May 2010 Annual Parish and Parish Council Meetings
14/05/10 17:46
The ANNUAL PARISH MEETINGS were attended by 8 Parish Councillors, a County and a District Councillor, 2 Parish representatives, CAB speaker, a police officer and 4 parishioners. Mr Tony Horrocks of Felixstowe CAB gave a presentation on the work of the bureau. It was a pity that not more parishioners were present, to learn more of an organisation which could well be described as one of the often quoted country’s “Front Line Services”. Mr Horrocks explained how the bureau was there to resolve problems, explain rights, but also responsibilities. They also had a role in influencing social policy and noting social trends. He gave a brief history of the service formed initially in 1939. Advice is independent, confidential and impartial. The work load had increased immensely in recent years; benefit and debt problems now proliferate and often they had to deal with multiple issues for each client. 1.9m people had been assisted with 6m problems through 416 bureaus. Around 80% of advisors were volunteers, who now had access to an advice guide through the web. Income is derived primarily from contributions from local authorities, including this Parish Council, for which they are most grateful.
Pc David Glenhill introduced himself as the new beat officer and could report that crime in the Parish is very low. Issues to which attention will be given include under age drinking and excessive speed of vehicles. He will be attending future PC meetings.
Chairman M.Paul, gave the Parish Council report, highlighting the continuing concerns over potential large developments in the adjacent areas, and the likely stalling of the LDF and LGR as a consequence of the forthcoming General Election. He concluded with an appeal to parishioners to attend PC meetings, and thanked all those who had assisted him in the work of the Council.
The Clerk presented draft accounts for the past year, and was able to report that the previous year’s accounts were successfully signed off by the auditors; this year’s audit will be on 9th July. No new assets had been acquired during the year, but the VG power supply had been upgraded and the bus shelter and village sign refurbished. A precept of £13,820 had been fixed for 2010/11; a reduction of £3700, with no need to transfer more to reserves.
Mrs S Harvey gave a report on the Nassau charity, outlining the income from allotments and that the sale of land for the Durilda Green development had substantially enhanced the funds of the charity. Regrettably no-one had come forward for help during the year, but it had made donations of £10,030.
Mrs P Adams sent a report for the Falkenham charities, which had experienced a sharp drop in income due to the fall in interest rates. No requests for help had been received, but four households had been given £100 grants over the winter period. Both charities emphasised the wide purposes for which help can be given.
Mr J Beer presented accounts and a report for the Recreation Ground. It had been a busy year. The play area safety surfacing had been renewed, the ditch project, though a trifle controversial, had removed a potentially dangerous area, a rabbit cull had been undertaken, the pavilion now 6 years old, had been redecorated and the CCTV upgraded. Assessments for a BMX track and further equipment for the play area continues.
Mrs J Shaw gave reports on the Youth Club and as Falkenham History recorder. In the former she outlined the changes which now meant the club would have to stand on its own feet. A new committee had been formed, the age group for members changed to 11 to 15 year olds, restricted to Parish residents; and running time changed to 7 - 9 pm. A grant from the Port Community Fund had enabled membership to be free, which covers overhead costs. Membership stands at 21 and a tuck shop aids funds; more helpers would be appreciated. In her latter report, she noted the replacement of overhead cables, reduction in milk deliveries and problems with hare coursing. Following enquiries about the term “Sprong”, she identified the location of the Falkenham Sprong, its past uses, particularly for a searchlight during WWII. The harsh winter, she said, had had an effect on crop harvesting. Finally she spoke of researches into the Dawsons who had lived at the Old Whelwrights.
Mr L Lanigan sent an extensive historians report for Kirton, which referred to the Local Development Framework and the Boundary Committee Review as they could affect the parishes, and gave an update of the archaeological investigations at The Maltings. Among history events noted in the village, were included the “Memories” project and its inaugural meeting in August, and stalls at fetes. A number of ancestral enquiries had been received, and finally he listed people who had been in the news during the year.
The Chair of Trimley St Martin School Governors, Mr D Kemp, concentrated on the needs of responsibly setting its budget. There had been an OFSTED inspection in March, a nerve wracking experience for staff and pupils; the report is awaited. The meeting was delighted to learn of the huge success of the Young Engineers Club, who had succeeded in becoming the National Champions of UK and Ireland with their Lego Robot. They go forward to the International event in Atlanta USA later in the year.
Reports were received from County and District Councillors.
Mrs P O’Brien (CC) spoke on the LDF and LGR which had dominated their year. The lowest council tax for Suffolk had been produced at 2.4% having saved £70m over 4 years. Priority areas included road maintenance, care of older people and vulnerable children, and standards of education. They continue to work with other authorities to reduce duplication. She gave an update on the Police Authority.
Mrs S Green (PC/DC) spoke on Port Health which is self funding; NHS patient health provision, now with better relations with the PPCI and the out of hours service; community safety and licensing, and the need to concentrate on ASB, criminal damage and vulnerable families to work within available funding.
Mr R Kerry’s (DC) submitted report, covered the LDF Core Strategy of SCDC and his reasons for supporting the document.
The Chairman having thanked all for their attendance and contributions, the meeting concluded in convivial manner with drinks and nibbles.
