Meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 18th October 2011

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Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 18th October 2011 at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs Alexander (Chairman), Hodson, Howden, Hill, Giddens, Trolove, clerk and two members of the public

A proposal was put to the council for a celebration to mark the Diamond Jubilee 2012 with an evening event on the 2nd June in the village hall and a family event on the Recreation Ground on 4th June.

729.11 Apologies for absence
Received from Cllr Hayden

730.11 Minutes of 20th September 2011
Approved and signed

731.11 Matters arising
(information only)

732.11 Members declaration of interest for agenda items
Cllr Giddens item 738.11

733.11 Parish Plan Refresher
Only two questionnaires had been returned, comments noted but no further action required.

734.11The Great Gidding Newt Trail update and payment of invoices
Work has started on the new website and the map for the interpretation boards.   Warning signs had been ordered and received along with the invoice from the Wildlife Trust.

735.11 Fields for the Future – Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge
No update received

736.11 Review of Neighbourhood Forums in Huntingdonshire
Cllr Hayden to be asked to complete questionnaire.

737.11 Diamond Jubilee – village celebration update
Following a written request and presentation prior to the meeting it was agreed to underwrite the proposed evening event on 2nd June in the village up to £1000.

738.11 Planning
Application 1101354FUL two semi-detached cottages 47 Main Street, Great Gidding – the council agreed to approve this application for infill  development appropriate to this site .

739.11 Society of Local Council clerks membership renewal £82
It was agreed to renew membership

740.11 Training – clerk and councillor.
Clerk was given approval to attend a training day on 14th November (working day) and approval to claim travel expenses.   Clerk to investigate code of conduct training for new councillors.

741.11 Parish Council Expenditure 2012/13 est. cost of contested election £750 uncontested £105.
This was noted and will be accounted for in the budget proposal for next month

742.11 Disposal of old laptop (wiped clean)
Offer received £20 – it was agreed to accept this offer

743.11 Reconciliation of accounts and payment of cheques agreed
• S Dalley (clerk) £295.70
• Bradgate (grass cutting) £255.00
• Bradgate (replacement cheque for 100744) £255.00
• P Hodson (charity account- allotments)  £19.44
• P Hodson (Lottery fund – signs) £54.08
• P Hodson (new pond) £19.99
• SLCC membership    £82.00
• A Underwood (S137) village event £350.00
• The WildlifeTrust (Lottery fund) £2,700.00
• M Read (Clarion delivery) £10.00 Not claimed

744.11 Representatives reports
• Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens – no known R oW problems
• Allotments – Cllr Howden to take water meter reading
• Highways & Police – Cllr Hayden no report but communication from Anglian Water received.   It was agreed to ask for more details on length of time leaks taken to fix before writing to the Highways and copying to MP.   At the time of the meeting we were informed that the leak in Luddington Road was causing low water pressure in the village and no water for properties in Luddington Road
• School – Cllr Alexander to attend official opening of the improvements to the school on Friday 21st October.   It was noted that the school had asked for use of the car park for this event.
• Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden reported that the grass was still being well kept and the Sawtry colts still making good use of the facilities.   Repairs to the front fence will be carried out in due course
• Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson submitted annual returns to the Charity Commission had been completed.
• Tree Warden – Cllr Trolove – Elm Tree Scheme was not found to be suitable.   A request for the full annual allocation of 50 trees from the District Council has been made.   It was agreed to allocate £300 for planting fruit trees in the Jubilee Wood to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

745.11 Correspondence received
• Parish Council’s HCV strategy meeting invite 29th November, 7-9pm, Swavesey – noted
• How to respond to planning applications: an 8-step guide – Cllr Alexander agreed to read and pass on information
• Luminus Street representative Scheme update – noted
• The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons – the guide to taking part – noted
• CPALC AGM agenda and minutes for 3rd December and membership renewal reminder – agreed in April not to renew this year
• Broadband – Letter received from Shailesh Vara MP who is speaking to the County Council on our behalf to request a better broadband speed.
• Anglia in Bloom Seminar 1st November in Dunstable – noted
• Village SOS event in St Ives 15th November – noted

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Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Clarion – Autumn 2011

By on September 30, 2011   /   Parish Council News & Notices   /   Leave a comment
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We welcome Michael Trolove as a Parish Councillor and record our thanks to Rose Foster for all her hard work and enthusiasm during her time on the Council.

