WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Colin Vince, 17 Bure Close, Watlington, KING'S LYNN, Norfolk PE33 0TN
DRAFT MINUTES
Minutes of the Annual meeting of WATLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL held on 03 May 2005
at 7.00pm in Watlington Village Hall.
Present: Cllr Lacey (Chairman), Cllrs Amor, Golding, Leedell, Miller, Pike, Rockcliffe (from 7.20pm) and Toates.
Borough Councillor Ansell attended the meeting.
2 members of the public were present.
Apologies for absence: Cllr Dagnall; Father James Nolan.
MAY 05/1 Election of Chairman of The Council and Declaration of Office
It was proposed by Cllr Golding, seconded by Cllr Miller, and agreed by Council that Cllr Lacey be elected as Chairman of the Council. The Chairman signed his Declaration of Office.
MAY 05/2 Election of Vice-Chairman of The Council and Declaration of Office
It was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Leedell, and agreed by Council that Cllr Golding be elected as Vice-Chairman of the Council. The Vice-Chairman signed her Declaration of Office.
[At this point Council agreed to take the Millennium Green Report from Mrs K Carpenter. See MAY 05/6]
MAY 05/3 Committee Appointments 2005/2006
The following committee appointments were agreed for 2005/2006:
Planning (4) – Cllrs Lacey, Dagnall, Golding and Miller
Community Projects – Cllrs Garton, Pike and Toates
Environment – Cllrs Dagnall, Garton, Leedell and Miller
Finance – Cllrs Golding, Leedell and Rockcliffe
Glebe – Cllrs Lacey, Golding, Leedell and Toates
MAY 05/4 Appointment to Village Hall Management Committee (2)
The following appointments were agreed for 2005/2006: Cllrs Amor and Pike
MAY 05/5 Committee Reports 2004/2005
The following committee reports were made:
Planning
21 applications were considered during the year and these resulted in planning permission being given for 11 extensions to dwellings (with 3 such applications outstanding), 3 new dwellings (two semi-detached houses and one bungalow), one mobile classroom, and 2 changes of use to garden space. 2 applications were refused.
Work on the 182 houses adjacent to the school is expected to start in the next few months and it is reported that the developers of the Rowan Close site are hoping to increase the density to 30 dwellings.
The year has also seen the installation of a zebra crossing and traffic management scheme at the Angel Corner, the works having been recently completed. Also speed restrictions between the village and Runcton Holme and Magdalen have been put in place, along with lorry weight restriction measures which has reduced the number of heavy lorries through the village.
Community Projects
The committee met regularly during the year to manage the current play equipment and to complete the first part of the project to bring new play equipment to the village. This latter task has now been completed after many months of hard work with funds in place for a tots play area, the order having been recently placed with delivery expected by mid-summer.
Managing the play equipment has seen the installation of information signs on the Recreation Ground and the Warren Close Play Area, the resurfacing of the Skateboard Park, and the monitoring of the risk and repair state of the play equipment.
The committee also organised the cutting of the Leylandii hedging on the Recreation Ground and drew up the job specification and made the appointment of the retained handyperson.
Environment
A number of environmental matters were dealt with during the year including the resurfacing of Fairfield Lane, the clearing of old trees along Fairfield Lane and the replanting of shrubs along St Peters Road. The committee has recently assessed the John Davis Way Open Space. The Litter Pickers were commended for their efforts in keeping the village tidy. The recent appointment of a retained handyperson will also help to maintain the area, although petty vandalism and graffiti remains a problem.
Finance
The committee did not have cause to meet during the year, but a review of the Edward Shouldham Charity fund is currently under way.
Glebe
The committee oversaw the final stages of approval of the 10 year lease agreement for the site, the lease technically commencing in January 2004, but in practice from May 2004.
The committee has met on several occasions, resulting in the drawing up and acceptance of a specification for easier access and new fencing at the Downham Road entrance to the Glebe Land.
The committee has also drawn up a grass cutting specification for the site and this is now included in the grounds maintenance contract.
The committee has spoken to members of the football club about their plans for the pitch on the site, but would like more feedback on their plans and activities.
MAY 05/6 Reports from Village Organisations
The following reports from village organisations were received:
Millennium Green Trust
Mrs K Carpenter, Trust Chairman, firstly thanked the Parish Council for their generous £1000 grant and then thanked Richard Rockcliffe as past Chairman for all the hard work he had put in to get the project into being. Mrs Carpenter then reported that a grass cut costing £600 had taken place earlier in the year and that the wildflowers were now showing through. Recently hedge pruning had taken place and an extension of the pond to build margin shallows had be dug and a membrane line installed, these measures allowing pond plants to be planted. The pond has now attracted a considerable amount of wildlife. It was also proposed to install the bridge over the pond this year. Matters under consideration are the maze, an open day with events for all ages and a possible autumn grass cut. Mrs Carpenter also asked the Council to consider kerbing and bollards for the Parish Pound and she presented the Trust’s Accounts to the meeting.
Village Hall Management Committee
The following is a summary of the report given at the Village Hall Annual General Meeting on 4th November 2004 for 2003/2004, received from Mr M Cooke, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee.
The hall continues to be maintained in accordance with the Deed of Trust by a Management Committee, local volunteers and the employment of two part-time cleaners.
Usage of the hall remains very much in demand and competition for certain slots continues. Fourteen groups or clubs meet regularly. The newly formed History Group has begun to use the hall and there is still frequent use for private parties of all types, wedding receptions, shows, fund raising activities and meetings in both halls.
