to order the hardware and have it delivered. www.eBuyer.co.uk delivered my DSL router ahead of schedule and the line was also enabled sooner than expected. Call if you need some help: Richard on 01794 341405

Parish Council Meetings

The next meeting of West Dean Parish Council is scheduled for Tuesday, 7th December in King George's Hall.
The Agenda will be posted on the Village notice board and at www.sp5.org/wdpc no later than 3rd December.

The next meeting of Grimstead Parish Council is scheduled for Monday, 13th December in East Grimstead Reading Room.
The Agenda will be posted on the notice boards and at www.sp5.org/gpc no later than 9th December..

The following article was prepared for publication in the July/August 2004 edition of the Dun Valley News.

PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER - Active Communities
VOLUNTEERING STRATEGIES - Older and Younger

Members of Central Government believe they understand the motivation needed to inspire 'Active Communities'. They've setup the Russell Commission to examine how to effectively inform their National Youth Volunteering Strategy. This is due to report to the Home Secretary by March 2005.
Older members of communities will be aware of the vital role played by the charity trustee, the school governor, the parish councillor, etc. and welcome an initiative to encourage younger community members to participate.
The following websites should help to inform: csv.org.uk :: homeoffice.gov.uk :: ncvo-vol.org.uk :: wfac.org.uk

BROADBAND - What's all the fuss about? Ref: FARLEY

On 27th April, BT discontinued their pre-registration scheme in favour of a planned roll-out of ADSL Broadband. Farley exchange will soon be enabled. See sp5.org/dvn for news.

VILLAGE NOTICEBOARDS

You don't need an Internet connection to find out what's going on! The Village Noticeboard should be the first port of call for local information. The Local Government Act 1972 s232 directs that statutory public notices be posted in a 'central and conspicuous' place. In the case of Parish Council meetings, three clear days notice must be given. The Act also states that 'such other manner as appears to be desirable for giving publicity to the notice'. If only the Internet could be relied on, sp5.org/swag could provide.

SOUTH WILTSHIRE BUSINESS EXPO 2004

Following last year's successful introduction, Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in conjunction with SpireFM, will be organising this event on 29th September 2004.

The following article was prepared for publication in the May 2004 edition of the Dun Valley News.

THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS starting at 7:00pm
WEST DEAN on 11th May in King George's Hall
GRIMSTEAD on 17th May in West Grimstead Village Hall

This should be one of the most important community events of the year. By virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, each Parish must have a meeting or conference every year between 1st March and 1st June. Parish Councils have more powers than some people realise and the Annual Parish Meeting is the opportunity for all electors to debate and pass resolutions about any parish matter.

An elector who is 18 or over today will be eligible to stand at the next full Parish Council elections in 2007. Central Government is committed to initiating and promoting 'Quality Status' for all Parish Councils and parishioners in West Dean and Grimstead could begin by suggesting an item for debate at their APMs on 11th and 17th May respectively.

Please telephone the Parish Clerk on 01794-341405 before 3rd and 9th May respectively.

BROADBAND - What's all the fuss about? Ref: FARLEY

To those that use the Internet everyday, Broadband makes the Web significantly more useable. For many, it'll be the ability to talk and surf at the same time that will really make the Web useful.

Before British Telecom will consider the Farley exchange for a Broadband upgrade, 100 BT landline customers must register an 'expression of interest'. So far, 59 registrations have been received, with the target likely to be reached by August '04.

Peter Boswell at East Grimstead is the local BT campaigner but anyone can register their interest by calling BT on 0800-800-060 or visit WWW.SP5.ORG.UK/BB

ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS

Both West Dean and Grimstead Parish Councils will hold their Annual meetings following the Annual Parish meetings on 11th and 17th May respectively. Agendas will be posted on the notice boards and at www.sp5.org/swag 3 days before each meeting.

The following article was prepared for publication in the April 2004 edition of Horizon, the Parish Magazine for Bramshaw and Landford with Plaitford Churches.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING on 14th April in LANDFORD VILLAGE HALL at 7:00pm

This should be one of the most important community events of the year. By virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, each Parish must have a meeting or conference every year between 1st March and 1st June. Parish Councils have more powers than some people realise and the Annual Parish Meeting is the opportunity for all electors to debate and pass resolutions about any parish matter.
An elector who is 18 or over today will be eligible to stand at the next full Parish Council election in 2007. All electors can benefit from maintaining a dialogue with the Parish Council.
Central Government is committed to initiating and promoting 'Quality Status' for all Parish Councils and Landford parishioners could begin by suggesting an item for debate on 14th April. Please telephone the Parish Clerk on 01794-341405 before 6th April.

BROADBAND - What's all the fuss about?

To those that use the Internet everyday, Broadband makes the Web significantly more useable. For many, it'll be the ability to talk on the telephone at the same time as viewing a document online that will really make the Web useful.
Before British Telecom will consider the Earldoms exchange for a Broadband upgrade, 150 BT landline customers must register an 'expression of interest'. So far, 97 registrations have been received with the target likely to be reached by July '04.
Adrian Lambert of School Road, Nomansland, is the local BT campaigner and anyone who would prefer to speak to someone local rather than register with BT by dialing 0800-800-060, can call Adrian on 01794-390857 or visit WWW.SP5.ORG.UK/BB

Landford Annual Parish Council Meeting

The annual meeting of Landford Parish Council is scheduled for Wednesday, 12th May in Landford Village Hall. The Agenda will be posted on the notice board and at www.sp5.org/lpc no later than 8th May.

The following article was prepared for publication in the February 2004 edition of the Dun Valley News.

Why it's important to be 'Broadband enabled'.

Gone are the days when living in the country meant being isolated from the outside world. Events around the world have more impact today, locally, than they ever did 100 years ago, or even ten.

The value of rural property has risen out of all proportion to its earning capabilities. High-speed communication is the catalyst that makes the difference between success and failure in a high-speed world. Television can keep you informed about what's going on but in order to interact effectively with others, a broadband connection to the Internet is essential. Nothing new in this you may say! Except that now the cost is minimal...... if your telephone exchange is xDSL enabled that is. But even if it is, you may still live too far away or there might not be enough telephone lines or spare capacity.

Can you be sure that you are not in a disadvantageous situation?

Finding out couldn't be easier than telephoning Richard on 01794-341405

or logging on to WWW.MYEASYBROADBAND.COM

As more and more people begin to realise the importance of having a high-speed connection to their homes demand will rise and those without this capability could find their property harder to sell and suffer a penalty for not being prepared. For most, the initial commitment is minimal, requiring nothing more than the granting of permission to register an interest. Later, a decision to make use of a service would be accompanied by a small monthly fee and this would be subject to a competitive environment. So, make that call now.

Parish Council Meetings

The next meeting of Grimstead Parish Council is scheduled for Monday, 23rd February in West Grimstead Village Hall. The Agenda will be posted on the notice boards and at www.sp5.org/gpc no later than 19th February.

The next meeting of West Dean Parish Council is scheduled for Tuesday, 10th February in King George's Hall. The Agenda will be posted on the notice boards and at www.sp5.org/wdpc no later than 6th February.

Click here for more news published in Parish Newsletters up to December 2003

Click here for more news published in Parish Newsletters up to December 2002

Click here for more news published in the Dun Valley News up to December 2001