The attached file contains the following documents:
Certificate of Exemption
Annual Internal Audit report
Annual Governance Statement
Accounting Statements 2021/22
Explanation of Variances (with an additional “expanded” explanation)
Bank Reconciliation
There will be a service of Choral Evensong in St Michael’s Church on Sunday 15th May, starting at 4pm. The singing will be led by the Peterborough Chamber Choir; the service will be conducted by the Benefice Rector, Revd Mandy Flaherty.
All are very welcome. There will be wine and nibbles after the service.
It is hoped that the bells will be rung for the first time for nearly two years.
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Bolton and Pudney, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.
154.21 Cllr Hodson, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
155.21 There were no apologies for absence
156.21 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests
157.21 No members of the Public or Press attended the meeting
158.21 Minutes of the meeting, held on 18th January 2022, were confirmed as a true and correct record. Acceptance proposed by Cllr Bolton and seconded by Cllr Pudney.
159.21 There were no matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
160.21 Reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Clerk enquired of County Councillor Gardener details of the proposed change of Parliamentary Constituency boundaries, whereby our Parish may become part of South Peterborough (currently North West Cambridgeshire). This is a process that takes place from time to time as area populations increase to level up the constituency areas – consultation period has now closed and decisions are awaited.
County Councillor Gardener
Councillor Steven Ferguson is now Chairman of the County Council.
The County Council element of Council Tax will increase by 1.99%, and Adult Social Care to increase by 3%. The income generated is anticipated to be £6.9m and this will be allotted to Council Reserves.
There will be an increase of £20 to those persons receiving Universal Credit.
Cllr Gardener left the meeting after advising on item 163.21a
161.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account
b) Annual Finance review – a list of spending to date, together with a budget spreadsheet were shared at the meeting. Cllr Hodson explained about precept/income and expenditure/assets and budgets to Parish Councillors.
c) PAYMENTS of the following items was approved by Cllrs Bolton and Pudney
| Who | What for | TOTAL | VAT | Authorised | Authorised | |
| Catalyst Design | Setting up Noticeboard page on website and training of Clerk | 336.00 | 56.00 | JRT | PH | |
| CAPALC | Annual subscription | 57.00 | ~ | JRT | PH | |
| J R Trolove | Wages for December (18 hours) | Xxx | ~ | JRT | PH | |
| WAVE/AWA | Final invoice for Rec Ground toilet unit | 5.06 | ~ | Direct debit | PH | |
| Paul Hodson | Capping off Toilet unit supply | 15.92 | ~ | JRT | JP |
d) Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st January (29 hours) approved by Cllr Bolton and Pudney.
162.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters: NONE received as at 11/2/2022
163.21 Highways and Footpaths:
a) LHI bid for 2022-23 – Nick Hill had submitted a presentation to Parish Council and Cambridgeshire County Council. A response from CambsCC indicated that there would be minimal improvement to traffic calming/road safety if the proposed measures were implemented. County Cllr Gardener advised that the proposal could still be submitted, but would be unlikely to gain sufficient support to be successful based on the County Council comments. Cllr Gardener has had considerable experience of the Local Highways Bid Scheme and suggested an approach for a future bid for the Little Gidding junction. He offered to arrange an on-site meeting with a Highways officer to consider the options.
Based on these comments, Cllr Hodson proposed that the current application be withdrawn, with a revised proposal to be submitted for 2023/24 bid. This proposal was seconded by Cllr Bolton.
b) Parishioner requested discussion of condition of various public footpaths + another enquiry. Emails have been received with concerns regarding aspects of various footpaths in the Parish. CambsCC have contacted the Clerk regarding one of the enquiries and the Clerk has requested a meeting or discussion with a CambsCC representative to address other issues regarding public footpaths.
164.21 Training opportunities for Councillors and Clerk
February 16th – Councillor Training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM
23rd – Councillor training, split session – 6.30 to 9PM
More online training options are now being offered by CAPALC and details are shared on their monthly newssheet, a copy of which is forwarded to Councillors.
