• Solar Fund Minutes 18th February 2016

    Held in Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
    Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) David McNeight, Chris Wheeler, John Stibbons, Bob Lewis, Denise Lewis, Rosabelle Batt, Lorraine Marks, Simon Wakeford, Lynne Clarke, Andrew Clarke, Anthea Sweeney
    The Meeting opened at 7pm
    1. Apologies
    • None
    • Julia Dovey welcomed John Stibbons (Clerk to the Parish) as an additional regular attendee. John has a wealth of knowledge so will act as a consultant/advisor and general contributor.
    2. Review Minutes of last meeting & any matters arising
    • It was agreed the previous minutes were a fair reflection of the meeting.


    3. Information Sheet Publication and Delivery 

     
    • The Information Sheet was mostly delivered
    • It was noted that the refuse collection is the same for both West and East Beckham (Friday).
    4. Father Phil Blamire meeting report
    • The Meeting was held on 08/02/16 and minutes previously circulated.
    • There was concern regarding the St Helens Church not being funded past 3 years. What would happen after this period is open to speculation.
    • Gates at the Entrance to the Cemetery are to be dealt with by Warner Thompson Builders for the PPC, and a quote is required by SCFC.  KL to Chase Fr Phil
    5. Progress on action plan:
    • SAFETY MIRRORS: JS advised Steve Wright from Highways advised that Safety Mirrors were not allowed on the verge. They may cause an accident by distraction, and create an obstacle for hedge cutting etc. If placed on private land there maybe legal issues if the mirror is cited as a cause of an accident. No further action and results to be communicated in the forthcoming newsletter.
    • WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION: No responses so far from 3 stonemasons who have been asked to quote for the WW1 Memorial. Chasing up required JD/SW
    • DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE:
      • A quote is needed from Community Heartbeat Trust. Discuss at PC Meeting JD 
      •  The Reading Room (when demolished) in East Beckham would be the best site.
    • THE READING ROOM:
      • The Church Registrar Stuart Jones had not been heard from regards their interest or otherwise. KL to chase Fr Phil
      • It was generally agreed a professional builder should be employed to demolish the site.
      • Wood or items from the building could be reused on the allotments for raised beds etc.
      • PM Howell of Sheringham was suggested by CW, or Justin by RB or BL, or Russell 
    • TREE SURVEYS: 
      • The Tree Expert David Gillet had been called by KL but had not responded, too busy?
      • The Churchyard will be reviewed by the Church Tree surgeon.
      • The areas of concern were the Village Green and Footpaths.
      • A walk through the Village Green to see if any dead or obviously dangerous trees could be identified was volunteered by CW and her husband Rex W. KL/JD to walk East Beckham Loke
    • PARISH MAPS:
      • JD reported NPS Graphics had quoted £250 for Artwork and £400 for a display box to put it in.
      • Content needs to be decided and supplied
      • The Parish Walk approx 8K long was suggested for  2 sites. (East Beckham Reading Room site & West Beckham Bus Shelter)
      • It was reported that footpaths about the area had Finger Posts in disrepair – either knocked over or rotten. It is possible to report these on the NNDC Interactive Highway Map.
    • WEBSITE: 
      • Since the last meeting which suggested using the Parish Councils site and amending for the use of the villages it had been determined there are limited Themes or Styles available so only limited changes were possible.
      • JS reported there is no longer a Grant available for the creation of a website, although quotes had been received from 2 companies Amia Design (£750 + annual Hosting fee of £50) and Alysham Computers £420 + annual hosting £50)
      • Amia Design had been singled out as the creator of Whissonsett Village website http://www.whissonsett.com. This was highlighted as preferred design style by KL/JD. Please review and feedback
      • Content needs to be decided and gathered to enable any design to be put together.  Send suggested content to KL
      • A further meeting was to take place Saturday 7pm at the Wheatsheaf to discuss.
    • ALLOTMENT UPDATE: 
      • BL reported a meeting had taken place earlier in the day at East Beckham allotment. All current East Beckham users had been invited.
      • The Allotments had been staked out with posts.
      • The sizes 30 feet (frontage) x 80 feet (deep),
      • West Side 14 allotments. 5 sites are vacant on this side.
      • The East side left 12 allotments free and one would be singled out for use as a carpark.
      • It was agreed that the entrance and slope to the allotment needs levelling, hardcore laid with a drainage channel to one side. The car parking area could also be levelled and hardcore/gravelled at the same time. (Note Builder or person employed to demolish Reading Room could quote at the same time)
      • A water supply was discussed and costs should be investigated
      • West Beckham Allotments closure. Concern regarding the loss of the amenity of the allotment land was voiced if wildflower seed was sewn ‘on mass’ across the allotment. Suggestions such as a Dog walking area (securely fenced), a grassed field for Village events, site for Memorial Benches, plus the existing Village benefit of daffodils that can be picked for home use. Allotments are to be discussed at the next Parish Council Meeting.
    • SHOP:
      • CW advised that Danielle at the Wheatsheaf Pub envisaged a ‘Deli’ shop with some basics within the ‘Tea Room’, possible hours 9-6pm.
      • Therefore there would be no set up costs but volunteers to help run it would be welcomed. JD to contact the interested Volunteers from the Questionnaire. 
    • POST BOX PAVING UPDATE: When the weather warms up this would be tackled. SW/LM & CW/RW
    6. Items for the next Parish Council meeting
    • Allotments
    • Defibrillator Quote required
    • Tidy up area around the Bus Shelter /Phone Box in readiness for Information Board and Defibrillator
    • Village Entrance Gates – can this be explored? (Note Edgefield Village now have these in place)
    • Memorial Benches – costs and suppliers (RB) (post mtg: Catalogue/supplier of various equipment including Village Gates with JD)
    • Parish Maps
    8. AOB 
    • As the solar farm was the reason for the Fund it was agreed we would referred to as the ‘SOLAR COMMUNITY FUND COMMITTEE’ (SCFC)
    • The next newsletter will be put together and finalised in March for the next meeting.
    • The next Lunch at the Wheatsheaf will be held on March 3rd
    • Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday (21st April or official day June 6th) was suggested as a Party in East Beckham / further Lunch celebration
    • Is the meeting open to the Public? A constitution would be required. CW to investigate a possible constitution
    • Minutes of the SCFC meetings should be posted onto the Parish Website. JS advised the Parish Plan tab was for this purpose. DM/KL
    9. Date of next meeting
     
