2007/06/11
Report of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 23 May 2007
Report of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 23 May 2007 at 8.20pm in Shoreham Village Hall
Present: Cllrs John Keates (Chairman), Gordon Clarke, Dick Croydon, Phil Hobson, Mrs J Neave, Graham Palmer and Mrs T Richmond
Cllrs Colin Dibsdall and John Grint (SDC)
19 members of the public
Apologies for absence were received from Parish Councillors Trevor Carman, Mrs M Inniss and John Ralston, KCC Cllr R Gough, SDC Cllr Mrs M Lowe, PCSO Dave Birchall, Mr Trevor Simmons and Mr Derek Parker-Richardson.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the WI for providing the refreshments.
1 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 17 MAY 2006
The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2006 were approved and signed by the Chairman.
2 PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Cllr Keates gave a report on the Council’s activities during the previous year:-
There is now a new Council following the elections on 3 May. There were two resignations in the Shoreham Village Ward with Ann Smith retiring and Dave Hutchins moving away. There were no changes in the Badgers Mount and Well Hill Wards. After the election we welcomed Tracey Richmond and Graham Palmer as our new councillors.
Accounts
During the last financial year (2006/2007) the Council spent £40,666 including £4205 on grants, £13,915 on administration, £9,928 on amenities and £3,584 on a PCSO. (All figures net). We have a reserve fund of approximately £40,000 to take account of known future extra expenses and an allowance for unknown expenses. The precept (that amount of money that we ask to receive via your Council Tax) for 2007/08 is £41,250. Four years ago the precept was £40,000. The rise is approximately 3/4 % per year.
Council Activities
During the past year there has been slow progress on the Affordable Housing Scheme. We have interviewed two Housing Associations, Moat House and Hyde, and have chosen Hyde to carry the scheme forward. They impressed us with their policy of close and personal co-operation with the community both before and after housing construction. At the moment there is no finite plan to discuss. Certain sites on privately owned land have been identified and negotiations are continuing with both the owners and the planners. When they are complete you will be fully briefed. I must emphasise that there has been no discussion of any building on public land and that these units of accommodation will not pass into the commercial housing sector.
Regarding The Environment there has been a marked increase in general scattering of litter and in particular fly-tipping in the Parish which has quite understandably exercised you. The current situation is unacceptable and the new Council will make every effort to improve the situation. I should mention that we now have a Lengthsman in Badgers Mount and Well Hill as well as in Shoreham Village which will help with minor problems.
Road Safety: The extension of the 30 mph speed limit in Filston Lane to beyond the bus shelter at Water Lane has now been approved and we are awaiting the signs to be moved. Our local speed watch has been active in Shoreham Village and in Badgers mount. It seems to have a significant traffic calming effect.
We are still awaiting approval for financing the proposed pavement and improved lighting in Station Road. It narrowly missed the cut this year but will be reconsidered for the 2008/2009 highways budget.
Gas for Shoreham: The gas company have told us that they have not been able to reach a suitable agreement to build the pressure reducing sub-station and have, at this moment, no plans to proceed with the project. We will pursue them for further details.
Skateboard Ramp: After 18 months of negotiations and fund-raising this has finally been completed and has been well used and used well. It was recently formally opened by the Chairman of SDC, Mrs Alison Cook and our KCC Councillor Mr Roger Gough. We gave them both our thanks for their substantial grants. Additional grants were obtained by our Clerk so that the cost to you was relatively small.
Communication: There have been complaints recently regarding communication between Parishioners and their Council. May I repeat that the full contact details of all members and the Clerk are published in each edition of the “Post” and on our website (www.shorehamparishcouncil.gov.uk). We are all ready to respond to your requests.
Finally The Shop: As you know this closed last November and there has been much effort in trying to re-establish it. The Post Office was re-opened here in the Village Hall part time but as you have realised it has not been entirely satisfactory. There have been two well attended public meetings in which you demonstrated your vigorous support. Michael Wood is leading a group to pursue all options. Unfortunately he is not able to be here tonight but has prepared a message for you.
Good news for village shop
I’m delighted to announce that things are moving fast in the campaign to re-open the village shop. A group of investors from within the village has taken the initiative and offered to get the shop up and running as soon as possible. The previous plan was for villagers to raise the funds to operate and run a community store under the umbrella of an Industrial Provident Society. However, detailed investigation by the shop working group has established that the time needed to raise the necessary funds would probably put back the opening of the shop until at least winter 2007. There are also significant concerns about the amounts of money needed and the long-term viability of such a community-run enterprise in our village.
