The event saw a strong turnout, with around 40 residents in attendance. The evening marked a significant local milestone, as an Annual Parish Meeting had not been held in the village for several years.
SUTTON-AT-HONE residents gathered at the local library on Thursday evening, May 14th, for the Sutton-at-Hone & Hawley Annual Parish Community Meeting, bringing the locals together for a highly informative event.
Honouring Local Dedication: A central highlight of the night was the presentation of the Kent Association Community Award to local resident Jan Peeling, in recognition of her incredible work for the community. Jan was celebrated for her exceptional commitment to the local children and families. Her contributions include more than three decades of leadership within the Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers, as well as over two decades of devoted service as a childminder in the village.
Historical Insights and Road Safety. The evening featured several notable guest speakers. Anne and Nathalie, representatives from the National Trust, delivered a fascinating presentation on recent archaeological excavations at St John’s Jerusalem. The Parish Council noted that this is a highly important and fascinating local site and expressed gratitude to the Trust for sharing its latest discoveries.
Additionally, Alan, a Speedwatch representative, detailed how the initiative operates and how residents can get involved, noting that active monitoring is highly effective at slowing traffic. Residents who had expressed interest were actively encouraged to volunteer to help make a difference in the community. If you are interested in volunteering in Sutton at Hone and Hawley for the Speedwatch initiative, please contact the Parish Clerk via email: clerk@suttonathoneandhawleyparishcouncil.gov.uk
Looking at broader regional changes, Dartford Councillor George Holt provided an update on the Local Government Reorganisation process. He specifically discussed the English Devolution White Paper, published on December 16, 2024, which details the UK government’s plan to decentralise powers from Westminster to local authorities across England.
Parish Council Progress and Upgrades Parish Council Chair, Cllr Emma Youell, provided an overview of the council’s activities, noting that the past nine months have been a positive and productive period following a previously turbulent time. To strengthen governance, improve administration, and ensure the council is operating properly, the council recently appointed a permanent, full-time Clerk.
Cllr Youell outlined several key projects and community upgrades currently underway:
Parsonage Improvements: The council is prioritising health and safety upgrades to bring the Parsonage Pavilion up to required standards. Furthermore, a partnership with the North West Kent River Partnership is actively improving the adjacent river area. This includes removing invasive species, improving understanding of the river, planting a new hedgerow, and opening up the space for wider use.
Public Space Maintenance: The Community Payback Team has been engaged to enhance public spaces. They have successfully carried out litter picking, strimming, clearing areas, and staining the village’s wooden bus shelters.
Playground Upgrades: The council is addressing the need for replacement playground equipment at Jubilee Field. To ensure the designs meet local needs, the council consulted directly with the primary school’s School Council to gather valuable feedback on what equipment the children would like to see.
Digital Communication: A new, fully compliant and accessible website is scheduled to launch at the end of May to help improve how the council communicates and engages with residents.
For residents who were unable to attend the meeting, a full copy of Cllr Youell’s report is available to read on the Parish Council’s website at www.suttonathoneandhawleyparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Emma Youell
Chair, Sutton at Hone and Hawley Parish Council
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