Minutes of the Annual Parish Assembly held on Tuesday 8^th May 2007

PRESENT
Mr T Hughes (Chairman), Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mr C Savery, Mrs F Hughes,
Mrs B Sharpe, Mr P Davies, Mrs K Law.
Nine members of the public.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr W Davies, District & County Councillor N Hartin. 

MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY 9.5.06
The Minutes were read by the Clerk, agreed unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman commenced his first annual report by thanking his predecessor, Mr Keith Barnett, for all the work he had done over the years for the parish.

The main event of the year had been the Pathfinder Scrutiny of Bucknell Parish, funded by the County Council, which included a questionnaire to every household and two photograph surveys, one carried out by villagers (cameras supplied), and one by the County Council. The results were displayed in the Memorial Hall and comments invited. Eventually the results were commented on at a County Council Meeting held in the Memorial Hall and attended by four County Councillors and diverse Officers. A report was produced, which revealed the flourishing nature of the numerous organizations in the village. The County Council strongly recommended that Bucknell produce a Parish Plan and this would be considered in the near future.

Affordable and Social Housing had been prominent, with both The Craven Arms Partnership and The South Shropshire Housing Association carrying out surveys. The District Council’s policy to add a premium to the cost of building an individual house by a private developer before planning permission would be granted proved to be highly unpopular.

The Chairman thanked Mr Mike Starr for taking over the running of the Good Neighbours Group, and the band of litter pickers. The Chairman implored all dog walkers to clear up after their dog.

The Chairman also thanked the WI for the array of flowers at the Railway Station, and Mrs Dorothy Edwards and the committee running the Daffodil Lane Project.

Requests had come in from a number of villagers for allotments, the provision of which would be explored in the coming year.

The maintenance of the (closed) Churchyard was the responsibility of the Parish Council, and had proved to be a considerable drain on funds, particularly the rebuilding of the boundary wall. Other sources of funding had been unsuccessfully explored, and the Precept had to be increased to cover this expense. Mr Ray Davies had kept the churchyard in excellent order and the Parochial Church Council joined the Parish Council in thanking him for his work.

The Chairman was concerned that the Parish Council was no longer represented on the Board of School Governors. This exclusion took place several years ago and only happened in Voluntary Aided Church Schools. The reason was never established.

The Chairman thanked Mr Ian Owen for his work and advice as Vice Chair, and all Councillors for their welcome advice on the many and varied topics which are dealt with at meetings. Thanks to Mr Graham Jackson who kept the website up to date, also to Councillor Nigel Hartin for his attendance and for keeping the Parish Council up-to-date with decisions taken at the County and District Council. Last but not least, thanks to Mrs Nancy Adams, the Parish Clerk.

The Chairman concluded his report by adding one more “thank you” to the small band of villagers who regularly attend council meetings.

DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Not available.
 
REPORT FROM DAFFODIL LANE COMMITTEE
Mrs Edwards reported that the field was being well used. A Mini Football Tournament took place on 29 April with 16 teams taking part, including two teams from Bucknell – Under 11s and Girls team.
The first senior football match to take place on the field was the Bucknell Charity Cup Final on 15 April, between Ludlow Town Colts and Newcastle Football Club. The teams were very complimentary about the field.
Bucknell Football Club intend to play in the North Herefordshire League next season.

Shropshire FA have some funding available for changing facilities and representatives from Daffodil Lane will be attending a joint meeting with the interested parties.

Mrs Edwards reported that Shropshire Hills AONB did not give the project a grant towards Stage One of the Community Building Project, but the District Council were assisting, and had suggested the EU Money Community Building Fund, and this had been applied for. A reply from the Big Lottery Community Build Fund was expected next month.

A Hog Roast and various other entertainments was planned for 2 June, posters had been put up around the village.

RoSPA had been booked to inspect the Play Area in June.

ACCOUNTS TO YEAR ENDED 31.3.07
The Clerk tabled the accounts, which were discussed and accepted. Clerk to progress. Mr P Davies to obtain another quotation for the next section on the churchyard wall.


OPEN DISCUSSION
Railway Wall. It was reported that two stones were coming out of the wall. Clerk to contact Network Rail, copy to the County Surveyor.

The Chairman then closed the Open Discussion and the Annual Parish Assembly.