The landline to the Parish Office has developed a fault and, therefore, is not currently working. Steps are being taken to resolve this.
If you wish to contact the Parish Council please email ggparishcouncil@outlook.com or call into the office on a Friday afternoon (2.00-4.30PM)
(I couldn’t find a photo to use of a telephone!)
DRAFT MINUTES of Great & Little Gidding Parish Council meeting
Held on Tuesday 18th November at the Village Hall, Great Gidding
PRESENT: Cllrs Maciag, Bolton, Hodson, Downer, Nankivell, Hargrave and the Clerk
0080.25 Cllr Maciag welcomed those present to the meeting
0081.25 Apologies and reasons for absence :
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
District Councillor Alban – will join after attending another meeting (was unable to join)
0082.25 There were no declarations of disclosable interests.
0083.25 No press or public attended the meeting.
0084.25 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2025 – confirmed as correct by Cllrs Bolton and Maciag
0085.25 To receive reports from County and District Councillors, Parish Councillors and the Clerk.
Cllr Downer – advised that the Clerk had failed to upload the Agenda and Minutes to the village website in accordance with CAPALC recommendation to publish minutes within 14 days of a meeting and agendas 7 days prior to a meeting – Clerk acknowledged her failure.
Cllr Hargrave – the recent village quiz night was attended by 71, with a waiting list. The event made a profit for the Village Hall funds. Cllrs thanked the Village Hall committee.
Articles for the village newsletter should be submitted by 27th November.
0086.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank were shared prior to the meeting
b) PAYMENTS – the following online payments were approved for payment
| Who | What for | TOTAL | Invoice includes this VAT amount |
| Staff costs | Wages for September (28 hours) HMRC National Insurance | 415.52 NIL | NIL |
| Great Gidding Village Hall | Annual rent | 800.00 | NIL |
0087.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
a) we are not aware of the date for planning meeting at which the Hemington Lodge Road application will be discussed. Note of thanks to Parish Council from resident, also more on website.
b) Great Gidding School site – Cllr Maciag advised that Milton Estates had requested CambsCC remove the buildings from their property – CambsCC have demolished parts of the buildings that were encroaching on Milton Estates land, but not removed the whole structures or the resulting debris from the demolition. A letter will be sent to CambsCC, with copies to County Councillor, local MP and Conservation Officer requesting removal of the debris.
c) Local Plan Engagement sessions (nearest is Sawtry on 3 December) – see posters on noticeboard. Cllr Maciag attended the recent District Parish Council meeting with Clara Kerr, Head of Planning, in attendance. Throughout Cambs, 360 sites have been designated. There is an ongoing call for additional sites. 33000 homes are required in the County in the next 25 years.
d) Laurel Farm – crown reduction of ash tree (Parish Council not asked for a response).
*** Cllr Downer requested an update on the Baptist Chapel – Clerk confirmed no further correspondence, no planning application submitted. Cllr Hodson requested a further letter be sent to the Conservation and Environment Officer regarding removal of the wall and gateway.
0088.25 Local Government Reorganisation – Hunts DC require response to their proposal to become a unitary authority, they are meeting Wednesday 19th November to decide, deadline Friday 21st November. All information from Hunts DC had been distributed to Cllrs prior to the meeting – it had been hoped that Cllr Alban would attend the meeting to address any questions.
0089.25 Information Technology – at their Councillor training session, Cllrs Downer and Nankivell were encouraged to sign up this Council for a gov.uk website, with dedicated secure email addresses. Cllr Bolton will research the options. Clerk will apply for competitive quotes for set-up, hosting and maintaining the site.
Cllr Nankivell also recommended an upgrade of the laptop to accommodate Windows 11. Cllr Bolton will research options.
Cllr Bolton recommended an external hard drive be used for future back ups.
0090.25 Village Maintenance –
Cllr Hargrave reminded that options for a car parking area inside the gate were to be explored. Research regarding the area/requirements/costs will be carried out and reported at the December meeting.
Clerk advised that there had been 2 separate enquiries about use of the field for football.
*** Cllr Downer requested an update regarding Footpath No 6 – Clerk confirmed there had been no response to a recent request for an update. Cllr Downer asked that County Cllr Gardener, when he next attends a meeting, be asked to intervene.
