Our village shop selling a range of goods, magazines, greeting cards etc
Great Gidding Stores has served the parish of the Giddings and the surrounding villages for over a century. It provides key facilities for the village and many other villages within Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Jed and Aruna Patel re-opened the village shop 11 years ago.
Telephone: 01832 2932601 Main Street, Great Gidding
Huntingdon, PE28 5NX
Catalyst Design Partnership is a Great Gidding, Cambridgeshire-based graphic design company producing effective design solutions in corporate identity, printed literature, brochures and advertising, websites, new media and exhibitions. We also specialise in producing a wide variety of illustrations in-house.
Present: Cllrs Alexander (Chairman), Trolove, Howden, Hodson, Hill, Giddens, County Councillor Mcguire and District Cllr
Tuplin
Councillor Mcguire informed the meeting about the
Neighbourhood forums ‘In your Patch’ and Councillor Tuplin gave details on the
Library Service in Sawtry and how Localism may improve the planning process
746.11 Apologies for absence – none received
747.11 Minutes of 18th October 2011 were approved and signed
748.11 Matters arising (information only)
749.11 Members declaration of interest for agenda items – none
750.11 Grass cutting contract 2012 – only one quote received and reference to be sought –
decision at December meeting
751.11 The Great Gidding Newt Trail – it was agreed to produce 3 interpretation boards with a
hand drawn map including footpaths (artwork by Catalyst) digitally printed and
laminated vinyl face on aluminium.
752.11 Archives – minute books and accounts from 1895 – 1998 had been deposited at Huntingdon
Library and Archives.
753.11 Anglian Water – requested information on time taken to repair leaks, Main Street had been received. It was
agreed to monitor and record any future leaks to add to a case for replacement pipes
754.11 Diamond Jubilee – village celebration no update
755.11 Planning – no planning
756.11 Rural Broadband – response from MP and County Council was received but there are no plans to improve the Winwick exchange in this round of funding. It was agreed to ask our MP to put our community forward for a scheme to improve Mobile Phone Coverage
757.11 The District Council will be removing the Paper Bank from the village as it is no longer economically viable. The
offer of a Textile bank to be considered at December meeting
758.11 Meeting dates for 2012 – it was agreed to continue meeting on the 3rd
Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm with the Annual meeting in May following elections
759.11 Budget plan and setting of Precept – this was discussed and it was agreed to make a small
increase to meet rising costs of insurance, water, BT and village maintenance. Sum precepted £10,835
760.11 Reconciliation of accounts and payment of cheques
S Dalley (clerk) £295.70
Bradgate (grass cutting) £127.50
Anglian Water (allotments) £66.89 (charity account)
761.11 Representatives reports
Rights of Way – Cllr Giddens hoped to attend Definitive Map seminar 22nd November
Allotments – Cllr Howden agreed to look into the rules for allowing non residents to be allocated an
allotment. It was agreed to supply information on allotments as requested by HDC.
Mr Bostock had requested permission to erect a greenhouse on his allotment (not exceeding 10’x8’), this was agreed.
Highways & Police – North West Hunts Panel Meeting 19th Oct – parking outside
school Gt Gidding – noted
School – Cllr Alexander had attended the official opening of the improvements to the school.
Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Cllr Howden reported increase use of the hall. A long term plan for the need and or
replacement of the pavilion was required
Finance & Charities – Cllr Hodson – finance covered under 759.11 and nothing to report on charities
Tree Warden – Cllr Trolove was awaiting bare root stock list to complete order of fruit trees
for Jubilee Wood
762.11 Correspondence received
.Citizens Advice Bureau request for donation – not allocated
.The Localism Bill update October 2011 produced by CPALC – noted
. Briefing note – Inspectors report on the examination of the Cambs & Peterborough Minerals and
Waste site specific proposals plan – noted
.CCTV funding request from HDC – not allocated
Training Day – Monday 16th April (School closed)
School Opens – Tuesday 17th April
May Day – Monday 7th May
Half-Term – 4th – 8th June
Training Day – Monday 9th June
School Closes – Friday 20th July
Training Day – Monday 23rd July (School closed)
Our Harvest Festival was a very enjoyable occasion, as was the Harvest Supper which followed, at the Fox and Hounds. Chris Hill produced a first class meal, and everyone went away feeling very satisfied! The church looked really beautiful, thanks to the efforts of Sue Jarvis and Barbara Floyd and smelt wonderfully of autumn fruits.
On Sunday 9th October we held a coffee morning at Churchside House in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. We raised £115 which will be sent off to the charity. A most enjoyable morning – thank you to those who supported the event.
We have at last secured a faculty for the PA system and the children’s room in the church, and hope that work can begin before too long.
Churchyard trees
During the summer we had to make the decision to remove the horse chestnut tree at the entrance to the churchyard. Two heavy branches had fallen close to the school and the Huntingdon DC tree adviser
informed us that it was diseased and would have to be felled on grounds of health and safety. We have also had a fallen tree at Little Gidding, and are again in contact with Huntingdon DC to see what further action we need to take. At Steeple Gidding we are very grateful to Mr Brian Scotney who has done a great deal of clearing up in the churchyard there.
Paul Freestone
We extend our very sincere sympathy to Sue, Frederik and Freya Freestone on the sad loss of Paul.
Service dates
There will be a service on Sunday 30th October, the nearest Sunday to All Souls Day, at 3pm, when we shall remember all our loved ones who have died. Mary Jepp asks that we give her any names we would like read out in the service. (To contact Mary, tel: 01480 890284 or email: m.jepp@btinternet.com)
On Sunday 13th November at 5pm, we shall be holding a Remembrance Service which this year will be led by the Sawtry branch of the British Legion. This will be our first Remembrance Sunday service without our dear, much missed, Shep leading the worship.
Home Communions will be held on Tuesday 15th November.
Advance notice
The Advent Carol service on Sunday 4th December and the Christmas Carol service on Saturday 17th December, will both be at 6pm.
I am sure you have all heard the expression ‘the past is all around us’, and I am sure that we would all acknowledge the truth of these words, living where we do. Ancient churches, homes, bridleways and footpaths all speak of times long past, and then there are the remains of the many airfields which dot our countryside and speak of our more recent history, which remind us of places far away, of wars fought.
These days we are reminded almost daily that armed conflicts still continue, despite the efforts of those who govern this world. Although many I have spoken to, especially individuals who survived the Second World War, will say that it is a terrible waste of life, there seems to be no end to humankind’s foolishness; our young continue to lose their lives on foreign battlefields. The lessons that many believed were learnt at the end of the first war and were repeated over and over again seem to have not made any difference. Although we hope and pray for peace, perhaps it is just not the way of the world.
So what other lessons can be learned from previous wars and their aftermath? Perhaps a starting point might be the way in which we care for individuals whose lives have been affected by war, especially our own servicemen and women and their families. The war in Afghanistan has raised our awareness of the casualties. Those casualties’ numbers are high, and many of them will need support throughout their lives. It is important that we also remember their families, who see in a sense strangers returning home. Our family has some experience of this as my eldest is a serving member of the armed forces; he had a difficult time re-adjusting to life in the UK when he returned from Afghanistan following his first tour, and so it is for many others.
There is perhaps little we can do as individuals to stop wars, but we have the ability to try to demonstrate love by working towards alleviating the pain of those who serve their country overseas, so that they are able to live full and rewarding lives despite their memories, experiences and injuries.
Revd. Mary Jepp
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
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.
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
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.