Gidding receive SILVER AWARD from Anglia in Bloom. Extract from judges report on areas of achievement – School garden inc Jackie Duck memorial garden, Jubilee Wood, renovation of ponds, spring planting, village sign planting, village seats and participation of parishioners . A big thank you to ALL the people who helped make the village look great for this day and throughout the year and a special mention to Paul Hodson for producing the portfolio which has to be submitted prior to judging, Rachel Giddens for getting the project off the ground and Robin and Gill Hayden for hosting the judges on the day.

Water has been connected to the allotments, funded by the Great Gidding Charity. There is one allotment vacant from the 10 new ones provided this spring Plots are £15 per year and subject to a tenancy agreement. A new pond has been excavated in the Jubilee Wood and it is hoped to have it established for the Diamond Jubilee.

The Recreation Ground has been entered in the Fields for the Future – Queen Elizabeth II Challenge.

Following the work to dredge the pond and remove the willows a viewing platform has been erected with a path leading from the entrance. The Wildlife Trust who has been extensively involved in this project has produced a report on some of the ponds in the village. The report includes a circular walk incorporating footpaths the churchyard and wood. The Lottery funding will also provide website set-up and an interpretation board.

The County Council have reinstated the white lines either side of the road leaving the village towards Glatton. The school bus bay is to be increased to allow easier and safer access and to stop further damage to the pavement.

Following the successful community event held to celebrate the 2011 Royal Wedding, the Parish Council will consider supporting a community event to celebrate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee – anyone interested in doing so is advised to approach the council before November to allow allocation of funds to be considered.

Affordable Rural Housing Survey – is being organised by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) distributed to all houses within the parish and the results will be published in the next Clarion

The annual accounts for 2010/11 were completed, adopted and audit closed

CONGRATULATIONS to Great Gidding for winning the FitVille event run by One Leisure. This was won by those who attended the mobile unit parked at the Fox & Hounds Public House on 23rd June. As a result a cheque for £200 has been presented to the village towards a community project – details on ideas to make the best use of this money will be in the next Clarion

The Parish Council meet on the 3rd Tuesday of the month in the Village Hall at 7.30pm – members of the public are very welcome to attend but if you would like to speak on a particular subject, please let us know prior to the meeting.

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Meeting of the Parish Council on Tuesday 20th September 2011

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Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 20th September 2011 at 7.30pm.

Present:    Cllrs Hayden (Vice Chairman), Hodson, Howden, Hill, Giddens and Trolove, District Cllr Tuplin and Tysoe, clerk and one member of the public

Public Forum:   Sue Shepherd presented the proposal for agenda item 717.11

713.11   Apologies for absence
Received from Cllr Alexander

714.11   Minutes of 16th August 2011
Agreed and signed

715.11   Matters arising
(information only)

716.11   Members declaration of interest for agenda items
None

717.11   Funding proposal and request for contribution towards ‘Celebration of Gidding’ event.
This event would be open to all residents and it was agreed to make a contribution of £350 from S137.   Any profit made from the event will be given to the Village Hall funds

718.11   Mains water supply repairs.  
The clerk had written to Anglian Water about the continued fracturing of the pipe causing the roads to be dug up with yet more disruption and damage to the highway.   Anglian Water has replied that there is no plan to replace this section of the water main.   Clerk to write to the County Council expressing our concerns, copy to MP

719.11   Great Gidding Newt Trail report had been received from the Wildlife Trust and will be available to see on the new website. 
The interpretation board is in the planning stage.    A new pond has been dug at the Jubilee wood kindly sponsored by AP & TB Trolove.  This environmental enhancement will be marked during the Diamond Jubilee

720.11   Anglia in Bloom results
Great Gidding received a Silver Award, copies of the certificate will be given to the school, shop and pub for display. Parishioners will be invited to continue this community initiative and work towards the 2012 entry.

721.11   Fit ville 2011 winners £200 to community project.  
Cllr Hill and Hayden had attended the presentation of this award.   The Recreation Ground committee were invited to consider how best to spend this money.

722.11   Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Cllr Trolove agreed to act as the co-ordinator for events to mark this occasion in 2012

723.11   Parish Plan
Refresher questions were agreed and would be printed on the back of the next Clarion newsletter

724.11   Planning
23 Gains Lane – District Cllr Tuplin reported that the Development Management Panel had approved the replacement planning permission

725.11   Rural Broadband
It was agreed to write to our MP to ask for his support in getting an improved service for the village

726.11   Office equipment
Disposal of old laptop,  as it had now been wiped clean it was agreed to accept a reasonable offer above £20.

