Residents of Main Street will have received information regarding the resurfacing work to take place. Road signs have been installed by the County Council to advise that this work will take place on Saturday 31st May.
Present: Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson and the Clerk.
0192.24 Chairman’s Welcome
0193.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
Parish Councillor Moody – holiday
0194.24 There were no member’s declarations of interests for items on the Agenda
0195.24 No member of the press or public were present.
0196.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 18th March 2025 confirmed as a correct record – proposed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Hargrave
0197.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
Clerk:
- Annual Parish Meeting will take place on 20th May, with a 7PM start time. Our Speaker will be Sarah Marsh of Connecting Cambridgeshire. On the noticeboard and website w.e.f. 28th March and included in the village newsletter in April.
- Clerk enquired of Bradgate regarding their increased charges, received explanation and instructed them to continue.
- Village Newsletter – requests for email delivery and hand delivery. The newsletter is added to the village website, displayed on the noticeboard at the Village Hall (or in the Parish Office window if space is not available), on the village WhatsApp group. Residents can collect a copy from the Parish Office.
Cllr Hargrave – the recent event in the Village Hall resulted in a £154.00 donation.
Cllr Hargrave enquired about co-option of Parish Councillors. She will approach one resident and another will be contacted to invite them to apply.
0198.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Bank statements from Barclays Bank
***Interest rates on the Deposit Account are decreasing from 1.35% to 1.25% with effect from 13th May 2025. This applies to Village Hall and Charity Deposit accounts too.
- Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/3/2025 £678.18 (includes £500 bequest)
- Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/3/2025 £25,676.65 ***
- Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/2/2025 – £102.59
b) PAYMENTS
Cllr Hodson had updated the Cash flow spreadsheet and the Reserves spreadsheet to the end of March and talked through the content.
The following payments were approved:
| Who | What for | TOTAL | Invoice includes this VAT amount | Authorised | Authorised |
| J R Trolove | Wages for January (26 hours) + backdated pay for the previous 2 months due to hourly rate increase error (£76.61) | Xxx | NIL | JRT | |
| J R Trolove | Re-imbursement in respect of Microsoft package annual payment | 84.99 | none | ||
| Manor Farm Tree Services | Removing dead elms from the Pound, beside B660 | £3180.00 | £530.00 | ||
| CAPALC | Annual subscription (Data Protection available through insurers, so exclude) | 284.53 amended to 234.53 | none | ||
| SLCC | Annual Subscription | 36.00 | none | ||
| Catalyst | Extra 10GB of storage | 48.00 | none | ||
| Hunts D C | Rates for Recreation Field | 13.18 | none |
- Clerk’s working hours for March, a total of 27, were approved. Clerk had queried her tax code with Payroll Services and that conversation highlighted an error, her hourly rate had not increased since April 2021, therefore back pay was due – Clerk waived the interim amount, but the hourly rate will be increased from April 2025 and backdated payment made for those months.
- PKF Littlejohn are the appointed external auditors for this year’s audit. The Clerk will commence the annual AGAR process and reports.
0199.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
- There were no planning applications as at 11th April
- School site – Parish Council’s response to the Secretary of state regarding the proposed Section 77 change. Cllr Maciag shared his notes, these will be typed up, shared with Councillors for amendment and submitted by the deadline of 18th April.
- District Councillor Alban forwarded an update on the Anaerobic Digester application, via Councillor Shacklock (North Northants) and this appears on the village website – an extension of time has been granted to the applicants.
0200.24 Recreation Field – Sawtry Colts representative had enquired about regular use for training sessions and weekend matches as Greenfields at Sawtry is fully occupied. After much discussion all agreed that, due to parking issues on and around the field, this would not be approved.
0201.24 Village Maintenance
a) Noticeboard – another location was identified and it was agreed to replace the board outside the former school. Clerk will complete a Huntingdonshire Futures grant in respect of this noticeboard.
DECISION to purchase a noticeboard up the the value of £1500 – proposed by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr Hodson
b) Milking Slade Lane will be closed on 19th June to enable an electricity pole to be replaced – information has been added to the village website.
