Happy New year!! Come along to Great Gidding Village Hall this Thursday 9th January for the first of this year’s drawing group sessions.
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 9th January 2025
Location: Great Gidding Village Hall
Cost: £5.00 per session (cash only please)
If you’re not able to join us on this occasion, the next session is scheduled for Thursday 6th February 2025.
If you are interested in attending contact Krystyna on 01832 293175 or email kw@krystynawojcik.co.uk
Sadly, Bruce Jordan died early this morning in Polebrook nursing home after a short illness.
Many of us will remember Bruce and his wife Lois moving to the village over 20 years ago. They were active members of the church and our community in general, always welcoming and keen to help others. We’ll miss him, but know that all he’s wanted for these past 10 years since his beloved Lois died is to be with her and we hope he has finally found some peace.
Funeral arrangements.
Bruce‘s funeral will be held at Saint Michael’s church in Great Gidding on Friday, the 17th of January at 11:30 am. The family welcome everyone to join them afterwards at the Fox And Hounds pub in Gidding.
The Parish Council has published the December Newsletter which will be displayed on Noticeboards throughout the Parish and submitted via WhatsApp, Facebook and here on the Giddings website.
If you are aware of anyone in the parish who cannot access the noticeboards or the community social media platforms, please contact the Parish Council so a printed copy can be made available for them. If you would prefer to receive a copy of the monthly newsletter via email, please contact the Parish Council.
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 19th November 2024
Present: Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave and the Clerk.
Two members of the public (DD/SK).
0121.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
0122.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
County Cllr Gardener – another meeting
District Cllr Alban – another meeting
Cllr Bolton – holiday
Cllr Hodson – illness
0123.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
0124.24 Two members of the public were present to express thanks to the Parish Council for prompt submission of responses to the Local Plan sites on the HuntsDC website, and posted via the village website and noticeboard.
0125.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 2024 were confirmed as a correct record, proposed by Cllrs Moody and Hargrave
0126.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
Clerk –
Clerk’s appraisal still outstanding.
Electoral Services Office at Hunts DC advised of the 2 x Parish Councillor vacancies, posted on the VH noticeboard and village website on 8/11/2024.
Weeds in the Parish will be sprayed off again by CambsCC during November.
Cllr Moody is carrying out further research regarding ANPR cameras.
Cllr Maciag advised that the village surveys are now complete and the Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared for resubmission to Hunts DC.
Cllr Hargrave re. Village Hall:
Plans for the Quiz night are going well, the event is fully booked.
Having to pay out in advance – considering a debit card for the future
Sum Up machine has proved a problem and now taking payments via SQUARE.
0126.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) October bank statements from Barclays Bank are attached.
Interest rates decreasing from 1.95% to 1.9% with effect from 19 December.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/11/2024 £2916.33 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 204/11/2024 £26,483.97
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/9/2024 – £250.70
b) PAYMENTS – payments were approved by all:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for September (23.5hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Bradgate Grounds Maintenance
Grass cutting for (Invoice 13th cut of the contract – total of 12
Invoice not received
36.00
JRT
Wicksteed
Annual inspection
180.00
30.00
M Allgood
Hedge cutting around Recreation Ground
Invoice awaited
Clerk’s working hours for October – approved as a total of 32. Payroll Services had advised that Clerk’s hourly rate had increased in April and pay will be backdated.
The Budget to 4th October, was made available prior to the meeting, there were no observations or adjustments
0127.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
Huntingdonshire District Council Local Plan – email receipts received in respect of each of the comments submitted in respect of the Great Gidding sites and the Sustainability exercise. See 0124.24 above, Letter also received from residents regarding the site adjacent to Village Hall – Clerk sent emails to all concerned including comment from Local Plan website about importance of making comments at this stage rather than awaiting submission of a planning application.
There are no planning applications in the Parish to date (15/11/2024) since the last meeting
Hemington, Luddington, Thurning Parish Clerk copied us in on a request to Cornerstone regarding the provision of a 5G mast in the vicinity, Galliford Try are no longer involved in the project.
The Clerk for Hemington, Luddington, Thurning assisted our Parish Clerk by requesting an update on the digester unit application – a further extension of time has been agreed for consultation with CambsCC Highways.
