Beckham East and West Parish Council

  • Minutes of the Meeting E&WB SCFC 28th April 2016

    Held in Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
    Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) David McNeight, Chris Wheeler, Rex Wheeler, Bob Lewis, Lorraine Marks, Simon Wakeford,  Andrew Clark, Anthea Sweeney, John Stibbons
    The Meeting opened at 7pm
    1. Apologies
    • Rosabelle Batt
    • Denise Lewis
    • Mike Baker
    • 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:
    • WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION:
      • Apart from the one firm quote, SW reported that other companies (5 in total) had failed to visit or make quotes despite several chasing calls and promises that they really were interested in the work. (Note post Meeting: Fr Phil Blamire has reported that no additional or new stones can be laid, the suggestion is an addition of a metal plaque. Also the Churchyard work would have a ceiling of £1500 prior to 3 quotes being sought.)
    • TREE SURVEYS: 
      • JD had supplied the report by Mark Webster from The Conservation Volunteering Charity prior to the meeting. The report outlined a selection of menu options with guide prices. Generally it was felt these volunteers were expensive but it was agreed a Conservation Management Plan would be worthwhile for both the WB Village Green and EB Loke.  Mark Webster highlighted valuable assets within the ancient woodlands at both East and West Beckham.
      • CW & RW had received unofficial expert advise and an offer of free assistance, if needed, for work in the Village Green, focusing on walker safety. Work had not started.
      • JS advised the PC had used Community Payback labour in the past and this is available. It was felt this labour could be used to clear brambles and bracken along the pathways
    • THE READING ROOM:
      • KL had tried to contact Fr Phil Blamire prior to the meeting but would send an email to find out if any progress had been made or meetings set up with the DFB Ltd. (Note post meeting – Fr Blamire had supplied the Trust Deed for the PC and the PCC would need to discuss what was the next step)
    • DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE:
      • JS advised the Charity had estimated £1500-2000 per defibrillator. If vandalism is unlikely a coded lock would not be needed and would reduce costs. The Company would come and make a presentation to the Parish Council in July which would explain a lot of the details which the committee were asking. KL advised that she had been contacted after the latest BULLETIN by a couple of volunteers keen to be trained.
    • SHOP:
      • No news.
    • ALLOTMENT UPDATE: 
      • BL advised a total of 10 allotments were left available in EB.
      •  Urgent attention to the Entrance and track into the Allotment was required along with the Parking area. 2 Further quotes are required unless this situation can be resolved. JS advised he was waiting for another contractor to come back to him. JD to discuss with PC
      • BL advised the daffodils in EB had been partly picked by a couple of Eastern European pickers. When challenged by BL they did not return. BL reported this to Cromer police.
      • JS has issued the new contacts for the Allotments for year 2016-17
      • West Beckham allotment space was not discussed.
    • PARISH MAPS: Not discussed
    • VILLAGE GATES:
      • JS supplied an email from Highways (Steve White) which advised white gates could be part funded. The round of funding would be applied for late in 2016.
      • Highways would need to agree suitable wide verge sites for the gates. Steve White would visit to discuss suitability
      • KL/DM had looked at locations as had LM/SW who had also measured verge widths.
      • Would locations be where the 30 mph signs were already placed? No 30 mph signs in EB
    • BUS STOP TIDY:
      • JD reported she had tidied up in the bus stop but the bin inside had been used as a dog waste bin. KL thought painting the inside brickwork would improve the appearance.
      • Ideas to be fed back to JD by ALL prior to the next meeting.
    • BUS SERVICE:
      • JD reported the meeting with Charles Sanders took place and there would be a personalised West Beckham bus program written by CS which would be included in the next BULLETIN (June) There is a service 3 days a week currently and the School Bus can also be used, although this will need to be paid for prior to 9.30am
      • JD also gave details of Dial a Ride and other options which we will be include in the next BULLETIN.
    • POST BOX PAVING UPDATE: SW provided a photograph of the completed pavers in situ at the Church Farm Postbox. The committee expressed their gratitude and praise.
    • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA:
    • A&LC had visited the Play area and reported back that is was very tidy and well maintained at the point of the visit.
    • JS advised ROSPA will make the annual inspection to ensure all equipment is meeting safety standards etc.
    • There was plenty of space (size 30m x11m) that could take extra equipment and AC had approached some specialist companies.
    • Examples of Slides had been provided – various prices from £6k to others from Costco Cash and Carry were shown.
    • The Area is owned by NNDC and the PC need to fund regular grass cutting. It was muted that NNDC may wish to pass the land over to the PC.
    • KL though the fencing could be improved to make it less uninviting, although it was functional to keep dogs out and children in.
    • BL had a contact with a Weybourne committee who have recently set up a children’s play area and would pass this on.
    • LM and KL both remarked on the quality of play areas at Blakeney Village.
    • WEBSITE: 
      • DM advised that the domain name eastandwestbeckham.org had been purchased.
      • KL DM & DL had spent an afternoon going through possible content and architecture. A basic format for the website was now up. (Albeit a ‘work in progress’)
      • Content offers from some parishioners had been forthcoming and also old photographs from RAF West Beckham have been allowed to be used.
      • KL/DM asked for the committee to look at what is on the site so far and offer feedback.
    • MEMORIAL BENCHES:
      • RB had not been able to attend the meeting but would report back next meeting regards bench costings and designs.
    4. Parish Council Meeting
     
