Week beginning July 29th 2002

Jubilant villagers in Paull are celebrating the reprieve of the village's Primary School, which had been under threat of closure following the resignation of the Head Teacher. The campaign to save the school, automatically reviewed when the Head resigned, has been hard fought and despite indications to the contrary in other local newspapers, has had the full support of local ward councillors from the county council. At the council meeting at County Hall, Beverley, on Monday, the public gallery was packed with villagers who were prepared to continue the fight if necessary. However, the five executive committee members, having heard how the school is so important to the community as a whole, and having been told that the reports of concerns about educational standards were incomplete, biased and at times completely untrue, took the view that Paull School IS worth saving and voted unanimously against proceeding any further with the proposed closure. There was stunned silence, followed by tears, cheers and applause when the decision was announced, and the village is still celebrating! (A more detailed report of the Council meeting can be downloaded by right-clicking here and selecting "Save Target As...")

Just before the all-important council meeting, Paull school's summer gala was held in appalling weather conditions, but despite the wind and rain saw an excellent turnout of villagers. Every available garden gazebo had been pressed into action and the Holderness Ranger Guide unit had lent their largest tents, so as much of the entertainment as possible was held under cover. The final sum raised is in the region of £2,800, with some donations still coming in, and if promised match-funding is forthcoming will provide an excellent lump sum in the school fund for the new head teacher to work with when she takes over in September.

The Mayoress of Hedon, Mrs. Julie Marshall, invites everyone to the Town Hall, St. Augustine's Gate, Hedon, at 2.30p.m. on Friday August 2nd to hear "Deprivations In The Desert," personal experiences recalled by Hazel Armstrong, followed by Afternoon Tea and a raffle. Tickets are £3 and are available from the Town Hall (tel. 01482 890365) or "Sungate," Church Lane. All proceeds will go to the Mayor's Charity.

Hedon Golden Jubilee Committee invite all Senior Citizens to a Variety show and tea to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Come and join them in the Alexandra Hall on Saturday August 10th from 2.30p.m until 8p.m. (tea will be served at 4.30p.m.) The entertainment will include music, comedy, singing and general variety acts, and will be followed by a Jubilee quiz or Bingo. There will be no charge, and tickets are available either from the Town Hall on St. Augustine's Gate or from Hedon Post Office in the Market Place.

Hedon Allotments : due to lack of demand for allotment plots on the Far Bank site it is the intention of Hedon Town Council to reappropriate the land to a grassed area. Any objections should be made in writing to The Town Clerk, Town Hall, St. Augustine's Gate, Hedon HU12 8EX no later than August 9th 2002.

Hedon's branch of the Holderness Volunteer Centre closed on Friday July 26th due to lack of funding. The Centre has been a useful resource for the people of the area and its loss is much regretted. Until this week, the Centre has also been the drop-off point for people wishing to submit items for this column by hand, and its closure left a gap in this service. Fortunately, the Red Cross have very kindly agreed to step into the breach and from now on any items for this column can be left for me to collect at the Red Cross Charity Shop, St. Augustine's Gate, Hedon or I can of course also be contacted by phone or email.