0128.24 Recreation Field – perimeter hedge was cut last week, invoice awaited.
Wicksteed have provided their annual inspection report. This was sent to Councillors on 8th November. Cllr Moody recommended that works should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the inspector – see 0129.24 in respect of trades to carry out the work.
0129.24 Village Maintenance – benches – another tradesman contacted – not his area of work. Cllr Maciag will contact a tradesman that he knows of. Clerk will draw up a list of maintenance jobs within the Parish, to enable a quote to be obtained.
Chapel End dyke – requires clearance, adjacent to Milton Estate land, CambsCC Highways and WAVE/Anglian Water have looked at area and indicated that the blocked dyke is the problem – Clerk will contact Milton Estates as riparian owner of the dyke.
Work on the Pound and the Parish Pond will require traffic management, the tree surgeon is obtaining a quote, and an overall quote was received immediately before the meeting – Clerk will forward to Cllrs for consideration.
Email dated 1 November from CambsCC regarding grass verge maintenance – all areas to be identified to continue the service – Clerk will liaise with Cllr Hodson to identify and confirm areas (by 8th December).
Noticeboard – examples and prices shared of 12 and 16 sheet external use board – Clerk requested to purchase a board, this will be sited opposite the Village Hall to enable easier access for all. Cllr Hargrave requested use of the existing board for Village Hall use. Cllr Moody requested Parish Council name to be included on the board.
0130.24 Allotments – hedge between allotments and Jubilee Wood has been cut.
0131.24 To adopt the Financial Regulations as revised by NALC (sent to Parish Councillors on and to accept their recommendations
DECISION – to adopt the Financial Regulations as revised by NALC approved by those present
0132.24 Newsletter – future issues frequency/content/format. Cllr Hargrave is seeking advice with a view to producing a newsletter in December.
0133.24 LHI bid – this Parish Council will not be submitting an application for 2025/26.
Major Capital Highways Investment, invitation from CambsCC to submit details, as follows:
“request is for larger scale capital investment, which may include the following:
Major resurfacing or reconstruction of a significant length of road or footway/cycleway.
Installation of a new drainage system or replacement of a failed existing highway drainage system where there is severe flooding on the road.
Major maintenance of a Public Right of Way which may be unpassable or difficult to use.”
0134.24 Correspondence received since 15th October 2024:
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 application deadline for Local Highways 2025/26 – 10/1/2025, The Library presents – listing of events for Autumn, grass cutting verges and maintenance – feedback required, Highways events – Remembrance Sunday only, details of Pension Credit/Winter Fuel allowance link, details of Christmas Holiday Scheme places for children, Road Safety information for Winter 2024,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter, press release regarding biodiversity works in Riverside Park, St Neots, and Hill Rise Park, St Ives, Town and Parish Forum notes and documents from the meeting are shared, dates for bin collections over Christmas and New Year holidays, reminder of Garden Waste subscription renewal, CIL funding 1:1 discussion on 19th November, Press release regarding Public Spaces Protection Order for Ramsey
d) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, survey on re-use of graves (closed 15th November).
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for October. ). Invitation to online meeting regarding community buildings that need help.
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – poster received in respect of bus services survey,
Cambridgeshire County Council have advised that, for one day only, Main Street, Great Gidding will be closed between 9.30am and 3.30pm. There will be limited access to properties – householders have been informed by letter. Diversion signs will indicate an alternative route.
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 14th November 2024
Location: Great Gidding Village Hall
Cost: £5.00 per session (cash only please)
If you’re not able to join us on this occasion, the next session is scheduled for Thursday 9th January 2025.
If you are interested in attending contact Krystyna on 01832 293175 or email kw@krystynawojcik.co.uk
Meeting held at 7pm on Tuesday 22nd October to formulate responses to the four sites in Great Gidding that have been submitted to the Local Plan – all Parish Councillors and Clerk present.
Comments submitted on the options available under “Sustainability Appraisal with appendices” on Wednesday 23rd October, as follows:
Great Gidding 1: Land adjacent to 52 Main Street, Great Gidding
The Parish Council has considered the appraisal and have nothing further to add.
