2022 Annual Parish Meeting

Minutes from Belchford and Fulletby Annual Parish Meeting

11am Saturday 30th April 2022

Held at Belchford Church

Present at the meeting: John Smith, Chairman of the Parish Council and 9 residents.

The meeting started at 11.00 am.  Apologies were received from 2 parish councillors and 1 member of the public.

1.   Minutes of the last Annual Parish meeting (2021) were proposed, seconded and RESOLVED.  The Public Purposes Charity is being rolled over as the Trustees are in the process of changing names.

2.   Annual Report from J Smith, Chairman was given – The Church committee was complimented on the smart appearance of the building and churchyard.  P Proctor was thanked for supplying the gravel for the path.  The County Council has resurfaced Oxcombe Road and effectively hidden the potholes.  A cyclist had an accident when a wheel hit a hidden pothole.  J Smith thanked Parish Councillors for the work they had done in the last year, mentioning that there is an election next year and it would be good to see new councillors in place.

It was agreed to fund to clear Ings Lane or thorn and saplings etc.

3.   Lane Letting – 
a.   Retreat to Kennels   Jill Newby      £20
b.   Kennels to West Ashby   Not Let
c.   Kennels to Scamblesby   Not Let
d.   Beck to Heath Road   Philip Proctor   £20
e.   Limepits to Tetford   Nigel Brigginshaw £20
f.   Limepits to Scamblesby   Not Let
g.   Sycamore to Fulletby   Dick Black      £20
h.   Ings Lane         Peter Thompson   £20 
i.   Fulletby to Greetham   Ian Goodall      £20 
j.   Fulletby to Main Road   John Smith      £20
k.   Fulletby to Low Toynton Not Let
Raising a total of £140

4.   Annual Reports from local groups were received:

a.   Parents & Toddlers Group – Sue Murfin.  The group is going well, with as many as 25 attending yesterday but normally 10 to 12.  A number of lockdown babies are coming along.  The activities have been a little restricted during Covid but we are beginning to get back to normal.  The start back grant we received through the County Council certainly helped with buying of wipe down toys and helping to cover the insurance payment.  Hopefully numbers will remain good as we progress through the summer as the older children prepare to go to school and nursery.

b.   Fulletby Church – Churchwarden’s Notes For Period Apr 21-Apr22

Church Use: The Church had been closed to the public in the week due to pandemic restrictions but from Summer 21 we opened it up again 24/7. Services included: Three morning prayers (May, September, January). Average attendance was 20; Three Holy Communions (July, November, March). Average communicants & attendance were 11 & 17; Outdoor Christmas Carol Service (due to Covid restrictions) with lights and candles in the churchyard; 40 attended; One wedding on 22 August.

The VCC and church building hosted a book launch with wine and food, to support Jean Shaftoe’s new book on Henry Winn, ‘Life in a Victorian Village’, which was well attended by around 60 people. The VCC lent Jean £1,000 towards printing costs of the book and will receive £2 back for every book sold in the current print run of 1,000 copies.

The visitors book records 99 people and 5 hiking groups, which usually are around 20 each. Of course, many more people visit, who do not sign the book.

Church Building: Overall, the church remains in good condition, thanks to the ongoing maintenance and care it has received over the years. GMS Architecture carried out a Quinquennial inspection on 1 October 22, recommending a series of maintenance and repairs. The only immediate action was an electrical inspection, which was completed in November. There are some roof slates and other issues to attend to, but many of the recommendations were not essential. The churchwardens will draw up a schedule of essential works.

The old oil-fired boiler has expired – the pump is broken and spares are no longer available.  Advice has been received from two plumbers as to the way forward and will need to be considered by the VCC.

Plans for the ‘Ramblers’ Booth’ were put on hold due to my work commitments.

Churchyard: The Churchyard is in excellent fettle, thanks to Roger, Terry and Mark.

Diocesan Reform: The Diocese’s Resourcing a Sustainable Church Plan has progressed to the stage that churches have chosen their future Church Type category. After a public meeting in the church on 15 September when 27 people attended, we elected for Type 3, whereas many of the churches in the Wolds area chose type 4 – some quite large churches with bigger congregations. We have yet to be contacted by the Diocese to discuss this.

Ukraine Crisis: The VCC is currently investigating how it can support potential hosts of refugees in Fulletby.

5. Jubilee Celebrations (Belchford) - The main road closure has been applied for and the village hall booked.  The Parish Council has purchased wheelbarrows for groups to decorate.  Also for holiday let properties.  Judges are Pauline Fasham and John Smith.  There is to be a tractor pull, a slow bicycle race and Oxcombe pottery plus a bouncy castle and full details will be put in the newsletter.  There will be lots to do on the day and more helpers are needed.

and Jubilee Celebrations (Fulletby) – Are to be on the Glebe Field on Friday.

Footpaths – Those present discussed the section of the Viking Way from Dams Lane to Hills & Holes – LCC has offered to fund stone to harden and improve the surface.  They are liaising with landowners in the hope of increasing width to 2 meters.

6.   Questions from the electors: Nancy Sorenti from the Village Green committee asked whether the parish council would assist with funding of play equipment.  The village green committee were advised to produce a proper proposal and perhaps get planning permission.  Which could then address any potential objections.

There being no further business the meeting closed.

Parish Council members and members of the public were thanked for their attendance.