0203.24 Correspondence received since 18th March 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 (92 in Cambridgeshire in March), Highways events planned for April – none locally,
- Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter forwarded to Parish Councillors , update on waste minimisation, Communities Service team notice, press release about, advance notice of the Town and Parish Council Forum on 19th June at Burgess Hall, St Ives, survey about play areas in Huntingdonshire completed,
d) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates
e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for March
f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – nothing
g) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.
h) Response from Sam Carling MP regarding Broadband issue – will follow up if a further request is received.
i) SLCC sent a link to a webinar about Devolution of Councils.
0204.24 Items for next meeting:
Donations to Charities – Cllr Moody to present a draft policy.
0205.24 The next meeting will commence with the Annual Parish Council Meeting, to take place on Tuesday 20th May starting at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
This will be preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting, starting at 7.00pm
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 18th March 2025
Present: Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk.
One member of the Public joined the meeting (CB)
0177.24 Cllr Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
0178.24 Apologies were received from Cllr Ian Gardener due to ill health
0179.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interest
0180.24 One member of the Public was in attendance to enquire if there had been any response to the broadband correspondence – Clerk advised that nothing has been heard to date.
0181.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 18th February 2025 were accepted by Cllrs Hodson and Hargrave.
0182.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
District Councillor Alban:
He advised that an extraordinary meeting is to be held to discuss re-organisation of Councils. No decisions have yet been made, lots of ideas are being discussed. This will not affect the County Council elections in May.
He has spoken to Councillor Shacklock of North Northants Council and no decision has been made regarding the A D unit application.
The Saturday freighter service for green waste is not viable and, as the take up by householders of the paid collection has been much higher than anticipated, another option is being considered.
Parking on double yellow lines will become a civil parking enforcement at the beginning of April.
He encouraged us to watch/attend the Town and Council Forum events to keep updated of current activities and discussions.
The District wide Parish Council meeting will take place after election date.
Cllr Hargrave:
The jitty between Main Street and Gaines Lane has become overgrown, lots of debris, fallen branches – Clerk will report this on the Highways reporting webpage.
Deadline for the village newsletter is 26th March – Clerk asked to add that there are still Parish Councillor vacancies.
Village Hall – the Net Zero Villages grant was not successful, other grant opportunities will be followed up as and when available.
The small hall will be decorated over Easter weekend.
Pickleball sessions will start in the next couple of months.
A new charging policy takes effect from 1st April 2025.
Cllr Moody:
Requested that purchase of a noticeboard be added to the next agenda.
Clerk:
- As requested by Cllrs, email sent to Connecting Cambridgeshire regarding gigabit capable broadband – County Councillor Gardener and Sam Carling MP copied in:
Automatic response from MP asking for name and address before correspondence replied to. Nothing from other parties. See 0187.24 below
- At the request of Cllr Maciag, a reminder email has been sent to County Cllr Gardener regarding the school site requesting contact details for the CambsCC department/officer responsible for the site – no response received. See 0184.24.
0183.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) February statements from Barclays Bank
***Interest rates on the Deposit Account are decreasing from 1.35% to 1.25% with effect from 13th May 2025. This applies to Village Hall and Charity Deposit accounts too.
- Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/02/2025 £1062.26 (includes £500 bequest)
- Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/2/2025 £25,676.65 ***
- Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/2/2025 – £101.70
b) PAYMENTS – Clerk’s wage calculation is awaited, therefore no payments to be made at present:
| Who | What for | TOTAL | Invoice includes this VAT amount | Authorised | Authorised |
| J R Trolove | Wages for January (26 hours) | Xxx | NIL | JRT | |
| Defibrillator account: WEL Medical | Spare parts for defibrillator (paid outside of meeting). | 149.94 |
- Clerk’s working hours for February approved as a total of 24.
- Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 after October 2025. Cllr Bolton advised that it would still be possible to use Windows 10 after this date and there is unlikely to be any issues with laptop or using the Microsoft package. The current annual Microsoft package will automatically renew on 15th April via Clerk’s personal Paypal account.
- The Defibrillator has been repaired as, due to a lack of power to the unit, it required repair and replacement parts. The coordinator is aware that funds will need to be raised to pay for future repairs/supplies.
0184.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
There were no planning applications as at 14th March
School site – a notice has appeared on the school fence. In effect the County Council are advising a change of use, to enable the site be sold as a residential development site as there is no known use for educational purposes. Cllr Maciag suggested a response is written to the Secretary of State for Education asking that an access strip be retained to allow vehicular access to the former school house – at present there is no such access and, if this building cannot be sold/used as a dwelling, there is a danger that it will become derelict and we wish to preserve this visible heritage asset in the centre of the village conservation area.
