Opening of Refurbished Pétanque Court

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the newly refurbished Pétanque court, a facility that promises to bring the community together in the spirit of fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Located in the heart of Lymington, the court terrain is now fully accessible to residents and visitors alike, offering a year-round opportunity to enjoy this popular and inclusive sport.

The Lymington Pétanque Club, which now boasts over 50 active members, has already embraced the refurbished court. Their league team, The Lymington Lobsters, has recently joined the New Forest league and is competing regularly, showcasing the skill and sportsmanship of our local players. The club is known for its welcoming atmosphere, encouraging new members of all ages and abilities to join in or simply have a go at the game.

The court terrain is a hive of activity throughout the year. During the summer months, you can find the Lymington Pétanque Club members enjoying friendly matches on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. From October to March, the sessions start half an hour earlier at 1:30 PM to make the most of the winter sunshine. Additionally, the University of the Third Age (U3A) holds their sessions every Thursday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, further enhancing the social and recreational value of this beloved game in our community.

Lymington and Pennington Town Council is proud to support the local community with this facility and encourages everyone to make use of the pétanque court. Whether you're an experienced player or a complete beginner, the court offers a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors.

"We are thrilled to see the pétanque court which has recently been refurbished by the Town Council, bringing joy to so many in our town," said Jack Davies, Mayor. "It's a wonderful space for both residents and visitors to engage in a sport that is both fun and accessible. We look forward to seeing the court busy with activity throughout the year."

Les Mondry-Flesch, chair of the club, expressed enthusiasm about the recent upgrades: “Having secured funding from Sport England to further enhance the facilities we were able to commission the new shelter for protection during inclement weather and portable floodlights, which have made it possible for us to join the local league. New paving has made access far better for our members and enhanced the playing environment.”

For more information about the Lymington Pétanque Club and how to get involved, please visit https://www.lymingtonpetanque.co.uk

Successful "Wild Play" Event Engages Pennington Community in Celebrating Local Wildlife and the New Forest National Park

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The New Forest National Park Authority is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the "Wild Play" event held on August 15th at Pennington Common. This drop-in event was designed to educate and engage local residents and families from Pennington and the surrounding areas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the New Forest National Park and the wildlife that thrives right on their doorstep.

The event featured the National Park Authority's mobile information and display vehicle, which served as the central hub for attendees to learn about the natural beauty and ecological importance of the area. In addition, a variety of guided and self-guided activities were offered, providing fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. These activities included:

  • Mud Kitchen Play Area: A hands-on experience that delighted younger attendees as they explored and created with natural materials.

  • Wildlife/Bug Hunting: An activity that encouraged families to discover and learn about the smaller creatures inhabiting Pennington Common.

  • Bird Watching: Participants had the opportunity to observe and identify local bird species, enhancing their understanding of the area's avian life.

  • Nature Scavenger Hunt: A self-guided adventure that led explorers through the common, uncovering the natural treasures of the environment.

  • Coloring and Paper Craft Activities: Creative stations where children expressed their love for nature through art.

  • Wooden Pole/Tarpaulin Den Building: A collaborative and imaginative activity where families built their own woodland shelters.

The Wild Play event was free to attend, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community. It successfully brought together local residents to celebrate the unique natural environment of Pennington Common and the broader New Forest National Park. The positive feedback from attendees highlighted the event's success in promoting environmental education and community engagement.

This event follows similar successful activity days previously held at Bartley Park in Totton and Stanford Rise Green in Sway.

All images credited to “New Forest National Park Authority”

NF1121 - Lower Pennington Lane, Pennington - Carriageway Resurfacing Works - Night Working Advance Notification

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 Message from Hampshire Highways

As part of the annual Planned Maintenance programme, we will be undertaking carriageway resurfacing in Lower Pennington Lane, Pennington, from the junction of Ridgeway Lane, including into Ridgeway Lane, to 70m past the entrance to Hurst View caravan site.

The works are programmed to start mid-October 2024 and are expected to last for up to 10 nights, during which time the road will be closed to traffic between the hours of 20:00 to 06:00 hrs. The road will be open outside of these hours and at weekends.

Prior to the resurfacing, we will be carrying out preparatory works which will be programmed from mid- September 2024, some of which will be carried out at night.

As a resident/business, you are receiving this letter to inform you that, due to the close proximity of your property to the works, you are within an area which may experience some noise disturbance overnight.  We are aware of the issues created by night working and will endeavour to keep noise levels reduced whenever possible.

Approximately 2 weeks prior to works commencing, you will receive a further letter confirming the full programme and working hours.

Pedestrian access will be available at all times.

Picnic in the Park success!

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Lymington, August 5, 2024 – Lymington and Pennington Town Council is delighted to announce the resounding success of this year's "Picnic in the Park," held on Sunday, August 4th. The event drew impressive crowds who gathered to enjoy a day of community spirit, live entertainment, and engaging activities at the town's picturesque Woodside Park.

