Beckham East and West Parish Council

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Draft Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held on Thursday11^th November 2021

Present. 

Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman), D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey,  K. Lord,  T. Toyne,                  County Cllr. E. Varley   J. Stibbons(clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm.  

1. Apologies received from Cllr. G. Place.

 

2. There were no Declarations of Interest.  

3.   There were no comments or questions from members of the public. 

 

4.   The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 9^th September 2021  having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that they be accepted as correct. This was seconded by

Cllr. Toyn and approved by the members present. The chairman then  signed the minutes.

5.    Matters arising from the Minutes.

A First Aid course is to be arranged.

6.    Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors.

County Cllr. E. Varley.  Chances Project

Chances, a £4.9m Norfolk County Council project, co-funded by the European Social Fund, is reaching out to people in Norfolk who have recently lost their jobs or are long-term unemployed who may face barriers to finding work. It aims to help them get back into employment through new opportunities for support and training.

Launched in April 2021, the project has already supported nearly 300 participants on their journey to find employment.
The Norfolk County Council-led Chances for Work and Chances Healthy Living projects are being run by partners Voluntary Norfolk, Citizens Advice Norfolk, Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District, and Future Projects. There are local advocates based in each of the seven Norfolk district areas, who work to provide personalised one-to-one support.

Depending on the needs of the individual, the support could include help to identify skills gaps and finding suitable training and qualifications, support to access services to boost health and well-being, or finding ways to overcome barriers such as transport or accessing childcare. Support for those with physical or learning disabilities could also include providing help to access services, or assistance from a mental health specialist or disability support specialist who will be working closely with the Chances team.

The project which officially started in April 2021 will run until September 2023.
Individuals who are keen to find out more are welcome to contact the project team directly – for contact details and further information see www.norfolk.gov.uk/chances

Support for Norfolk Entrepreneurs

The Business & IP Centre Norfolk, managed by Norfolk County Council’s Library and Information Service, is offering a free six-week online programme that will take budding business owners on a journey from ‘Bedroom to Business’.

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Over the past 18 months, many people have had to find alternative sources of income, including considering setting up their own business. This programme will help aspiring business owners develop their idea and provide the tools needed to get started.

Bedroom to Business is being delivered by MENTA Business Support and consists of six two-hour workshops with a chance for questions and one-to-one coaching sessions after each workshop.
Starting on Friday 5 November, the six workshops will run weekly and cover topics including: pros and cons of being self-employed; identifying any additional skills needed; developing a business plan; business funding; registering your business.
Workshops will be limited to a maximum of 10 people to allow participants to get the most out of the sessions. If anyone is unable to attend this programme, Bedroom to Business will run again starting in January.
Participants will need to live, work or study in Norfolk or close to a Norfolk library to be eligible for this programme.
For more information and to register, visit Bedroom to Business or www.bipcnorfolk.eventbrite.com.

There followed a discussion with the County Councillor on safety at Lodge Corner. There had recently been an accident at the junction involving four vehicles. What could be done to improve the situation? 

A firm plan from the Parish Council will be needed to get help from the County Councillor. It was agreed that reducing the speed limit was the most obvious solution. 

As a start a Freedom of Information request is to be sent to the Police asking how many accidents have occurred at this junction.

Cllr. Dovey. The “RAF” boards are being put up in the village hall on 19^th November on the completion of the refurbishment.

A second printing of the footpath walks leaflet is needed as the first batch are all used up. It was agreed to have a second run of the leaflet printed.

It seems likely that the whole of “Lefty’s Lane” in East Beckham will become a public footpath.

7.  Playing Field Discussions on the possible purchase of the Playing Field are progressing slowly.

Safety inspections were carried out by R. Wilson. All was satisfactory.