Great Gidding 2: Land South of Great Gidding village hall, Great Gidding
The Parish Council have considered this appraisal and would wish to see no more than 5 houses on this site, to retain views through to the surrounding countryside and to enable sufficient access and egress to the properties, this is supported by feedback from respondents to our emerging Neighbourhood Plan.
Great Gidding 3: Land adjacent to Chapel Lane, Great Gidding
The District Council were informed of the error on the paperwork and have acknowledged this.
There is no longer an option to submit a comment on Site 3 via the website and an email has been sent to the Local Plan team, as below:
The Parish Council note that this site is not going forward to the next stage of the Local Plan process. Indications in responses to our emerging Neighbourhood Plan show that any development of this nature is not supported by residents of this Parish.
Great Gidding 4: St Gidding School, Great Gidding
The Parish Council has considered the appraisal and have nothing further to add.
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 17th September 2024
Present: Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave and the Clerk. One member of the public.
085.24 Cllr Maciag as Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting
086.24 The following apologies and reasons for absence
Cllr Bolton – holiday
Cllr Hodson – work
Cllr D’Altilia – work
District Councillor Alban – at another meeting
087.24 There were no Member’s declaration of Disclosable Interests in respect of items on the Agenda
088.24 Member of the Public (SB) was present for 097.24 – see below
089.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 20th August 2024 were accepted and signed by Cllr Hargrave who was in the Chair for that meeting.
090.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk:
Clerk reminded that her appraisal was still awaited.
Clerk advised that the refurbishment of benches has still not been undertaken, despite the contractor giving August as a date.
Cllr Hargrave updated on Village Hall matters:
The flat roof over the kitchen requires attention, temporary repairs have been carried out.
Macmillan Coffee Morning has been advertised for 28th September.
Possible events for the future.
091.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/9/2024 £9549.63 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/9/2024 £26,483.97 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/9/2024 – £250.70
b) PAYMENTS – to approve online payments in respect of the following:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for July (24 hours)
317.04
NIL
JRT
Bradgate Grounds Maintenance
Grass cutting for July (Invoice 2184)
216.00
36.00
JRT
Groundworks UK
Refund of unused funding For Neighbourhood Plan
2217.97
NIL
JRT
Transfer from PC to VH
Rental of Village Hall
800.00
NIL
JRT
Chris Knott Insurance
Allotment insurance renewal
92.00
NIL
JRT
to approve Clerk’s working hours for August – total of 27 – Approved.
092.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
No new applications, as at 13th September 2024 – Clerk advised there was an application for tree works (7 trees) at Manor Barn, but Parish Council have not been asked to comment.
School site (at the request of Cllr Maciag) – Cllr Maciag had met with Mr Nott, agent for Milton Estates, CambsCC would appear to have done nothing on site and the portacabins are still in place (partially on Milton property). It was agreed that development of the site is preferable to a derelict site.
Baptist Chapel graveyard and provision of a memorial garden – a last minute notification had been received from Church Growth Trust Ltd regarding setting up a memorial garden into which the majority of the headstones will be moved, with terms for access to this area. Work has already started. Residents have contacted Church Growth Trust with their concerns. One resident contacted the Parish Council regarding large ash trees on the boundary and Clerk recommended resident to contact Hunts DC Tree Officer due to the short time frame.
093.24 Recreation Field (and other sites in the Parish ) tree surgeon had met with Cllr Maciag, his quote is awaited.
Clerk has reminded the contractor that the hedge needs cutting back.
094.24 Village Maintenance – responses to location of additional village noticeboards:
Cllr Bolton advised via email that the shop owners are willing to have a noticeboard sited in their front garden, or make use of the shop window.
Gidding Den, tenants of the adjacent field, would consider a noticeboard being added to the fence. No decision made.
095.24 Allotments – rent renewals had been sent out, some already paid.
HuntsDC had been in contact that morning regarding a delivery of soil improver, Clerk has made arrangements and informed both residents and allotment holders via various methods.
096.24 Request for Section 137 funding in respect of grass cutter – Cllr Hodson had sent in a written request for funding a replacement machine to cut grass around Jubilee Wood. Discussion followed, further information to be gathered and a decision postponed until the October meeting.