0091.25 Correspondence received since 21st October 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b)Cambridgeshire County Council –
c) Huntingdonshire District Council –
d) Cambs &Pboro Combined Authority – monthly newsletter
e) Cambs ACRE – Staying in Touch newsletter
f) CAPALC – nothing
g) Parish Online monthly newsletter
h) SLCC advise – The 14th edition of Arnold Baker has now been published and is available for purchase. SLCC members can purchase it at a discounted price of £144 (plus £5.40 shipping)
i) Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, recently launched a dedicated Community Energy Advice service to support residents across Huntingdonshire, Fenland and East Cambridgeshire – poster available
0092.25 Items for next meeting:
Update to gov.uk website – findings of research
Options for replacement laptop, and external hard drive.
Ideas and options for Rec. Field parking area.
Meeting closed at 21.15. The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 16th December 2025
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Village Hall payments were approved.
*** amendment, in blue, submitted by Cllr Downer.
If you missed it, or couldn’t get tickets for the sold-out event earlier this year, Anne will once again be sharing her knowledge about the shoe industry in Northamptonshire.
How WW1 transformed Northamptonshire’s shoe industry, the lives of women working in the factories and her family’s business at this tumultuous time.
Date: Monday 26th January at 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Great Gidding Village Hall, PE28 5NU
Tickets: £10 includes tea and cake.
To book: suehebb14@hotmail.com or call Sue on 07966 424327
St Michael’s Church has been at the heart of our community for nearly 800 years. Next year 2026, we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the church.
To mark the occasion, a number of events are being planned between May and September. These include two concerts of differing musical styles, and exhibitions/displays related to the community.
There will also be a Thanksgiving Service for which music is being especially commissioned.
More details will be available in the new year.
There will be an Advent Carol Service with the Peterborough Chamber Choir in St Michael’s Church, Great Gidding
Date: 7th December
Time: 6.00pm
Starting on Sunday 30th November and every last Sunday of the month going forward there will be a “walkabout” through the King’s Wood. These are nature rambles with some knowledge sharing paired with an old fashioned Sunday afternoon stroll. They will start at 2pm in any weather. If you haven’t visited the KW yet then these are a good reason to tag along.
DON’T MISS THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS FAIR – GREAT GIDDING VILLAGE HALL!
Sunday 7th December 11.00am – 4.00pm
Tea, Coffee, Mince Pies and Mulled Wine!
Crafts • tombola • gifts • handmade cards • skincare • fragrances • toys • games • leather goods • candles • knitted items …and much more!
GREAT & LITTLE GIDDING PARISH COUNCIL
Chairman: Jan Maciag
Clerk: Julie Trolove
Great and Little Gidding Parish Council, The Village Hall, Main Street,
Great Gidding, Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 5NU
TEL: 01832 293 068 EMAIL: ggparishcouncil@outlook.com
To Members of the Council
You are hereby summoned to attend a meeting of the Great & Little Gidding Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 18th November 2025 for the purpose of transacting the business listed below.
Members of the Press and Public PLEASE submit your question/request/comment in writing to the Parish Office letterbox or via email, no later than 2PM on Monday 17th November
Julie Trolove
Parish Clerk
14 November 2025
0080.25 Chairperson’s Welcome
0081.25 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
0082.25 Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
0083.25 Public & Press participation session with respect to items on the Agenda
0084.25 To confirm and accept minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2025
0085.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
0086.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank (not yet received)
b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following
| Who | What for | TOTAL | Invoice includes this VAT amount |
| Staff costs | Wages for September (28 hours) HMRC National Insurance | 415.52 | NIL |
| Great Gidding Village Hall | Annual rent | 800.00 | nil |
0087.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
a)awaiting date of the planning meeting at which the Hemington Lodge Road application will be discussed. Note of thanks from resident, also more on website.
b) Great Gidding School site
c) Local Plan Engagement sessions (nearest is Sawtry on 3 December). Report from Cllr Maciag on recent District Parish Council meeting with Head of Planning in attendance.
d) Laurel Farm – crown reduction of ash tree (Parish Council not asked for a response).
0088.25 Local Government Reorganisation – Hunts DC require response to their proposal to become a unitary authority – Meeting Wednesday 19th November to decide, deadline Friday 21st November