As a result, a group of villagers has got together and come up with an alternative vision. The investors plan to buy the whole of the shop and the flat above as a complete package. The flat will probably be developed and then sold on. The shop will be given a lick of paint and new shelving and chiller equipment moved in.
The investors have said that they are extremely keen to maintain strong lines of communication with the village as they develop plans for the shop. The campaign to save the village shop now has a website which can be accessed at www.shorehamvillagestore.co.uk.
The committee is aware that these new plans for the shop differ greatly from those agreed at the last public meeting. Any villagers who feel strongly that this needs further discussion please contact me. If there is a real groundswell of interest, then we will set up another village hall meeting to discuss all the issues thoroughly.
Michael Wood www.shorehamvillagestore.co.uk contact@shorehamvillagestore.co.uk.
The Chairman invited questions on his report. He was asked how big the gas governor is and replied that it is understood that a fairly large clear space is needed around the equipment. The Council is trying to arrange a meeting with ESPipelines to see whether the difficulties can be overcome. There was also a question regarding the location of the Post Office when the shop reopens. The Chairman said the ideal situation would be to have the Post Office in the shop but this had yet to be discussed.
3 KENT COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT
Apologies had been received from Cllr Roger Gough who had reported that he had been pleased to support the skateboard ramp and the Youth Club from his Member Grant allocation. He has also visited the School and is trying to help sort the problems with the building work. He has now joined the Cabinet which faced tough decisions balancing services with tax increases. Cllr Gough is also mindful of the need to press for a footpath to the station.
4 DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT
Cllr John Grint, a new member for the Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount ward introduced himself. Cllr Dibsdall said that he is a member of the Joint Highways Board with KCC and would be pleased to offer assistance with any issues. Cllr Mrs Michelle Lowe sent her apologies and said she was looking forward to becoming involved.
5 POLICE REPORT
Inspector Adrian Payne and PC Jon Wilkinson addressed the meeting. It was said that there is now a PCSO for Seal and Kemsing which will free up Jon Wilkinson to patrol more in other areas. They apologised that Dave Birchall could not be present due to illness. He had sent a report on local issues which included nuisance youths in Shoreham and flytipping. The Chairman asked how flytipping is dealt with and was told that ideally vehicle registrations or descriptions are needed for this to be followed up.
The new Community Warden for Otford and Shoreham, Paul Robertson, was introduced. He said he would be taking over in 2 weeks and understood recent issues had been vandalism, damage to fences, break-ins and criminal damage. He said he was keen to try to stamp out flytipping. The District Council and the Fire Brigade are working together so that any flytipping which is a fire hazard will be cleared urgently. He said Trading Standards had been involved in a leafleting scam asking for items to be given which end up in boot fairs rather than third world countries so people are advised not to make donations. Paul is keen to restart the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and asked anyone interested to contact him. Funds are being sought to help provide a seat in the Recreation Ground.
6 BADGERS MOUNT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Mr Gordon Plumb, Chairman, said that the Association is the main general organisation for the whole of Badgers Mount. Planning issues always feature at meetings but most this year have been for extensions with no major rebuilding. However, the proposed development at Fort Halstead is being monitored. Foxes Garage closed last year and it is not yet known what the new owner will propose for the site. Social functions include the coffee mornings every Thursday which are combined with the mobile library and the Police Surgery on occasions. There was an Old Time Music Hall entertainment last May, a summer garden party last July, a carols social evening in December and a New Years Eve Barn Dance. In conjunction with the Council, there is a campaign for a reduction of the speed limit on the Orpington by Pass and safety improvements in Old London Road near the bus stop behind the old Foxes Garage.
The Memorial Hall continues to be well used which keeps the hall financially successful. A cleaner’s cupboard and an additional store are desperately needed.
7 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME – BADGERS MOUNT
Mr Trevor Simmons, Chairman, send his apologies and the following report:- The BMNW had its AGM on the 19th April 2007. The last 12 months, thank goodness, have been relatively quiet on the crime, graffiti and flytipping issues but nothing to be complacent about as recently there has been an upsurge in tipping along Shoreham Lane. The police have unearthed evidence on the identity of the possible tippers. There have been various low key burglaries and again the police are involved. Car crime is generally not too bad but much lies in the hands of car owners to ensure awareness of car and contents theft. The Committee is fully committed and is liaising with the Police and PCSO on a regular basis. Further ideas are being examined to ensure the Community on Badgers Mount is as protected as is possible.