In addition to monies derived from hirings, income has also been generated by fund raising in the form of social events, an auction, a ‘Past and Present’ and Art exhibition and shows supported by Creative Arts East. The 200 Club Draw once again provided income for hall funds.
The village hall continues to support the Information Centre and provides the building, heat and light. The Centre covers all other costs.
The hall continues to be a member of the Norfolk Association of Village Halls, which provides valuable support and advice.
Parochial Church Council
The following report from Father James Nolan was read at the meeting:
The Parochial Church Councils met 3 times during the year and attendance was 80%. Items discussed a review of clergy terms of service, with the ending of the 800 year old system whereby clergy, mainly the incumbents, are not employees of the church but ‘office holders’ invested in law with the freehold of their vicarage or rectory. This security of tenure was intended to guarantee the freedom of the priest to exercise his ministry without fear or favour. Now it will mean that a priest has no employment rights. The freehold will be replaced by a system of ‘common tenure’. They will be required to go under ministerial review and could be removed from office for lack of capability. Father James reported that he had undergone an assessment of his ministry and his assessor was very pleased with his ministry and especially his dedication to pastoral visiting.
Papers were received with regard to the new formation of Fincham and Feltwell Deaneries. New regulations with regard to the church yard and monuments were put in force. VAT on church restorations to 2006 was discussed.
Notice was given of the retirement of the Archdeacon of Ely and that there will only be two archdeacons in future - Ely, and Wisbech and Huntingdon would be joined. An appointment will take place in the new year. The offer of Ely Cathedral to issue free passes was taken up by 39 people.
At the October meeting the PCC’s voted to support the Church of England Children’s Society and UNICEF during Advent. Through the year we also supported Christian Aid and Fair trade.
A paper allowing the sacrament of marriage to take place in any church the couple chose was discussed. A new scheme with regard to the allocation of parish share was received to be in place by 2006.
The Rochester Report with regard to women bishops was discussed and the 5 options proposed to avoid schism within the Church, which includes setting up a third province equivalent to Canterbury and York.
Another report was discussed, the Windsor Report, and the implication for the Anglican Communion with regard to the actions of the North American Church.
A draft bill before Parliament, if which passed, would allow the Charity Commissioner’s Office to pay visits to PCC meetings and allow closer scrutiny of the accounts. It is to come into effect from 2007, affecting parishes with an income of £5000 or more. Health and safety and how it affects church buildings was also discussed at the meeting. Synod reports were discussed at meetings, which included clergy discipline (doctrine), stipend differentials and achievements of church schools and plans for future development.
The PCC’s agreed to support U.S.P.G. during lent. A paper was received confirming the appointment of the Venerable Hugh McCurdy as Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech.
The bread and butter work concerning each parish went on throughout the year. Plans for the many fundraising events were discussed. Financial reports (all parishes paid their parish share in full). The faculty for the new kitchen and toilet in Watlington church was received and all domestic matters in each parish were dealt with (Ted Featherby R.I.P.).
It only remains for me to express my deep gratitude to all who have supported my ministry among you for another year. All who hold office in the Church, all who read, intercessions, sing, welcome people, clean the churches, decorate them, help with fundraising, lead music, care for the church yards and any other duties that are undertaken. A grateful thanks for all the goodwill from the villagers, the school, uniformed organisations, those who deliver the magazine. Each contribution is important In our witness to Christ in these villages.
Watlington Information Centre
The following report from Mr M Cooke, Chairman of Watlington Information Centre, was read at the meeting:
The Centre has now been open for just over three years and continues to provide the community with the full range of office and information services on three mornings each week. The team of volunteers who staff the Centre has grown to thirty, with five new recruits having joined during the year. The number of callers, by telephone, e-mail and personal visit, remains steady with visitors also accessing the web-site for information.
A success of the last year must be the production of the Village Guide, which evolved from the idea of a Welcome Pack. This guide, which contains a map and comprehensive information about the village, has been well received with several copies being sold and complimentary ones being distributed to new residents.
It is proposed that the guide will be reviewed and updated annually.
Financially, the Centre continues to operate economically, as far as its running costs are concerned, with support from the Parish Council and the Village Hall, for which it is grateful.
Sports & Social Club / Payment of Peppercorn Rent
The clerk reported that the 50p Peppercorn Rent has been received for 2005/2006 and read the following report from the Secretary to The Sports & Social Club:
Watlington Sports & Social Club has had a good past year financially. We have now got two pool teams who meet on Wednesdays and Thursdays, two crib teams who play on Tuesdays and the bowls players who play throughout the week during the season. Also we have a ladies darts team who play on a Wednesday. If anyone would like to join in any of these events they are welcome to enquire at the club. You need not be in the teams to play, as there would always be a willing member to have a game with at the club.
MAY 05/7 Any Other Matters
Cllr Ansell reported on the meeting between himself, Cllr Rockcliffe the clerk (representing the Chairman) and BCKLWN Chief Executive, Ray Harding. Mr Harding was shown around the village including the Village Hall, Information Centre, Recreation Ground, Glebe Land, School, site of the 182 houses, the Medical Centre, Railway Station, Gypsy Lane drainage and Britton Close. Issues relating to each of these sites were discussed.
It was agreed that the clerk would write to the Chief Executive thanking him for his visit and apologising for the absence of the Chairman.
There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting at 7.40pm.
SIGNED
Chairman: Clerk:
14 June 2005