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parish_council:pcapril09

Annual Parish Meeting 2009

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The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Monday 27 April 2009 at the Village Hall at 7 pm.

PRESENT Cllrs Humphreys (Chair), Cripps, Hallett, Hawkins, Rowswell, Wakely, Walshe, Mr K Ronaldson (District Councillor), Mrs Larpent (prospective County Council candidate).

APOLOGIES Cllr England, Mrs S Humphreys, Ms D Welch (Tree Warden), Mr P Robathan (District Councillor).

MINUTES The minutes of the previous Parish Meeting were read and signed as a true record.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Cllr Humphreys mentioned in his report the economic recession and the adverse weather which had caused flooding, landslips and deteriorating roads. Consideration had been given to the direction of the village school to safeguard its future and extend the benefits to the children. The Cowleaze Meadow Project is progressing well and will be a great asset to the community. The Recreation Field Committee have looked after the playing fields and the needs of the youth of the village. Events organised by the Parish Plan Team have been very successful. 2009 will see the continued support of the Parish Council as custodians of the village and the Parish Plan is being reviewed. Cllr Humphreys expressed thanks to everyone involved in making Shepton Beauchamp such a lovely, undivided and safe place to live.

PARISH PLAN

Sharon Humphreys sent a report on the activities of the past year. Despite adverse weather at these, the Team has managed to subsidise events and purchase equipment for the village. The bank balance now stands at £2,223.37. In the past year, money has been given for new equipment for the School, new shelving at the Pavilion, a microwave and coffee machine for the Village Hall, a soup kettle for use at events and funds have been given to the Lethbridge Recreation Team and the Church. In addition to the two large gazebos, the Parish Plan now owns a PA sound system and Ipod, a large BBQ, spotlights for outdoor events, a large tea urn, fluorescent jackets and two inflatable palm trees. These items are freely available for village fundraising and can be rented out to individuals in the village. The next purchase is to be a hardwood bench for Cowleaze Meadow and the next events will be a Victory Tea Party for senior residents - 9 May, St Petroc’s Fayre – 18 July, Fun Run – 13 September, Bonfire & Fireworks – 7 November, Christmas Market – 5 December.

RECREATION FIELD

Cllr Walshe spoke of the success of the Whacky Olympics, which raised £1,600 and said this year’s main event will take the form of a barbecue. The pavilion showers have been revamped. The AGM will be on 30 April at the Village Hall.
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COWLEAZE PROJECT

Cllr Cripps reported that grants of £250 from Wessex Water and £1,500 from the Lottery Fund had been received towards site surveys. Sponsored tree planting has started for planting next winter. The lottery application for funding for landscaping/fencing will be submitted shortly. Cllr Humphreys thanked the volunteers for their enthusiasm and all the work they have done. John Leach has donated plants from his pond project. Cllr Wakely offered to trim the paths as often as he can.

TREE WARDEN

Debbie Welch sent a message that she is willing to continue in the role of Tree Warden, but would like a helper.

CHARITIES

Cllr Rowswell said the investments had been hit by the present state of the economy, but the balance is still healthy and grants totalling £1,350 had been paid and the list of residents entitled to the Christmas bonus is increasing.

SCHOOL

Jane Rippon, Community Governor, had sent a report on the School, which continues to be a happy and exciting place for children to learn and develop. The School Council, which has representatives from each class, has worked hard and won a silver award for Eco Schools. The use of the Rectory garden allows space for play and sport and for growing produce and flowers. International links have been formed with schools in France and Kenya. School numbers remain stable and the possibility of becoming a primary school is being investigated.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL

Cllr Hawkins said the PCC is grateful to the Parish Council for contributing towards the cost of maintaining the Churchyard. The new area for cremated remains is now complete. A wall has not been built at the present time, due to cost, but a seat will be installed there. The Churchyard is in immaculate condition thanks to the work of Malcolm Brown. Sadly, thieves have removed half of the lead from the roof of the boiler house. Outreach work takes place, including a monthly service at Buttle Close.

VILLAGE HALL

Cllr Hawkins thanked the Parish Council for their ongoing support and said the hourly rates have increased slightly. Work is soon to take place on the flooring.

ST MICHAEL’S GUILD

Cllr Hawkins reported that the Guild continues to meet regularly.
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SHEPTON SENIORS

Mrs Allen sent a report on the Shepton Seniors 60 Club, which has a membership of 25. Attendance at monthly meetings is good and the Group is financially stable due to the members’ generous support of everything they do.

YOUTH GROUP

The Group is thriving thanks to the work of Jackie Priddle and her helpers, with visits and activities for all age groups being arranged.

PRE-SCHOOL

Cllr Rowswell spoke of the Pre-School, which is run by a very enthusiastic committee. The children’s sports event and fete will take place on 14 June.

RAMBLERS

Cllr Cripps reported that there are now 38 members, who enjoy two or three walks each month around Somerset, Dorset or Devon. The AGM will take place on 26 May at The Duke of York.

ART GROUP

In the absence of a representative from the Art Group, Cllr Walshe stated that the Group is still meeting regularly.

GOLF SOCIETY

Cllr Humphreys said the Golf Society continues to play once a month during the dry season and new members would be welcome.

LENGTHMAN SCHEME

Cllr Humphreys spoke of the success of the scheme, which ensures that routine jobs not covered by the District or County Councils, such as keeping signs and gullies cleared, are carried out.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

The Parish Council is very grateful to Mary Clarke for all her efforts in keeping everyone informed on policing matters.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed.

parish_council/pcapril09.txt · Last modified: 2022/11/01 08:10 by 127.0.0.1