Not everything in parish council life can wait for the next agenda. In this episode, I share what urgent matters look like in practice, from road collapses and blocked drains to the quick actions councillors sometimes have to take to keep people safe. Parish councils may usually work through meetings and votes, but when something can’t wait, we step in.

Parish councillors are unpaid volunteers who serve for four years at a time, before either standing for re-election or stepping aside for others to get involved.

In this episode, I share what terms of office look like at Checkley Parish Council, how elections and co-options work, and what it means to take on roles like Chair and Vice Chair.

Sustainability is not just about planting trees. For parish councils, it is about making decisions today that still work for the community years from now.

In this episode, I share how we at Checkley Parish Council think long-term, from managing green spaces and reducing costs to supporting environmental projects and local volunteers.

Parish councils are often misunderstood. We do not run everything locally, but we are responsible for more than people realise.

In this episode, I share the key roles and responsibilities we take on at Checkley Parish Council, from managing green spaces and supporting youth work to funding village halls and responding to planning. It is about being the closest link to the community and making sure everyday issues are acted on.

Parish councils aren’t just about meetings and minutes, a huge part of the work is answering everyday questions from residents.

In this episode, I share how queries come in, what kinds of issues we deal with, and how parish councils act as the closest link between the community and local decision-making.

Planning is one of the biggest issues people ask about, but parish councils don’t make the final decision.

In this episode, I explain how we fit into the process as a statutory consultee, what we look for in applications, and how residents’ concerns help shape our responses. From parking and drainage to protecting green space, parish councils play an important part in making sure proposals get proper scrutiny.

Open spaces are more than just grass and benches, they’re where community life happens.

In this episode, I share the role parish councils play in maintaining and protecting places like Jubilee Park, Wentlows Playing Area, Well Meadow Gardens, and Hollington Picnic Area. From safety checks to grant funding, events to everyday upkeep, it’s all part of what keeps these spaces welcoming and safe for everyone.

A Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document that helps shape how land is used in your area. In this episode, I explain how it’s written, who’s involved, and how it gives real power to local voices.

Meetings are where the decisions happen. In this episode, I share what parish council meetings are like, who can attend, and how they shape every action that follows.

Ever heard of a lengthsman? It’s a traditional term for someone who looks after parish-owned land. In this episode, I explain what our lengthsman does, what he doesn’t, and how we co-ordinate his work behind the scenes.