Held in Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) David McNeight, Bob Lewis, Lorraine Marks, Simon Wakeford, Anthea Sweeney, John Stibbons
The Meeting opened at 7pm
1. Apologies
- Rosabelle Batt
- Denise Lewis
- Andrew & Lynne Clark
2. Review Minutes of last meeting
It was agreed the previous minutes were a fair reflection of the meeting.
3. Progress on action plan:
Note: Prior to the meeting JD had emailed a document ‘Action Plan Sept 2015’ summarising the Questionnaire results, with an updated status ‘June 2016’ to highlight progress made. This will be used as a summary report for the next Parish Council meeting.
- BUS STOP TIDY:
- JD reported the Bus Stop Shelter had been worked on and soil ingress removed from around the building and in the phone box! In doing so 5 unknown bike stands were uncovered. It was felt by all that railway sleepers could be used to make a retaining wall by the phone box where currently the old wall is no longer strong enough. Richard to be asked to return and do this work.
- KL volunteered to paint the inside of the shelter in a masonry paint (which will need to be bought or acquired)
- JD had a product that could be used on outside brickwork to remove any algae called ‘wet and forget’, or a power washer could be used – although is water needed.
- It was felt after the painting and cleaning, measurements should be taken to assess layouts for notice boards/parish map etc.
- SW offered to review current condition of noticeboards with a view to replacement or refurbishment.
- WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION:
- Await PCC
- TREE SURVEYS, WB Village Green, EB Common:
- JD had used the report by Mark Webster from The Conservation Volunteering Charity to place the bid for Tesco’s Bag of Help fund. Decisions are made end August.
- PCC to deal with Churchyard.
- THE READING ROOM:
- Await PCC
- COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS RECRUITED:
- Despite requests for Volunteers (environmental and social) no further volunteers have come forward. It was felt that specific dates may need to be given – project specific
- IMPROVEMENTS TO CHURCHYARD ENTRANCE:
- Await PCC
- IMPROVEMENTS BY POST BOXES & NOTICEBOARDS:
- Outside Chestnut Farm the Post Box now has a step access instead of a steep bank.
- Discussion regards the Sheringham Road site ensued. Possibility the PO to move the Post Box to a less dangerous spot, not on a bend?
- DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE:
- JS advised the Parish Council meeting is on 14th July and the Heartbeat Charity presentation will be held at the start of the meeting. All welcome.
- BL suggested a new possible site for EB. A barn wall which is at the centre of EB.
- SHOP:
- It was felt that we should wait some months to discuss again with the Wheatsheaf. The PC had written a letter to help the Wheatsheaf initiate a grant assisting them to establish the Pub as a ‘Local Hub’ – which includes in the plans a shop.
- ALLOTMENT UPDATE:
- EB Allotment had been made more accessible. The track had been scraped and a carpark formed.
- It was agreed this may need ‘on going maintenance’ or further work to improve the track/entrance.
- No allotment committee had been set up, but so far this does not seem to be needed.
- West Beckham allotment space was not discussed.
- WB Allotment – not discussed. Cultivation, weeding, finally establishing a pollen and nectar seed mix. Paths to be mowed once established.
- VILLAGE GATES & TRAFFIC CALMING:
- Not discussed – await NCC Highways to confirm site date to visit.
- KL mentioned the safety mirrors, which seem to be popping up around the area. The Parish Council however had been given a definitive NO from the Highways department.
- Bid for match funding from NCC (December 2016) for any safety projects.
- GRIT BINS:
- BL advised the Grit Bin installed is still empty but Highways promise this will be filled before winter. This would be the priority before attempting another installation.
- BUS SERVICE:
- Not discussed, but C Sanders advised a personalised West Beckham Bus Timetable would be prepared. The School Bus can also be used.
- Dial and Ride and Mediride information included in the Summer Bulletin.
- OIL BUYING SYNDICATE:
- A Gresham Oil Syndicate and Anglian Farmers Buying Group had been advised but no particular interest had been expressed in either Village.
- PROGRAMME OF SOCIAL EVENTS:
- Although the Committee had not been active in initiating this, it was felt the Monthly Lunches at the Wheatsheaf launched by Martyn and Ann Waring, and the Queens Birthday Tea Party had fulfilled this request.
- CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA:
- AC & LC were unable to come to the meeting, so we did not discuss their progress to date.
- The Big Society Fund (grant up to £15,000) from NNDC is available for funding. Applications needed by 8th August 2016
- WEBSITE:
- DM advised the domain name is eastandwestbeckham.org for access to the website which is now set up.
- KL & DM advised further work is still to be done (not much time had been spent due to other commitments, which includes producing The Bulletin etc.)
- Contributions from Parishioners would be very welcome – e.g. oral memories and photographic. If any of the committee have content or can speak to others who they think may have connections with the villages (or close by) this would be very helpful.
- The History of the Villages is still outstanding.
- JD volunteered to write an introduction piece for the Villages
- QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER & INFO SHEET:
- The Bulletin is now up and running – issue 3 about to be released. The Household Information sheet issued and available on the Website.
- MEMORIAL BENCHES:
- These are being ordered and it was suggested memorial name plaques are added. It was felt the Dark Brown colour recycled plastic benches shown where good looking and hopefully long lasting.
- BROADBAND SURVEY:
- It was discussed, and decided that a request be placed in the next ‘Bulletin’ for people with NO Broadband or Poor Broadband get in touch with DM so we can assess.
- PARISH MAPS:
- JD has found suppliers and awaits decisions on locations/contents before ordering.
- BODHAM & BECKHAM VILLAGE HALL:
- A Broadband supply for the Village Hall was suggested and DMwould investigate viability/costs via ‘Thinking Wisp’ as this doesn’t require a telephone line (which the VH does not have)
- WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION:
- Await PCC and Tesco Bid results.
- Not discussed. Bird, Bat & Owl boxes could be bought or made.
- EDUCATIONAL TRUST FUND:
- JD raised the idea of the above, and if approved could be created and Trustees appointed. The fund would enable young people and anyone who needed help with educational funding from the Villages. The rules of which would need to be agreed.
- IMPROVEMENT TO GRASS TRIANGLE
- Near Chestnut Farm WB Village Sign and grass area to be protected from being run over. Oak posts and removable chains could be installed to improve matters.
4. Date of next meeting
- 23rd September 2016, at B&B Village Hall, 7.30pm
Meeting closed at 8:50 pm