0089.25 Information Technology – website options/email addresses/laptop etc.
0090.25 Village Maintenance –
0091.25 Correspondence received since 21st October 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b)Cambridgeshire County Council –
c) Huntingdonshire District Council –
d) Cambs &Pboro Combined Authority – monthly newsletter
e) Cambs ACRE – Staying in Touch newsletter
f) CAPALC – nothing
g) Parish Online monthly newsletter
h) SLCC advise – The 14th edition of Arnold Baker has now been published and is available for purchase. SLCC members can purchase it at a discounted price of £144 (plus £5.40 shipping)
i) Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, recently launched a dedicated Community Energy Advice service to support residents across Huntingdonshire, Fenland and East Cambridgeshire – poster available
0092.25 Items for next meeting:
The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 16th December 2025
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Held on Tuesday 21st October, in the Village Hall, Great Gidding – starting at 7.30PM
Minutes approved at meeting held on 18th November 2025
PRESENT: Cllrs Maciag, Hargrave, Hodson, Bolton, Downer, Nankivell, County Cllr Gardener and District Councillor Alban, the Clerk and 21 members of the public
0067.25 Cllr Maciag, as Chairperson, welcomed those present to the meeting
0068.25 There were no apologies for absence
0069.25 There were no Member’s declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
0070.25 No members of the Press were present. Members of the Public were in attendance in respect of item 0074.25b Highways application in respect of Hemington Lodge Road and its junction with B660 – CambsCC application no CCC/25/107/FUL – there followed considerable comment and discussion regarding all aspects of this application, particular concerns were raised regarding the increased heavy goods vehicle and agricultural vehicle traffic that will impact on travel through the village and on the local road network. Cllr Gardener read out additional notes provided by Planning Dept of CambsCC (these were added to the village website on 22/10/2025) and encouraged both Parish Councillors and concerned residents to attend the planning committee session at which this application will be discussed (Date and details to follow when known). Parish Councillors will write a response to the application, setting out their objections and highlighting the concerns of parishioners.
0071.25 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th September 2025 were confirmed as a correct record by Cllrs Bolton and Hargrave.
0072.25 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
Cllr Alban reported:
He has sent an objection to the planning application regarding the re-aligned access to Hemington Lodge Road.
Local Government reorganisation – Option E, a standalone Huntingdonshire authority is still an option to be considered.
Civil Parking enforcement is being carried out in towns but has not yet spread out across the whole district.
Clara Kerr, head of Planning Department, will attend a District Wide Parish Council meeting to discuss the next stage of the Local Plan procedure.
Cllr Alban left to attend another Parish Council meeting.
Cllr Gardener reported:
Cambs CC have chosen Option A (Peterborough, Huntingdonshire and Fenland) as the preferred option for the Local Government reorganisation – Cllr Gardener will vote for Option E (Huntingdonshire as a standalone authority).
The revised Highways reporting system is up and running, we should check that all reports have been transferred, are relevant and update them to reflect the current state of any highways issues – anyone can report an issue, it will be assessed/triaged and auctioned accordingly. Cllr Gardener will hold regular meetings with the Highways Maintenance Manager.
The next round of the LHI scheme is open between 10th November and 16th January for bids to be submitted. 20MPH scheme bids are open between 26th January and 26th March (Little Gidding scheme remains “on the list”).
Cambridgeshire County Council funds Healthy You, a service that provides free NHS Health Checks for adults aged 40-74 to screen for conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. See https://healthyyou.org.uk/ to book an appointment
Cllr Hargrave:
Over £500 raised at the McMillan coffee morning
38 bookings already for the Quiz and Fish and Chip Supper in November
Clerk – Remembrance Sunday, there are no details yet of a service at Great Gidding. Poppies will be placed at bottom crossroads.
0073.25 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank (not yet received)
b) PAYMENTS – Cllrs Hargrave and Bolton approved the following payments and clerk’s working hours
| Who | What for | TOTAL | Invoice includes this VAT amount | Authorised | Authorised |
| Staff costs | Wages for August (29 hours) HMRC National Insurance | Up to £500 (figure not available at meeting) | NIL | JRT | |
| Viking | Print cartridges, paper and other stationery | 135.59 | 22.60 | ||
| Bradgate Grounds Maintenance | Invoice no 3285 | 253.03 | 42.17 | ||
| Karl Morgan Maintenance | Painting of 2 x benches | 339.00 (less £23 for paint) | NIL | ||
| Julie Trolove | Paint for benches – reimbursement | 23.00 | NIL | ||
| Ady Pendred signs | Noticeboard and installation | 1440.00 | 240.00 | ||
| CAPALC | Training sessions for 2 x Councillors | 150.00 | NIL |
0074.25 PLANNING applications and matters:
a) 25/01714/HHFUL Two storey and single storey rear extensions 6 Winwick Road Great Gidding Huntingdon PE28 5PB
DECISION – a retrospective application as this was built some time ago, in the Conservation Area, but does not impact on visual street scene.
b) Highways application in respect of Hemington Lodge Road and its junction with B660 – CambsCC application no CCC/25/107/FUL
DECISION – objection due to increased traffic through village and on local, unsuitable road network, and resulting safety issues
Copy of residents correspondence (x4) to CambsCC regarding this application was shared with Councillors prior to the meeting
c) Baptist Chapel – information sent to Tim Alban from the Conservation Officer
d) School site – Cambs CC (Mark Freer) advised that demolition and dismantling work starts on Monday 20th October (already started on Thursday 16th October)
e) District Councillor Alban has arranged a District wide Parish Council meeting to take place on Wednesday 5th November, with Clara Kerr Head of Planning in attendance and particularly to discuss the next stage of the Local Plan – Cllr Maciag will attend.
