17th January 2009
Members of the Steering Committee have managed to whittle the questions down to 65 - yes, 65! The starting point was the study of successful models used in similar-sized villages elsewhere. A framework was then established and tailored to the Eversdens. Making sure the questions were in a format that the available software could "read" was a major headache for the designers. The software analyses the returns and does the number-crunching. The questionnaire is now complete and has been neatly packaged. The aim has been to make it user-friendly - but human nature being what it is, there are sure to be some misunderstandings. The Steering Committee has done its best!

The next task is to get the questionnaire to the printer. All being well it will be put through every letterbox in the Eversdens in the week beginning 16th February. It will be in an envelope. Confidentiality is maintained. To enter the prize draw (£100 plus bubbly) you will need to tear off a slip with your name and address. All is made clear in the booklet.

Some may feel that the questionnaire is rather searching and a bit of a humbug. But it follows the lead of other successful Parish Plan exercises which are bearing fruit up and down the country. It deserves your attention. Completing it will be something of a family project taking up a chunk of family time. (Oh, and Question 65 is a free-for-all!)  Some villages have achieved almost 100% returns. It would be great to think that the Parish Plan for The Eversdens will be based on the views of EVERYONE in the villages.

There will be drop-off points where you can leave your completed questionnaire (and prize draw entry) or you can indicate that you would like it to be collected. Collection will begin on 1st March.

The questions show that this is a serious attempt to find out what village life means to you and how you would like to see the villages develop. Your answers will inform the Parish Plan. The next step will be to establish priorities and to get things moving. (Ed.)