    • 3 Quotes and difficulty in progression
     
    5. AOB 
    • SW asked that the grass triangle in front of Chestnut Farm with the WB Village Sign be protected from being run over. Oak posts and removable chains could be installed to  improve matters.
    6. Date of next meeting
     
    • 26th MAY,  7PM, Bodham and Beckham Village Hall (2 days after the Parish Council Meeting 24th May when ALL are invited)
    • 30th JUNE being the following meeting date

    Meeting closed at 9:00 pm

  • Notice of appointment of date for the exercise of electors’ rights

    Attachment 3.2

    Local council name:                 E&W Beckham Parish Council                                                 

    Notice of appointment of date for the exercise of electors’ rights Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2016

    The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, and The Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015 (SI 234)

    1. Date of announcement: (a)  8th June 2016
    2. Each year the Council’s Annual Return is audited by an auditor appointed by Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited. Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounts to be audited and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts relating to them. For the year ended 31 March 2016 these documents will be available on reasonable notice on application to:

    (c)  J. Stibbons (clerk).  Langdale,  Cromer Road, Gresham. Norwich  NR11 8RB

    e-mail   johnstibbons@gmail.com    tel. 01263 577397
    commencing on (d)  21st June 2016
    and ending on (e)    29th July 2016
    3. Local Government Electors and their representatives also have: •   the opportunity to question the auditor about the accounts; and
    •   the right to make objections to the accounts or any item in them. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the Council.
    The auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose on 2nd August 2016 and after that date will be available at the address given in paragraph 4 below until the audit has been completed.
    4.

    The audit is being conducted under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2015 and the National Audit Office’ Code of Audit Practice. Your audit is being carried out by:

    Mazars LLP, The Rivergreen Centre, Aykley Heads, County Durham, DH1 5TS
    5. This announcement is made by J. Stibbons (Parish Clerk)

     

  • Parish Council Minutes 24th May 2016

    The chairman opened the meeting at 7.32pm

    Present.  Cllrs. R. Wilson, (chairman),  J. Dovey.  G. Place,  R. Lewis, R. Moreton

    Dist.Cllr M. Knowles   J. Stibbons (clerk)

    1. Apologies  County Cllr. M. Baker,  Cllr. A. Sweeney  PCSO Guy Slade

    2.To elect a chairman for the coming year.

    It was proposed by J.Dovey that R. Wilson should be asked to stand on as chairman. This was seconded by R. Moreton and carried. Mr. Wilson then signed the declaration of acceptance of office.

    It was proposed by R. Wilson that G. Place should be elected as vice-chairman. This was seconded by R. Lewis and carried.

    3. Declarations of Interest.

    Cllrs. Dovey and Lewis  declared at interest in item 8 on the agenda.  (Community Fund)

    Cllr. G. Place declared and interest in item 8 (Allotments)

    4. Minutes.

    The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 10th March  2016, having been previously circulated, were approved by the members present and signed by the chairman.

    5. Matters arising from the Minutes.  None

    6. Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors

    Dist. Cllr. M. Knowles N.N.D.C. The full text of this report is attached at the end of these minutes.

    7. Planning. (Revised design)  to PF/15/0102 Glabri, Back Lane, W. Beckham

    The Parish Council have no objection to this application.

    8. Allotments.

    Quotations for the improvement of the track and provision of a car park are still not complete. Five companies have been asked to quote with only two responses so far. A third quote should be in hand within the next week.

    The members agreed that it was important to get the work done as soon as possible. The council gave the clerk authority to put the work in hand when the last quotation was presented.

    Mr. Place was given permission to erect a shed and greenhouse on his allotment.