097.24 Resident emailed a request for the Parish Council to install ANPR camera(s), as he had seen in Brington. He and Cllr Moody wish to ensure that drivers travel through the village at 30MPH. There followed discussion. Clerk had requested information from Brington and Molesworth’s Clerk, but nothing to date, also provided an update on speed camera readings, also figures from Brington ANPR camera use and further related information. Clerk also advised that as we had been asked to notify an interest in applying for 2025/26 Local Highways Improvement bid, this would be the opportunity to get CambsCC Highways Dept involved and seek advice, guidance and funding of ANPR camera(s). Cllr Moody offered to compile the bid for the LHI scheme.
098.24 Review of Financial Regulations – Clerk has completed the changes and will present at the October meeting for adoption.
099.24 Newsletter – Cllrs had nothing they wished to add to the October issue.
0100.24 Correspondence received since 20th August 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads, Local Highways 2025/26 Capital Maintenance projects – nothing for our parish or any local villages is planned, looking for volunteers for the Community Gritting Scheme, expressions of interest requested for the 2025/26 LHI bids –
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Wild about Huntingdonshire events – 28/29 September at Hinchingbroke, Save the date for Annual Climate Conference – Burgess Hall, St Ives on Weds 6th November, Temporary Traffic Restriction Order for Chapel End in September, information on changes to CIL funding, Waste Minimisation meeting online – September 26th at 4PM
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for September,
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter, invitation to their AGM on 9th October, from 2PM via ZOOM,
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings, invitation to bus franchising consultation meetings (19th September – Huntingdon, 3 October – P’boro). Also Active Travel Hierarchy consultation survey – closing date 30th September
h) Parish Online newsletter – following consultation with the Neighbourhood Plan group, the subscription has not been renewed.
i) District Cllr Alban – District wide Parish Council meeting on 10th October, 7PM start at Holme with manager from HDC Refuse/Operations team in attendance. Clerk and Cllr Hodson will attend.
j) correspondence from a resident who lives near the proposed Leicestershire AD unit site, offering us any assistance ALSO Thriplow & Heathfield asking for information/advice on how to deal with a proposed AD unit in their Parish – Clerk will respond.
k) PKF Littlejohn, external auditors, notification of exemption for this Parish Council.
0101.24 Items for next meeting:
Section 137 funding donation or purchase of grass cutter – decision
Adoption of revised Financial Regulations, as advised by NALC
Items for the November newsletter
Cllr to present wreath at Remembrance Service
Huntingdonshire District Council’s Local Plan – updates
0102.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th October 2024
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 20th August 2024
Present: Councillors Hargrave, Bolton, D’Altilia and the Clerk.
069.24 Cllr Hargrave, acting as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
070.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
County Cllr Gardener – at another meeting
District Cllr Alban – other commitment
Cllr Moody – holiday
Cllr Hodson – holiday
Cllr Maciag – work commitments
Cllr Sanders – has resigned due to work commitments
071.24 There were no Declarations of Disclosable Interests.
072.24 No members of the Public or Press were present
073.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 16th July 2024 were confirmed and accepted – Cllrs Bolton and D’Altilia, signed by Cllr Hargrave.
074.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk
Clerk re. Chapel enquiry – will not be pursued.
Clerk will commence the Co-option process and requested Councillors to forward contact details of any interested residents.
Cllr Hargrave updated on the Village Hall:
It would be too expensive to go through the Alcohol Licensing process, therefore they will continue applying for TEN for events.
MacMillan Coffee Morning will take place on 28th September – already advertised and assistance offered.
Suggestion of table tennis sessions will be investigated.
Parking at the village hall – request to be added to newsletter to advise Parish Clerk, signage to be re-instated.
075.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) to note Barclays Bank statements for Parish Council account.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/8/2024 £9590.25 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/7/2024 £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/7/2024 – £249.77
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved.
*** Clerk is checking whether this Parish Council qualifies for free subscription to Parish Online through insurance company renewal.
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for June (33 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
Great Gidding Village Hall
Rental of the village hall and Parish Office
800.00
NIL
Parish Online
Subscription ***
48.00
8.00
Clerk’s working hours for July, a total of 24, were approved.
076.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
None, as at 16th August
077.24 Recreation Field – tree surgeon and hedging contractor are aware of works to be completed (DEFRA prevent any cutting until 1st September).
