PULHAM ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL

Annual Parish Meeting, April 2000

PULHAM ST MARY PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk to the Council:
Gillian M Childs
"Kenegie"
Mill Green
Colegate End Road
Pulham Market
Norfolk, IP21 4XG

Tel : 01379 676699
Fax: 01379 608876
e mail: kenegie@globalnet.co.uk

[Note: these are draft minutes and are subject to ratification by the Annual Parish Meeting, 2001]

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held in the Village Hall, Pulham St Mary on Tuesday, 18th April 2000 at 7.30 pm

1: Apologies had been received from Cllr Mrs J P Chapman, Cllr Mrs H Clutten, and Mrs Gloria Gray, Mrs Dinah Clarke and Mr Patrick Barker.

Present: Cllrs: Mr M Worden (Chairman), Mr J Colby Clarke, Mr C Burridge, Mr M Ashpole, Mr A M Mills, Mrs V J Pegnall and Mr J Halliday. The Clerk was in attendance.

There were 8 members of Village Organisations and the public present, plus the County Councillor

The Minutes of the meeting of 27th April 1999, having previously been circulated to all Parish Councillors and posted on notice boards, were approved and signed by the Chairman.

2: Chairman's Report:

Mr Worden explained that this past year had primarily been a year of consolidation with various projects throughout the village bubbling under the surface at present. Most of these will be reported on further in the agenda. The Parish Council accounts would show that money has been set aside for these projects, including funding for a millennium project. (Possibly installation of a new finger post in centre of village).

3: Parish Council and Charity Accounts:

These were presented showing an income in the year of £13,373.06 with expenditure of £8,344.29. With the amount brought forward from 1998/00 of £19,422.17 the total amount available in the year had been £32,795.23 and the carry forward to 2000/01 will be £24,450.94. Earmarked expenditure for the forthcoming year was detailed at £13,800 for Sport & Recreation Committee (new Pavilion), Village Centre Enhancement - ££1,000 : Tree Planting - £500: Updating Village Directory - £750 : Pennoyers Bld Preservation trust - £2000 : Millennium - £2000 : Village Hall - £5000 (Total of £15,000 spread over 3 years).

Charity Accounts showed a total income of £823.47 from investments with expenditure of £793.79. The amount being carried forward on the Charity Account is £319.05. The Trustees were always willing to consider any application put forward for a grant.

4: Sports & Recreation Committee Report:

The Sports & Recreation Committee Chairman, Mr A Mills, reported that regular inspections are made of the children's playing area at North Green Road and it was disappointing to have to report that a certain amount of graffiti continues to reappear. New grass cutting arrangements are proceeding very satisfactorily at both North and South Green sites. Plans are in hand to form a hockey pitch at the recently acquired additional piece of land at South Green. The project for the new pavilion is progressing and the application for building regulations has now been submitted following which quotations will be requested from building contractors. Funding for the whole project is being discussed with various sources at present and once the necessary moneys have been secured, it is hoped that the pavilion could be completed this year.

5: County Councillor's Report:

Mr Johnson explained the format of the biggest changes to have taken place in local government in the past year and also gave details of the various committees of which he is a member. There is an approx. increase of 6.2% on rates for a Band D house. Mr Johnson also went on to update parishioners on improvements or changes to roads in the area, Education in the ward, Social Inclusion and Care (Social Services) and the campaign for more fiction and increased opening hours on the library service. The County Councillor finished his report by posing the question that the word "Consultation" is very much to the forefront nowadays but at what cost? He thanked the Parish Councillors and Chairman for the courtesy shown to him during the past year and he in turn was thanked by Mr Worden for his continued support and regular attendance at Parish Council meetings.

6: District Councillor:

The continuing theme of "Partnership" would again seem to figure highly in this year's report. Examples of this were "Best Value", "New Democratic Structures and "The Community Plan". Mr Halliday was able to expand on each of these headings and in addition went on to acquaint parishioners with the change in his own responsibilities and Committees on which he serves. He then spent some time on details of the District Finances including Council Tax increases and whilst there has been an increase from central government for the Rate Support Grant and Business Rates, with the increased responsibilities imposed, there has still had to be a critical look at all operations in an attempt to make savings. Mr Halliday concluded by confirming that most satisfaction is gained from helping individuals in the parish and looks forward to continuing this.

7: School Governors Report:

The Chairman read a report on behalf of Mrs Gloria Gray which highlighted activities throughout the year including the fact that the School had received a very good OFSTED report. It is with regret that the Chairman had also received a letter of resignation from Mrs Gray. This will obviously be discussed by the Parish Council.

8: Beckvale Community Car Scheme:

No report was available, but the Chairman was able to confirm that there had been a recent increase in journey prices. The number of Starston people using the service had been disappointing and this is something that Starston Parish Council were currently addressing. One parishioner questioned the number of people from Pulham St Mary using the service but without the Co-ordinator available, it was not possible to answer this question. It was advised that the total cost to the Parish Council throughout the year had been £231 which was not considered to be excessive.

