Graffham Parish Council holds its AGM
Gillian Charlesworth was re-elected Chairman of Graffham Parish Council, with John Bracey as Deputy Chairman, at its annual general meeting on the evening of Wednesday 6 May, in the Rec Pavilion.
Published: 8 May 2026
Rachel Gerrett stood down as a councillor after three years’ service – and leading the initiative to rebuild the village’s Play Park. She was thanked for her contribution.
It was agreed that the full council would in future handle planning matters, rather than delegating them to a planning committee.
Simon Longman, who was co-opted as a councillor a few months ago, has succeeded Rachel as one of Graffham Parish Council’s two trustees on the Graffham Rec Committee, alongside John Bracey, as the Rec Chairman. Simon separately serves as Chairman of Graffham Tennis Club – and chairs East Lavington Parish Council, which has agreed to merge with Graffham Parish Council.
Hilary Major, who was also co-opted as a councillor a few months ago, will serve as its trustee on the management committee of the Empire Hall, and will also be the council’s officer for highways, hedges and verges.
Councillor Colin Barker will continue to oversee environmental issues and footpaths and rights of way.
- Gillian and Simon, as Chairmen of Graffham and East Lavington Parish Councils, will meet officials from Chichester District Council (CDC) on 20 May to discuss the next steps in the two councils’ plans to merge. CDC is the authority responsible for agreeing and overseeing any such mergers in this area.