 

8. News Letter.  Cllr. Lord. is seeking items for the news letter. Input is needed on Social Housing as nothing appears to be happening yet. Other possible items for inclusion were discussed and it was agreed to go ahead with the next edition

9. Budget and Precept A proposed budget for the year 2022-2023 was presented to the

meeting. This also included a possible scenario of the situation when the Hall Farm Solar grants

came to an end in the financial year 2023/24.

It was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that the precept should be raised to £3800. This was seconded by

Cllr. Barrass and approved by the members.

 

10. Financial matters.

Bank Balances at 11/11/2021 Current a/c £7914.04 Savings a/c £31878.02

The following outstanding invoices were approved for payment:-

Chevertons 4xA2 Signs (RAF) £115.20

J. Stibbons Salary and expenses £594.45

HMRC PAYE £122.80

Gresham Village Hall Meeting £13

Bodham Village HallMeetings£27

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11.   Correspondence 

All correspondence received by email had been forwarded to members.

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

It was reported that tractors were travelling at high speed through East Beckham. The local farming company is to be informed.

There being no further business the chairmen closed the meeting at 8.44pm

The next meeting of Beckham Parish Council will be held on Thursday 13^th January 2022

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Draft Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held on Thursday 9^th September 2021

Present. 

Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman),G. Place,  D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey,  K. Lord,  T. Toyne,                  Dist Cllr. P. Butikofer.   Ed. Monford-Smith (Broadland Housing)J.Stibbons(clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm.  

1. There were apologies from County Cllr. E. Vardy.

 

2. Declarations of Interest. Cllr Batt  declaration an interest in item 7   (Affordable housing)

3.   Comments and questions from members of the public. 

A member of the public has asked a councillor if it was possible to arrange a short

course on using the Defibrillator.  The cost of this would be quite high and there would

necessarily be a limited audience.  The council decided to enquire if St John’s Ambulance

could give the necessary instructions.

 

4.   The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 8^th July 2021  having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Toyn that they be accepted as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Batt and approved by the members present. The chairman then  signed the minutes.

5.    Matters arising from the Minutes. A mock-up of the boards to be installed in the village hall to commemorate the West Beckham R.A.F. station during the war were displayed for approval. 

It  was agreed to fund the cost of £208 being £52 for each of the four boards.

 

6.    Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors.

District Councillor P. Butikofer. 

The Banksey paintings are causing a lot of interest no the sea wall at Cromer.

Green Build has been cancelled for this year.

The community is being encouraged to work together to improve the environment with re-wilding

and tree planting.

There have been problems with Motorhomes and wild camping during the summer . District

Council car parks are not to be used. Toilets have been emptied in the public toilets and blocked the

drains.

The completion of Splash has been put back due to a delay in the supply of concrete. The total cost

is expected to be £12million. 

An increase in new housing has become a necessity especially in houses to rent. The District Council have already purchased fourteen houses to rent to temporary residents.

Any householder with spare rooms should contact NNDC.

7.  Affordable Housing   Mr. Ed. Munford-Smith (Broadland Housing)  This item was taken after item 2 in the agenda to allow Mr Smith to leave after his presentation. 

The site near the Church had difficulties because of access and also the church being an Ancient Monument. The members assured Mr. Munford-Smith that the building is of relatively recent construction and not listed. The Parish hopes to take over the ownership of the playing field.

 The movement of cars from the two sites was expected to be about 24  per day.

 The plans can be carried forward with either a specific meeting,  an open day or a written discussion paper produced. All the houses will be built with full  insulation and a simple systems for heating.

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If Anglian Water will solve the problems at the pumping station  houses would be connected to the existing sewage system.   Failing that individual disposal systems will be installed. the meeting hoped that Broadland housing would bring pressure on Anglian Water to improve the situation. 

The chairman thanked Mr. Munford-Smith and he left the meeting at 7.47pm

8. Digging up Norfolk.    Councillors agreed to support the pressure group trying to achieve a more rational approach to the route of future underground cables from the offshore wind farms.

9. Playing Field   

The Safety Inspection for July/August was carried out by T. Toyn.   

