Amanda Kingston

With a new year, comes new hope, buoyed by the news of the Oxford vaccine which promises so much to so many when we need it most. The celebration is, however, dampened by the announcement of a new and more virulent strain of Covid 19 and our being placed in Tier 4. Whilst it brings new restrictions to us all, just when we feel we are perhaps at breaking point, hope shines on the horizon. As you will see below, we are now entering the period of Epiphany, a celebration for the life of Jesus and the arrival of the Magi.
That said, it is our duty to do all we can to continue to protect all those in our community. We have therefore decided, with great regret, to suspend ALL services at Christ Church Hilderstone for the month of January. We will, of course, continue to monitor the situation and keep you posted and we greatly look forward to the day when we can all meet again and celebrate the blessing of our wonderful community here in Hilderstone.

A Celebration of Epiphany at Christ Church Hilderstone
Wednesday 6th January 2021
At a time when there seems so little to celebrate, we have Epiphany, which is the celebration of the arrival of the Magi, or Three Wise Men, to the stable where Jesus was born. Also known as the 12th Day of Christmas, this very special event in the Church’s calendar marks a time of hope and joy. Rev’d Marion Reynolds had hoped to mark this occasion with a special service but sadly we have had to cancel our plans.
On behalf of all at Christ Church, we wish you all a Happy New Year and hope you, like us, celebrate this Epiphany with those you love, and those who love you.
Christ Church Hilderstone PCC

The latest edition of the Hilderstone Magazine is now available!  This winter special edition is packed full of useful information and stories from our community, about our community and all the good and uplifting things that have been going on.

https://hilderstone.org.uk/about-the-parish/parish-magazine/

Residents will need to sign up if they want to continue receiving the brown bin garden waste collection service from January 1.

You may be aware that around 65% of local authorities across the country already charge their residents for this. Collecting garden waste is not a statutory service – and last year Stafford Borough Council announced that unfortunately they would have to introduce a £36 annual charge for households who wanted to continue with the brown bin service.

Stafford Borough Council has been commended for the way it has managed its finances. But there is no escaping the very real financial pressures that local authorities are facing – and this has now been amplified with the response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The money raised from the collection of garden waste will help with these budgetary pressures and therefore protect other essential services to residents.

Stafford Borough Council Information flyer

Hilderstone Parish Council is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual for the varied role of Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer.   The closing date for applications is 29^th November 2020

The role requires the post holder to provide administrative support, to advise the Council in legal decision making and to manage all finances including payroll and accounts including ensuring compliance with internal and external audit.

This is a part time position for 5 hours per week (21.67 a month) Salary SCP 13 – 17 NJC pay scale’s £11.76 – £12.73 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

The position is working from home.  A laptop computer is provided.

The successful candidate will be expected to attend Parish Council meetings every month on the fourth Wednesday of the month and additional ad hoc meetings as required.

For a full job description, person specification and application form, please contact Amanda Kingston, Parish Clerk at clerk@hilderstone.staffslc.gov.uk no CV’s please.

For further information about the Parish Council please visit www.hilderstone.org.uk   or call the Parish Clerk on 01785 661550

The first four months data have been downloaded from the Speed Indicator Device at Eastholme.  The documents can be accessed by clicking the links at the bottom of this article.

If you would like any further information, please contact the Parish Clerk at clerk@hilderstone.staffslc.gov.uk

Speed Statistics 14th July to 14th August 2020

Speed Statistics 15th August to 14th September 2020

Speed Statistics 15th September to 14th October 2020

Speed Statistics 15th October to 14th November 2020

Hilderstone Parish Council are pleased to report that a new Speed Indicator Device has been installed at Eastholme.  The Parish Council have purchased the device using grant funding from the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership.  It is very much hoped this device will slow  the speed of traffic entering our village, making our roads safer for those living nearby.

The device also records the speed of all vehicles which pass it.  The data will be downloaded monthly and the reports will be published on the website.  The data will help determine any patterns and build an evidence base of traffic speed in the area.  It is hoped this data will help the Parish Council work with Staffordshire County Council and the Police to improve the safety of our roads.