8 WELL HILL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Cllr Phil Hobson gave a report and thanked the Council for the grant towards the new roof for the Mission Church. It had been the first new roof for 113 years and it was good to see previous residents returning for the dedication service. PCSO Dave Birchall is much appreciated and he is well known locally. There is a good community spirit in the area – some trees fell in the recent bad weather and residents helped to clear them to open the road. A produce show was organised with Chelsfield residents in their Village Hall which had been filmed by the BBC for their series on the Great British Summer. The Residents Association constitution has changed slightly and they may ask for a Council representative on the Committee. Broadband is now available to Well Hill residents who live in Shoreham Parish. Cllr Hobson concluded by saying that one major road has been completely resurfaced and this may also have cured the water leak which caused ice on the road.
9 SHOREHAM ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION
Mr Malcolm Folland said the Association had been fundraising for its own purpose and also working on realigning the paths between the plots. He said a grant was now being received from the Council on a regular basis and a Tenancy Agreement with the Association is being discussed which will regularise the Association’s work on the land. A new constitution for the association is also being developed. There was an end of year talk with the Horticultural Society by Tom Hart-Dyke.
10 SHOREHAM VILLAGE SCHOOL
Mr Steve Birkin, Chairman of the Governors, said the school numbers are now up to 85 which is a key issue as budget is directly related to the number of pupils. Mrs Frances Fish took up her role in January as the new Head. There are 3 new classrooms and a new hall which connects to the classrooms, now all on one site. The school is fully equipped for the modern age with updated equipment including whiteboards. The outdoor area is a year behind schedule but progress is being made. This has also impacted the Football Club who have not been able to play. An active group of parents, the Friends of Shoreham School, organise social events and fundraising. The school’s strengths include music and sport with teams participating in local tournaments. An Open Day for the village will be arranged, hopefully before the end of term.
11 SHOREHAM ALMSHOUSES TRUST
A written report was read to the meeting. It stated that some improvement work has been undertaken in one property which became available. A new tenant eventually moved in who has begun to tidy the garden. Mrs J Breden retired as Clerk to the Trustees and Mrs Alison Evans has taken on the role.
12 SHOREHAM PARISH CHURCH
Rev Richard Freeman said that the financial situation is stable. He was pleased to report that the numbers attending Church is around 12 ½ % of the population against a national average of only 1%. There are a number of meeting groups, of which several involve children. The rules and regulations laid down by the Diocese for the Churchyard are beginning to be enforced. This will carry some friction but will make maintenance easier. Regarding the proposed extension, the architect has applied to the Diocesan Advisory Committee and the District Council for a faculty and full planning consent. The scheme is the one which was discussed at a public meeting in the Village Hall eighteen months previously and more information will be given shortly.
13 FRIENDS OF SHOREHAM CHURCH
Rev Richard Freeman reported that funds have been raised to keep the church beautiful and to pay for the grass cutting of the churchyard. Funds raised paid for a new curtain for the Vicar’s vestry and material for new vestments which were made by Sylvia Lyons.
14 SHOREHAM VILLAGE PLAYERS
Mr Richard Burraston reported that the Players had a busy schedule over the past year. A play had been staged at the Quadrangle Barn, An Inspector Calls had been put on last November and the cabaret was well received. A new sound system had been purchased with a grant from the Kent Youth Opportunities Fund. Future productions include a murder mystery play, Under Milkwood, See How They Run and Oliver.
15 SHOREHAM & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mr Ed James reported that last year had ended on a high note with the publication of their book Shoreham at War. Several hundreds have been given away and almost as many sold. Any households in the parish who have not yet claimed their free copy are invited to do so. A main event was the presentation of the Cameron inkstand which had been presented to the village by Verney Lovat Cameron, the first person to cross the Africa from ocean to ocean on his return to Shoreham in 1876. It had recently been offered for auction and was purchased by Mr Tom Wilmot and Mr and Mrs Jon Moulton. The Society held a full programme of talks, organised two visits, to the battlefield of Hastings and to Belmont and Faversham, held its annual cream tea at Paynes Farm and rounded off the year with Christmas entertainment. There were two new Society publications last year; a paper by Sally Hofmann on Thomas Highgate and his Shoreham connections and one by Georgina Hopkins on the Gregory’s of Shoreham House. At the AGM, Chairman Ken Fowler and Secretary Ed James stood down after eight years and have been replaced by Mike Hopkins and Lynda Alleeson.