726.11   Bank reconciliation and payment of accounts were agreed

• BT (direct debit)                   £116.89
• Bradgate (grass cutting)        £127.50
• S Dalley (clerk no PAYE)    £295.70

727.11   Representatives reports

• Allotments – Cllr Howden reported that a trailer load of muck had been placed on the first plot by Henry Hill for all allotment holders to make use of.   Paul Hodson had agreed to box in the water pipes to the two taps
• Highways and Police – Cllr Hayden reported the poor condition of the roads.
•  School – Cllr Alexander – no report
• Village Hall and Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden –reported that there had been increased use of the hall. The outside clock needs attention and it was agreed to replace it if repairs could not be made.  Sawtry Colts were making good use of the Recreation Ground.   A minor repair was required to the pipework of the toilet.
• Finance and Charities – Cllr Hodson.   Budget update agreed and invoice requested from Wildlife Trust to enable VAT claim (Lottery Fund)
• Tree Warden – Cllr Trolove – Felling of tree on boundary of school and churchyard,  clerk to write to church wardens asking for replacement plans – Parish Planting 2011/12 trees under this scheme had been applied for – Scheme for Elm tree planting, details to be circulated for discussion next meeting.   Notification that two Ash Tree suckers are to be felled in a front garden in Chapel end

728.11   Correspondence received
• CARESCO annual report and invitation to AGM 29th Sep
• Request for grant considered but agreed not to donate.
• Victim Support request for grant discussed but agreed not to  donate.

District Cllr Tysoe updated the meeting on various topics including:

Leisure Centres – Sawtry improvements to Gym and possible end to subsidised crèche facilities.   Alconbury Enterprise Zone – encouraging businesses to set up – funding by central government

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Meeting of Parish Council on 16th August 2011

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16th August, 2011 Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Parish Room, Village Hall, Great Gidding at 7.30pm

Present: Cllrs Alexander (Chairman), Hill, Hodson, Howden and the clerk

697.11 Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Hayden, Giddens and Trolove

698.11 Minutes of 19th July 2011.
Approved and signed

699.11 Matters arising
(For information only) It was noted that due to a change in supply the replacement laptop will be a higher spec and cost £450 which is still within budget

700.11 Members declaration of interest for agenda items
None

701.11 Annual Return
Notice of closure of Audit had been received and posted on the notice board

702.11 Data Protection renewal
it was agreed to pay the annual renewal of £35

703.11 Review of Water Rates.
It was agreed that the Parish Council continue to pay the water rates for the recreation ground – to be reviewed annually.

704.11 Review grass cutting contract
It was agreed to get 3 quotes for the cutting of the recreation ground and village green for a 3 year period

705.11 Parish Plan review/refresh
It was agreed to formulate a simple questionnaire to be incorporated in the Clarion

706.11 Planning
No plans received

707.11 Review of polling districts and polling place
No changes to Great & Little Gidding. It was noted that the Parish Council elections would be due in 2012

708.11 Set date for annual meeting of Gt.Gidding Charity Trustees and Village Hall & Recreation Ground Charity Trustees.
It was agreed to hold a meeting of the Trustees following the next Parish Council meeting on 20th September

709.11 Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
It was agreed that the Parish Council would consider financial support to those organising an event for the whole community, but requests would need to submitted by the November meeting.

710.11 Bank Reconciliation and payment of accounts were approved

• PC Ok (laptop) £450.00
• Moore Stephens (Audit) £162.00
• The Information Commission £35.00
• Bradgate (grass cutting) £255.00
• S Dalley (clerk) no PAYE deductions £295.70
• S Dalley (postage and stationary) £8.20

711.11 Representatives reports

• Allotments – Cllr Howden – Manure is to be deposited on the vacant allotment for all holders to make use of
• Rights of Way – Electronic map of public rights of way and countryside access opportunities in the parish had been received. Bridlepath No 2 sign had been reinstated
• Highways & Police Cllr Hayden – no report
• School – Cllr Alexander will be making contact with the school after the summer break
• Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden reported that all the major work to the hall was now complete and a list of minor jobs had been made which would be worked through. Cllr Hill asked for the management committee to look at improvements to the car park rented from Milton Estates (old tennis court)
• Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson reported that the charity commission were now accepting annual returns. He also reported that the online facility to view the accounts improved the risk management of the Parish Council finances
• Tree Warden – Cllr Trolove – no report, awaiting help/advice from the County Council tree officer on condition of trees in the parish