    • Thursday 24th March 7PM, Bodham and Beckham Village Hall

    Meeting closed at 8:40pm

  • Solar Fund Minutes 18th January 2016

    Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) Chris Wheeler, Denise Lewis,  Lorraine Marks, Simon Wakeford, Mike Baker, John Stibbons, David McNeight.
    Held in Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
     
    Julia Dovey opened the meeting at 7:05PM
    1. Apologies
    Rosabelle Batt, Bob Lewis, Lynne and Andrew Clarke, Anthea Sweeney

    2. Review Minutes of last meeting & any matters arising
    • The minutes were a fair reflection of the meeting. JD reported that the Oil Buying Group in Gresham is administered by John Rodway and although request for those interested to be in contact had been put in the newsletter, there had been no response.
    • The Gresham Group is happy for the Beckhams to join their Group but a co ordinator would be helpful to call round interested parties in our villages (approx. once a month). It was felt that a ’spot rate’ price from John Rodway on his next purchase would be useful to highlight the benefit to the community. Information regarding the Oil Buying Group would be put in the next edition of the Newsletter together with the most recent price per litre to see if there would be any interest. ACTION JD to contact JR

    3. Finalisation of The Household Information Sheet for printing/issue

    • The Information Sheet was agreed to be sent out asap and before the next Newsletter is issued in March.
    • (See Point 2) inclusion of JD Contact details – amendment therefore needed before printing. ACTION DL/KL
    • A quote from Chevertons Printers to be arranged incl. lamination ACTION KL

    4. Progress on action plan:
    a] Grit Bins 
     
    • Den Lewis communicated Bob’s progress. One bin is now installed, on pavers, next to Abbey Farm (Sheringham Road x Gresham Road) and Highways are asked to fill the bin with grit.
    • Highways are not giving permission for East Beckham proposed Valley Farm site due to various reasons, including cost implications (grit filling etc). An appeal has been written by BL to Steve White of Highways.  Maybe a site could be found on private land, with DIY grit filling either from Highways supplies or perhaps the Parish Council would fund. ACTION JD/BL/Parish Council
     