9: Reports from Village Organisations:

a) Semere Recreation Ground Charity Trustees

The Chairman, Mr John Halliday reported that in its first full year since selling the field and investing the money they had received an income of £307. Grants totalling £360 had been agreed to recipients including Pulham Market Bowls Club, drainage at South Green, Pulham United Football Club, Whist Drives and Brownies. The purpose is for recreation in the two Pulhams and more organisations are invited to come forward for consideration for a grant.

b) Pennoyers Buildings Preservation Trust

Jenny Surey was disappointed to have to report that that PBPT had hoped to be in a much stronger position at this stage. In May 1999 they understood that their offer for the School Building had been accepted by the Trustees, subject to contract. Since that date they have been trying unsuccessfully to progress this with the Trustees because various rumours have been circulating regarding the sale to other bodies. It is very difficult for the PBPT to put possible plans before the village community until they are confident that they are going to be able to proceed. During the delays of course, the fabric of the building is deteriorating rapidly and the whole delay is very frustrating for them. Funding from various bodies has been verbally agreed and they are in danger of losing this if they are unable to obtain clarification from the Trustees of the Building as to their intentions.

c: Village Centre Enhancement Scheme:

Mr Mills explained that the enhancement scheme was tied very closely to the future of Pennoyers School and outline plans have been drawn up in close liaison with the PBPT. Initial comments on the plans have been very favourable. However, if the school is finally sold for some sort of private development, this could severely limit the options available to the Enhancement Scheme.

d: Royal British Legion: No report available.

e: Workers' Educational Association:

Mr George Lloyd highlighted classes held during the Autumn term which were entitled "An East Anglian Miscellany" and during Spring the class as "Understanding Paintings". Classes during 2000/2001 will cover "East Anglia and the Settlement of America" and "Astronomy for beginners". A course fee is £25.

f: Mothers union: No report available.

g: Pulham St Mary Horticultural Society: No report available.

h: Kings Head Bowls Club

Mr Cyril Burridge reported another successful season with 31 playing members playing 52 league matches as well as various cup matches and friendlies. For the second year they had been promoted in the EBA league. There had also been a suggestion of improved facilities and even an extra rink and the potential of addition toilet facilities could be very welcome. The support for the Draw Club was very much appreciated. New members were always welcome.

i: Over 60's Club

Mrs E Gimson reported on the club which had been formed approx. 44 years ago with members split between the two Pulham parishes. Volunteers from both villages transport members to the meetings. Due to illness and age, membership is dwindling and anyway to increase the numbers is always sought because it can be difficult to get enough numbers to fill a coach for outings etc.. Adoption of the recycling unit helps toward the cost of the annual lunch.

j: Carpet Bowls Club

Mr John Colby Clarke reported that the group had two new members during the year and unfortunately they had maintained their bottom position in the winter league. Additional members always welcomed to the Friday Club night meetings.

k: 50 Plus Keep Fit Group No report available

l: Parochial Church Council

The Chairman read a report on behalf of the PCC. The new rector had been welcomed in May 1999 and extensive restoration work has been carried out in the Church during the past 6-7 years. To commemorate the Millennium repainting of the Clock Face will shortly be carried out. Several volunteers had come forward to enable the church to be opened to visitors during the summer months following our inclusion in the book "England's Best One Thousand Churches" by Simon Jenkins. Parish Council were thanked for maintaining grass cutting around the War Memorial. Thanks were expressed to all village organisations and helpers on behalf of the PCC.

m: St Mary's Guild

A report from Mrs Betty Huggins was read out. Numbers have been maintained throughout the winter and there have been very helpful talks from visiting speakers. Mrs Huggins wished to express her thanks to Mrs Dinah Clarke for all the help she gives throughout the year.

n: Pulham United Football Club

In the absence of Mr Ray Collings, the Chairman confirmed that the Club continues to be well supported.

o: Trailblazers No Report available.

p: Pulham St Mary Playgroup No report available

q: Pulham St Mary Toddler Group No report available

r: Village Hall Management Committee

Mr John Colby Clarke presented the report on behalf of the Committee and was able to confirm that they currently have £15,000 in their Building Funds, raised through Whist Drives, Bingo etc. This did not include money promised from Parish Council etc. or grants from other sources.

s: Womens Institute:

Mrs Roma Burridge gave details of the very varied programme of events which they had undertaken throughout the year including visiting speakers, outings, and attendance at Denman College. Members had also participated in Group, County and National activities. It was sad to have to report the loss of 3 very dedicated members during the year.

t: Pulham Surgery Support Group:

Mrs Veronica Pegnall read the report on behalf of the PSSG. The group continues to flourish and currently its aim is to increase awareness of the needs of the practice population and to mobilise support, making better use of the resources available within the community. An average of 38 people attend monthly meetings. The Support Group is now preparing to extend its commitment by establishing a Home Equipment Loan Project (HELP) for immediate access to domestic aids for temporary use by patients suffering short term illness or injury. The May meeting will have a selection of equipment on display.

There were no further reports from other organisations.

The Chairman then closed the meeting by thanking the members of the Parish Council and the Clerk for their support throughout the year. Mr Worden had already expressed to his fellow Councillors his reservations as to his suitability for re-appointment as Chairman because he did not consider he has been able to devote the required amount of time to the position. This will be further discussed at the May Annual Parish Council Meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting closed.

Signed:...............................................................

Date:...................................................................