    9. Solar Community Fund Committee.

    Report by SCFC chairman.

    A reply from the Church regarding the War Memorial  quotation will be sought by the Fabric Officer to dress and re-engrave the inscriptions exactly in the format they are now. The chairman asked if a new stone could be erected in the church yard?

    The deeds of the East Beckham mission hall were signed on 23rd. May 1996. The Norwich Board of Finance is the Authority and the Parochial Church Council are the administrative Trustees.

    Page 141

    An inspection by the Fabric Officer revealed that the Mission Hall is in a very poor state of repair and completely overgrown and the cost of repair would not be justified. The Diocese will seek to sell the property, the proceeds to be placed in the Churches Fabric Fund.

    It was agreed to write to the Diocese and register an interest in the purchase.

    10. Financial matters.

    The accounting statement and annual governance statement for 2015/2016 prepared for the External Auditors were discussed and approved. They were then signed by the Chairman and RFO

    Bank Balances at 30/3/2015 Current a/c £4350.29  Savings a/c £22461.30

    The following accounts were approved for payment and cheques signed:-

    U. Sheringham PC (share of cost of VAS) £2708 Cheque signed 26/4/16 

    G. WrightGrass cutting£50

    Mrs. J. DoveyInk and Paper£42.50

    D. McNeightWeb site reg.£53.14

    ChavertonPrinting£90

    J. Stibbons Salary/expenses£486.29

    HMRCPAYE deduction£92

    11. Correspondence

    The Chairman had received a letter of resignation from Mrs. Barbara Powell.

    All the councillors wished to thank Mrs Powell for all her efforts over the past years and agreed that she would be greatly missed.

    • Parish Paths Seminar              noted
    • AWA – Help reduce pollution  .Noted
    • Norfolk Records Office.           Noted

    12. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.

    It was noted that a representative from The Heartbeat Trust will address the next meeting on 14th July

    Full Text of District Councillors Report Item 6

    May 2016

    We recently held the Annual Meeting at NNDC, and we therefore have a new Chairman, John Lee from Cromer. The new Vice Chairman is Richard Shepherd, from Sheringham.

    Page 142

    The following is a brief summary of the major items that have come before Council in the past year, which may give your members a little more insight than is sometimes portrayed in the local press.

    Planning.

    The council has embarked on a three-year project to compile a new Local Plan to cover development policies and land allocations for the period to 2036.   The government has also introduced a “Duty to Co-operate” between neighbouring planning authorities in drawing up new Local Plans.   In this connection, the Call for Sites has been initiated.   Anyone can suggest a particular site for development, be it for affordable housing, market housing, commercial use etc.     The suggestions will then undergo a technical appraisal before being put to public consultation.   Forms are available on the council website.   The deadline for submissions is 31st. May.

    Shared Services.

    In September members were advised that preliminary talks were under way with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to see if there is any scope for sharing some senior officers and back office work with a view to making savings.    A special meeting of the council was held on 21st. October, and we were advised that Great Yarmouth had requested the secondment of certain personnel on an interim shared basis.   This would involve salary increases for both officers, who were keen to participate.  The sharing with GYBC of NNDC’s Chief Executive and Head of Finance went ahead as from the second week in November. The arrangements clearly benefit Great Yarmouth, and it is to be hoped that when the promised report on the potential for a permanent situation materialises, that benefit will also extend to NNDC. A business case for a longer term arrangement is scheduled to be presented to full Council in the near future.

    NNDC has lent £3m to GYBC for 3 years, the first time NNDC has made an investment of this type, though we are assured that this was a straightforward commercial deal.

    Devolution.

    In September we learned that Norfolk had submitted a case to the government for the devolution of powers, only to be told that Norfolk was not big enough and that a joint bid with Suffolk was required, which was also rebuffed.   Ultimately a bid was submitted on behalf of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.  George Osborne announced in his budget on 16th March that the Eastern Powerhouse was to go ahead.   In fact the document that was signed by all the local authorities, apart from Cambridge City Council, was simply an agreement to carry on talking.  The final details are still under discussion.

    It now appears that there will be some kind of split authority, with Norfolk and Suffolk together, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough together.

    There remains very little detail in the proposals so far and the leaders of the 22 councils are to set up various committees to generate specific-proposals to the Government.   What has been offered so far, £30m p.a. for 30 years, is far less than was originally requested.   In addition, the Government requires the setting up of another tier of local government, headed up by an elected mayor who will have some control over funding and will take specific responsibility for transport and major roads and have powers over planning and housing.   How this new Combined Authority will be staffed and funded has not been defined.