An item will be included in the village newsletter to encourage those who were concerned about the school closure, and the site, to write a response.
A copy of the notice will be forwarded to Milton Estates (Peterborough) and, once our response has been written, that too will be sent to Milton Estates.
0185.24 Recreation Ground – grass cutting contract for 2025
Bradgate have provided a quote for the 2025/26 contract. At the last meeting I was given discretion of a 12% addition on top of last year’s price of £90 per cut, but the increase is 17.14% at £105.43.
Clerk advised that Bradgate had cut the grass today (18th March 2025), although no contract has been agreed. She will advise Bradgate that they have the contract for this year.
0186.24 Village Maintenance –
Contractor updated, works will be carried out within Pound area only – he will liaise with the Clerk in advance of carrying out the work
0187.24 Speaker or subject for Annual Parish Meeting
Clerk has been approached by Alconbury Flood Group who are carrying out works on Alconbury Brook, who have offered a speaker – Cllrs did not feel this affected our Parish.
Clerk suggested asking Connecting Cambridgeshire to attend, and this met with approval – Clerk will invite their representative to attend.
0188.24 Donations to Charities – Cllr Moody will draft a policy and bring to the next meeting.
0189.24 Correspondence received since 18th February 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, reminder of the 20MPH funding scheme, Highways events planned for March – there are none in this area, micro surfacing programme by Highways Department – none for this area. Way 2 Go Road Safety newsletter (4/3)
County Planning, Minerals and Waste – an email dated 27th January, with 32 pages of notes and guidance on revision of the Local Validation List for planning applications, Children’s Holiday activities and Food for Easter,
- Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter,
press release about Council Budget, another re. tree planting in Priory Park, St Neots, Launch of Public Engagement on Active Travel – invitation to visit venues for presentation and online survey to be completed, invitation to Waste Minimisation event at Pathfinder House on 27th March, Local Government re-organisation documents, notes from the recent Town and Parish Council briefing and pack of documents to be downloaded, advance notice of the Town and Parish Council Forum on 19th June at Burgess Hall, St Ives, Temporary shop wraps for empty retail properties in Huntingdon, Net Zero projects and grants
d) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, requested their subscription but sent invoice for another parish, Clerk has requested the correct invoice
e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for January/February, presentation on Rural Housing Needs,
f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – bus franchising introduced in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area by the Mayor.
g) Huntingdonshire Community Policing meetings – invitations to join online meetings on 24/9 and 15/12, both at 7pm.
h) Abigail Benson, agent for Milton Estates regarding Little Gidding public footpath signs – and a request from a walker about those footpaths too – this has now been resolved.
i) Defibrilator, water ingress and mouldy due to lack of power supply – spare parts ordered and will be fitted/have been fitted – see payment above.
0190.24 Items for next meeting:
0191.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th April starting at 7.30pm
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
It’s time to get growing for the village produce show, the first one since 2018!
Mark your calendars for Saturday 6th September.
Venue: Great Gidding Village Hall
Schedule: Entries by midday, public viewing 3.00pm–4.00pm.
Schedules are available from the village shop, and coming to your door very soon…
Please contact Sue on (01832) 293271 if you have any queries.
Come and join us for an evening playing softball on Thursday evenings, 6 pm at the Rec field in Gidding.
We’re all beginners (adults and juniors alike) but gradually learning the rules, and it’s a lot of fun. If you enjoy being outside, and being part of a team, come along but just remember to wear trainers. All other equipment provided.
Please email Stuart Kearey if you would like more details.
To increase the range of biodiversity of birds, animals and plants, a small working party of local volunteers have been working together with the aim of increasing the bio-diversity in St Michael’s churchyard.
Much of the bramble overgrowth has been removed revealing long lost gravestones, other plants have been cut back exposing dormant plants such as primroses.
Bird boxes have been added along with compost and recycling bins. Some of the grass will be left long, with cut pathways through to the graves, to create a more diverse habitat whilst other areas will be planted and the remaining grass cut as normal. You are very welcome to view progress or if you want to know more, you will often find one or two of us doing a bit of work in the churchyard and always happy to talk about the project.
