May 20th 2026 Draft Minutes (Annual Parish Meeting)
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 20th May 2026
These minutes are in draft form and may be altered
Present; R. Gore (Chair), G. Payne (Clerk), D. Strollo, D. Forrest, L. Hoggarth, C. Cuckson, J. Gregory, E. Lambert, Cllr. E. Bailey, C. Wells (Village Hall committee), P. Mann (Playing Field committee)
Apologies; K. Payne, N. Hill
1. Chairmans welcome – the Chairman welcomed those present and thanked them for their support.
2. Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 21st May 2025 – draft copies of the minutes had been posted on the website since the previous meeting and on the village notice board for ten days prior to the meeting. There had been an error in that R.Gore had been recorded as Chairman when, in fact, he had sent his apologies and the meeting had been chaired by D. Strollo. The minutes had been amended accordingly. The amended minutes were accepted as a true record, proposed CC, seconded LH
3. Matters arising - none
4. Chairman’s Report – the Chairman reported that many minor issue which arise can be resolved as a matter of course within the community. He paid tribute to the late Jane Scott who had been an active and valued member of the Parish Council. He also thanked the Clerk for his work throughout the year.
During the year two new members had joined the council; Jon Gregory, who’s IT expertise was proving to be a great asset, and Emma Lambert who had joined to fill the vacancy following the death of Jane Scott.
The major expenditure during the year had been the bathroom refurbishment of the parish cottage, (28 High Street). Four solar farm proposals had been approved in the immediate area, the outcome of judicial review on proposals further south in the county Could have an impact upon their development.
Speed checks on Upton Road had helped reduce speed past the village hall but there were still some drivers who seemed oblivious to the dangers. The telephone box had been repainted which had improved the appearance of the village green and continued to be popular as a book exchange. Finally the Chairman thanked D. Strollo for making a new planter for the bus shelter and Mrs P Dooley for planting and maintaining it.
5. Treasurer’s Report – a copy of the balance sheet for the financial year 2025-26 had been posted on the village notice board for ten days prior to the meeting and copies were available at the meeting. The Clerk outlined the reasons for any major variations from the accounts for the financial year 2024-25 and invited questions. The accounts would be available for public scrutiny Between 1st July and 11th August by prior arrangement with the Clerk.
6. Report by the Playing Field Committee – the new play park had proved very popular, Concern was expressed about the slide which had a broken step and no safety rail around the steps. The latter issue had arisen because it had been sited on level ground when it had been intended that it should have been sited on the bank. It had passed inspection by both the suppliers and RoSPA neither of whom regarded the lack of a safety rail to be a health and safety issue. The playing field committee would continue to lobby the suppliers regarding its siting and the Chairman offered to lend the support of the Parish Council if the committee supplies the Parish Clerk with the details. One other issues had been raised with the Parish Council, the fact that one of the pedals on the exercise bike was too stiff and did not rotate as the pedals went round. The Clerk had passed this on to the playing field committee who had addressed the issue.
The main field was getting plenty of use, particularly by young footballers which was very encouraging. Emma Lambert reported that, whilst litter picking with her children, they had discovered human faeces under the trees around the play park. There was also a considerable amount of litter, in particular wine bottles and drink cans. It was felt that this probably indicated misuse of the area away from the times of legitimate use. It was a major cause for concern but no immediate resolution was identified.
7. Report from the Village Hall Committee – because of increasing energy prices and the loss of some regular bookings the monthly expenses were significantly more than monthly income. The line dancing group had recently folded due to illness, (although there was a possibility of someone else taking over). The home education group had also left, CW asked JG if he could check what they wanted to do with their equipment. Action JG
There were health and safety issues with the entrance to the committee room and the concrete apron outside the main door. The cost of improvements would be £500 and both Parish Councils had been asked if they could provide some financial support. The matter had been raised at the earlier Parish Council meeting and they had agreed to pay half the cost. Action GP
A recent jumble sale had helped with income but other fundraising activities were needed, CC and LH agreed to organise a fashion show. Action CC/LH
8. Open Forum – there were no other issues which anyone wished to discuss so the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.