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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The provision of visibility mirrors opposite the entrance to Allotment Lane and Long Lane was supported. Bob Lewis to investigate.

John Stibbons advised John Redway in Gresham Village already runs a syndicate and Julia Dovey will speak with him to get operational details.

Julia Dovey to discuss with NNDC who has an Advisor.

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.

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.

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.

Meeting closed at 9pm.