    b] Safety Mirrors
    • Costs of Mirrors were advised for Allotment Lane exit and also Long Lane exit to The Street in WB. Placement of these would need to bear in mind hedge cutting.
    • 600mm £128 x1, 2-5 £121-150 each  or 800mm £142 x1, 2-5 £135 each ACTION JD/BL/Parish Council
    c] War Memorial restoration
    • SW reported the Quote had not yet been received – awaits the tradesman visit. Also See point 5.
    • It was agreed, if possible, 11/11/2016 would be an appropriate completion date for a service/dedication of a new memorial.
    • Discussion took place over inclusion of names of those who died in other wars (Northern Ireland, Korean, Afghanistan, Gulf, Bosnian, Iraq etc) to make the memorial up to date not just WW1 (would this mean a WW1 grant is not possible?)
    • Investigations into War Graves – names eligible for inclusion to be actioned by Mike Baker ACTION MB 
    d] Defibrillators 
    • John Stibbons reported the charity Community Heartbeat Trust has adopted the redundant phone boxes and has an arrangement with BT to pay for the power if used to house the defibrillator. This Charity appears to be a ‘one stop shop’. KL had concerns regarding the actual costs for training, insurances, ongoing management costs etc. Matlaske phone box photos were shown (who it seems had used a different company  – Arrhythmia Alliance (www.arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk or Heartsease) JS advised Gresham Village already has a defibrillator installed and the training etc was undertaken with 50 or so villagers.
    • Actual costs to be established – A Lottery Grant can be sought for East Beckham or any further ‘non phone box’ sites.ACTION JS/JD
    • An East Beckham site needs to be established. Suggestions are the Reading Room site. ‘The Hut’/Reading Room – authorisation for the dilapidated building owned by the Church to be demolished, and the land, owned by the Batt Family which the building stands on had already been authorised for use by the community.(Rosabelle had agreed this at a previous meeting) ACTION JD/Father Phil
    e] Tree surveys
    • JD advised David Gillett had been recommended to her to site survey the Village Green by footpaths and any other areas of concern – e.g. East Beckham Loke. KL advised he was a very busy man, but would ask his availability and costs for his advise. ACTION KL
    •  It was noted the PC liability insurance suggests ‘reasonable care’ is taken so a regular inspection will take place and be minuted by the PC. Simon Case from NNDC can be contacted if particular trees are a concern. Rosabelle Batt (via DL) advised Gresham Church in a similar scenario had to pay high costs for survey and carry out recommended work however recent high winds have still brought down a branch.She suggested that the expense involved would not be justified.
    •  Mike Baker suggested that a lower cost option would involve a tree surgeon looking at the trees, any necessary work done (possibly annually and then minuted by PC. That should cover any PC liability. ACTION JD/JS/BM
    f] Parish Maps 
     
    • JD advised it was hard to locate a suitable Parish Maps with foot paths therefore ‘Work in Progress’. It was highlighted that some footpaths needed to be registered before they were lost and JS and MB both remembered some paths (including Mill Lane) which are not visible on current maps ACTION JD
    g] Website
    • It was agreed the current Parish Council Website could be expanded for community use, therefore no extra costs to be involved. Changes to the design and content would be investigated.  Content/Structure needs further discussion and KL suggested organising a separate meeting. JD suggested Rose Morton had volunteered regarding the newsletter. KL to arrange including CW, DL from the committee.  ACTION KL
    • John Stibbons will supply password details to DM ACTION JS
    h] Allotments 
     