165.21 Recreation Ground:
Mole problem will be addressed by Arrestapest
Toilet unit has been disconnected from the Main Sewer and final invoice received from WAVE/AWA. The toilet will be removed when ground conditions allow. The concrete base that the toilet stood on will remain in situ.
166.21 Correspondence received since 18th January 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above).
See attached list, discussion on the following items:
j) Cllr Hodson and the Clerk will attend a meeting to share thoughts and ideas with District Councillor Alban and other local Parish Council Chairmen and Clerks on Wednesday 9th March.
l) CambsCC response dated 7/2/2022 to request for a further grit bin on Chapel End. A price has been quoted and CambsCC would need to identify a site where road visibility was not impaired. Councillors discussed and agreed that this bin would not completely solve the problem of ice on the roads and footpaths in this area. A request has been made on the most recent parish newsletter for volunteer footpath gritters and, at this stage, a grit bin will not be ordered.
p) following a request for the provision of equipment for litter picking around the parish, the Clerk will research prices and submit to the March meeting.
167.21 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor
168.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15 March 2022
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding.
Over the Jubilee Bank Holiday we would like to display any photographs/newspaper cuttings/certificates, in fact anything that reminds us of events that have happened in the Giddings, over the last 70 years……it may be pantos, various clubs, sporting activities, groups, societies, fetes, community picnics and dances to name just a few.
Have you anything that we could use and put on display? Please help us if you can by making sure any personal memorabilia you have is clearly identifiable with the date and event name and also clearly marked with your name and contact no. The cut off date for getting those memories out of the attic and over to us is the end of April so there’s not much time.
All will be brought together for the Jubilee Bank Holiday and displayed at the Village Hall for everyone to come along and share the memories….
Sue on Tel 293271 email: jartrap@aol.com
Julie on TEL: 293591 Email: julie.trolove@gmail.com
for more details about collection/delivery of memorabilia.
Thank you.
Details of the event will follow soon.
Minutes of the meeting held at Great Gidding Village Hall on Tuesday 21st September 2021
Present: Cllrs Hodson, Hill, Pudney and Bolton and the Clerk. 1 member of the public in attendance (SB)
076.21 Cllr Hodson, Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
077.21 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
Cllr Macaig – work commitment
Cllr Cotton – family commitment
County Councillor Gardener
District Councillor Alban – at other meetings
078.21 There were no Disclosable Interests declared
079.21 No members of the Press were present. The member of the Public had sent details of a Speed Watch Camera prior to the meeting. This device, in addition to the Speed Awareness Sign, is intended to reduce still further those drivers exceeding the speed limit through the village as it “identifies the highest, persistent and illegal speeding vehicles”, with the intention of the details being forwarded to the Police for further action.
Cllr Hill outlined the measures that have been installed recently, including the Speed Awareness Sign, and those that have been agreed by CambsCC Highways Department for implementation in the near future on other roads in the Parish. He had forwarded the details of the Speed Watch Camera to Highways Department for advice. Highways Dept response -“No. It is an illegal form of data capture that would more than likely be in breach of GDPR. We wouldn’t consider the installation of any such device unless it was related to enforcement, and in particular on behalf of enforcement agencies who have the legal power to hold, process, and use this data as part of their role.”
nor do they permit signs being attached to existing posts or street furniture on Highways Dept land.
Cllr Hodson suggested that a community group, independent of the Parish Council, be formed to raise funds to purchase the required equipment and install such a system.
Cllr Hill advised that any unit and associated signage would have to be installed on private land. Data gathered from the Speed Awareness Sign, which has only been in situ for 2 months, is encouraging as the majority of drivers do abide by the speed limit, the Parish Council will continue to gather data and, should it show that there is a problem, may consider referring to the Police for further action.
080.21 The Minutes of the meeting held on 16th August 2021 were confirmed as a true and correct record. Proposed by Cllr Pudney and seconded by Cllr Hill.
081.21 Matters arising from those Minutes that will not be discussed as an agenda item.
Cllr Hodson advised that the bin, recently installed on the crossroads opposite the shop, is being emptied regularly.