    At the meeting of NNDC the leader was given the following brief:

    “This council does not support the concept of a mayor or a mayoral authority in East Anglia, but is mindful of the potential benefits for the people of North Norfolk delivered under a sound and robust

    Page 143

    governance model on which all councils are represented equally and have equal voting rights; and recommends that the Leader of the council continues discussions with other Leaders and with government with a view to bringing developed proposals back to the council for further consideration.”

    Boundary Review.

    It appears that North Norfolk has gradually drifted away from the accepted norm in terms of population per ward, and therefore (in their view) proper representation at District level.  This has generated a full boundary review, covering all wards.    The process for this begins with an appraisal of how many councillors are required to run the council in terms of committees, etc. Currently we have 48 and it seems likely that there will be a move to reduce that number. In fact, it seems likely that the Council is to make a recommendation to the Commission that it can operate efficiently with 40 members. The second phase will almost certainly involve the redrawing of some boundaries. The final proposals are to take effect from the May 2019 elections.   The Review will not be able to take into account any future changes in population that could result from the current process of revising the district’s Local Plan, only Planning consents currently in place will be considered. My understanding is that Parish boundaries cannot be altered, but it may be that certain Parishes will be “transferred” to a different ward. For your information Chaucer currently has around 2000 voters, which is approximately 13% above the average (there are wards with only 1500), but of course if the number of councillors is reduced, that average will alter accordingly. The proposals will go out for consultation at the various stages, so I would suggest we watch this space.

    In September Full Council formally approved the audited accounts for 2014/15.   After allowing for slippage of capital projects resulting from the disruption caused by the sea surge in December 2013, the accounts showed a surplus of £366k.   The General Reserve is nearly £2.3m compared to its recommended amount of £1.75m, but we have to consider that central government grants are all either reducing significantly or disappearing altogether over the next couple of years and that reserve may well stand us in good stead.

    As part of its statutory requirements, Full Council agreed to the formation of an Independent Remuneration Panel to undertake the regular review of members’ allowances.   No increase had taken place since 2003.   Following the independent report an increase from £4,054 to £5,000 was recommended to take effect from May.   This figure is around the mid-point of allowances of all Norfolk and Suffolk councils, with some of those below that level already in the process of their own review.

    Following the motion submitted to NCC Highways and the Police regarding road safety along the A148 several representatives each from NCC and the Police attended the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 18th. May.   There were representations from members of the public and many questions from Councillors. Sadly, although our perception may be different, the statistics appear to indicate that the A148 between Holt and Cromer is not sufficiently dangerous to merit any major improvements, such as roundabouts, or even a review of speed limits.

    At its recent meeting, the council agreed to maintain the Big Society Fund programme for a further year with a maintained pot of £225,000.   It also allocated £630,000 to fund the possible compulsory purchase of 5 domestic properties, 3 in Sheringham and 2 in Sculthorpe with a view to bringing them back into use.   The position of the former Shannocks Hotel in Sheringham will be discussed later this month.

    Michael Knowles.
    District Councillor – Chaucer Ward.
    May 2016.

  • Annual Parish Meeting

    Annual Parish Meeting

    Called by: Mr. R. McNeil Wilson, (Chair),E&W Beckham Parish Council

    The Annual Parish Meeting for E&W Beckham will take place on

    Tuesday 24th May 2016 at 7.30  pm,

    at the Bodham and Beckham Village Hall.

    Agenda:

    1. To read and approve the minutes of the E&W Beckham  Annual Parish Meeting held on 14th May 2015

    2. A report by the Chairman of Salthouse Parish Council on the year 2015 -2016.

    3. General Public Questions

  • Annual Parish Council Meeting Agenda 24th May 2016

    East and West Beckham Parish Council.

    Annual General Parish Council Meeting

    To all members of the Council

    Your presence is requested at a Meeting of E. & W. Beckham Parish Council on

    Tuesday 24th May 2016 at approx.7.50 pm –

    -to immediately follow the Annual ParishMeeting

    at the Bodham Village Hall.

    J. Stibbons   Clerk to the Council

    14th May 2016

    The Public are invited to attend the above meeting

    AGENDA

    1. Apologies

    2. To elect a chairman for the year.

    3. To receive declarations of interest.

    4. To approve the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 10th March  2016.

    5. Matters arising from the Minutes.

    6 Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors

    7. Planning (Revised design)  to PF/15/0102 Glabri, Back Lane, W. Beckham

    8. Allotments.

    To consider quotations for track improvements.