    • JD advised Ann and Martyn Waring, living in WestB but already using the Allotment site at EastB, had volunteered to organise and host a meeting of the allotment holders. Bob Lewis and John Stibbons have already organised to go and measure up the allotment site in EastB. ACTION BL/JS
    5. Contact with Father Phil on church/cemetery matters
    • JD reported a meeting with Father Phil has been set up 8th February at 11am at St Helen’s and All Saints West Beckham. There is an open invitation for anyone interested to attend. ACTION JD/SW
    • The War Memorial at Weybourne Church was being restored currently. Father Phil advised a Roll of Honour (for those who served in wars) should be inside the Church. Those who died, put on the head stone memorial outside. Currently St Helens Church has a mix of WW1 ‘served and died’ on the memorial. It was agreed any changes must be handled very sensitively.
    6. Ownership of parcels of land near Church, also site of East Beckham church
    • Old Parish Documents had been reviewed by JD and these 2 parcels of land in Parish ownership were discussed. The East Beckham Old Church/registered common (demolished 1896) is currently used for raising game birds.Enquiries to be made as to who owns and manages this land at the moment to perhaps negotiate future access. The access via an old track has been ploughed up and is no longer visible. ACTION JD/Parish Council
    • The second parcel is currently part of Mike Bakers garden but further investigation of the deed written in July 1913 showed that unless the Parish built a Village Hall on the land, it would be bought back by the landowner who had it, for a fee.
    7. Next steps:
    • Possible shop – The Wheatsheaf should be approached more formally by Chris Wheeler as a possible shop site – as the Publican had already expressed an interest. ACTION CW
    • JS advised Gresham had done a lot of work and raised funds for a shop but it failed due to lack of a suitable venue, but there is a lot of help (and experience) available.
    • Paving at postboxes – SW and LM volunteered to pave the ground by the post box near WestB village sign (outside Chestnut Farm) ACTION SW/LM
    8. AOB 
    • Den Lewis read a communication by Kathleen Mace, a resident of East Beckham for more than 36 years and an active/constructive member in village matters. She suggests the site of the Reading Room to be cleared and 2 picnic benches installed. The Village Noticeboard and defibrillator unit could be housed here too.  The Bridgeway is to the right of the noticeboard position, overgrown but recoverable. On the wide verge she suggests large Tubs//Planters (which she would be happy to adopt) to stop parking at this point. Village Parking should be moved to the allotment site.
    • Next issue of Newsletter – any content please send to Kathryn Lord. (Aid memoir – Include Information regards lunches at The Wheatsheaf, Allotment updates, Post Box pavement, Grit bins, Website) ACTION ALL

    9. Date of next meeting
     
    18th February 7pm Bodham and Beckham Village Hall ACTION ALL
    Meeting closed at 8:40 PM
  • Solar Fund Minutes 23rd November 2015

    Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) Chris Wheeler, Bob Lewis, David McNeight, Lorraine Marks and Simon Wakeford
    Held in Bodham and Beckham Village Hall

    Julia Dovey opened the meeting at 7pm


    1.  Apologies

    Mike Baker, Denise Lewis, Andrew and Lynne Clarke, Rosabelle Batt, Anthea Sweeney

    2.  Minutes of the last meeting
    The minutes were agreed to reflect the last meeting.

    3.  Matters arising
    None

    4. Report on the Parish Council Meeting
    Julia presented the summary and draft action plan with the Parish Council.
    The Parish Council were generally very supportive of the suggestions made by the E&WBPP Committee and directed certain areas to be worked on first.
    5. Action Plan – Getting started
     
    Church and Cemetery
    The PC decided that it would be sensible to discuss the future plans for the Church Building and Cemetery with the PCC, however as there is no longer an acting PCC, this meant discussing directly with the Rector, The Rev’d Philip Blamire. Ideas that require permissions from the Church before any action can be taken include Cemetery improvements and wildlife management, tree assessments, and any future building change of use. Note: It was felt that Simon Wakeford should continue to review the process for renewal or refurbishment of the WW1 War Memorial. 3 quotes to be obtained from Stone Masons. The Imperial War Museum could be a source to check names serving or deceased in WW1 & WW2 from the 2 villages.
    Allotments
    The PC Agreed East Beckham should be developed and improved for allotment use. This had better soil and more existing allotment holders.
    An allotment poly-tunnel, sleepers for raised beds, and a water supply were suggested. The water supply could possibly be via Geoffrey Clifton-Brown? Parking provision at each of the allotments would be preferable.
    West Beckham allotments have currently only 2 holders and one (Cheryl Finch?) wishes to quit. A notice to quit will be raised by John Stibbons who has taken over the running of the allotments from Cheryl Finch?.
    Robert McNeil Wilson suggested a pollen and nectar seed mix to be sewn over the land which would be good for the soil. The plants would be perennial, leguminous, and would bloom all through the year. The field could also be cut.
    A committee needs to be set up first.
    Progress regarding the Deeds to the allotments need to be raised with John Stibbons by Julia Dovey.
    An Improved Website
    Kathryn Lord and David McNeight agreed to begin this process and to administer the website.
    The name of the domaine name was suggested as www.eastandwestbeckham.org.uk  (rather than .com or .co.uk)
    Guide costs will involve paying for the domaine (2 years for £6.98) and also web hosting at £2.49 per month.
    Website name will need to be approved by the Parish Council prior to purchase.
    It should be established if the current council site “ beckhamewpc.norfolkparishes.gov.uk “ will continue to run.
    Defibrillators
    West Beckham site was suggested to occupy the old Phone box which still has electricity running to it. It had been offered to the Parish by BT in the past for just £1.00. John Stibbons was to investigate if this is still the case.
    Chris Wheeler to investigate further, but the East Beckham site was suggested at the Telegraph Pole close to the Notice Board, which may still have an electricity supply.
    Information on how to use the defibrillators will be needed for both sites, i.e. calling 999, offering the postcode for your location, etc
    Grit Bins
    It was agreed that 2 x Green coloured grit bins will be purchased asap and sited in East Beckham.
    a] Valley Farm bend, by the Post Box
    b] Abbey Farm/Gibbets Lane cross road
    Highways will need to confirm both sites are acceptable. If so, Bob Lewis was happy to arrange for the levelling and paving of the 2 sites for the bins to be installed. Grit to be purchased or supplied by highways, which ever is faster, prior to winter weather.
    General Improvements
    The provision of visibility mirrors opposite the entrance to Allotment Lane and Long Lane was supported. Bob Lewis to investigate.
    Oil Buying Syndicate
    John Stibbons advised John Redway in Gresham Village already runs a syndicate and Julia Dovey will speak with him to get operational details.
    Tree Surveys
    Julia Dovey to discuss with NNDC who has an Advisor.
    Newsletter/Information Sheet
    Denise Lewis has produced a household information sheet with useful numbers and asked for comments/additions.
    All were asked to review and email suggestions to Denise.
    Bin collection days and anything else which would help a new resident to the area. Bob Lewis to ask the new resident in East Beckham.
    Delivery could go with the Link Up in the New Year.