082.21 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Clerk advised that renewal details of the Allotment Insurance Policy has been received and will require payment prior to the next meeting (now that Parish Council has taken on the management of the Allotments). Cllr Hodson declared an interest at this point but he had read the terms and conditions of the current policy and there was no provision for poultry (3 x allotment holders have poultry) – Clerk will check out if an additional clause can be added and a price.
Clerk has completed online reports to Highways Dept at CambsCC for damage to the road surface in Back Lane and overhanging/dropping vegetation in The Jitty between Gaines Lane and Main Street.
Cllr Pudney mentioned a recent communication had been distributed throughout the Parish for a website linking neighbours/trades etc – this is a countrywide scheme/website and is not linked to the Parish Council.
083.21 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements + Mandate alteration + changes to terms and conditions of service from Barclays – copies had been forwarded to Councillors prior to the meeting.
b) Cashflow spreadsheet and Budget Forecast had been prepared by Cllr Hodson and shared prior to the meeting.
c) PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNTS
| Who | What for | TOTAL | VAT | Authorised | Authorised | |
| Bradgate Fencing (No ) | Grass Cutting (invoice awaited) | |||||
| J R Trolove | Wages for July (34) | Xxx | NONE | JRT |
The payment was authorised (Bradgate invoice still not available for the meeting)
d) Clerk’s hours worked between 1st and 31st August ( 27 hours) were approved by all present
084.21 Planning Applications and Planning matters:
No Planning applications have been received as at 15/9/2021
085.21 Recreation Field Update:
a) MUGA – Cllr Macaig was not able to attend the meeting but had advised that there has been no further correspondence with Huntingdonshire District Council regarding the Planning Application.
b) The insurers AVIVA have made a payment in respect of the insurance claim for a like for like replacement spring toy. Clerk will instruct Online Playgrounds to carry out the work.
c) bench repair – replacement slats. Clerk will ask Cllr Macaig to confirm that he has the wood ready to repair the bench.
086.21 Local Highways Improvement grant 2022-23 – review of submission
Review of data from Speed awareness sign – the most recent download of information, with the sign taking readings from traffic travelling out towards Glatton, had been shared prior to the meeting. Results were encouraging as 82% of traffic had been within the speed limit.
Cllr Hill has prepared the application form and associated documents for the 2022-23 Local Highways Improvement bid – the junction to Little Gidding being the focus for this project. The Parish Council will offer £1000 towards the cost of this project.
Cllr Hodson proposed adding a post to enable the speed awareness sign to be located at this junction on occasions, which was met with approval. Cllr Hill will update the application before submitting to CambsCC.
087.21 Training opportunities for Parish Councillors and Clerk – dates were shared and Clerk encouraged Councillors to book their training.
Defibrillator training had been offered to parishioners via the most recent Gidding News – 6 people had expressed an interest and Cllr Pudney will deliver the training.
088.21 Noticeboards (or other method) for Parish Council use – how to share information about Parish/District/County/Government support/groups/information.
089.21 Queens Jubilee 2022 – on the recent Gidding News, Parishioners were asked to submit ideas of how to mark or celebrate this event and that some funding is available. Clerk requested Councillors to consider areas of Parish owned land where a tree(s) might be planted. A deadline of 31st December had been proposed to enable funding/consultation/ideas to be put in place.
090.21 Correspondence received since 16 August 2021 (other than that discussed in agenda items above). The following items have been shared with Councillors prior to the meeting:
a) Email dated 17/8/2021 from NALC – Level up the environment through biodiversity
b) email dated 17/8/2021 from Neighbourhood Watch – Neighbourhood Watch Impact Report 2020/21
c) email dated 18/8/2021 from NALC (and other dates) – Making Rural Housing more affordable
d) email dated 23/8/2021 from NALC – Future Communities
e) email dated 23/8/2021 from CambsACRE – introducing How Are You (HAY)
f) email dated 25/8/2021 from Citizens Advice Rural Cambs – Announcing the launch of updated website
g) email dated 26/8/2021 from Shona Barton at CambsCC – information about how to close roads for events
h) email dated 27/8/2021 from Cambs & Pboro Combined Authority – newsletter issue 5
i) email dated 2/9/2021 from traffic technology.co.uk – re. Speedwatch device – this was mentioned during the discussion 079.21, a copy was supplied to member of the Public as an alternative provider of a similar/same type of unit.
j) Cambs ACRE AGM – 29th September 2021 – Clerk will attend this online event.