    To consider application for permission to erect a shed and greenhouse

    8. Solar Community Fund Committee.

    (a)  Committee report.

    (b) To discuss the installation of  entrance gates to the village.

    (c)To consider the survey report of E. Beckham Common and Nature Area W. Beckham

    9. Financial matters.

    To approve the accounts of 2015/2016 for audit.

    Bank Balances at 30/3/2015 Current a/c £4350.29  Savings a/c £22461.30

    To approve the following payments and sign cheques:-

    U. Sheringham PC (share of cost of VAS)£2708Cheque signed 26/4/16 as payment required

    G. WrightGrass cutting£50

    Mrs. J. DoveyInk and Papet£42.50

    D. McNeightWeb site reg.£53.14

    ChavertonPrinting£90

    J. Stibbons Salary/expenses£486.29

    HMRCPAYE deduction£92

    10. Correspondence

    • Parish Paths Seminar
    • AWA – Help reduce pollution.
    • Norfolk Records Office.

    11. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.

    A representative from The Heartbeat Trust will address the next meeting on 14th July

  • Annual Parish Council Meeting Minutes 14th May 2015

    Minutes of the East and West Beckham Annual Parish Meeting held on Thursday 14th May 2015 at Bodham Village Hall.

    Present: Mr. R. Wilson (Chairman), five parish councillors and six parishioners.

    The meeting opened at 7.30pm.

    Apologies. None.

    Minutes.
    The minutes of the East and West Beckham annual Parish Meeting, held on Monday 10th May 2014 were read to the meeting and confirmed as correct by all present. The chairman then signed the minutes.

    Matters arising from the minutes.

    It was asked if the Community bus was still operating.
    The bus is still operating but travellers wishing to use the service have to pay a subscription to join.

    East and West Beckham Parish Council. Chairman’s Report 2014 – 2015

    It has been an interesting, eventful and busy year for the Parish of East and West Beckham.
    Many thanks to our Parish Councillors, Geoffrey Place (Deputy Chairman), Tim Driver, Roy Simpson, Dick Morton, Barbara Powell for their help and regular attendance over the year and welcome to Julia Dovey who joined the Council during the year. I would like to thank in particular both Tim and Roy, two of our longest serving Parish Councillors who both stood down at the election. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Anthea Sweeny to the Parish Council. At this point it is worth mentioning that we have a vacancy on the Parish Council, that East Beckham does not have a its own representative and that both Dick and Barbara have indicated a desire to stand down. So I would ask that everybody gives some thought as to who might suitable and willing to join the Parish Council.
    My thanks go also to County Councillor Mike Baker and retired District Councillor Anthea Sweeney for attending our meetings and for keeping up the pressure on the County Council for improvement to the dangerous junction of Sheringham Road with the A148 at Lodge Hill. It is very frustrating to note that despite the increase in accidents at Lodge Hill over the last year in that there appears to be an indifference to improving or even reviewing this section of the A148 by highways.
    I am pleased to report an occasional increase in the number of Parishioners attending the meetings and hope to see them on a more regular basis in the future.
    Over the year three various planning applications for wind turbines two in Bodham and one in Selbrigg have cast a large cloud over the local villages. I am pleased to report that the first of the three most recent applications has now been withdrawn, the second refused by the District Council. We must be vigilant and continue to resist the last application for the wind turbine at Selbrigg.
    The year saw the first of ten, proposed £10,000 annual payments to the Parish from Hall Farm Solar. The desire by the Parish Council to see this money used in a wise and innovative way in the two villages has given rise to the idea of formulating a Parish Plan. An Information letter and invitation to a Parish Plan drop in day were distributed in the early part of the year culminating in a well-attended day on the 28th March. Lots of ideas came forward and some prospective volunteers. The challenge now is to form a Parish Plan Committee, to keep the interest and drive going forward, to bring some of these ideas to fruition. With the help of some additional grant funding there are some really exciting projects on the horizon. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the day such a very positive and enjoyable experience.
    And finally, I would like to extend my particular thanks to John, our Parish Clerk for his stalwart work during the year, his ongoing interest in the village and contribution to the Parish Plan drop in day which helped to make it such a success.

    Any Other Business none

    The chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 7.45pm.

