FELPHAM PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2025/2026
Over the past year it has been an absolute honour and privilege to have been the Chairman of such a forward thinking council through its 3rd year of the current administration.
We have increased public communication via social media and made the council more accessible and approachable throughout the process.
This year I have continued to concentrate on expanding and building our reputation and relationships with our other local parishes, authorities and organisations. I believe this has enabled us to strengthen our bonds and increased partnership working.
Planning Committee – Chair Glen Hewlett, Vice Chair Graham Page
Under the direction of Cllr Glen Hewlett the planning committee has continued to scrutinise planning applications through the parish ensuring that any plans are in keeping with our beautiful village and not detrimental to the wonderful street scene we have.
Glen and Vice Chair Cllr Graham Page make a formidable team who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Felpham Parishioner’s views are voiced at various meetings across the year.
Changes to planning policies this coming year will mean their experience and knowledge will be invaluable.
Allotments and Open Spaces – Chair Bob Budd, Vice Chair Pat Young
The A&OS committee have continued over the year to manage our wonderful allotments spaces with Felpham (St Michaels’s and FAGS). We have continued to improve security at St Michael's meaning that once again unauthorised access and crime has been drastically reduced.
This year sees the 50th Anniversary of FAGS and in conjunction with the FAGS committee FPC will be unveiling a commemorative plaque and bench.
The committee also oversaw the planting of new trees along residential verges in the parish.
Finance Committee – Chair Glen Hewlett, Vice Chair Gloria Moss
Under the guidance of Cllr Hewlett the Finance committee has continued to show due diligence and good practices when dealing with parishioner’s precept. Glen has been able to make changes to various budgets to ensure that we continue to be financially responsible. The committee has made savings and cuts to some budgets this year without affecting delivery or quality of service. The previous installation of solar panels is now cutting bills by a substantial amount. We have managed to continue to make small grants to local charities and clubs to ensure that they can continue to serve our wonderful community. The grants committee continue to meet quarterly meaning that grants are made throughout the year rather than annually giving those clubs and community projects access to funding sooner rather than later. Nearly half of the councillors, including myself, still decline to take any councillor allowances.
This means that we have been able to donate our allowances to good courses throughout Felpham including support for local clubs, a Christmas Day lunch for vulnerable people, Carers club, Animal rescue, and many more.
Projects and Community Involvement Committee – Chair Kirsty Halls, Vice Chair Emma Aylward
This committee has worked tirelessly to bring events and projects to the residents of Felpham.
The ‘Fun On The Prom’ event continues to be the biggest annual event in Felpham attracting residents and visitors to the area in the thousands. Unfortunately, due to bad weather and winds the event had to be cancelled before the evening entertainment. However, this year we have decided to move the event to King George V park giving us a larger area so we increase what we can offer on the day. In addition to the live entertainment and stalls we also plan to have a vintage and classic car show and a steam railway. Once again in conjunction with public feedback and a ‘greener’ future we will continue to use Laser displays rather than fireworks.
October once again saw our unique ‘FREAKY FELPHAM’ event for the 3rd year. The event has proved so popular that we have had to split the day into three separate sessions including a session for under 5s. Tickets were available to residents free of charge. A total of 500 tickets were collected within just 1 week. This year saw hundreds of people, adults and children, dress up and walk through our wonderful village celebrating Halloween. Children were asked to collect and solve clues on their route finally leading them to a wonderful, themed party at the end. Thanks to many volunteers and Councillor Involvement this event remains a free event. The feedback again was humbling, and it now seems the wish of residents this is now cemented as an annual event in Felpham’s calendar. Freaky Felpham will take place again this coming year to support families and children throughout the parish, creating a safe, fun, and free organised event.
This year also saw the co-option of 3 new councillors meaning that the council is at the full strength of 16.
A special mention must be made to our outstanding Clerk and RFO, Nicola Meaney and Doug Millen. Their dedication, support and knowledge is without doubt exceptional. I would like to quote from a recent audit which remarked “The processes and procedures together with own built in controls are robust, strictly followed and in many respects a model of good practice.”
Once again, thank you Felpham for being the most amazing, caring and thoughtful parish. A wonderful place to live.
It has been an honour to serve you for a third year.
Russ Marsden-Sear
Chairman of Felpham Parish Council