A white Christmas and what a thrill for our children and those grown-ups who simply haven’t grown up, and although we didn’t have as much snow as other areas I’ve never seen as many snowmen for over twenty years.

Then just when you think Spring may be around the corner, bulbs sprouting through, the occasional lamb …….. more snow! But spare a thought for Catherine our Chairperson who is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Scope, enduring temperatures as low as -25C and thin air – excellent effort for a very worthwhile charity, well done.

I’d like to welcome Mrs Sam Gilling our latest Parish Councillor, who has immediately gone on the offensive with Lancashire County Council in an effort to reduce the speed limit along the Avenue. With your support as well as Catterall Parish Council and Kirkland and Catterall St. Helens School I think a positive outcome is on the cards.

Replacement of our ageing play area at the Memorial Hall has been given a recent boost, with all our village organisations now working collaboratively toward gaining funding. This is not something which can be quickly resolved, but the dedicated team involved are making every effort.

Based on last years proactive comments and gigantic home-grown displays are you ready for "The Return of Helianthus".

Yes, watch this space for Churchtown’s Sunflower Extravaganza, coming to a flower pot near you!!!

There are three tiers of local government with areas of responsibility in Kirkland –
Lancashire County Council,
Wyre Borough Council and
Kirkland Parish Council.

Five local residents serve as Councillors on Kirkland Parish Council. They are all volunteers and receive no pay for the work they do on behalf of the Parish. Besides attending the bi-monthly meetings and those of the Councils Committees, many of the Parish Councillors represent the Council on outside bodies as the voice of Kirkland. Many devote much of their spare time to matters that affect the residents’, they are never ‘off duty’ and encourage residents to talk to them about the issues which impact on their lives. Elections to serve as a Parish Councillor are held every four years.

The Precept is part of your Council Tax bill that all households receive. The Parish Council has the power to raise the money it needs to provide services in Kirkland Parish through the precept but the Councillors always have regard for the impact of the Council Tax on the people who live in Kirkland.

The itemised precept for the year 2010 – 2011 is;

The precept is the amount needed to carry out the specified work above.

Estimated Income £ 1,959.89

Estimated Payments £10,020.00

If you would like to include any notices for your organisation in the Parish Newsletter please could you inform the clerk by May 1st for the Summer edition?

A series of community events to inform local residents about the study and provide information on affordable housing have been arranged. Displays and housing advice will be available from Wyre Borough Council, Housing Associations with properties in rural Wyre and arc4. The events will run from 3-7pm and are open to all residents in rural Wyre. Dates and locations of the events are:

The Clerk has an office in Catterall Village Hall. Residents are welcome to view planning applications in Kirkland or to discuss issues to be raised with the Councillors about concerns in the Parish.

Clerk to Kirkland Parish Council

Gillian Benson

C/o 57, Hamers Wood Drive,

Catterall,

Garstang, PR3 1YN Tel; 600689