  • Minutes 10th March 2016

    DRAFT Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

    Meeting Held on Thursday 10th March 2016

    The chairman opened the meeting at 7.32pm

    Present.  Cllrs. R. Wilson, (chairman),  J. Dovey.  G. Place,  R. Lewis, R. Moreton   A. Sweeney

    County Cllr. M. Baker  and one member of the public       J. Stibbons (clerk)

    1. Apologies  Cllr. B. Powell, Dist.Cllr M. Knowles   PCSO Guy Slade

    2. Declarations of Interest.

    Cllrs. Dovey, Lewis and Sweeney declared at interest in item 8 on the agenda.  (Community Fund)

    Cllr. R. Wilson declared and interest in item 7 (Allotments)

    3. Minutes.

    The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 28th January 2016, having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that they be accepted as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Sweeney and approved by the members present. The chairman then signed the minutes.

    4. Matters arising from the Minutes.  None

    5. Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors

    County Cllr. M. Baker  There have now been “No Parking” markers placed at the improved splay on the A148 at Lodge Corner.  It has also been requested that a speed limit survey should be carried out on the A148.

    A new “Trod” is now in place with crossing points on the A148.  Highways are to be contacted with a request to have signs put in place warning of Pedestrians.

    Highways have been notified about pot-holes and overgrowing hedges in Gibbet Lane.

    6. A148 Lodge Corner.

    Cllrs. Place and Dovey attended the meeting of Upper Sheringham Parish Council where the Vehicle Activated Sighs (VAS) at Lodge Corner were discussed. It was finally agreed that the triggers should be installed with the VAS as requested by E&W Beckham PC. The initial reason for Upper Sheringham PC suggesting that the signs should be activated at all times was that there is no sign warning of pedestrians crossing.

    A bid is now in place for a VAS.

    7. Allotments.

    It was felt that it should be made clear that part of the West Beckham allotment site was on top  of a former tip and with a view to the information on the Environment Agency’s site “What’s in your backyard?”,  the parish has a duty of care responsibility not to encourage the growing of food crops on the site due to possible chemical contamination.

    Page138

    Testing would be expensive as it would have to be tested for every toxic chemical known – and then, if any were found they would have to be removed.

    As there is an alternative site at East Beckham, food production should be concentrated there. It was suggested that allotment holders re-locating from West to East Beckham should have a rent free allotment for five.

    An email from Mrs Powell was read to the meeting in which she hoped that public

    access to the West Beckham allotment site  would not be restricted when the Nectar Mix is established.

    8. Solar Community Fund Committee.

    (Minutes of Committee meetings can be viewed on the Website at (BECKHAMEWPC)

     

    The committee is to be known as the SOLAR COMMUNITY FUND COMMITTEE (SCFC).

    This committee is not limited in numbers and consists of volunteers with an interest in village improvements. There will also be a minimum of two parish councillors. A list of names of committee members will appear on the Parish Council web site. The object of this committee is to ascertain the wishes of the majority of residents regarding improvements to the community and prepair suggestions and costings for consideration by the Parish Council.

    Inspection of tree at the Village Green and the East Beckham common has found no unsafe

    branches that could be a hazard to the general public.

    The provision of safety mirrors at Long Lane and Allotment Lane was not approved by NCC Highways.

    The SCFC proposed the following projects for consideration by the Parish Council.

    a. A quotation for grading the track and car park clearance at E. Beckham allotments was presented to the meeting.

    The Parish Council needs to have three quotations before agreeing to this work.

    b. To go ahead with a quote from Community Heartbeat for a defibrillator in the redundant telephone box in W Beckham. Approved.

    c. To tidy up around the bus shelter – cut off some of the lower branches of the trees and ready the area for the relocation of the noticeboard and the installation of the defibrillator. Cost to be met from the Solar community Fund.

    The Parish Council agreed. Mr. Place was asked if he would approach Stuart Thurtle to see if he would undertake this work.

    d.  It was decided to leave discussion of village entrance signs and parish maps to the next meeting.

    Page 139

    9. Financial Matters.

    Community account balances at 28/1/2016  £1430.41

    Transfer of  £2908.73 from  Scottish Widows to Barclays Business account. to close account.

    To approve payments and sign cheques for the following–

     

    NNDC Election costs £38.32

    Cheverton and Son Printing £67.20

    J. Stibbons Salary and expenses £456.24

    HMRC Clerks PAYE £92

    Zurich Insurance £353.93

    Mr. L. Watson was appointed internal auditor for the year 2015-2016

    10. Correspondence

    • HM Queen 90th Birthday commemorative medals  It was decided not to purchase medals.
    • North Norfolk Bid Society Fund –  Noted

    11. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.

    The meeting was informed that there has been severe flooding near the Electricity Sub-station. Highways to be contacted.

    There being no further business the chairman closed the meeting at 9.26pm

    The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 24th May 2016

  • Minutes of the meeting E&WB SCFC 24th March 2016

    Held in Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
    Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) David McNeight, Chris Wheeler, Rex Wheeler, Denise Lewis, Rosabelle Batt, Lorraine Marks, Simon Wakefield, Lynne Clark, Andrew Clark, Anthea Sweeney,
    The Meeting opened at 7pm
    1. Apologies
    • John Stibbons
    • Bob Lewis
    2. Review Minutes of last meeting & any matters arising
    • It was agreed the previous minutes were a fair reflection of the meeting.
    • The Constitution: JD advised John Stibbons had minuted in the last Parish Council meeting the Solar Community Fund Committee was a subgroup of the Parish Council and was therefore covered by the same insurances etc. It meant that we could invite guests and experts as needed. There would need to be a minimum of 2 Parish Councillors on the committee and the Parish Council website will need to display the minutes of the meetings. (Which we are doing.) The Subgroup purpose is to reflect the wishes of the community.
    3. Bulletin Issue 2 & Distribution:
    • 140 copies had been printed by Chevertons after compilation by KL
    • The Bulletin was handed out and committee members asked to distribute to the Villages asap.
    4. Progress on action plan:
    • WAR MEMORIAL RESTORATION:
      • Still quotes are slow in coming in or the stonemasons are not responding  The Fakenham company will hopefully be in touch again after Easter. The Weybourne Memorial company (based in Diss) has quoted in Granite for £1890+Vat. A third quote is required. KL suggested looking at a company on the internet for a quote, even if it was for comparison. Designs, materials, finishes, fonts as yet have not been discussed in any detail.
      • JS may have further contacts?
    • TREE SURVEYS: 
      • CW and her husband RW had inspected the West Beckham Village Green. It was noted that as the trees are still doormat therefore harder to see which are thriving or not, however, 4 trees look like they need some attention. (1 x dead near the roadside, 1 x branch across the path but could be cleared with pruners, 2 x larger tree which would need a professional to clear or reduce.
      • It was agreed that RW would clear what was possible and leave material on site. (Ash dieback was mentioned and as a result it was felt material should not be removed from sites)
      • It was felt a H&S notice should be posted on the gate to highlight the danger of over hanging trees and that sensible caution should be taken during high winds.
      • The Village Green has a bench but it is not in good condition. A definite site for a new bench.
      • A dog bin was discussed but also the high cost of hazardous waste at £800pa for emptying. It was felt that dog owners should be responsible for their own dogs waste.
      • JD had contact with the North Norfolk Workout Group. These are a group of volunteers who would welcome sites to improve for conservation with a direction from the Committee. This was seen as a great find.
      • The East Beckham Common had been reviewed by JD and this was generally OK. The Cemetery would be reviewed by The Church.
    • THE READING ROOM:
      • RB confirmed the Reading Room/Mission Hut and land was given to the Church in 1996.
      • A copy of this Deed had been requested by the Parish Council from The Church.
      • Fr Phil Blamire had advised he would review with the Diocese Finance Board Ltd in May 2016.
    • DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE:
      • JS was not at the meeting so no further info was known, however, another possible site for East Beckham was discussed if the Mission Hall/Reading Room should not be available. Possibly another option could be the newly planned Parking Area on the allotment.
    • SHOP:
      • CW advised that Danielle at the Wheatsheaf had been happy with the inclusion of the shop/Deli in the Bulletin, but nothing would be happening until after they had their B&B up and running hopefully in May/June.
    • ALLOTMENT UPDATE: 
      • BL was not at the meeting so KL read the update in the Bulletin
      • DL asked if it was possible for East Beckham allotment land to be ploughed prior to Allotment Holders taking on the land. It was very difficult work when the daffodils are in situ. This could be done after the daffodils are over.
      • West Beckham Allotment site. JD issued a detailed plan offered by Robert McNeil Wilson (Chairman of the Parish Council)  which identified a 3 – 5 year plan. Year1: weed kill once (ragwort/dock/persistent perennials) green up, cut weeds, weed kill again, cultivate to level the field, spray and plough in autumn  Year2: Cultivate in spring, Spray for weeds, drill & roll in a pollen and nectar mix end May, mow several times during the year, establish pollen/nectar mix Year3: mow paths through pollen/nectar for enjoyment, half area can be cut for autumn flowering and offer a longer source of nectar for bees.
      • Not all members of the committee were happy with this option due to the lack of amenity, but others felt it would be approved of especially by the local residents who back onto the allotment and it was a positive option for wild birds and bees.
      •  KL suggested we could have a community bee keeping group with bee hives?
    • VILLAGE GATES:
      • JD supplied photo options from a supplier. It was felt the white gates had the most impact and those used in Edgefield had been reported to noticeably slow down traffic.
      • A discussion followed about the best sites for Gates to the placed.  The gates come in 96, 150, 200 cm widths.
      • JD asked for suggestions before the next meeting of suitable placements for East and West Beckham.
    • BUS STOP:
      • JD reported (and was included in the March Bulletin) that a discussion with Charles Saunders Coaches had been requested by NNDC though Highways about possible reinstatement of the Bus service. It was welcomed but felt we should raise our hopes too high for a positive outcome.
      • JD advised she had requested the Parish Council request a general tidy of the Bus Stop Shelter (bin emptied etc)
      • A Parish Map could be included in the Shelter but it would be useful to have light. Solar light would be preferred but it is in the shadow of trees. It would be possible to paint inside to brighten up.
      • Discuss next meeting in more detail.
    • CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA:
      • JD reported there is district council funding available through ‘The Big Society’ although this would take time.
      • A young local resident had requested an improved play area and others have requested more equipment (sooner rather than later!)
      • Suggestions to remove the grass and add rubberised flooring or bark in certain sections were discussed, although recently a local school playground had a rubberised surface laid at £150,000 so could be out of our reach.
      • A see-saw, playhouse with slide and toddlers climbing frame would be appreciated.
      • JD asked for a volunteer to review and investigate the area. A&LC volunteered to work on this project and report back.
    • POST BOX PAVING UPDATE: When the weather warms up, this will be tackled.
    • WEBSITE: 
      • DM suggested it would be preferable to buy the domain name for eastandwestbeckham.org and that he could go ahead and do this and be paid back by the Parish Council when convenient. JD advised that if under £100 then we had authority to commit to the spending.
      • KL had been busy compiling the Bulletin so had not made much headway on the website.
      • Suggestions for content are extensive and a short list of priorities needs to be identified.
      • KL will email to members the list of content suggestions or links so far for review. (email subject: Village Website  (http://eastandwestbeckham.org))
    • MEMORIAL BENCHES:
      • How many benches and where would these best go would be discussed at the next meeting.
      • Synthetic material benches seemed a good idea as otherwise they rot and fall into disrepair. (It was noted Bob and Ivy’s memorial Bench in East Beckham was rotting)
      • RB to investigate style options and possible locations
    5. AOB 
    • None recorded
    6. Date of next meeting
     