    East and West Beckham Information Sheet.pdf

    6. Communicating progress to the villages
    The Newsletter should be produced to advise the community of the progress so far and the results of the survey.
    A3 folded to a 4 page newsletter with photos along with the text to be produced to be circulated prior to the end of 2015 (preferably in 2 weeks?) Julia Dovey and Kathryn Lord
    Chevertons to produce. The Committee to deliver. KL to advise when available.
    7. A O B
    Chris Wheeler advised that The Wheatsheaf had expressed and interest in being the location for a Village shop.
    Simon Wake asked if a chain barrier might be used to stop vehicles driving over the Village sign grassed area.
    Julia Dovey explained Ownership of the Solar Farm had changed 3 times since the creation. John Stibbons has asked for the latest fund contribution as it is not automatically forthcoming. The Fund is currently £22,000.

    8. Date of next meeting
     
    Monday 18th January 2016
    Bodham & Beckham Village Hall at 7PM.
    Meeting closed at 9pm.
  • Solar Fund Minutes 17th September 2015

    Present: Julia Dovey, Kathryn Lord, Anthea Sweeney, Bob and Denise Lewis, Rosabelle Batt, Simon Wakeford and Lorraine Marks, Chris Wheeler

    Dear All,

    1. Apologies
    Mike Baker, Lynne and Andrew Clark sent their apologies.

    2. Minutes of the last Meeting

    3. Questionnaire update and review
    The questionnaires had all been delivered. Most had been returned or collected. Julia Dovey collated those received so far and will add those from Lynne and Andrew Clark. If any further questionnaires are received please pass to Julia.

    The response rate had been good and this was felt to be a result of the personal delivery and talking through the forms with people in the parishes. There were several comments of support and generally people appreciated being asked to offer their opinion.

    4. Next steps

    A review of the results so far highlighted it was going to be difficult to decide how to handle or proceed with some of the subjects. Julia Dovey suggested the Parish Council would be best to decide a priority list for the various topics and to assist them JD will put together a summary of the questionnaire votes. JD asked for us to proof-read her summary and check content hadn’t been left out or misinterpreted.

    Notes:
    1. Simon Wakeford to do research on the War Memorial regards Public Money available for such projects.
    2. Simon Case at the Council maybe useful discussing public liability to public spaces (cemetery) and the PCC needs to be consulted
    3. Allotments – a new ‘management committee’ would be helpful to further the discussions on this project. Chris Wheeler had volunteered to help (albeit not wanting an allotment). Paperwork – deeds etc to be sorted out by the PC. Testing of WB Allotment ground was discussed which was not going to be very expensive, but the results depending on what found could be. Via the District Council, James Wilson is a contact that could be worth approaching.
    4. Village entrance signs seemed well favoured and KL supplied a photo of an example in Gayton (West Norfolk)
    5. Village information sheet was generally seems a good idea and Denise Lewis offered to create one.
    6. ‘Dial a ride’ ex North Walsham already exists – check if this is possible for W&E Beckham residents.
    7. Street Life was mentioned as a possible Village ‘website’ option
    8. EB reading room – a working party to clear the undergrowth (Rosabelle Batt advised this would be fine as the landowner) Bob Lewis to investigate further.
    9. Wifi in Bodham and Beckham Village hall would be very helpful!
    10. Action plan to be created  – short term, easy, no or little spending, medium term etc, and long term plus some items which are too ambitious or unlikely to succeed. (Via Summary/PC)

