Annual Report
Message from the Chair from the Annual Parish Assembly held on 12 May 2025.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow residents, councillors, and staff,
Welcome to our Annual Parish Meeting. It is a pleasure to gather here today as we reflect on the past
year and look forward to the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our parish.
As we know Hound Parish is a truly special place, situated beautifully between the historic ruins of Netley
Abbey and the expansive Royal Victoria Country Park. It is known as a friendly and happy community,
with so much to offer both residents and visitors alike. Our Parish Council is made up of 12 dedicated and
talented residents who volunteer their time and effort as Parish Councillors along with the very
Professional Parish staff, which make up an exceptional Parish Council Team of which I am very proud
and we are very lucky to have.
The past year has presented some challenges from the unexpected resignation of our previous Parish
Clerk (David Nevin) - (who I would like to thank for his 8 years with the Parish Council) and the ensuing
transitional period until we welcomed our new Parish Clerk and Deputy Clerk. The impact of these
challenges were professionally managed with the support of the talents of the Hound Parish Team, with
special recognition to Shirley Young (Chair of HR), the HR Committee, Cllr Jules Bennett, The Finance
Committee and Christine Carr our new Parish Clerk for their professionalism and dedication to the cause.
Looking back, we can see the breadth of work undertaken by your council. Through the various
committees, including Planning, Finance, IT, HR & Health and Safety, and the Allotment Working Group,
we address the diverse needs of our parish. We have maintained our commitment to transparency and
public participation, ensuring that Parish Council meetings are open to everyone, providing a crucial
platform for parishioners to voice issues, concerns, or provide feedback.
The Parish Council continues to lead in this area with the availability and transparency around Council
meetings with live transmission on our YouTube channel. The dedication of our staff and volunteer
councillors is evident in the fact that we have not cancelled a scheduled meeting in over five years, a
testament to their commitment.
We have continued to deliver a calendar of events, aiming to create a vibrant atmosphere and increase
feelings of inclusion among residents. From events like Hound in Bloom and the Sunflower Competition to
seasonal activities such as Light Up Netley, Carols around the tree and Christmas Trivia Walks, these
initiatives are vital in fostering community spirit. We also continue to work on enhancing our local facilities,
exploring proposals for improvements to recreational areas like Butlocks Heath,The Cricket Field and
Station Road Recreation Grounds. We have recently enjoyed VE Day, I look forward to the first Netley
10k road race on Sunday 18th May and the return of the Summer Fayre to the Cricket field on Saturday
21st June, these events don’t just happen and as such I would like to extend a personal thank you to the
entire Hound Parish Team, staff and councillors for delivering such excellent events.
We have also introduced and had the great pleasure of awarding the Hound Medal to some very
deserving members of the community (Stan & Betty Newell, Lynda Crotty, Maureen Queen & Phil
Williams) and look forward to receiving nominations from the residents of the Parish for our future
community champions.
As we look to the future, our focus is clear, guided by key areas identified to enhance our community
further.
Firstly, our commitment is to fostering a Safe & Healthy Community. This involves collaborating with other
service organisations, like Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire Police, to improve community
safety and effectively disseminate information. We aim to improve community cohesion and quality of life
through targeted support and activities. We are also exploring ways to provide new residents with
essential information about the council, amenities, and services.
Secondly, we are dedicated to creating a Protected & Enhanced Environment. This includes developing
an Environmental Strategy. We strive towards delivering cleaner air for the parish and are looking at ways
to support sustainable travel by working with local groups and schools. We also remain focused on
upgrading and improving facilities in our public realm based on community feedback and addressing
issues like parking and pavement parking.
Thirdly, we are committed to Positive & Respected Leadership. This includes continually reviewing and
enhancing our community grant scheme to better support local objectives. A key focus is on enhancing
communications and community engagement, considering initiatives like enhancing digital
communications whilst ensuring traditional forms of communications are maintained where possible for
those members of the community that rely on them. We believe strongly in robust fiscal management and
accountability, public consultation on projects affecting the parish and prioritising councillor surgeries to
improve cohesion. Internally, we are committed to upholding professional and performance standards,
providing staff and councillor development and wellbeing support.
On top of this we will be managing the ongoing progress of devolution and looking to protect Parish
assets.
I believe that to make a difference, you have to get involved. Your participation, whether by attending
meetings, joining consultations, volunteering, or simply engaging with your neighbours, is what makes our
community thrive.
Thank you to our dedicated Parish Councillors for their service. Thank you to our staff for their hard work
and professionalism. And most importantly, thank you to the residents of Hound Parish for your active
involvement and support.
Together, we can continue to build upon the foundations of our friendly and happy community, working
towards the goals that will ensure Hound remains a wonderful place to live for years to come.