0075.25 Local Government re-organisation. Introduction of option E – to retain Huntingdonshire as a standalone unitary authority. – see Cllr reports above
0076.25 Village Maintenance –
0077.25 Allotments – Renewal letters were sent out – all paid, except for Plot No 10 which became vacant and has been offered to the first name on the waiting list. Clerk requested clarification of terms of tenancy, this will be revised and tenant will be advised.
0078.25 Correspondence received since 16th September 2025 :
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition
Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads (4 in Huntingdonshire during last month),
Highways events during coming months – nearest is a Remembrance event in Sawtry.
Community Food initiative small grants available in respect of food poverty,
Local Highways Initiative – 2026/27 expression of interest
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region
Information about replacement Highways asset management system, known as Aurora – clerk has attended online information session.
Waste Education Newsletter
c) Huntingdonshire District Council –
d) Cambs &Pboro Combined Authority – monthly newsletter, includes buses
e) Cambs ACRE
f) CAPALC – adverts for job vacancies
g) Society of Local Council Clerks – advert for a Deputy CEO
h) Parish Online monthly newsletter
i) Huntingdon Archives – request for return of legal documents loaned some years ago.
0079.25 Items for next meeting:
Review of finance and budget to date, with a view to setting 2026/27 precept
Information Technology – website and email addresses
Rec Field – management of grass cutting, areas and frequency
The next meeting will commence at 7.30pm on 18th November 2025
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
I’ve been waiting for a rainy day to write the next KW blog, they have been few and very far between but today, 14th November is entirely a different matter, it’s lashing it down and looks set for the day. So this is probably the best thing to talk about and as rainfall and weather are an ingrained farmer discussion topic, what better subject!
There is no denying that the weather for most of 2025 has been different to the usual fare of a maritime climate. We started the year having had an above average rainfall for 2024 (673 mm – 602 mm average 1991-2020) Ditches running, brooks flowing with purpose and “most” ponds full to capacity. Looking at the recorded data, January and February were slightly below average, winter months are not generally high rainfall periods, cold air holds less moisture. There are exceptions when Atlantic storms come bowling in. March however was completely bonkers, only 2 mm of rain recorded in this location and masses of sunshine. My daily diary entries started March with “glorious day” and ended “another sunny day, warmer” and this was the trend for the remainder of the year up until today with the exception of July where a most welcome 66 mm was recorded (July Av 55 mm – rainfall data from the Met Office rain gauge at Monks Wood which is the nearest official rain gauge) So this all adds up to a staggering figure of just 47% of our normal yearly average rainfall amount to date.
If it hasn’t been raining its usually overcast, but no, wall to wall sunshine. Its more difficult to quantify sunshine data locally as I don’t have a fancy Campbell – Stokes sunshine recorder. However there are many sources for weather records most notably the Met Office.
How has this affected the KW? Not a lot would be a simple and honest answer. If we had planted this year instead of 2024 it might well be a very different story. One of woe and wasted effort perhaps. Coming out of a high rainfall year the tree roots got themselves growing and locked into the soil particles. The biggest problem was the intense sunshine making the new leaves transpire rapidly especially in the wrap around tubes. The thinking here was that leaf diseases would become an issue so the answer was to lift the tubes on the most affected trees. I did have to spend a week mulching the trees to try and mitigate moisture loss. Overall the outcome is mostly positive with some “tree-mendous” growth by most of the planted species.
A walk through at the end of July counting dead trees and shrubs put the overall loss at around 8% this includes 1st year losses and over winter loss caused by rodent damage to the area known as the root-stem junction. Lost quite a few oaks in late summer 2024 to what visibly looked like powdery mildew but transitioned into a virus and stopped the young oak trees from growing.
We are obliged to keep the planting density high for the early years so replacement trees have been ordered for a December planting along with lifting some sapling oaks, field maple and wild service trees from the Jubilee Wood to transplant in the KW