    5. AOB  – Update on Lodge Hill Junction
    JD advised the Steering Group that at the last Parish Council Meeting NCC Highways Department representative Mr. Paul Donnachie presented the plans for the A148 Lodge Hill Junction. There are plans to create  footpaths (or trods) in the existing verges. Also they are looking at several other new footpaths/trods that could be created, as a way to answer the Coroners recommendations which would be longer term. Speeds cannot unfortunately ‘just be lowered’ as they follow a district strategy and this junction did not fit the criteria. This was strongly challenged and the ’strategy’ was asked for so we could review and understand the situation. A VAS (Vehicle Activated Sign) is something that the Beckhams can contribute to jointly with Upper Sheringham and the council – each sign had an approx cost of £10, but if the PC agreed Highways would get a survey.  However, It was felt the rolling 3 year ‘list’ of accident stats are such that if we did not act swiftly the Junction would drop further down the listings – it already had from a few years ago.

    6. NEXT MEETING
    Thursday 19th November, 7pm at Bodham & Beckham Village Hall.

    MEETING CLOSED AT 9PM

  • Solar Fund Minutes 2nd July 2015

    Meeting of the East and West Beckham Parish Plan Committee

    Venue: The Wheatsheaf Pub (in the newly created Tea Room)

    In attendance: Julia Dovey (Chairperson), Kathryn Lord (Secretary), Anthea Sweeney, Chris Wheeler, Bob and Den Lewis

    Apologies from: Rosabelle Batt, Andrew and Lynne Clarke, Simon Wakeford and Lorraine Marks, Michael Baker

    1. The meeting was opened at 7.30pm by JD.
    For reference the minutes were made available of the last Parish Council Meeting and also the opening address by Robert Wilson at the Parish Plan Meeting held on Thursday 11th June 2015 at 7.30pm, where the committee had been selected. JD suggested we proceed with our meeting without the formal constitution to speed progress.

    2. JD had previously circulated the reply from Norfolk Rural Community Council representative Henry Meiklejohn explaining their contribution of support and this was discussed.
    It was agreed by the Committee that we do not need to spend money on outside Consultancy support at this time but it was useful to know where to go if needed in future.

    3. JD had previously circulated a 1st Draft Questionnaire and invited discussion. As a result:

    1. It was agreed in future the Parish Plan should be named The (East and West Beckham) Community Fund.
    2. JD would revise the introduction to include a summary of the route to this point and how the Fund had originated.
    3. JD would check with John Stibbons (Parish Clerk) what condition/rules (if any) had to be honoured relating to the Fund and report back to the committee.
    4. The Questionnaire should include optional ‘Name and Contact Details’ of the person completing the form (at the end of the document)
    5. The Questionnaire should have space after each section for freeform explanation or expansion
    6. Additional hard copy of the Questionnaire would be available with Parish Councillor’s or Committee member’s (need to list)
    7. Section 3. Allotments – ADD – Do you know about the allotments in both Villages? Y/N
    8. Section 5. Children’s Play Area – ADD – Have you tried to use the play area and found it locked? Y/N
    9. Section 6. General Suggestions – COLLATE – new Information Section, e.g. website, Linkup, village history
    10. New Section. Other Suggestions – ADD
    11. Each committee member present took a share of original suggestion papers home to compare/review the Questionnaire. Email any Errors or Omissions noticed to JD by Sunday 5th July.
    12. JD will present to the Parish Council a 2nd Draft Questionnaire on Thursday 9th July

    AOB
    4. Thursday 7th July 6PM
    A walk of the Parishes starting at the WB Village sign will take place by the Committee to better understand locations involved in suggestions
    (JD will ask permission for cars to be parked on the field opposite Chestnut Farm)

    5. DL will search for a property list by Postcode.
    This is to generate a better understanding of volumes of homes in both Parishes and therefore printed Questionnaires needed to be circulated.

