Email: dennis.webb01@virgin.net

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 28 people present including the North Wiltshire District Council representative, P.C. D Castle of the Local Constabulary, Members of the Parish Council and the Clerk.

The Chairman of the Parish Council chaired the meeting and the order of business was as follows:

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Mrs Hewitt of the Happy Caterpillars, Mrs J Jones the Responsible Finance Officer for the Parish Council, Mrs A Durrant, the Parish Council’s Transport Representative and Mrs L Parry-Williams.

2. CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT

The Chairman spoke on many issues including financial matters; Parklands bus shelter, donations, village maintenance, and Best Kept Village competition. He paid special tribute to the local Women’s Institute for their assistance with this competition. (See report No 1 )

3. STATEMENT OF THE PARISH COUNCIL’S ACCOUNTS.

In the absence of the Responsible Finance Officer, The Chairman briefed those present on the present financial situation of the Parish Council. A financial report was circulated. (See attached Report No 2)

4. SCHOOL REPORT

Mr Barlow reported on the following.

The school has been busy with welcoming pupils in and out. It is thought that 50% of the pupils are from the Army and the other 50% from the village. The numbers are up from last year.

Teacher assessments of the children have been taking place and are still on going.

He stressed that special care and attention is paid to the National Curriculum and making every attempt to reach high standards.

The school has done well in sporting tournaments, such as soccer, hockey and netball – enjoying much success.

Mrs Anne Sneyd was mentioned due to her imminent retirement and praise was warmly directed to all staff, and thanks relayed to the Governors and parents for their ongoing support.

5. REPORT FROM THE NORTH WILTSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE.

Councillor I Henderson reported on the following:

The Freedom of Information Act - If there is any information required, you can write to the District Council requesting this and you will be made aware of the procedure necessary to obtain it. However, there is still some personal and confidential information that is excluded.

The Scrutiny committee is an active committee and if there are any complaints to be made, this committee will take the matter seriously.

There is grant money available from the Area 1 committee.

The Waste management team has been busy, trying to reduce the amount of waste by issuing recycle bins to householders.

The Homeless process is slowly progressing with a new software computer system now installed.

The Planning department has recently received a financial award for good conduct and some of this prize money is to be directed into the Enforcement department.

A question was asked what is the definition of affordable housing? Councillor Henderson answered this question, however the definition is somewhat vague. This would need to be clarified with the Planning Officers at NWDC.

6. OTHER REPORTS

In the absence of representation of various organizations and clubs, the Chairman read reports from: Mrs A Durrant – Transport, Mrs G Hewitt, Happy Caterpillars, Mrs L Parry-Williams, Gable House Surgery. P.C. D Castles – Local Constabulary (who had to leave) Mrs L Parry-Williams -Water Colour Classes. (See report Nos 3,4,5,6 &7).

 

 

 

 

7. HULLAVINGTON W.I

Mrs E Lewis gave a report on behalf of the Hullavington W.I. (see report No. 8)

8. VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

Mr D Hunt reported on the following:

Over the past months a lot of work has taken place and thanks were relayed to all members of the Project Committee.

A history of the activities can be found on the village website and in the village newsletter.

The situation regarding the lease is that a request for a renewal is in progress and it is hoped that this will bring about a positive response.

The design of the new hall is on the village website.

Tender documents are now to be drafted for the new village hall. The aim is to gain a village community hall that can be used also by the pre-school on a regular basis.

Regarding the finance, the insurance money will not cover the costs; therefore it is possible that a Public Works Loan will need to be taken up.

There are still many tasks to be carried out; therefore volunteers would be made most welcome.

The AGM of the Group will take place on the 24^th May at 7.30pm in the church.

9. OTHER BUSINESS

At the request of the community, the Chairman was asked to write a letter to Mrs J Berry, Landlady of the Star for all her efforts she has directed into community actions. (ACTION CHAIRMAN)

10 CLOSURE OF MEETING

The Chairman thanked all those who attended and wished them a safe journey home.

Meeting closed at 8.45pm

Note: copies of reports can be forwarded on request.