May 2025 Minutes (Annual Meeting)
Belchford & Fulletby Parish Council
Draft Minutes from Belchford and Fulletby Annual Parish Meeting
Thursday 22nd May 2025, 6.30pm
Held at Belchford and Fulletby Village Hall
Present at the meeting: Peter Thompson, Chairman of the Parish Council and 5 members of the public
Meeting commenced at 6.30pm. Apologies were received from N Sorenti, M Brown, D Black, P Morris and D Cllr D Simpson. Parish Council Chairman P Thompson welcomed everyone.
1. Minutes of the last meeting (2024) were proposed, seconded, voted and resolved as a true and accurate record.
2. The Annual Report was read out by the Chairman and is attached to these minutes. PT offered his thanks to all those who participate in any form of community support either formally or informally. We are lucky to have people like that in our villages.
3. Lane Letting – Following discussion it was RESOLVED to postpone this to an alternative date and venue as last year, and make it a community event. A project is needed for the funds raised at the lane letting and it was proposed that these funds are used to cover the costs of maintenance of the village furniture in both Belchford & Fulletby. 22nd June at the Blue Bell at approx. 4pm, this will be advertised with local people.
4. Annual reports from Local Groups:
• Fulletby Glebe Trust: The field is used for social interaction of villagers and public footpath users and for picnics. There is always a raffle and this covers the costs of insurance and grass cutting. Fruit trees have been planted and a bench purchased with last year’s lane letting funds. 2 other picnic benches have also been purchased via District Councillors grant funds. An ELif grant was applied for and having been successful a mower has been purchased and a gazebo and gate to provide field access. Lots of willing volunteers have been trained to use the new mower. Jackie Rizan.
• Village Hall: AGM was held at the end of April and attendance was low. Cleaning has been undertaken and trees taken down, tree roots will be dealt with as they are undermining the hall. PAT & Electrical tests have been carried out and there is plumbing work to be done. Extinguishers have all been serviced. Grass and hedges are kept tidy by a local volunteer. There are a number of regular bookings including sewing, fitness, dancers, parents & toddlers and table tennis. A new fridge and separate freezer have been purchased and new bricks are to be replaced externally plus 2 toilet doors and 2 external doors to meet current fire standards. Sue Murfin.
• Mother & Toddlers: The group is now in its 46th year and numbers have increased to 9 or 10, of which 50% live in the village. Ages range from a few months up to 4 years. It is used as a stepping stone for parents to paid childcare and school. They have a large variety of activities and play, plus toys and crafts. Volunteers help set up and with refreshments. 2 Tables have been purchased which are appropriate height for the children. The late Mrs Abbott helped and supported the group for many years. Sue Murfin.
• Reports were requested from other groups but none have been received. There is also an ELDC support meet and greet event once per month.
5. Questions from electors:
• There are less and less people who are prepared to be and get involved. Discussion followed and it is noted that older people are moving in who do not want to take on community responsibilities.
• The Parish Council can take the lead in what we think is the right thing for each village.
• It is rewarding being a part of the Parish Council, it is good to have new people on the council nut we are potentially needing to recruit 3 new councillors.
• D Cllr Simpson advised that most parish councils have vacancies locally
• We have been a really successful parish council over the past 20 years.
• Village Green – there is a lack of equipment for play. The Parish Council have the opportunity to take back in house the management of the village green and we could then drive forward the installation of play equipment. Is the landlord i.e. the Parish Council responsible for the infrastructure that is play equipment?
• It is felt that there is apathy when trying to put on events and fundraising projects.
• The Belchford Public Purposes Charity funds could be used to support the purchase of play equipment and other infrastructure.
• We must use the next newsletter to ask residents to support the village green.
As there was no further business the meeting closed at 7.40pm
The Parish Councillors and members of the public were thanked by the Chairman for their attendance.