    6. Communication by email.
    It was agreed ALL members of the Committee would circulated on OUTGOING messages from JD or KL, but all INCOMING would just be sent to JD and KL

    7. Next Community Fund Committee Meeting to be held at Bodham and Beckham Village Hall, 16th July, 7.00PM, due to space limitations at the Pub

    8. The Meeting ended at 9.45pm

  • Minutes 28th January 2016

    DRAFT Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

    Held on Thursday 28th January 2016

    The chairman opened the meeting at 7.32pm

    Present.  Cllrs. R. Wilson, (chairman),B. Powell,  J. Dovey.  G. Place,  R. Lewis,
    R. Moreton   A. Sweeney   Dist.Cllr M. Knowles         J. Stibbons (clerk)

    1. Apologies     PCSO Guy Slade

    2. Declarations of Interest.
    Cllrs. Dovey, Lewis and Sweeney declared at interest in item 7 on the agenda.(Community Fund)

    3. Minutes.
    The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 19th November 2015, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Lewis that they be accepted as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Powell and approved by the members present. The chairman then signed the minutes

    4. Matters arising from the Minutes.
    Cllr. Powell felt the West Beckham allotments should not be ploughed too early as the daffodils can be picked for fund-raising and charity. Discussion of allotments will be included on the March agenda.

    5. Reports.
    Dist. Cllr. M. Knowles. The full report is attached to these minutes.

    Cllr. Knowles apologised for missing the last two meetings.

    Job Centre staff are to be based in the council offices. The Dept. of Works and Pensions will pay a good rent.

    A boundary review is to be undertaken in the near future.

    A backlog is building up in the planning office due to shortage of staff. Planning applications will go paperless in the near future.

    6. A148 Lodge Corner.
    The members were unanimous in their agreement that the Trigger should be installed at the same time as the VAS, not at a later date. If this is in place drivers on the main A148 will know when traffic is joining from a side road.

    The VAS will be more noticed if it is not flashing at every vehicle on the main road as drivers familiar with the road will tend to ignore it after a time.

    Real safety for pedestrians will only be achieved by imposing a 50mph speed limit.

    It was also reported that cars have now started parking on the verge which was recently widened to give a better view of oncoming traffic.

    The members were very concerned at this development. It can only get worse as the summer approaches.

    It was agreed that Highways should be contacted to see if  NO PARKING signs similar to the ones on the other side of the main road could be installed.

    7. EWB Community Fund.
    It was reported that two grit bins had been delivered and one was positioned at the Abbey Farm corner, East Beckham.

    The War Memorial records the names of all who served. The vicar feels that only the men who died should be on the memorial.

    It was proposed by Mr. Wilson that the names on the new memorial should remain the same with no change of names. This proposal was seconded by Mr. Place and carried unanimously.

    The Fund Committee suggested that the provision of notice board types of maps for walkers should be investigated further.

    An opinion was given that the Hall Farm Solar money should be used for a big project and not be frittered away. This point will be discussed at a later meeting when more funds have come in.

    8. Insurance Review.
    The insurance is due for renewal at the end of April. The existing cover was discussed and the meeting felt the present amount of cover was adequate.

    A letter from the Zurich Insurance, in reply to a query, confirmed that the Parish Council are covered for accidents to third parties, provided all reasonable care is taken. This query was raised because it was unclear what would happen in the event of a tree or branch falling on a passer-by. Any obvious dangers should be reported to the council and action taken to render them safe.

    9. Financial Matters.
    A copy of the cash book to date was circulated to members. This showed the following balances:-

    • Community account of £2816.08
    • Premium account £22455.43
    • Scottish Widows Investment account £2908.73   A letter was signed at the meeting requesting a transfer of £2700 to the business account to cover the cost of the VAS at Lodge Corner.

    Payments for Grit bins (£287.98) and Printing (£90) were approved by the meeting and cheques signed.

    It was proposed by Mr. Wilson that the Parish Plan Committee be authorised to spend up to £100 without prior reference to the Parish Council. This was seconded by Mrs. Powell and carried.

    10. Correspondence.
    A request for a donation from AgeUK   The meeting decided not to make a donation at present.

    11. Matters for information or the next agenda.
    Allotments are to be included in the next agenda for further discussion and progress report.

    There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.07pm

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