From the outset, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as families, friends, and visitors flocked to the park. Attendees were treated to a lineup of live music acts which kept spirits high throughout the day. The vibrant sounds created a perfect backdrop for the many activities and stalls spread across the event grounds.

A highlight for many was the traditional sports day races for children, which saw enthusiastic participation and joyful competition. The annual dog show also drew considerable attention, showcasing a variety of breeds and talents, much to the delight of the spectators.

Local food and craft producers were on hand, offering an array of delicious treats and unique handmade items. From gourmet snacks to exquisite crafts, there was something to satisfy every taste and interest. The event also provided an excellent platform for the wonderful local charities which actively contribute to the community, giving them the opportunity to connect with the public and raise awareness about their causes.

“Picnic in the Park has once again demonstrated the incredible community spirit we have here. It’s wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. We are grateful to all the volunteers, performers, and participants who made this event possible.”
— Councillor Jack Davies, Town Mayor of Lymington and Pennington

For those looking to try something new, the introduction sessions for Petanque and Croquet were a big hit. Expert members from the local clubs offered tuition, allowing many attendees to experience these classic games for the first time. The sessions were met with enthusiasm and curiosity, adding an educational and interactive element to the day's festivities.

The Town Council extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making "Picnic in the Park" a memorable occasion. The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback underscore the importance of such community events in fostering togetherness and joy.

Feedback from local resident “What a joyful occasion this was! Very well organised, ample parking lovely music and a happy community atmosphere. Thank you so much.”

As the sun set on a day filled with laughter, music, and camaraderie, plans are already in motion for the annual Christmas light switch on taking place on Friday 29th November 2024, promising even more excitement and community engagement.

“What a joyful occasion this was! Very well organised, ample parking lovely music and a happy community atmosphere. Thankyou so much.”
— Event visitor

Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)

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26 June 2024

Annual Governance & Accountability Return

The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures.

Each year, the Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council.  For the year 2023/24 Hampshire County Council were appointed under the operational name of Southern Internal Audit Partnership.

The Council is also required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.

A summary of this year’s audit process is detailed below, together with copies of the relevant documents.

Year Ending 31st March 2024

The Council’s Financial Statements and Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) submission for the year-ending 31st March 2024 had been checked by Southern Internal Audit Partnership and subsequently approved by the Full Council at its meeting held on 19th June 2024.

The completed AGAR, together with the relevant supporting documentation, has now been submitted to the external auditor, BDO LLP who are required to complete their review by 30th September 2024.

Following this submission, Lymington and Pennington Town Council are publishing the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of the Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return along with sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR –Annual Governance Statement 2023/24 (Section 1) and Accounting Statements 2023/24 (Section 2) with the Summary of Your Rights stating that any person interested has a right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the 2023/24 Financial Year. This will run for a period of six weeks commencing on 27th June 2024 to 7th August 2024. Any person who wishes to review the documentation is advised to contact the Responsible Finance Officer.

BDO LLP are due to complete their audit of the AGAR for 2023/24 by the 30th September 2024.  The report will be published soon after with the audited AGAR being available for public access for a period of not less than 5 years from the date of publication stated above.

Woodside Picnic in the Park

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Lymington and Pennington Town Council and Lymington Community Centre have come together again to welcome everyone to this FREE family summer event on Sunday 4th August at Woodside Park, Lymington called “Woodside Picnic in the Park”.

 

Live music will be strumming throughout the day, with 2 sessions of a fun dog show, a sports day for all ages and abilities, kiddies funfair, 2 bird display sessions and an array of market stalls. Bring your own picnics are welcomed, but an array of hot and cold food and drinks will be on site for those who wish to just turn up and enjoy the day. If you are interested in having a market stall, please email marketing@lymingtoncommunity.com in the first instance.

 

Free carparking is available off Ridgeway Lane.

The events starts at 11am and will finish at 4pm.

22/11424 - SS6 Land EAST OF LOWER PENNINGTON LANE, PENNINGTON, LYMINGTON SO41 8AN

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22/01024OUT - LAND EAST OF LOWER PENNINGTON LANE, LYMINGTON, SO41 8AN

 

At the Planning Committee Meeting held on January 17th January 2024 applications relating to the strategic site ‘SS6’ were deferred, pending further consultee responses.

 

The applications will be discussed by the Town Council Planning Committee at a later date, when responses are received, before going to NFDC Committee.   

HCC Update on Avenue Road Crossing

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Hampshire County Council have been trying to recruit a replacement School Patrol but, so far, have not had any interest in the post.

 

There are ongoing discussions at Hampshire County Council to improve the road safety for the school.  Cllr Dunning, the Hampshire County Councillor, has confirmed funding sources are being obtained and there is a high degree of certainty that the delivery of an item of infrastructure will result.

Citizen of the Year Award

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At the last Council meeting on Wednesday 13 December, The Lymington and Pennington Citizen of the Year Award for 2023 went to Stephen Green for his work with the New Forest Litter Pickers.

 

A special mention to the other nominees Carole Nash, Tracy Robertson and Fiona Anderson for all the work they do in the Community.

Citizen of the year winner for 2023 - stephen green