HULLAVINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on the 25^th April 2007 at 7.30pm

At the Church, Hullavington.

CLERK – MRS S WEBB, 20 HADDONS CLOSE

MALMESBURY, WILTSHIRE

The Parish meeting is called annually by the Chairman of the Parish Council, but is a meeting of the People of Hullavington, where matters brought to the notice of the Clerk in advance of the meeting can be considered by the parishioners in attendance.

Present:  There were 8 people present including Members of the Parish Council (Cllrs. Mrs M Bawden, E Gough T Redman & F Haffenden)

The Chairman Councillor W Harmer opened the meeting by thanking all for coming but expressed his disappointment at the poor attendance.

1.              APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Cllr Hadley, Fenner, Greenman, J Barlow of Hullavington School, Anne Durrant and Maggie Dyson.

2.              MINUTES

The Minutes of the Annual Parish meeting held on the 25^th April 2006 were duly signed and adopted.

The Chairman briefed all present that items 3 and 4 would be swapped around. 

3.              CLERK’S REPORT

This was read out and circulated to all present.  Copy attached to these minutes.

4.              CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

This was read out and a copy is attached to these minutes

5.              STATEMENT OF THE PARISH COUNCIL’S ACCOUNTS.

A statement of the Parish Council’s accounts were explained by the Clerk and duly circulated to all present.  Copy attached to these minutes.

Mr Miller asked why the reserves were at such a high level.  Members of the council explained that when preparing the budget and taking advice from the Responsible Finance Officer, these reserves were to be taken forward.  However, if not used, consideration will be given to a reduction for the next financial year.

Mr Shaw asked if the Parish Council’s reserves were kept in the best account for receiving the best interest.  Councillors and the Clerk explained that this is monitored by the Responsible Finance Officer.  The Clerk mentioned that she would arrange regular updates on interest gained for the members of the council.  

A copy of the Parish Council’s Assets Register was also distributed and a copy attached to these minutes.

6.              REPORTS

The following reports were received and copies attached:

q      Hullavington W I – Mrs Joan Shaw

q      Gable House Surgery – Mrs Elizabeth Parry-Williams

q      Transport – Anne Durrant

q      Hullavington C E Primary School – John Barlow

7.              NEW VILLAGE HALL

Mr Dave Hunt, the Chairman of the New Village Hall Committee gave the following report:

The hall has now been in use for 8 months and is proving very successful having received many compliments.  It has been well worth the effort. 

Terrapin completed the work on time and the keys were handed over in July 2006.

During August, a 5-day open event was held for people to come along and view the facilities.  This proved very beneficial as many clubs and organisations together with some local businesses visited which led to regular bookings.

September was the start of regular normal use and it was good that many of the users of the old hall came back together with some new users. 

James Gray MP officially opened the hall in October 2006, the Reverend Cannon Andrew Evans blessed the hall and Pastor Vin Greenman gave a blessing on behalf of Mount Syon Church. 

The main hall has been named the ‘Fenner Room’ in honour of Bob’s endless work and determination he applied to enable this project to succeed.  Bob was also presented with a painting in recognition of his efforts. 

Thanks must also go to Paul Hadley for acting as booking secretary and for all his marketing efforts he has applied to the project. 

The Village Hall committee meetings are held on the 1^st Wednesday of each month and all are be welcome to attend.

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Thanks were relayed to David Hunt for acting as Chairman of the Village Hall Committee and for presenting a most informative report.  Councillor Haffrenden also commented that it was pleasing that it was all going so well and is appreciated by the village.  

Mr Shaw mentioned that a Youth Group/Club of some sort is needed in the village.  Mr Hunt informed all that this was something the committee is looking into. 

8.              BEST KEPT VILLAGE/CLEAN UP DAY

The Chairman and other members of the Council mentioned that support was needed for entering into the Best Kept Village competition.  Hullavington has not been entered this year due to lack of support.  It was also mentioned that the Hullavington Clean Up day will take place on the 19^th May.  Again, the support for this event has dropped in numbers.

The Parish Council will deliberate the decision of entering into the Best Kept Village competition for next year on the attendance of the clean up day.

9    CLOSURE OF MEETING

The Chairman thanked all those who attended and it was suggested that as Councillor Henderson would not be the Parish Council’s District Council representative for this coming year a letter be sent to him thanking him for his support and attendance of the meetings over the past years. 

Meeting closed at 8.45pm