    • Thursday 28th APRIL 7PM, Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
    • JD scheduled 2 further dates 26th MAY and 30th JUNE

    Meeting closed at 8:45pm

  • Parish Council Agenda 10th March 2016

    East and West Beckham Parish Council.

    Parish Council Meeting

    To all members of the Council

    Your presence is requested at a Meeting of E. & W. Beckham Parish Council on

    Thursday 10th March 2016 at 7.30 pm at the Bodham Village Hall.

    J. Stibbons   Clerk to the Council

    2nd March 2016

    The Public are invited to attend the above meeting

    AGENDA

    1.    Apologies

    2.    To receive declarations of interest.

    3.    To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 

           Thursday 28th January 2016.

    4.    Matters arising from the Minutes.

    5.    Any reports from the Police, County or District Councillors

    6.    A148 Lodge Corner.

    Update on VAS.

    7. Allotments.

    8. Solar Community Fund Committee.

    • Status. It would be useful to have the function of the committee defined as an advisory body, and members of the committee named in the minutes. This will ensure they are covered by the Parish Council Insurance.
    • Report from Committee chairman

    9. Financial matters.

    Bank Balances at 28/1/2016  £1430.41

    Transfer of  £2908.73 from  Scottish Widows to Barclays Business account. to close account

    Insurance to consider if cover is adequate. Renewal due 1st April 2016

    To approve payments – 

    NNDC – Election costs £38.32

    Cheverton and Son Printing £67.20

    J. Stibbons Salary and expenses £456.24

    HMRC Clerks PAYE £92

    Zurich Insurance £353.93

    To appoint an internal auditor for the year 2015-2016

    10. Correspondence

    Fire risk management  –   HM Queen 90th Birthday commemorative medals –  North Norfolk Bid Society Fund    Managing local cemeteries and closed churchyards (Training)

    11. Matters for information only or for the next agenda.

  • Parish Council 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 ion 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.

    Page 136

    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.

    Te 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 on further business the chairman closed the meeting at 8.07pm