Read more about the project observations at inaturalist.org
The group is next meeting on 18th May in the Fox and Hounds pub at 3.00pm to discuss next steps. For more information contact Mary Read on fmary.read@gmail.com
It’s ‘Treasures from the Attic’ sale in Great Gidding Village Hall this coming Saturday, 12th April and below is a sneak preview of just a few of the treasures on offer.
There’s going to be beautiful jewellery, ornaments, ceramics, glassware, pictures, furniture and more…
Coffee and homemade cakes too!
Take your time browsing the tables for treasures then relax, chat and enjoy tea, coffee and delicious home made cakes.
Charities will benefit too
Part of the monies raised from the stalls will go to Gt Gidding Village Hall and Parkinson’s charity, and you’ll also be helping our little spiny friends at Hoggieworts Hedgehog Hotel as all proceeds from the café will be going to this very worthwhile cause.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you all on Saturday 11am to 3pm. Plenty of parking, plenty of loos and free entry to boot!
Come along to Great Gidding Village Hall on Thursday 10th April and join our group drawing session. Beginners welcome.
Our friendly, informal group meet once a month in Great Gidding Village Hall for two hours to sketch or paint a still life or figure. All welcome (not just Gidding-ites)!
The sessions are untutored but we do a couple of short drawing exercises followed by a longer drawing session and help and advice will be freely available. All you will need to bring is a sketchbook and pencil or your chosen materials.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.
Time: 10.00am – 12.00 noon
Date: Thursday 10h April 2025
Location: Great Gidding Village Hall
Cost: £6.00 per session (cash only please)
If you’re not able to join us on this occasion, the next session is scheduled for Thursday 15th May 2025.
If you are interested in attending contact Krystyna on 01832 293175 or email kw@krystynawojcik.co.uk
Notice of the 2025 Annual Parish Meeting of Great and Little Gidding Parish Council
This meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th May 2025.
Starting at 7.00PM at Great Gidding Village Hall
This is not a formal Parish Council meeting. It is an opportunity for residents of Great and Little Gidding to find out more about the work that the Parish Council are doing, to raise any issues they wish regarding the village and comment on plans for the coming year.
All are welcome to come along.
AGENDA:
- Chairman’s welcome
- Minutes of the meeting held on 21st May 2024
- The Chairman’s Annual Report from the Parish Council
- Sarah Marsh, Head of Digital Connectivity | Connecting Cambridgeshire Programme Director, Place & Sustainability, Cambridgeshire County Council will speak on gigabit capable broadband
- Update on current tasks within the Parish and plans for 2025-2026
- For members of the public to present, discuss and resolve any other matters related to Great and Little Gidding Parish.
Present: Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson and the Clerk.
One member of the Public joined the meeting (CB)
0164.24 Cllr Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
0165.24 Apologies received:
County Councillor Gardener – at another meeting
District Councillor Alban – family commitment
0166.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests relating to items on the Agenda
0167.24 One member of the public was present (CB) to enquire about an update on the broadband provision for the village, which he presented to the January meeting. Cllr Moody had carried out very comprehensive research and presented copies of her findings to those present and explained the content. It was confirmed that we have superfast broadband in the village, if the “service” is to be improved, the following options will be followed:
a) Parish Council to contact Gigaclear for an up to date position regarding supply to our village, and clarify if any surrounding villages are being considered, and request a statement for our village newsletter. Also to write to the head of Connecting Cambridgeshire, also requesting a statement for the newsletter.
b) via the village newsletter, provide contact details and request villagers to register with Project Gigabit/Gigaclear/City Fibre (all have an involvement with this project), to show there is a need.
c) Parish Council and villagers to write to Sam Carling, MP for our area, asking for support with this request.
Parishioner thanked the Parish Council and left the meeting.
0168.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 21st January 2025 were confirmed by Cllr Hodson and seconded by Cllr Bolton.
0169.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
Cllr Hodson requested that a note of thanks be sent to Milton Estates, following clearance of debris from the ditch alongside Chapel End, it would appear to have alleviated the problem.
Cllr Hargrave regarding Village Hall:
Fees are to be increased and simplified (re. electricity)
Vibrant Communities grant of £772.60 has been received, this in respect of recent coffee mornings and photographic competition and forthcoming wine tasting event.