091.21 Items for decisions at next meeting:
Prepare for Co-option of Parish Councillor
Climate Change – how this Parish is addressing and considering the issues
092.21 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 19th October 2021
starting at 1930 hours in the Village Hall, Great Gidding
Meeting closed at 20.35.
We are delighted to announce that St Michael’s Church will re-open on Sunday 5th July. However, in line with safeguarding rules, the church will only be open for private prayer, and this will be limited to the south aisle, the area to your right as you come into the church. The rest of the church (nave, north aisle, chancel etc) will be closed off and inaccessible.
The church will only be open for two days a week:
Sunday 1pm – 5pm
Thursday 9.30am – 1pm
There will be a sanitation station in the porch, and you are asked to wash your hands on entering and leaving the church. At all times, social distancing of two metres should be observed, and this is especially relevant in the porch area. To help maintain this protocol, certain pews will be marked as ‘out of use’. We have had to remove all prayer books, bibles and other literature.
Whilst churches are allowed to open for public worship (subject to social distancing) from 4th July, we still have to complete a Risk Assessment and other arrangements before we can open up the rest of St Michael’s church for public worship, and this will not be before the beginning of August.
Over the last few days several village residents have come together to facilitate the parish wide litter pick. Its disapointing to have to resort to these activities but its the price we pay for a consumer society that has poor environmental credentials especially the redbullswillingcostacoffeelobbingmcdonaldsthrowingheinekensboozingcoladrinkingsandwichpackmunchingcrisppackettossing clients who think the highways and byways are perfect receptacles for their (multiple choice answer here)
“muck” “detritus” “crap” “rubbish” “stuff”
Thanks to all who joined the effort, we had a great age spread of pickers but our work is not quite complete. A special task force will tackle the worst offending stretch of road from the Horse pond to Lutton cross roads, and to be truly parish wide we need to pick the road to Lutton as far as Gypsy Lane so look out for another call to arms.The Gidding Environmental squad also took the opportunity to don waders and tidy the inside of Chapel End pond following the recent Ash tree felling. The overflow is working correctly and I would like to encourage anyone walking past the pond to keep the road drains clear . There are three grates that allow surface road water to flow into the pond but they get clogged up. A simple job with a stick will lessen the flow of surface water flowing down Chapel End in times of heavy rain (self help)
Another occassional problem is fly tipping. Hunts District Council operate an online reporting service and in my recent experience are very responsive to problems. They need an accurate location and a photo helps especially if its a big heap. They can judge what size vehicle to send out. What 3words is a very useful location app and is worth space on your mobile device.
Links below
https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/environmental-issues/fly-tipping/
https://what3words.com/daring.lion.race
There will be a Service of Remembrance at St Michael’s Church, Great Gidding, this Sunday, 10th November at 10.55am. All welcome.
There was a good congregation for this service on Saturday afternoon. The service was conducted by Revd Canon Fiona Brampton (our new Associate Priest), and the music was led by the St Peter’s Singers of Peterborough, under the direction of Jeremy Jepson.
The theme of the service was centred around the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. This gave the singers the opportunity to sing the carol “The angel Gabriel from heaven came” and the congregation to sing “It came upon the midnight clear”.
It was a great pleasure to welcome back the Revd Mary Jepp (and her husband Michael), who gave the address.
After the service, wine and nibbles were served, and this gave everyone a chance to chat to Mary and Michael.
Along the eastern boundary hedgerow of the Jubilee Wood is a large gap in the hedge deliberately maintained so as to provide a “window” for the view beyond the hedge.
Here’s the gap, all you have to do is take your digital photograph(s) standing closer to the hedge (examples below) and then send it to the website editor and if suitable it will be uploaded into the gallery that accompanies this page
We are looking for changing season’s, weather, field activity, the moon, the sun rising anything you see through this gap. Zoom, standard or wide angle lens, it doesn’t matter.
A short description would help.
Submit your picture here
