Firstly a huge thanks to you for submitting a photo or 3: they were excellent and very varied from the humorous to the beautiful. In total we had 75 entries so there was a lot to view. They made the coffee morning a huge success (along with the fantastic cakes) and gave people a lot of enjoyment and difficult decisions on who to give their vote to.
As promised all will be displayed either individually as the 4 winners based on the popular vote or together with others. We had 68 voting slips returned to us:
– 62 of the 75 photos received at least 1 vote
– 31 of the 75 photos were awarded first place by one or more people
The 4 winners
In 1st place
In 2nd place
In 3rd place
In 4th place
Thanks again for your brilliant photos. I know some of them have been converted into Christmas cards in the past and perhaps we should create a calendar. If we decide to do this we will obviously ask permission first.
Present: Councillors Maciag, Moody, Hargrave, Bolton and Hodson, District Councillor Alban and the Clerk.
0137.24 Cllr Maciag, as Chairman, welcomed those present to the meeting.
0138.24 Apologies for absence were received from County Cllr Gardener due to ill health.
0139.24 There were no declarations of Disclosable Interests.
0140.24 No members of the Press or Public were present.
0141.24 Minutes of the meeting held on 19th November 2024 were confirmed as a correct record by Cllr Moody, seconded by Cllr Hargrave
0142.24 To receive reports from Councillors and Clerk.
District Councillor Alban:
The district-wide Parish Council meeting was attended by the Operations Team – it would appear that few Councils have taken up the offer of 10 “communal” green bins and the use of the Saturday freighters is to be assessed
He had advised full Council of the District Council that the Local Plan portal was difficult to use and therefore many may not have submitted comments. The Call for Sites exercise continues until mid 2025.
Following the recent Government announcement proposing changes to the set up of Councils, there are likely to be changes ahead which may affect local elections in 2025.
Cllr Moody had carried out considerable research of the Autospeed watch device and recommended that this was not installed in our village at this time (see https://bringtonmolesworth-pc.gov.uk for further details)
Cllr Moody also requested an amendment to the village website, to make Parish Council pages easier to find. Clerk will discuss with website designers.
Cllr Hargrave gave an update of Village Hall matters:
The Quiz night was successful, a spreadsheet of income and expenditure was provided.
Photo competition is planned for January 2025. Picture rails or similar are to be installed for this event, and for future use.
All Cllrs supported the application for “greening” the village hall, the possibility of replacing the roof, thereby enabling further insulation to be installed was discussed – Cllrs Hargrave and Maciag to complete the expression of interest form – deadline 26th January.
Clerk – closure of Main Street on 2nd December did not happen, no future date has been received for works to be carried out.
We have received the go-ahead to co-opt persons to Parish Councillor roles.
0143.24FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a) November bank statements from Barclays Bank were shared prior to the meeting.
Interest rates decreasing from 1.4% to 1.35% with effect from 11 March 2025
Parish Council (everyday) Account – balance as at 4/12/2024 £2565.27 (includes £500 bequest)
Parish Council Deposit Account – balance as at 4/12/2024 £26,583.01
Defibrillator account – balance as at 4/12/2024 – £251.64
b) PAYMENTS – Cllrs Moody and Hargrave approved the following payments:
Who
What for
TOTAL
Invoice includes this VAT amount
Authorised
Authorised
J R Trolove
Wages for October (32 hours) +backdated to April
Xxx
NIL
JRT
M Allgood
Hedge cutting around Recreation Ground
114.00
19.00
Cambs ACRE
Annual subscription
65.00
Invoice awaited
Clerk’s working hours for November, a total of 26, were approved by all
0144.24 PLANNING applications and matters:
Planning application amendment requested to existing approval in respect of 65-67 Main Street (extension of time for response granted) – Councillors had no comments to make regarding the amendments.
CIL notice and payment in respect of approval of 65-67 Main Street. Clerk will make enquiries about the process to claim this and when is it is due to Parish Council.
0145.24 Recreation Field – note that the Planning permission for MUGA will expire in 26 May 2025. Due to the costs involved, it was agreed that this project should lapse
Hedge behind swing frames and alongside cycle track will need cutting by hand – a working party will be arranged for early in 2025 but this will be weather dependent.
0146.24 Village Maintenance – the Clerk had compiled list of outstanding jobs. It is hoped to find a company to carry out most of these tasks, one or two may require specialist trades.
Chapel End dyke – Milton Estates had visited and cleared a small section. Water was still being held back by debris and it was felt that clearance using a digger and back to the junction with the culvert from Gaines Lane is required to be successful.
Quote for tree work at Pound and Village Pond forwarded to Councillors prior to the meeting. Due to the cost of the quote, further contractors will be asked to submit their figures. Also, concerns were expressed that the quote was not reflective of work that needs doing, may include Milton Estates owned trees, should include the scrubby area opposite the Parish Pond (CambsCC Highways owned verge). Cllr Maciag will liaise with Clerk to move this forward.
0147.24 Correspondence received since 15th November 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, Stay Well this Winter information packs available,
c) Huntingdonshire District Council – Town and Parish Council newsletter, press release regarding Park, Town and Parish Forum notes and documents from the meeting are shared, Community Health and Wealth Building Strategy for rural Huntingdonshire, St Neots skate park upgrade, Civil Injunction order for St Neots town centre, details of Band D Council Tax will not be confirmed until after Friday 17th January (our precept return has already been submitted, but there may be some slight changes), electric vehicle charging Infrastructure – offers withdrawn, Civil Parking Enforcement taking place throughout Huntingdonshire, Net Zero villages grants available, the WorkWell programme to assist individuals back to work or to stay in work,
d) Cambs ACRE – Rural Affordable Housing letter and document, Staying in Touch newsletter,
e) CAPALC –newsletter, future training dates, f) Cambs Acre – Staying in Touch newsletter for November.
f) Combined Authority Cambridgeshire and Peterborough/Greater Cambridge Partnership –
g) UKCE – cycling event on Saturday 8th March 2025 – it is believed this will not entail the closure of Main Street
h) Tagmaster Ltd – road safety and sustainable traffic monitoring – forwarded to Cllr Moody – see report above
i) SLCC email dated 10 December regarding the growing number of consultation documents, lengthly paperwork etc that Parish Councils are being requested to consider/read/complete – Clerk will continue to complete surveys that affect/impact/involve our rural area and will forward consultation documents to Councillors on the same basis.
0148.24 Items for next meeting:
Ideas for a speaker/event for Annual Meeting
0`49.24 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st January, starting at 7.30pm
in the Village Hall, Main Street, Great Gidding.
Village Hall payments for co-authorisation were approved.
Cambs County Council were unable to complete roadworks that were planned at the end of last year. The revised date for the work is Monday 20th January between 8am and 4pm. Vehicular access will be restricted and signs for the diversion route will be in place for through traffic.
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.
