Surgery
At any time by prior arrangement
Given that Highclere and Bourne ward is ten miles across and our population widely scattered, it seems inappropriate to hold regular 'surgery' sessions.
Instead, I'm available to any resident by appointment, either at my home, or at yours, at the Council offices or at some other mutually convenient place.
I also attend most Parish Council meetings, see below.
Council Events
Council, Cabinet and Committee meetings
Let me know of matters on which you'd like me to act . . .
If you want me to speak or act on your behalf let me know - cllr.h.mitchell@basingstoke.gov.uk.
I attend all full Council meetings and meetings of the Scrutiny Committee, the Learning, Skills and Education Committee, and Development Control, on each of which I'm a member. I usually attend Cabinet meetings to address issues related to my ward or my 'Forward Planning' portfolio. For dates and venues see the main Council website.
I attend other Committee, panel etc meetings when there is an agenda item that appears to affect the interests of people in the Highclere and Bourne ward, or where a wider policy being discussed seems likely to have an adverse impact in the borough.
Council and Committee meetings are webcast - see the Council's website.
Development Control Committee
If you need my help with making, supporting or opposing a planning application
I'm currently a member, but I always aim to attend when there is a controversial application in my Ward or when asked to do so by a resident or a parish council - let me know - cllr.h.mitchell@basingstoke.gov.uk.
Please note that on current applications I cannot express a view until the matter goes to committee, by when I will have had the opportunity to hear all the evidence and opinions. However this doesn't stop me from advising local people whether you are an applicant or an objector.
If you have strong feelings about an application you should also talk to your parish council (and, in or near Highclere, the Highclere Society).
Other Events
Parish Council Meetings
I try to attend all meetings - see their websites (in my Links page)
I attend meetings of Parish Councils in my Ward whenever possible, for details see their websites (in my Links page). Often a parish meeting clashes with a Basingstoke Committee meeting, but when not able to attend I provide a report on my activities and current issues.
Local events - Highclere and Bourne Ward
Let me know of events you are planning!
I try to attend as many social and community events as I can - email or phone me to let me know if you'd like me to attend an event you are planning. I also help maintain the Highclere website.
Church Services
Preaching and Leading Services
As a Licensed Reader I regularly lead services and/or preach at Highclere, Ashmansworth and Crux Easton parish churches. For details see the Highclere and District website (in my Links page).