16 SHOREHAM CRICKET CLUB
Mr Martin Wells said the club has been operating a policy of continuous improvement. A professional groundsman has been employed and the pavilion has been decorated internally. There is also a new website www.shorehamcc.co.uk. Playing strength has also improved with two sides entering the Kent County Village League. The 2nd XI aims to encourage younger players and six have graduated from the junior ranks. There are two new coaches for the 6-9 years olds which are shared with Otford. However, there are escalating costs – a new roller and sight screens are needed – but this is matched by a significant increase in revenue from playing members, non-playing members and fundraising. Mr Wells then presented the Council with one peppercorn, being the rent due.
17 SHOREHAM BRANCH BRITISH LEGION
A written report was provided which stated that several fund raising events had taken place as well as the annual trip to Eastbourne. The Branch has attended a few parades during the year and the Remembrance Day service was on the same theme as recent years when readings were read by members of the Legion. There was a working party on the Cross with the Youth Club who did a marvelous job with their leaders. New stone planters have been placed around the War Memorial.
18 SHOREHAM WOMEN’S’ INSTITUTE
Mrs Patricia Keenan, President, reported that this is their 89th birthday year. They have had a full year entertaining members and visiting WI groups. Outings have included Kew Gardens with the refurbished Palace and Buckingham Palace to see the Queen’s wardrobe. The speakers at meetings included two local residents about their gardens. The group will run a stall at the fete and provide teas at the Castle Farm Lavender weekend.
19 SHOREHAM SOCIETY
Mrs Sarah Parkes, Treasurer, said there are now 94 paid-up members. There have been various events including a Parish Paddle when a memorial bench was installed, an Orchid Walk and an amble around the village. The Duck Race raised £140 which will contribute towards bunting for the fete. The keys to the Countryside Centre have been returned as this is no longer a viable proposition. It is hoped to install a kissing gate on the path from the Recreation Ground to The Terrace in memory of the late Tony Whitworth.
20 SHOREHAM UNITED FC
Mr Richard Boyle reported that the past season has been one of the worst because of the ongoing work at the school. This has meant the Club was still playing at Bradbourne Girls’ School which is a drain on the finances and deters spectators. However, it is hoped the school field will be fit for the next season. Mr Boyle appealed for more helpers and also said the changing room needs major repairs to the roof. It is hoped to achieve a grant for the work.
21 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Parking The Council was asked if all residents with off road parking spaces could be written to requesting that they park on their property thereby leaving spaces in the road for vehicles to pull into and pass.
The Council was asked to write to the school asking staff to use the Church Street car park and not park in the road.
Attention was drawn to the cars which park on the pavement outside the bungalows in the High Street near the Allotments, which result in pedestrians having to walk in the road.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.45pm
Present: Cllrs John Keates (Chairman), Gordon Clarke, Dick Croydon, Phil Hobson, Mrs J Neave, Graham Palmer and Mrs T Richmond
Cllrs Colin Dibsdall and John Grint (SDC)
19 members of the public
Apologies for absence were received from Parish Councillors Trevor Carman, Mrs M Inniss and John Ralston, KCC Cllr R Gough, SDC Cllr Mrs M Lowe, PCSO Dave Birchall, Mr Trevor Simmons and Mr Derek Parker-Richardson.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the WI for providing the refreshments.
1 MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 17 MAY 2006
The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 May 2006 were approved and signed by the Chairman.
2 PARISH COUNCIL REPORT
Cllr Keates gave a report on the Council’s activities during the previous year:-
There is now a new Council following the elections on 3 May. There were two resignations in the Shoreham Village Ward with Ann Smith retiring and Dave Hutchins moving away. There were no changes in the Badgers Mount and Well Hill Wards. After the election we welcomed Tracey Richmond and Graham Palmer as our new councillors.
Accounts
During the last financial year (2006/2007) the Council spent £40,666 including £4205 on grants, £13,915 on administration, £9,928 on amenities and £3,584 on a PCSO. (All figures net). We have a reserve fund of approximately £40,000 to take account of known future extra expenses and an allowance for unknown expenses. The precept (that amount of money that we ask to receive via your Council Tax) for 2007/08 is £41,250. Four years ago the precept was £40,000. The rise is approximately 3/4 % per year.