Wicksteed have advised a delay in carrying out safety inspections, but will make contact before they visit.
078.24 Village Maintenance
a) Cllr D’Altillia proposed noticeboards to be installed at either end of the village – various locations were discussed, some discounted, and others will be investigated (JB and Clerk).
Clerk requested:
a larger noticeboard for Parish/District/County Council information to be sited at Village Hall so that the newsletter could be included(and existing board to be relocated to Jubilee Wood for community use)
OR a second noticeboard, one for Council notifications, the other for village
Clerk – the noticeboard, sited on the approach to School and Church, she has been advised it was not Church property. If it was School property, it is no longer needed, therefore it was agreed not to replace this in the future.
b) Bench refurbishment takes place at end of August. *Bench in Churchyard, purchased with Bertha Green’s bequest, is a Parish Council asset. Clerk will now check to see if it is in good order.
c) model biodiversity policy from NALC, in association with DEFRA – Clerk had read through and, in the main, our Parish is compliant with requirements and suggestions.
d) Soil improver available from HuntsDC – it was agreed this offer should be taken up, tipped at the allotment site (vacant half plot). This will be offered to the village through the monthly newsletter and then, after one month, the remainder will be available to allotment holders.
d)
water leak outside 48 Main Street reported to WAVE on 11th August – repaired
AWA/WAVE work currently taking place a treatment plant for phosphorus filters to be updated (soaps and cleaning products).
Chapel End will be closed on 31st October between Mill Road and Back Lane to flush out system and camera research.
079.24 Allotments – a draft rental renewal letter had been shared prior to the meeting, the content was approved and this will be sent out to allotment holders in September.
080.24 Review of Financial Regulations – document shared prior to meeting. Clerk will amend and update for final approval at a future meeting.
081.24 Newsletter – various items had been forwarded to Cllr D’Altillia for the September issue.
There had been no Parishioner feedback from August issue.
082.24 Correspondence received since 16th July 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, Traffic Management Centre incident report for roads, chemical weed treatment reinstated within 40MPH areas, Proposed road closures during next 18 months, including Great Gidding (email dated 11/7), Community Energy action plan, Micro Asphalt programme – nothing in the Giddings or surrounding villages, Highways Department Active Travel Survey to be completed, (via CAPALC),
Briefing Note: The Kings Speech – Legislative Programme for this Parliament, Local Highways 2025/26 Capital Maintenance projects – nothing for our parish or any local villages is planned,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Green flags awarded to various venues, Shop Front Grant Scheme, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Street Cleansing Team – explanation of their service, Oliver Morley invites to sessions ‘What makes a good life in Huntingdonshire?’ , Wild about Huntingdonshire events – 28/29 September at Hinchingbroke, Save the date for Annual Climate Conference – Burgess Hall, St Ives on Weds 6th November, Temporary Traffic Restriction Order for Chapel End (see 078.24 above).
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for August, Remembrance Sunday survey – Clerk completed form to advise no events in our parish.
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings, invitation to bus franchising consultation meetings (19th September – Huntingdon, 3 October – P’boro).
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) 17 July – email from Fields in Trust – survey about environmental issues that have been implemented, or plan to introduce – Clerk will complete for the Rec. Field.
083.24 Items for next meeting:
Request for Section 137 funding (PH)
Resident request re ANPR cameras
Co-option of Councillor
084.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th September 2024
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 16th July 2024
Present: Councillors Maciag, Hargrave, Bolton, Hodson, D’Altilia, County Councillor Gardener and the Clerk.
052.24 Councillor Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting
053.24 To receive apologies and reasons for absence
District Councillor Alban not available
Cllr Moody – work commitment
054.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests for items on the Agenda
055.24 No members of the Public & Press were present
056.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 18th June 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by Councillors Bolton and D’Altilia
057.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk
The Clerk had emailed CambsCC representative regarding the Parish Council response, sent in April, regarding the School playground, and in turn it was acknowledged that the response had been received and the Parish Council do not wish to accept the terms of the County Council proposal for that site. County Cllr Gardener offered to contact the County Council departments to find out what is proposed for the site
The Clerk contacted North Northants Council for an update regarding the Anaerobic Digester proposal and was advised that an extension of time has been given in respect of this application.
