North Baddesley Parish Council says farewell to colleagues

In his capacity as a contractor for the past 16 years, Jim has fulfilled the role of groundsman maintaining areas of land at the Recreation Ground, the allotments, Heath Road and Mountbatten Park to a very high standard, often carrying out tasks that are beyond his remit out of goodwill. 

His role has extended to maintaining the sports pavilion, all the recreational facilities and carrying out numerous diverse tasks such as installing several defibrillators. 

Well known throughout the village, Jim has also maintained St John’s churchyard and two war memorials, on behalf of North Baddesley Parochial Church Council and has liaised with local residents, organisations, tradespeople, the police, local schools and councillors. 

Presenting him with a gift voucher at the end of March, the chairman thanked Jim for his outstanding service saying that he has been a huge asset to the community and will be greatly missed. Jim said he had enjoyed his time working for the parish council but was looking forward to his retirement as he planned to move to the West Country and take up farming which he had started as a hobby. Everyone wished him well for the future.

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Rosemary Williams has served as a loyal volunteer for more than 24 years and has managed the tennis courts on behalf of the parish council. Rosemary has been the first point of call for players, handing out keys and net winders, and collecting and banking fees. 

Rosemary has often repaired the tennis court nets, sewing them by hand, and has even occasionally swept leaves from the courts to make them playable. A keen player herself, Rosemary has met many interesting people and has watched generations of families grow up and continue to enjoy the game.

Having been successful in its application, the parish council has received funding from the Lawn Tennis Association and has refurbished its tennis courts, including computerised access gates and an online booking system. 

An official opening ceremony is planned, once the final coat of resin has been applied to the courts in the warmer weather and an access pathway across the field has been installed. Rosemary has been invited to play the first game on the newly refurbished courts.

Presenting her with a bouquet of flowers and a gift voucher, the chairman David Knight thanked Rosemary for all her years of loyal service to the community and said that he hoped she would continue to enjoy playing tennis and to be a vital presence in the village for many years to come.