At the ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING on 10th May, attended by 10 Councillors and a District Councillor, Mr M Paul was re-elected Chairman and Mr D Jacobs was elected to vice-Chairman. Committees and representatives were confirmed. The accounts for 2009/10 were accepted and the Annual Return and Governance Statement prepared and approved in preparation for the audit in July. A schedule of dates for meetings in 2010/11, were put forward for approval at the next meeting. A recycling credit of £8.91 had been received, and the renewal of membership of SALC was agreed. The planning committee considered plans for an additional plot at The Malting, received from the developer, and will be calling for a meeting with him. The next meeting is on June 7th in the RG pavilion.
Colin Shaw, Clerk
Pc David Glenhill introduced himself as the new beat officer and could report that crime in the Parish is very low. Issues to which attention will be given include under age drinking and excessive speed of vehicles. He will be attending future PC meetings.
Chairman M.Paul, gave the Parish Council report, highlighting the continuing concerns over potential large developments in the adjacent areas, and the likely stalling of the LDF and LGR as a consequence of the forthcoming General Election. He concluded with an appeal to parishioners to attend PC meetings, and thanked all those who had assisted him in the work of the Council.
The Clerk presented draft accounts for the past year, and was able to report that the previous year’s accounts were successfully signed off by the auditors; this year’s audit will be on 9th July. No new assets had been acquired during the year, but the VG power supply had been upgraded and the bus shelter and village sign refurbished. A precept of £13,820 had been fixed for 2010/11; a reduction of £3700, with no need to transfer more to reserves.
Mrs S Harvey gave a report on the Nassau charity, outlining the income from allotments and that the sale of land for the Durilda Green development had substantially enhanced the funds of the charity. Regrettably no-one had come forward for help during the year, but it had made donations of £10,030.
Mrs P Adams sent a report for the Falkenham charities, which had experienced a sharp drop in income due to the fall in interest rates. No requests for help had been received, but four households had been given £100 grants over the winter period. Both charities emphasised the wide purposes for which help can be given.
Mr J Beer presented accounts and a report for the Recreation Ground. It had been a busy year. The play area safety surfacing had been renewed, the ditch project, though a trifle controversial, had removed a potentially dangerous area, a rabbit cull had been undertaken, the pavilion now 6 years old, had been redecorated and the CCTV upgraded. Assessments for a BMX track and further equipment for the play area continues.
Mrs J Shaw gave reports on the Youth Club and as Falkenham History recorder. In the former she outlined the changes which now meant the club would have to stand on its own feet. A new committee had been formed, the age group for members changed to 11 to 15 year olds, restricted to Parish residents; and running time changed to 7 - 9 pm. A grant from the Port Community Fund had enabled membership to be free, which covers overhead costs. Membership stands at 21 and a tuck shop aids funds; more helpers would be appreciated. In her latter report, she noted the replacement of overhead cables, reduction in milk deliveries and problems with hare coursing. Following enquiries about the term “Sprong”, she identified the location of the Falkenham Sprong, its past uses, particularly for a searchlight during WWII. The harsh winter, she said, had had an effect on crop harvesting. Finally she spoke of researches into the Dawsons who had lived at the Old Whelwrights.
Mr L Lanigan sent an extensive historians report for Kirton, which referred to the Local Development Framework and the Boundary Committee Review as they could affect the parishes, and gave an update of the archaeological investigations at The Maltings. Among history events noted in the village, were included the “Memories” project and its inaugural meeting in August, and stalls at fetes. A number of ancestral enquiries had been received, and finally he listed people who had been in the news during the year.
The Chair of Trimley St Martin School Governors, Mr D Kemp, concentrated on the needs of responsibly setting its budget. There had been an OFSTED inspection in March, a nerve wracking experience for staff and pupils; the report is awaited. The meeting was delighted to learn of the huge success of the Young Engineers Club, who had succeeded in becoming the National Champions of UK and Ireland with their Lego Robot. They go forward to the International event in Atlanta USA later in the year.
Reports were received from County and District Councillors.
Mrs P O’Brien (CC) spoke on the LDF and LGR which had dominated their year. The lowest council tax for Suffolk had been produced at 2.4% having saved £70m over 4 years. Priority areas included road maintenance, care of older people and vulnerable children, and standards of education. They continue to work with other authorities to reduce duplication. She gave an update on the Police Authority.
Mrs S Green (PC/DC) spoke on Port Health which is self funding; NHS patient health provision, now with better relations with the PPCI and the out of hours service; community safety and licensing, and the need to concentrate on ASB, criminal damage and vulnerable families to work within available funding.
Mr R Kerry’s (DC) submitted report, covered the LDF Core Strategy of SCDC and his reasons for supporting the document.
The Chairman having thanked all for their attendance and contributions, the meeting concluded in convivial manner with drinks and nibbles.
At the ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING on 10th May, attended by 10 Councillors and a District Councillor, Mr M Paul was re-elected Chairman and Mr D Jacobs was elected to vice-Chairman. Committees and representatives were confirmed. The accounts for 2009/10 were accepted and the Annual Return and Governance Statement prepared and approved in preparation for the audit in July. A schedule of dates for meetings in 2010/11, were put forward for approval at the next meeting. A recycling credit of £8.91 had been received, and the renewal of membership of SALC was agreed. The planning committee considered plans for an additional plot at The Malting, received from the developer, and will be calling for a meeting with him. The next meeting is on June 7th in the RG pavilion.
Colin Shaw, Clerk