Cllr Hargrave gave an update on the Village Hall and the meeting of the Committee on 15th July:
It was agreed that Village Hall matters can be included as part of the Parish Council agenda.
It was agreed that £2000 could be spent before Trustees need to be consulted – proposed by Cllrs Hodson and seconded by Cllr Maciag.
The committee are considering applying for an alcohol licence.
The committee are considering applying for Huntingdonshire DC Food Hygiene rating scheme for the Village Hall kitchen.
A request was made to increase the Village Hall rent to £800 (it has been £550 for some years, which was an amount set to cover the insurance premium). Approval was proposed by Cllr Maciag and seconded by Cllr D’Altilia.
The first event will be a McMillan Coffee Morning on 28th September.
Cllr Maciag advised that work on the Neighbourhood Plan is ongoing.
County Councillor Gardener advised that he is now on the Highways Committee, Environment committee, Communities committee and Fire Authority panel.
058.24 FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) Barclays Bank statements were shared prior to the meeting.
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/7/2024 £10949.65 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/7/2024 £26,385.30 (1.85% interest applicable)
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/7/2024 – £249.77
Councillor Hodson’s cashflow forecast had been shared prior to the meeting and there were no questions and comments.
b) PAYMENTS – the following payments were approved:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for May (33 hours)
Xxx
NIL
JRT
CANALBS
Annual internal audit
99.00
NONE
Bradgate
Grass cutting (invoices 2108 and 2087)
432.00
72.00
Catalyst
Website hosting
311.85
NONE
Information Commissioners Office
Annual subscription
40.00
NONE
Clerk’s working hours for June were approved as a total of 33
059.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
None, as at 12th July
060.24 Recreation Field – Clerk had shared the risk assessment she carried out in June, there were no questions or comments.
She was asked to share the rota for risk assessments again.
Cllr Bolton, preferred a spreadsheet format and will devise one and share with Councillors.
061.24 Newsletter Feedback from July issue – one response of thanks via website, also an email to offer to deliver items around the village. Items for the August newsletter should be sent to Cllr D’Altillia or the Parish Office.
062.24 Village Maintenance – Cllr Maciag will accompany the tree surgeon to assess the works required.
The Clerk had failed to find a comparative quote for refurbishment of the benches and so the only contractor will be asked to carry out the work.
063.24 Allotments – Cllr Hodson and Clerk will devise and carry out risk assessments for this site.
064.24 Review of Standing Orders – document shared prior to meeting, no changes were felt to be necessary.
065.24 Review of Financial Regulations – deferred to next meeting. Clerk believes there are some changes to these but requires access to the NALC website and has contacted CAPALC, who provide the passwords to access documents.
066.24 Correspondence received since 18th June 2024:
a) NALC newsletters – dated Chief Executives Bulletin NALC events,
b) Cambridgeshire County Council –Cambridgeshire Matters monthly edition, Road Safety Education Newsletter, TMC incident report for roads – none in this Parish, chemical weed treatment reinstated within 40MPH areas, Proposed road closures, including Great Gidding (email dated 11/7), Community Energy action plan,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Shop Front Grant Scheme, Town and Parish Council newsletter, Street Cleansing Team – explanation of their service,
d) CAPALC –newsletter, training dates for July,
f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter
g) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership – links to online meetings
h) Parish Online newsletter
i) Neighbourhood Alert/ECOPS etc – News from the Courts email
j) Insurance renewal confirmation from Clear Councils Insurance
k) Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) – request to include article in a newsletter
l) Thank you to Parish Council, via village website see 061.24
m) Offer from residents to deliver newsletters etc – see 061.24
n) Ron Bailey, Parliament UK – Safety of Lithium ion Batteries and e-bikes and scooters – support for campaign requested (it had been put on hold for Parliamentary Election)
o) Church Growth Trust – email dated 8th July in respect of Great Gidding Baptist Chapel – Clerk will contact them and advise they should discuss their plans with the Conservation Officer for Huntingdonshire DC.
067.24 Items for next meeting:
Clerk’s annual appraisal – Cllr Maciag will undertake this.
068.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 20th August 2024
