Earlier this year Woodbury Parish Council discussed how they could raise the profile of the Parish Council, highlight and promote other local groups serving the community and reach out residents who may feel isolated. The Annual Parish Meeting seemed the obvious opportunity! This meeting facilitated the community coming together, the opportunity to members of the council as well as each other and representatives from over twenty community groups.

The meeting gave a platform for the local groups to host stalls, with a presentation from a local major landowner, Devon Clinton Estates.  The council thought it would be lovely for the Community to hear about all the work that they do especially with Woodbury Common which they own as well as much of the local land.

At the same time grants from the Community Grant and Coombes Farm Solar Fund were presented, which gave an opportunity for residents to get an insight into how some of the council’s funding is spent and the impact it has on their community.  Nine organisations received grants, which included funding towards setting up a Community Allotment, equipment for the local play park, costs for the Scouts & Guides and to assist the local History Society house records online.

Cllr Cheryl McGauley, Chair at the time commented,

“We are delighted by the success of this year’s Annual Parish Meeting, where over 80 residents came together to engage with local clubs, societies, and the organisations that enrich our community. The presentation by Clinton Devon Estates was particularly insightful, providing valuable perspectives on local initiatives.

We are especially proud to have awarded grants to a number of groups and societies that make a meaningful difference to our residents.

It is this kind of collaboration and community spirit that truly strengthens our parish.”

All councillors and staff attending the evening, which was finished off with cheese and biscuits for all. This inaugural style of event has been hailed a great success.