HOUSEHOLD SECTION

(This section was completed by one member of each household)

257 Questionnaires were delivered to occupied residences with 367 people completing the Questionnaire in 178 households making a return of 69%.

The bulk of the households in the Parish were occupied permanently.

Of the occupied residences 16 were identified as second homes and were being used by the owners either all the year round or were let to family or friends.
At the time of the returns there were 80 unoccupied residences and apart from a small number of traceable owners the majority did not participate in the Appraisal.

57% of the households are occupied by 2 people, 17% have one occupant and only a small number have 3 or more occupants.

Bigbury Parish has an ageing community. The distribution between male and female is very similar although there are slightly more females.

Distribution of People by Age

We share our community with animals. 113 households own dogs, 86 own cats and 38 households have other pets.

The movement of people is very stable with only 7 people seeking alternative accommodation. 4 had left for employment reasons, 3 for education and a further 2 left for other reasons.

PERSONAL SECTION

(This section was completed by all members of the household aged 11 or over)

367 persons answered this section and were split between male and female 183 & 184 respectively.
An age breakdown analysis revealed that the Parish has a slightly ageing population with a few 17 – 21 year olds with the bulk (37%) aged between 40 - 59.

COMMUNITY AMMENTIES

Do we have satisfactory amenities in our Community? Well it depends on what your individual needs are.
Of those who gave an opinion the following clearly indicate that some fall short of what is expected and are considered POOR.

Public houses, footpaths, local clubs/societies were all seen as GOOD or REASONABLE and the beaches were rated as GOOD/REASONABLE by nearly everyone (96%).

Action: review with Parish Council the various issues raised.
VOLUNTEERS needed to take responsibility to ensure the above issues are addressed.

SPORTS & SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT

We asked what activities should be encouraged in the parish. An average of 281 responded to this question and of these 11% didn’t know. There was no wild enthusiasm for any of the activities suggested but the following were all considered to be very important/worthwhile.

There was a mixed feeling on encouraging more Restaurants or Public Houses although 34% considered it very important.

Jet skis and power boats were definitely to be discouraged with 77% and 76% respectively of the people responding considering them not necessary.

IMPORTANCE OF THE MEMORIAL HALL

356 people answered this question and whilst 20% had no opinion the vast majority 256 (72%) considered it very important.

Are we making the best use or our Village Hall?
We listed 20 possible uses some of which are already in existence. Of the 232 people responding to this question 156 (67%) said they would never support any of the activities listed. Nevertheless there was considered to be a need for Car Boot Sales (151 people) and Jumble Sales (145 people). In addition to quote just three activities as a sample of the numerous activities possible the following numbers said they would support either often or occasionally.

At the Public meeting we shall be inviting representatives from as many of the activities as is possible with a view to either recruiting new members or perhaps starting a new club or society. Other suggestions were:

BIGBURY FAYRE

Several people said they would support the re-establishment.
PLEASE COME FORWARD

Action:All people interested should attend the Public Meeting with a view to starting up special groups.