Council Activities
During the past year there has been slow progress on the Affordable Housing Scheme. We have interviewed two Housing Associations, Moat House and Hyde, and have chosen Hyde to carry the scheme forward. They impressed us with their policy of close and personal co-operation with the community both before and after housing construction. At the moment there is no finite plan to discuss. Certain sites on privately owned land have been identified and negotiations are continuing with both the owners and the planners. When they are complete you will be fully briefed. I must emphasise that there has been no discussion of any building on public land and that these units of accommodation will not pass into the commercial housing sector.
Regarding The Environment there has been a marked increase in general scattering of litter and in particular fly-tipping in the Parish which has quite understandably exercised you. The current situation is unacceptable and the new Council will make every effort to improve the situation. I should mention that we now have a Lengthsman in Badgers Mount and Well Hill as well as in Shoreham Village which will help with minor problems.
Road Safety: The extension of the 30 mph speed limit in Filston Lane to beyond the bus shelter at Water Lane has now been approved and we are awaiting the signs to be moved. Our local speed watch has been active in Shoreham Village and in Badgers mount. It seems to have a significant traffic calming effect.
We are still awaiting approval for financing the proposed pavement and improved lighting in Station Road. It narrowly missed the cut this year but will be reconsidered for the 2008/2009 highways budget.
Gas for Shoreham: The gas company have told us that they have not been able to reach a suitable agreement to build the pressure reducing sub-station and have, at this moment, no plans to proceed with the project. We will pursue them for further details.
Skateboard Ramp: After 18 months of negotiations and fund-raising this has finally been completed and has been well used and used well. It was recently formally opened by the Chairman of SDC, Mrs Alison Cook and our KCC Councillor Mr Roger Gough. We gave them both our thanks for their substantial grants. Additional grants were obtained by our Clerk so that the cost to you was relatively small.
Communication: There have been complaints recently regarding communication between Parishioners and their Council. May I repeat that the full contact details of all members and the Clerk are published in each edition of the “Post” and on our website (www.shorehamparishcouncil.gov.uk). We are all ready to respond to your requests.
Finally The Shop: As you know this closed last November and there has been much effort in trying to re-establish it. The Post Office was re-opened here in the Village Hall part time but as you have realised it has not been entirely satisfactory. There have been two well attended public meetings in which you demonstrated your vigorous support. Michael Wood is leading a group to pursue all options. Unfortunately he is not able to be here tonight but has prepared a message for you.
Good news for village shop
I’m delighted to announce that things are moving fast in the campaign to re-open the village shop. A group of investors from within the village has taken the initiative and offered to get the shop up and running as soon as possible. The previous plan was for villagers to raise the funds to operate and run a community store under the umbrella of an Industrial Provident Society. However, detailed investigation by the shop working group has established that the time needed to raise the necessary funds would probably put back the opening of the shop until at least winter 2007. There are also significant concerns about the amounts of money needed and the long-term viability of such a community-run enterprise in our village.
As a result, a group of villagers has got together and come up with an alternative vision. The investors plan to buy the whole of the shop and the flat above as a complete package. The flat will probably be developed and then sold on. The shop will be given a lick of paint and new shelving and chiller equipment moved in.
The investors have said that they are extremely keen to maintain strong lines of communication with the village as they develop plans for the shop. The campaign to save the village shop now has a website which can be accessed at www.shorehamvillagestore.co.uk.
The committee is aware that these new plans for the shop differ greatly from those agreed at the last public meeting. Any villagers who feel strongly that this needs further discussion please contact me. If there is a real groundswell of interest, then we will set up another village hall meeting to discuss all the issues thoroughly.
Michael Wood www.shorehamvillagestore.co.uk contact@shorehamvillagestore.co.uk.
The Chairman invited questions on his report. He was asked how big the gas governor is and replied that it is understood that a fairly large clear space is needed around the equipment. The Council is trying to arrange a meeting with ESPipelines to see whether the difficulties can be overcome. There was also a question regarding the location of the Post Office when the shop reopens. The Chairman said the ideal situation would be to have the Post Office in the shop but this had yet to be discussed.
3 KENT COUNTY COUNCIL REPORT
Apologies had been received from Cllr Roger Gough who had reported that he had been pleased to support the skateboard ramp and the Youth Club from his Member Grant allocation. He has also visited the School and is trying to help sort the problems with the building work. He has now joined the Cabinet which faced tough decisions balancing services with tax increases. Cllr Gough is also mindful of the need to press for a footpath to the station.
4 DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT
Cllr John Grint, a new member for the Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount ward introduced himself. Cllr Dibsdall said that he is a member of the Joint Highways Board with KCC and would be pleased to offer assistance with any issues. Cllr Mrs Michelle Lowe sent her apologies and said she was looking forward to becoming involved.