Net Zero Villages grant has been applied for and are now obtaining quotes for insulation of the roof etc (deadline 28th February).
Future events are Wine Tasting (Village Hall committee to organise) and Treasures in the Attic and Open Studios (organised by others).
Cllr Maciag advised that he is working on maps to accompany the Neighbourhood Plan and it is hoped that this can be resubmitted to HuntsDC at the end of March.
Clerk:
- the village website has been amended, Parish Council is now a standalone drop
down list
- Clerk attended the online Hunts DC meeting regarding changes to planning policy. A link to the meeting and slides has been sent to Parish Councillors.
- As requested by Cllr Maciag, an email has been sent to County Cllr Gardener regarding the school site. Clerk was requested to remind him for a response.
0170.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) December bank statements from Barclays Bank are attached.
Interest rates decreasing from 1.4% to 1.35% with effect from 11 March 2025
- Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/02/2025 £380.29 (includes £500 bequest)
- Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/2/2025 £26,583.01
- Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/2/2025 – £251.64
b) PAYMENTS – the following payment was approved:
| Who | What for | TOTAL | Invoice includes this VAT amount | Authorised | Authorised |
| J R Trolove | Wages for December (21 hours) | Xxx | NIL | JRT | |
- Clerk’s working hours for January – a total of 26, were approved.
- Cllr Hodson’s balance sheet and budget spreadsheet shared with Councillors prior to the meeting – there were no questions.
- Clerk will transfer fund from Interest account to current account to cover expenses to the end of the financial year.
- Confirmation of Precept from Huntingdonshire District Council has been received.
0171.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
There were none as at 14th February
0172.24 Recreation Ground –
a) Clerk will seek quotes for grass cutting contract for 2025.
Perimeter hedge behind swings has been cut back by hand –by Cllr Hodson, the Clerk and M Trolove.
0173.24 Village Maintenance –
a) dog fouling around village, both on footpath and grass verges was highlighted on village newsletter (February 2025) and it is hoped has been noted by dog owners.
b) list of outstanding jobs (Clerk) – no change
c) LED street lamp replacement – Gidding Main Street is scheduled for May 2025
d) 3 quotes for tree work at Pound, Recreation Field and Village Pond shared with Parish Councillors prior to meeting. After discussion, it was agreed that the 3 dead elms should be removed from the Pound, together with any branches that are encroaching on overhead cables (but not those originating from surrounding land) but, if the use of traffic lights was still required, then contractor must confirm price. All other proposed works will be postponed.
DECISION – to appoint ……………… as contractor for this project. NO DECISION as work required revised and requires further discussion with contractors.
e) Road surface gritting treatment – Main Street is top of the list for 2025.
0174.24 Correspondence received since 21st January 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, reminder of the 20MPH funding scheme, the Library Presents spring programme for March to July 2025, Highways events planned for March – there are none in this area, micro surfacing programme by Highways Department – none for this area.
County Planning, Minerals and Waste – an email dated 27th January, with 32 pages of notes and guidance on revision of the Local Validation List for planning applications
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter, press release about tree planting in Priory Park, St Neots, Launch of Public Engagement on Active Travel – invitation to visit venues for presentation and online survey to be completed,
https://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/news/council-launches-public-engagement-on-active-travel/
d) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, Railway 200 events during 2025
e) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for January/February, presentation on Rural Housing Needs,
f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – bus franchising introduced in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area by the Mayor.
g) email from Ron Bailey, Parliamentary Safety advisor to the charity Electrical Safety First, about the safety of lithium batteries.
h) Keep Britain Tidy – the 10th Great British Spring Clean will take place from 21 March – 6 April
i) request to share the letter from Teversham Parish Council to Matthew Pennycook MP – regarding surveys and lengthy documents that Parish Councils are now asked to consider.
j) CARESCO – letter requesting funding/donation. After some discussion, it was agreed to bring this to the next meeting. Clerk will note in Minutes when a donation has been made to Charity – to date in 2024/25 donations have been made to Village Hall for the purchase of pickleball equipment and Gidding Charity towards the grass cutter.
0162.24 Items for next meeting:
Donations to Charities
Annual Parish Meeting – speaker and content
0163.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th March starting at 7.30pm
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Village Hall payments were approved.
The meeting closed at 21.19