712.11 Correspondence received

• Preparation for the coming winter season 2011/12 – West Highways Division –return form stating grit bin locations within the village
• Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule and Draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document – Huntingdonshire District Council – noted
• Invitation to Annual Public Meeting and Staff Innovation and Excellence Awards on 21st September- Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust – noted
• Electronic map of public rights of way and countryside access opportunities – noted
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Plan – consultation – noted
• Cambridgeshire ACRE invitation to Annual Meeting 27th Sep – noted
• Results of the FitVille event – Gidding are the winners and will be presented with a cheque for £200 to put toward a community project.
• District Wide magazine will now be in electronic format only and the Parish council agreed to have a link to the Giddings website.
• A copy of a letter had been received from a resident to County Cllr Viv McGuire asking for support to get better broadband for the Giddings. The Parish Council agreed to write requesting support from the County Council to improve the provision of a better broadband service.

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Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Clarion – Summer 2011

By on July 30, 2011   /   Parish Council News & Notices   /   Leave a comment
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Great & Little Gidding Parish Council Clarion – Summer 2011

Water has been connected to the allotments, which was funded by the Great Gidding Charity. Ten more allotments for parishioners have been provided of which 9 are already in use. If you would like your name added to the waiting list please contact the Parish Council Office. Plots are £15 per year and subject to a tenancy agreement.

A viewing platform has been installed at the pond in Main Street and a pathway. The Wildlife Trust has produced a first draft of their report on some of the ponds in the village. The report will include a circular walk incorporating footpaths the churchyard and wood. Interpretation boards are the next step in this project.

The glass recycling bins have been removed from the pub car park as glass is now taken with the regular kerbside collections.

The County Council has agreed to increase the parking space allocated for the bus outside the school in Main Street (B660) surface dressed. This will allow the bus easier and safer access to the parking bay and prevent further damage to the pavement.

Anglia in Bloom – judging for this competition took place on Friday 15th July and the two judges toured the village visiting – the School, Churchyard, Recreation Field, Chapel End Pond Allotments, Jubilee Wood and the Pond in Main Street. They were very impressed with the cleanliness and community involvement that was evident both on the day and in the portfolio (available to see on the website).  Lots of people were involved in this project and throughout the year from weeding, sweeping, planting, litter picking etc. and it is greatly appreciated.   A special thank you to Paul Hodson for putting the portfolio together, Rachel Giddens for all her work behind the scenes (as well as sweeping the pavements), Rose Foster for her boundless enthusiasm and Robin and Gill Hayden for their hospitality.    Results will be known on 13th September and we will keep you posted.

Rachel Giddens and Michael Trolove have been co-opted on to the council.    This followed the resignation of Julie Byard and Rose Foster who both contributed greatly to the work of the Council

The annual accounts for 2010/11 were completed, adopted and audit completed.

SUMMARY RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT (YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2010)

2009/10 Budget 2009/10 Actual
INCOME    
Precept 9,575.00 9,575.00
Recycling 500.00 367.91
VAT Refund 692.03
Training bursary 47.50
10,075.00 10,682.44
PAYMENTS    
Wages 3,800.00 3,525.94
Insurance 534.07 534.07
Subscription & audit fees  414.16 391.16
Rent for Parish Office  500.00 500.00
Training 100.00 109.25
Office Expenses 330.00 214.84
Broadband & Phone 450.00 452.20
6,128.23 5,992.06
     
Website Maintenance  264.60 264.60
Rent for recycling 450.00 680.30
Recreation Ground 1,600.00 1,130.34
Village Hall Refurbishment 8,000.00 8,000.00
Woodland 100.00 99.00
Village Maintenance 1,500.00 1,008.27
Section 137 1,825.00 1,769.00
  13,475.00 12,686.91
     
  19,603.23 18,678.97
     
Planned overspend -9,528.23 -7,996.53
     
Reserves 3/09    
General 13,279.07  
Section 137 925.00  
  14,204.07  
     
Reserves 3/10    
General 6,151.54  
Section 137 56.00  
  6,207.54  
Bertha Green Bequest    
Balance 3/09 4,240.09  
Water connection to Rec field 1,688.11  
Sewer connection 1,551.98  
Village Hall refurbishment 1,000.00  
Balance 3/10 Nil  
  6,207.54  
*Table Footer here…
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Meeting of Parish Council on Tuesday 19th July 2011

