2023 Annual Parish Meeting

Minutes from Belchford and Fulletby Annual Parish Meeting

11am Saturday 20th May 2023

Held at Belchford Church

Present at the meeting: Peter Thompson, Chairman of the Parish Council and 6 residents plus the clerk.

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

1.   Minutes of the last Annual Parish meeting (2022) were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record.

2.   Annual Report from J Smith, Our outgoing Chair had advised he would send a report however this has not been received and the clerk will contact him to ask him to send it electronically so that it can be included in the next newsletter and also shared on social media.  An idea was raised to set up a B&FPC Facebook page for the parish council to use for communication with residents.

3.   Lane Letting – Following discussion it was RESOLVED to postpone this to an alternative date and venue and promote this with residents to get a better result and make it a community event.  A date of Sunday 4th June at 4pm was suggested and this is to be hosted in the pub.  It was proposed that funds raised from this event should be used to purchase a gaol and net for the village green.  PT proposed to make an A board to be used to advertise local events and meetings.

4.   Annual Reports from local groups were received:

a.   Village Hall – Accounts are healthy, refurbishment of the floor and insulation has taken place in the last year and also electrics.  Recovery from a recent flood has been completed and the hall has regular bookings.  There is ongoing concern with regard to unauthorised use of the car park.  Those present discussed how to achieve this, several suggestions were put forward.  It is on the committee radar how to manage this matter.  PT would like to address car parking in the parish.

b.   Fulletby Church – Bimonthly services are held, 35 were in attendance at the Carol Service with cake.  The Churchyard is maintained by volunteers – Roger, Terry, Mark & Sheena.  The mechanised Division of the Fulletby Land Army.  Boiler parts have been fitted and now the heating is working.  On 3rd June there is a Henry Winn walk as part of the Lincs Wolds Festival.  The Henry Winn Exhibition will also be on display.

c.   Glebe Field – Was purchase 2 years ago and has a well-established maintenance group for cutting hedges and grass.  Over 20 fruit trees have been planted creating a community orchard for the future.  A hawthorn hedge has also been planted.  2 community events have been held there for the Jubilee and the Coronation and a private 4th birthday party.  Lots of people use it for recreation and dog walking.

d.   Belchford Church – Is doing really well and is open every day for self-service snacks and drinks, this is advertised on the Viking way signposts.  The heating bill has risen.  Research is being investigated for a village lottery to raise funds, as a steady income would be very welcome. N Marwood is now the Chairman and Church Warden.  The clerk was able to provide an update on the new parish share arrangements and the level of regular services to be held.  The Quinquennial inspection has taken place and there is thought to be some woodworm in some of the chairs.  They will take part in the Open Churches Festival in September and it is noted that some visitors are unable to make a cash donation so alternatives are being sought.

e.   Fitness Groups – There are 2 groups both at the village hall and both are well attended with regulars from within and outside the village.

f.   Village Green – All has been quiet for some time but now the committee is back in action and the Coronation Party was successful.  Others events are planned for the year including dancing on 21st May, Yoga 11th June, car boot sale 16th July and a Christmas Party.  There is a need to find more money making events and possibly private hire events.  An inter village rounder’s match/competition was discussed for 17th September with a tug of war.  Belchford versus Fulletby for the Vere Cup.  A challenge to other neighbouring villages could be sent out.  The committee now meets regularly and resurrection of the downhill challenge was also discussed.  NS asked the clerk if she would be available to teach Morris dancing again at this event.

g.   Community Woodland – It has been a quiet year, the first phase of trees are doing very well, and it would be nice to plant more trees.  Ragwort is still an issue on the site and needs pulling before it flowers.

5.   Questions from the electors: There were none.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 12.16pm.

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