Minutes of Honington Parish Meeting AGM on 20th July 2022, held at Honington Grange at 7:00pm.
Present: Mr. B. Hope (BH) (Clerk); Mr. T. Carter (TC) (Webmaster); Mrs. K. Holley (KH); Mrs. S. Hope (SH); Mrs. K. Madden (KM); Dr. C. Paske (CP); Mr. M. Paske (MP).
Apologies for Absence: There were no apologies for absence.
The Clerk welcomed everyone to the meeting with the explanation that as the former Chair, Mrs. Ambrose, had resigned for personal reasons, he would Chair the Meeting.
1: Minutes of Last Meeting held 9th June 2021
1.1: These had been circulated to all attendees following the meeting and were available for all attendees. They were accepted as a true record of the Meeting and signed by The Clerk (BH).
2: Matter arising
2.1: BH referred to a Matter regarding the much-delayed demolition of Top and Bottom Row as well as the partially damaged entrance to both properties. BH reported that he had contacted Mrs. W. Coney prior to this meeting and was advised that there were continuing delays but it was hoped that the damage to the wall would be repaired “within the next 6 weeks”. Regarding the much-delayed development of the site of Top and Bottom Row, BH was advised that it was ‘hoped that work would start within the next 12 months, and by the end of 2023 Top Row will be habitable.’ BH was asked to determine if the original plan to build 6 detached houses was still the objective or had plans changed just to develop Top and Bottom Row to be habitable. BH agreed to pursue this but advised that the plans at SKDC were unchanged.
2.2: KH asked if The Clerk would re-issue the request for information from Residents so she could record the social history of Honington.Action: BH for both points
2.3: Japanese Knotweed: MP thanked The Clerk for actioning the killing of Japanese Knotweed from 2020/2021 but asked if Highways Department could be contacted to remove the unsightly temporary fencing which now only served as a collection area for litter. Action: BH
2.4: There were no other Matters arising.
3: Nominations for Chair and Clerk
3.1 The Clerk advised that whilst he was prepared to continue as Clerk, a new Chair was needed following the resignation of the previous Chair, Mrs. R. Ambrose. There were no nominations for Chair therefore The Clerk agreed that he would continue as Clerk and short-term Acting Chair, with approval of those present. Mr. T Carter proposed that option, seconded by Mr. M. Paske.
The Clerk was asked to write to Mrs. Ambrose to thank her for her valuable service over the past three years. Her establishment of the Pottery Group, although outside the remit of the Parish Meeting had become an important element of village life.
3.2: TC commented that it was important that the Parish Meeting should have both a Chair and a Clerk, otherwise there would be a risk of having to give up the Parish Meeting status and join a neighbouring Council such as Barkston and Syston Parish Council. This would have financial implications of a Precept, increasing residents’ costs. BH agreed to circulate a Notice to make all in the village aware of the implications but would discuss and agree the wording before issue. Action: BH
4: Review of 2021/2022
4.1: BH advised the meeting of the main issues throughout the year. In summary;
Village matters:
Two break-ins at village properties; fly-tipping of a fridge on Doctor’s Hill; Dog poo complaints; Community Fibre Partnership; Top and Bottom Row progress (covered in Matters arising); Village website; Road closures; Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
SKDC/LCC and other Matters:
Regular correspondence was received by The Clerk, usually by email: County and District Newsletters, Schools Admissions Policy Consultations; NHS Consultations; Local Transport Plans Consultations; Roads, Transport and Highways Survey.
BH advised the Meeting that it was necessary to limit the issue of documents as it was felt they would become more of an irritant than useful but it was hoped that the refined flow was sufficient and of interest to residents.
4.2: BH commented that whilst the Jubilee Celebrations were outside the remit of the Parish Meeting, it was considered to be a success, in spite of the dreadful weather that caused the Street Party to be transferred to Honington Grange. All involved with the organisation were to be commended.
4.3: The road diversion on the night of 17th July 2022 was very disruptive for the Village, causing some disturbance around 2:00am, with large trucks travelling through the Village and Contractor’s staff talking loudly. TC advised that he had submitted a formal complaint to LCC Highways Department and awaited a reply, which he would share.
4.4: With regard to the thefts and fly-tipping, it was agreed that BH would include a request for residents to be vigilant and report any unusual events. An example was given of an ‘Olive Tree’ sales person knocking on doors in 2021 who became quite rude when his offers were rejected. BH had been contacted by a person in Ancaster, via a Honington resident and he had suffered the same treatment.
5: Financial Report
5.1: The Clerk advised the meeting that although the Village continued to have no funds, it was still necessary to submit an AGAR Form (Annual Governance and Accountability Return) to the official Auditors, PKF Littlejohn, to declare that the Parish Meeting had had no revenues, no expenses and no funds during the past year. The form had now been completed by BH and submitted before the deadline of 30th June 2022. This was unanimously approved. A copy of the form is posted on the Village Notice Board.
5.2: Subject to the outcome of the election of a Chair or the combination with a neighbouring Parish Council, it was agreed that the Village would not carry out any events that generated funds.
6: Activities to consider for 2022/2023
6.1 BH said that there had been some suggestion of another Quiz Night, along the lines of that done for the Jubilee. It was agreed that any event that might involve funds, the Parish Meeting and its Notice Board and Website could be used for communication, but the events would have to be organised entirely by others.
7: Coronavirus
7.1: BH commented that it was now difficult to realise that for the previous meeting, the country was still under regulations regarding numbers of people allowed to meet, and the wearing of face masks. Thankfully, those problems have eased although there was still concern about Coronavirus being present.
8: Village Website
8.1: The Clerk commended TC, Webmaster, for his efforts in maintaining the website. BH felt that the flow of information to TC along with the Webmaster’s own judgement of articles to be included, the website was very helpful and well-maintained. Unfortunately, the hit-count was still very low but it was agreed that the website should continue to provide valuable information.
9: Any Other Business
9.1: KH asked if Village signs could be investigated. Whilst these were amongst suggestions for the use of surplus funds from the Jubilee, it was considered an inappropriate use, especially as it was felt that it should be an LCC Highways Department matter. BH agreed to follow up. Action: BH
9.2: Noise Complaints. It was noted that at times there were some households ‘sharing’ their music choices with others, particularly in the hot weather when more windows have been open. This can be particularly irritating for people who simply want to enjoy the peace and quiet of their own gardens. BH agreed to include a note in the email and circular regarding joining with a neighbouring Council, to ensure that all residents were made aware.
Date of next meeting: To be advised
Signed: