Pakenham Parish Council : Minutes - Annual Meeting 16th May 2006

PAKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting ANNUAL PARISH MEETING TUESDAY 16 MAY 2006
Pakenham Village Hall

Present: Cllr J Mangnall, Cllr H Painter, Cllr D Dorling, Cllr P Smith, Cllr R Griffin, Cllr M Sargent, Cllr R Hopfensperger, Cllr C Spicer, PC Sheena Tate, Mrs M Cohen (Pakenham Charities), P Haywood (Buggy Club), Mrs M Harbury (WI), R Dennis-Jones, Mrs L Ford & daughter and Mrs M Gardiner (clerk).

1 - APOLOGIES: Cllr L Patterson

2 - MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23 MAY 2005:-
Were accepted as correct and signed.

3 - MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: None

4 - PRESENTATION OF CHARITIES ACCOUNTS:-
Income to the Charities for the Poor totalled £4148 for the year to December 31st 2005, £10 higher than the previous year. Of this, £3300 was a transfer from the Pakenham Town Estate and the remainder from investments and rents and a small amount of bank interest.
Trustees to the charity have remained the same, with Mrs Joan Mangnall and Mr Derek Dorling representing the Parish Council, Mr Michael Bryant and Mr John Culley as co-opted trustees and the Rev Ian Hooper as chair.
The trustees met as usual in early December to decide on the main allocation of available funds. 47 older persons received a grant for fuel and 11 other individuals received cash grants of between £25 and £100. The rentals and service costs for 3 Lifeline Alarm Systems have continued to be paid.
Grants to organisations have been paid to the Blackbourne Centre, Pakenham Monday Club and Ixworth Patients Association. The funding has made it possible for 6 people from Pakenham to attend the Blackbourne Centre each week, have a hot meal and take part in social activities. A total of £3539 was paid out in grants.
Attempts are made to try to ensure that all Pakenham residents are aware of the fund and notices are placed in the autumn in the Church magazine, on the website and via posters in the village. Although the main allocation of funding takes place in December, the trustees also meet in June and applications can be made at any time of year to the clerk. Some funding is always kept in reserve for needs arising during the year.

5 - PARISH COUNCIL ACCOUNTS:-
Questions from the floor about grants received and about the position of the Parish graveyard.
Proposed by R Dennis-Jones & Cllr Dorling

6 - COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT:-
.Road maintenance - equestrian signage on the bridlepath across the A143 was in hand. Mrs Hopfensberger tries to prevent rural areas losing out on allocations.
Proposed merger of police forces. We should back Suffolk Police to keep the status quo ahead of local government re-organisation.
Education - whether we keep a 3 tier system or go to a 2 tier system will be decided this year. Consultations are ongoing with schools and members of the public.
Suffolk University will be opening in 2007 and it will work with the West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds.
The Chairman raised a question about litter on rural and main roads. This is a major issue on the A14 and is a difficult problem to solve.
The problem of fly-tipping was brought up from the floor. Any such tipping should be reported to the Chairman, who will pass on the information to the Borough Council

7 - BOROUGH COUNCILLOR'S REPORT:-
A cheque had been sent from the Borough for £2053.00 for the church lamp-post and the light outside the Post Office
A private trust is being set up with the aim of purchasing the Manor House Museum and opening it to the public using volunteers.
Monitoring of the Shetland Boats and A143 sites is continuing. Cllr Spicer is following application for rifle range with thoughts of safety in mind.
Blue bins - the public continue to put the wrong things in these bins. Further guidance is required. At present, the machinery can only deal with certain items. The next lot of machinery may be able to cope with recycling more items.

8 - POLICE REPORT:-
Crime statistics period 1 May 2005 - 1 May 2006 were: 25 reported crimes with a 32% detection rate.
Anti-social behaviour and other related problems at the Owell:. PC Tate has been working closely with Havebury and with the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, who have distributed questionnaires to all residents in the area. It would appear that things have calmed down recently.
Monthy surgeries held at the Post Office have proved a success. Thanks to Max & Joan for the use of their facilities.
Neighbourhood Watch continues to thrive in Pakenham and is the most active of all PC Tate's parishes. Thanks to Mrs S Jackson and all her co-ordinators for their hard work, commitment and support.
Speeding - 2 complaints have been made direct to PC Tate about speeding in the village. A suitable place has been identified in Fen Road and the Police will endeavour to carry out checks there in the very early morning. This is apparently when the worst speeding offences are committed.
Road traffic collision statistics period 1 January 2004 - 19 December 2005 were 18 reported RTCs, of which four were classed as serious.
Instead of a Community Police Officer there will be a Community Policing Team, ensuring that there is always someone available.
Questions from the floor: could we reduce the speed limit through the village to 20 mph? PC Tate replied that neither a reduced speed limit nor speed humps were an option.
Traffic parking along the street formed their own traffic calming measures. The Police will use speed cameras but they need permission to use public driveways to work from.
Cars were often parked partly on the pavement in some places, making it difficult to control groups of small children on their way to school etc. PC Tate will speak to the people concerned if villagers tell her to whom the cars belong.
Is it legal to shoot, probably pheasants, out of season? PC Tate replied that it was permissibly on your own land.

9 - ANNUAL REPORTS:-

9a - SALC:-
SALC Area meetings in St Edmundsbury have continued in their normal format. The normal committee meeting agenda items such as Matters Arising, a talk from someone from St Edmundsbury or the County Council and an opportunity for parish representatives to air their experiences at a local level. This format has just been changed due to the reducing amount of information coming from parishes to provide a forum at each meeting for one parish to make a presentation and to be questioned on it.
Topics of the talks at meetings have been such as 'The County Council Budget Setting Process', 'Suffolk Customer Services Direct' and 'The effects of Global warming and oil shortages over the next 10 years'.
Unfortunately I was unable to attend this year's AGM and have missed some area meetings but I am willing to continue this role as representative unless someone with less time pressure would like to take it on.
Cllr P Smith

9b - FOOTPATH WARDEN:-
Cllr Lynn Patterson reported that the footpaths were in a reasonable condition, although following the recent heavy rain and then sunshine Footpath 2 (running behind the Owell development) needed cutting back.
Footpath 1 (next Suffolk Agri Centre) has been partially built up as this was flooded, but otherwise although very boggy is in reasonable condition.
A map showing the footpaths has now been received and will be a great help in compiling the new walks maps. It would appear that there were cutbacks (of the financial kind) this year and the County Council were not able to complete all the new signs.
I hope to have a detailed list shortly for the Area rights of Way Officer with those signs that still need replacing and talk to him further regarding the new circular walk maps.
Comment from the floor - a stile needs replacing on footpath 4.

9c - PAKENHAM VILLAGE HALL & PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION:-
Several social events have been held, including two quizzes.
Open Gardens planned for July. PCC village weekend idea as the flower festival is only every three years. Possibly last weekend in June. Decision to be taken at October meeting.
New storeroom in Village Hall. Present outside store to go to the football club. Pakenham Players gave £1200. The Pavilion has been painted inside and out by offenders. The play area needs refurbishing and a grant is being applied for.

9d - WOMEN'S INSTITUTE:-
Pakenham W.I. continues to be a lively, enthusiastic and thriving group with 42 members.
In 2005 we enrolled 21 new members and this injection of new blood has undoubtedly rejuvenated and invigorated our membership. We meet on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. and are always ready to welcome women with different interests and outlooks.
Over the year we have enjoyed a varied and interesting programme.
Bob and Doris Ling enthralled us with the story of their lives around Snape Maltings. We listened to Suffolk Dialects, learned about the training of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, had an entertaining demonstration of the Bamix Food Preparer, and to end the year Jancis Harvey sang a delightful selection of Folk songs and Carols. Face Reading and Body Language left us looking at friends in a whole new light! We have learned about life for a young W.P.C. in the 50's, Women at War and had enlightening talk on Antiques.
Organised outings included a visit to Bernard Tickner's delightful garden at Lackford, a day in Orford with a boat trip round Havergate Island followed by a visit to another splendid garden at the Old Rectory. There have been two outings to the Wolsey theatre.
Two members were balloted to go to the private Garden of Prince of Wales at Highgrove House. Others enjoyed trips to Northumbria and a visit the world of James Herriot in Yorkshire
At National level two members attended the A.G.M. in the Royal Albert Hall, a most inspiring occasion. Delegates voted overwhelmingly in favour to support Farmgate Milk Prices and Care of our Environment
Locally, we attended the Group meeting, the Federation's Autumn Council meeting and A.G.M. We had a stall at the Christmas Cracker Craft fair and enjoyed the Quiz evening at the Corn Exchange where we pitted our wits against 280 W.I. members.
The W.I. has strong links with the Associated Country Women of the World. In support of our Federations project to help train Zambian Women Pig Farmers, we hosted a 'Fun Piggy Day' and raised £360. And at our Summer Garden Party we raised £244, for the Air Ambulance Service.
We have a loyal band of members who support village events by contributing to the Quiz evenings, manning cake stalls on Open Gardens day and at the Flower Festival. A team of 8 resurveyed the square kilometre of Pakenham first done 5 years ago to monitor the Changing Landscape. In the wider community several members are volunteers at the Blackbourne Day Centre, the Citizens Advice Bureau, W.R.V.S. drivers, and Parish Councillors.
Our monthly meetings are an opportunity to form new friendships and discover new interests, and Pakenham W.I. is always ready to welcome visitors and new members.
Mrs M Harbury