By on July 19, 2011   /   Parish Council Minutes   /   Leave a comment
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Minutes of a Meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall, Great Gidding on Tuesday 19th July 2011 at 7.30pm

Present: Cllrs Alexander (Chairman), Hayden (Vice Chairman), Hodson, Hill, Giddens, Trolove and clerk
680.11 Apologies for absence
Received from Cllr Howden and District Cllr Tuplin
681.11 Minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st June
Amended to reflect the omission of cheque payment to the clerk and Bradgate and agreement to purchase a hard drive for PC back-up then signed
682.11 Matters arising
(for information only)
683.11 Members declaration of interest for agenda items
None
684.11 Clerk appraisal and job review. The clerk left the meeting during the discussion. The clerk and Cllr Hodson signed the appraisal.
685.11 Audit
An amended letter had been received from the internal auditor and accepted (cheque payment to be forwarded). The external auditor had sought clarification on variation of receipts from previous year. This was due to the claim for VAT on the Lottery Fund money.
686.11 Grass cutting invoice – VAT payment
The first payment had been forwarded without the addition of VAT – paperwork reflects this and payment agreed
687.11 Trees
Review of trees on Parish Land. It was agreed to contact the County Council Tree Officer to ask for a site meeting to assess the trees within the village in respect of dead or diseased trees.
688.11 Parish Plan
Letter from ACRE. It was agreed to ask ACRE if they had any samples of short questionnaires that could be used to review the 2004 Plan
689.11 Planning
Planning Application 1101001REP replacement of planning permission 0801956FUL for erection of two dwellings, 23 Gains Lane. It was agreed to recommend refusal as in previous application – damage to Gains Lane, drainage, overlooking properties and in a conservation area.
Luminus properties – Air Source Heat Pumps. It was agreed to write to the planning department (copied to Luminus) concerning the erection of these obtrusive additions to the outside of properties in a conservation area.
690.11 Charity Commission returns.
Cllr Hodson would complete these as soon as the website was accepting returns.
691.11 The Giddings Website
Invoice Annual hosting £94.66 and updating £180.00. It as agreed to pay this account.
692.11 Invitation to Parish Path volunteers to a network meeting 21st July.
Although members would have liked to attend the date and time did not suit.
693.11 Gidding in Bloom feedback
The judges had been very impressed with the look of the village – litter free, planters, community involvement etc. Parish Council thanked Paul Hodson for producing the portfolio, Rachel Giddens for her work in getting the project off the ground and Robin and Gill Hayden for hosting the judges on the day. Michael Trolove agreed to produce more photographic evidence as requested and forward to the judges. Results will be announced at a presentation to be held on 13th September and it was agreed to fund two parishioners to attend (£25 per head). Cllr Hill expressed an interest in attending.
694.11 Bank reconciliation and payment of accounts agreed as follows
New bank reconciliation format produced as internet banking now in operation

  • Wildcare (pond waders) £190.74
  • S Dalley (clerk – no PAYE deducted) £295.70
  • Bradgate (grass cutting VAT April) + June cut £276.25
  • Canalbs (internal audit) £87.00
  • Paul Crank (website) £274.66

695.11 Representatives reports
Allotments – another new allotment had been allocated, making 9 out of 10
Highways & Police – Cllr Hayden reported Cambs sign on Luddington Road had been knocked over. The ongoing problem of water in Luddington Road is still causing problems; Anglian Water and the Highways department are dealing with this. The Highways Department have agreed to increase the bus parking space outside the school to allow the driver easier and safer access and to prevent further damage to the pavement. It was agreed to recommend an increase of 3 metres to the parking space
Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens reported that Bridlepath No 2 sign had been knocked over.
School – Cllr Alexander reported that the school had been active in the village – taking part in Anglia in Bloom, using the Village Hall for end of term performances and the Recreation Field for sports events.
Village Hall & Recreation Field – Cllr Hodson reported that Safety checks had been completed in the Recreation field and that they were looking at funding for some new (all age) equipment
Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson asked the council to consider use of S137 funds possibly for Jubilee celebrations
Tree Warden – Cllr Trolove – see agenda item 687.11
696.11 Correspondence received

  • CARESCO – change of status – noted
  • Cambridgeshire Localism – community in practice – no action
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