All the equipment was in a satisfactory condition.

The Inspection for  September/October will be carried out by R. Wilson.

 

10. Financial matters.

Bank Balances at 9/9/2021   Current a/c £6009.04 Savings a/c £20429.51

There were no outstanding invoices to be approved.

12.   Correspondence  

All correspondence received by email had been forwarded to members.

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

Confirm the number of payments left to come from Hall Farm Solar.

There being no further business the chairmen closed the meeting at 8.46pm

The next meeting of Beckham Parish Council will be held on Thursday 11^th November

 

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Draft  Minutes of East and West Beckham Parish Council

 Meeting Held on Thursday 8^th July 2021

Present. 

Cllrs. R. McNeil Wilson, (chairman),G. Place,  D. Barrass, R. Batt, J. Dovey,  K. Lord,  T. Toyne,  County Cllr. E. Vardy.  Dist Cllr. P. Butikofer.J.Stibbons(clerk)

The chairman opened the meeting at 7.00pm.  

1. There were no apologies.

 

2. There were no Declarations of interest. 

3.   There were no comments and questions on the agenda from members of the public.

 

4.   The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 20^th May 2021  having been previously circulated, it was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that they be accepted as correct. This was seconded by Cllr. Place and approved by the members present. The chairman then  signed the minutes.

5.    Matters arising from the Minutes. The members of the former Solar Community Fund Committee were invited to attend the Parish Council meetings.

It was noted that the hedge at the Playing Field had been cut.

 

6.    Reports from County, District or Parish Councillors.

County Councillor Eric Varney   introduced himself. He is a retired police officer, now living at High Kelling. He served twenty eight year in the force. 

Potholes seem to be a problem with many parishes. The number for reporting these is 0344 800 8020.

District Councillor P. Butikofer. Read the District Council Chairman’s report given at the annual general meeting. A copy of the report is attached to these minutes. 

Cllr Toyn reported that there had not been much progress with the community shop in the past few weeks.

Cllr. Dovey has met with the Felbeck Trust. Over the three sites in excess of one thousand hours work had been carried out. The West Beckham allotment site is working well. There is already a rare butterfly on the site. There will be a meeting there on 30^th July to discuss progress. Future improvements include the track, seating, signage, bird screen and hide. The estimated cost is £3600 over three years. A educational board and possibly a donation box.

Dog walking will not be permitted during the ground nesting season.

It was proposed by Cllr. Dovey that a donation of £500 should be made. This was seconded by Cllr. Lord and carried.

A notice board with a published plan is needed at the gate which should include details of permitted dog walking and any other restrictions. 

7.  Affordable Housing   Mr. Ed. Munford-Smith (Broadland Housing)  was unable to attend the meeting.  He will be invited to the September meeting.

8. Solar Community Fund.    In future agendas the Solar Fund will be at the beginning of the meeting to allow any former committee members present to speak.

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9. Playing Field  There is no further update on the fence or the renewal of the lease at present.

The Safety Inspection for July/August was carried out by T. Toyn.  There is Ivy growing on the fence posts which Stuart Thurtle will be asked to remove.

Inspection for  September/October will be carried out by R. Wilson.

10. Flooding at the sewage pumping station. Work has been carried out to reduce flooding at the

Pumping station. There is now a continuous smell and the pump can be heard running.

 

11. Financial matters.

Bank Balances at 8/7/2021   Current a/c £7367.68 Savings a/c £20429

The following outstanding invoice were approved for payment:- 

Rospa Playing Field Inspection £86.40

J. Stibbons Salary/expenses £582.45

HMRCPAYE£122.80

12.   Correspondence  There was no correspondence

13. Matters for information only or for the next agenda

The allotment rents have been collected by Kathryn Lord and banked.

Here being no further business the chairmen closed the meeting at 8.37pm

The next meeting of Beckham Parish Council will be held on Thursday 9^th September