9e - MONDAY CLUB:-
No report available, but the Chairman understands that this luncheon club is thriving.

9f - BINGO CLUB:-
Around 18-20 people attend the bingo sessions each Friday and this is due in part to the concession on hall hire rates afforded by the Community Council. Without such concession the future of the Bingo Club would be in a position of being terminated. The members do have a good time what with playing the game and participating in the weekly raffle. The future of the Bingo club looks fine and will continue.
Mrs P Culley

9g - CARPET BOWLS CLUB:-
There are around a dozen members who meet fortnightly in the village hall. There was quite a lot more when it started but the numbers fell off for a variety of reasons, television being the main competitor. Nevertheless these fortnightly gatherings are good fun and those who come along have a good time. Both singles and doubles competitions are held each year and both cups and medals are presented. At the turn of the year an annual dinner is held in the Fox in Pakenham and many members and others attend for a good evening,. The Carpet Bowls club is alive and will continue.
Mr J Culley

9h - PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP:-
New Chairman is Mrs Laurie Wincott.
The group contributed £500 to the village hall for new storage and we hope to have a fund-raising event for the proposed new playground equipment.
There are several siblings due this year to committee members, so it will be a quiet year committee-wise!
The group will continue to flourish.
.
9i - NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:-
Activities over the past year 2005/2006.
It is now over three years since Pakenham Neighbourhood Watch was rekindled by myself and other co-ordinators in the village. The uncertainties and lack of communication with Bury Rural Police in 2004/2005 after WPC Sue Barnes Smith left are thankfully in the past and we now have a good relationship and communication with them thanks to our new CPO WPC Sheena Tate who took over from WPC Sarah Chapman who for the second time was on a fairly long spell of maternity and related sick leave.
Co-ordinators and neighbours who are on e-mail receive regular updates and info on crimes, bogus callers or anti-social/vandalism incidents in the village from myself and hopefully a good number of villagers are now on the Police Direct system either by e-mail, home phone or mobile text. It is very easy to subscribe to this and is a very good way of receiving important up-to-date information regarding crimes and bogus callers in this area.
Last summer saw the launch of the Pakenham Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter which is being funded by the parish council for which we are very grateful. I aim to produce one every Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. The third one (Spring issue) has just been distributed. The contents usually include any incidents, reported crimes and anti-social behaviour and/or vandalism and also information on a variety of crime related subjects and advice. Hopefully it is of use to those that are not on e-mail and keeps them in touch with what is happening in the village and the knowledge that NW is alive and well in Pakenham.
Sheena's regular monthly surgery has proved very popular with the villagers. It is usually well advertised a week or two beforehand with posters on the notice board and post office and she always has several visitors coming along for an informal chat, advice etc. Thankfully since the beginning of 2006 there have been no reported crimes apart from driving offences on The Owell. Last year there were several incidents of vehicle break-ins along Fen Road where a number of vehicles were not securely locked. This acts as a reminder that we must never be complacent in the village as there are those individuals driving around just looking for the opportunity to find a property or vehicle insecure and remove your valuables.
There are around ten co-ordinators in the village but we would like to have more especially in the Street, The Owell and St. Mary's View and out of the way areas of Pakenham. If you would like to be a co-ordinator, which does not involve much except to alert your neighbours to local crimes as and when and to keep an eye out for the elderly from time to time when bogus callers are in the area, then please get in touch.
Tel: Sandy Jackson on 01359 231528 or e-mail: PakenhamSandy@aol.com Also, if you are interested in being on my e-mail list, please let me have your name, address and details. Many thanks and hopefully looking forward to a crime free year in the village.

