The Notes of the ANNUAL PARISH MEETING held in Upchurch Village Hall on Thursday 21st April 2016 commencing at 7:30pm.
Present: The Parish Council attended along with 31 members of the public.
1. Chairman’s Introduction – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the change in format from previous Annual Parish Meetings.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 30th April 2015 – There were no amendments. It was proposed by Mrs P New and seconded by Mr R Foulds, that they be accepted as a true record and all agreed.
3. Presentation of KALC Community Award – Cllr Tucker thanked Jim Harman for his tireless voluntary work with various groups and organisations in the village, for example, the Parish Council, 1 o’clock club, Twinning Group and the Scouts. Mr Harman was presented with his award.
4. Twinning Group – Cllr Lewin spoke on behalf of the Twinning Group. He spoke about the success of the quiz nights that have enabled foreign exchange trips between Holywell School and Ferques in France. Mr R Kemsley reported that the students from both schools benefit greatly from these exchanges. The next one is in October this year. Mr Kemsley thanked everyone involved in making these trips possible. Cllr Lewin advised that the Twinning Group are looking for new members.
5. Friends of St Mary’s – Mrs P New spoke on behalf of the group. The group are passionate about the Church building and maintaining it. Mrs New gave a brief history of the Church and advised that it is not necessary to be a member of the Church to be a member of the group. Application forms for membership are available. A single membership is £10 a year and a joint membership is £15. This membership contributes towards the maintenance of the Church. The benefits include a newsletter and social events.
6. Parents and Friends of Holywell School – Mr S Smith spoke on behalf of the group. The group fundraises to provide activities which are not otherwise available from the School budget. The Committee is made up of parents, carers and teachers. The PFHS strive to be involved around the village as much as possible and welcome new events. They are focused on the School’s ethos and hold meetings once a month. The website for the PFHS is: www.pfhs.co.uk
7. Reverend Julian Staniforth – The Reverend spoke on behalf of the Church and the PCC. The Reverend quoted that ‘The Church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those that are not its members’. The Church building used to be the hub of the Village and the Church are endeavouring to become this again. The Rainbow Café takes place in the Church and is an opportunity for the Church to engage with the community, the PCSO, Community Warden and Citizens Advice Bureau are invited to attend the event. Everyone is welcome to the Church which holds different styles of worship and congregations. The Reverend advised that plans are in the early stages for a garden of remembrance in the Churchyard.
8. Upchurch Village Hall – Cllr Tucker spoke on behalf of the Village Hall. Cllr Tucker reported that she has recently become Chairman of the Village Hall. She spoke about the background of the Village Hall and the improvements needed along with the costs involved in making these improvements. The Village Hall would be grateful for any help received from residents with regards to fundraising for improvements.
9. Upchurch Village Fete – Mr C Bunting spoke on behalf of the Village Fete. The Fete is now in its third year. The last two years have proved successful and the idea is to keep the theme of a traditional fete. The Fete has been very lucky to receive significant sponsorship from local businesses as well as local grants to cover the costs of running such an event. The Committee is independent. If anybody wishes to become involved please make contact with one of the members. The Fete this year is on 18th June 2016.
10. Parish Council Projects – Cllr Tucker spoke on behalf of the Parish Council, she provided an update on the Bus Shelter which is this year’s project. Cllr Tucker reported that the Parish Council’s next proposed main project is the Paddock. This is as a result of the demise of the play area. Money has been set aside to improve the surface of this area. Anything further would require a working group made up of residents and Councillors to discuss ideas and how to move forward with them.
11. Questions from the public – Very few questions were raised. A resident raised the question as to whether the play area in the Paddock would be reused. Following a question regarding the Church path, an action was taken for the Church/PCC to discuss possibilities with the Village Hall Committee accessing their property. Discussions regarding the work needed to the Village Hall took place and Cllr Tucker will report these back to the Village Hall Committee.
12. The reports have been summarised in these notes – full reports from representatives are available from the Parish Council Clerk.
Julia Cura, Clerk to the Parish Council