9j - BOWLS CLUB:-
Pakenham Bowls Club had another interesting and enjoyable season . Membership of the Bowls Club continues to be a problem as with most other clubs. However I am happy to report that having reached a minimum of 17 playing members last season we have increased to 20 at present. We continue to play in two leagues and following last year's relegation managed to win the second division with promotion and were also runners-up in the league cup.
During the year we applied through and with the help of the Parish Council to replace our changing hut which after over thirty years use was beyond repair. After a considerable delay at the planning office this was eventually approved in January. The site was quickly prepared with the old hut taken down and burnt but due to the softness of the ground our supplier did not deliver the replacement building until the end of April just in time for the start of the current season and in consequence some further work is still needed to get it in order.
I regret I am unlikely to be able to attend as Tuesday is one of our League nights. If there are any questions please contact me.
Jim Burrows

9k - BUGGY CLUB:-
The Chairman commented that it was good to see some members of the Buggy Club present at the meeting.
The club had had a quiet couple of years, but was now looking up. They use radio-controlled cars on a grass track with jumps etc. A race meeting is to be held on 27th May and villagers are welcome to attend.
Fencing had been repaired, but the caravan had been vandalised and arrangements were being made for it to be removed from the site. There is a low electric fence around the track to control the cars.
The Club would like to lease the site, but cannot afford 9 years back lease. The Council suggested a regular contribution be paid and also some payment for the use of water and electricity from the Pavilion.
The Council will draw up a lease on receipt of £150 and a commitment to pay the balance by the end of the year.

9l - TREE WARDEN'S REPORT:-
Traditionally the post of Tree Warden has existed to carry out tree and hedge-planting schemes within the parish on publicly owned land.
Most of the planting and ongoing maintenance was generated and carried out by members of the Conservation Group, which has not been in existence for a number of years.
Most current tree issues come by way of Planning Applications, which require full Council, participation and office hours site meetings which I am unable to attend. It may be an idea to put the role of Tree Warden on the agenda for a future PC meeting.
I haven't yet received this year's application for St Edmundsbury Council's annual tree planting scheme which may be useful in the plan being implemented in the Dell. For the benefit of members of the public not aware, we are in the process of carrying out quite a large maintenance scheme in the Dell covering a number of Health & Safety and Conservation issues.
Derek Dorling

9m - FOOTBALL CLUB: no report.

10 - CHAIRMAN'S REPORT:-
This seems to have been a routine year in the Parish Council. During the year we have had the car park adjacent to the burial ground laid with a gravel base; this is proving very helpful, especially since we provided a pathway to the Church - a light has also been installed near the car park. We propose to refurbish the driveway from the road to the car park, when the contractors have time.
The Dell is always a controversial area. Having made a management plan, we are slowly implementing some of its recommendations. We have been given planning permission to reduce some of the trees bordering on neighbouring properties. We consulted a specialist on the condition of a large beech tree showing signs of fungal infection, and he recommended retaining it with a reduced crown.
The light and CCTV, to be erected for the safety of the Post Office, are on their way. I won't say more on this subject, as I am not proud of our efforts in the matter.
A railing has been erected on the footpath at the bottom of the steps from the Church, to stop people from falling off the edge of a very high kerb there.
Certain areas of planning are proving difficult to resolve, but we are keeping in close touch with the Borough Council, and hope for satisfactory results.
We are most grateful to Tony Hoskins, who does an excellent job keeping the streets tidy, plus all sorts of odd jobs.
Thanks too to my fellow councillors, to Christopher Spicer our Borough councillor, and to Rebecca Hopfensperger our County councillor. We value our community police officer, Sheena Tate, for keeping us safe and for her good advice; and Sandy Jackson, our Neighbourhood Watch organiser. We are indebted to Paul Harris who has produced the Neighbourhood Watch newsletter, and to the people who helped to distribute it.
Thank you to all the people who have given their time and expertise when running the various Pakenham activities. Congratulations to the Women's Institute on increasing its membership and providing a social meeting point for many more Pakenham ladies. The Monday Club has again been a centre for the older residents - I gather their lunch meetings are much appreciated, as is the Church monthly "tea and a chat". All these groups add to the enjoyment of living in a rural community such as ours, and show how public-spirited so many of our villagers are.
The problem of fly-tipping was brought up from the floor. Any such tipping should be reported to the Chairman, who will pass on the information to the Borough Council.

11 - DATE OF NEXT MEETING: to be advised.

Meeting ended at 9.05pm.