5 POLICE REPORT
Inspector Adrian Payne and PC Jon Wilkinson addressed the meeting. It was said that there is now a PCSO for Seal and Kemsing which will free up Jon Wilkinson to patrol more in other areas. They apologised that Dave Birchall could not be present due to illness. He had sent a report on local issues which included nuisance youths in Shoreham and flytipping. The Chairman asked how flytipping is dealt with and was told that ideally vehicle registrations or descriptions are needed for this to be followed up.
The new Community Warden for Otford and Shoreham, Paul Robertson, was introduced. He said he would be taking over in 2 weeks and understood recent issues had been vandalism, damage to fences, break-ins and criminal damage. He said he was keen to try to stamp out flytipping. The District Council and the Fire Brigade are working together so that any flytipping which is a fire hazard will be cleared urgently. He said Trading Standards had been involved in a leafleting scam asking for items to be given which end up in boot fairs rather than third world countries so people are advised not to make donations. Paul is keen to restart the Neighbourhood Watch scheme and asked anyone interested to contact him. Funds are being sought to help provide a seat in the Recreation Ground.
6 BADGERS MOUNT RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Mr Gordon Plumb, Chairman, said that the Association is the main general organisation for the whole of Badgers Mount. Planning issues always feature at meetings but most this year have been for extensions with no major rebuilding. However, the proposed development at Fort Halstead is being monitored. Foxes Garage closed last year and it is not yet known what the new owner will propose for the site. Social functions include the coffee mornings every Thursday which are combined with the mobile library and the Police Surgery on occasions. There was an Old Time Music Hall entertainment last May, a summer garden party last July, a carols social evening in December and a New Years Eve Barn Dance. In conjunction with the Council, there is a campaign for a reduction of the speed limit on the Orpington by Pass and safety improvements in Old London Road near the bus stop behind the old Foxes Garage.
The Memorial Hall continues to be well used which keeps the hall financially successful. A cleaner’s cupboard and an additional store are desperately needed.
7 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME – BADGERS MOUNT
Mr Trevor Simmons, Chairman, send his apologies and the following report:- The BMNW had its AGM on the 19th April 2007. The last 12 months, thank goodness, have been relatively quiet on the crime, graffiti and flytipping issues but nothing to be complacent about as recently there has been an upsurge in tipping along Shoreham Lane. The police have unearthed evidence on the identity of the possible tippers. There have been various low key burglaries and again the police are involved. Car crime is generally not too bad but much lies in the hands of car owners to ensure awareness of car and contents theft. The Committee is fully committed and is liaising with the Police and PCSO on a regular basis. Further ideas are being examined to ensure the Community on Badgers Mount is as protected as is possible.
8 WELL HILL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Cllr Phil Hobson gave a report and thanked the Council for the grant towards the new roof for the Mission Church. It had been the first new roof for 113 years and it was good to see previous residents returning for the dedication service. PCSO Dave Birchall is much appreciated and he is well known locally. There is a good community spirit in the area – some trees fell in the recent bad weather and residents helped to clear them to open the road. A produce show was organised with Chelsfield residents in their Village Hall which had been filmed by the BBC for their series on the Great British Summer. The Residents Association constitution has changed slightly and they may ask for a Council representative on the Committee. Broadband is now available to Well Hill residents who live in Shoreham Parish. Cllr Hobson concluded by saying that one major road has been completely resurfaced and this may also have cured the water leak which caused ice on the road.
9 SHOREHAM ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION
Mr Malcolm Folland said the Association had been fundraising for its own purpose and also working on realigning the paths between the plots. He said a grant was now being received from the Council on a regular basis and a Tenancy Agreement with the Association is being discussed which will regularise the Association’s work on the land. A new constitution for the association is also being developed. There was an end of year talk with the Horticultural Society by Tom Hart-Dyke.
10 SHOREHAM VILLAGE SCHOOL
Mr Steve Birkin, Chairman of the Governors, said the school numbers are now up to 85 which is a key issue as budget is directly related to the number of pupils. Mrs Frances Fish took up her role in January as the new Head. There are 3 new classrooms and a new hall which connects to the classrooms, now all on one site. The school is fully equipped for the modern age with updated equipment including whiteboards. The outdoor area is a year behind schedule but progress is being made. This has also impacted the Football Club who have not been able to play. An active group of parents, the Friends of Shoreham School, organise social events and fundraising. The school’s strengths include music and sport with teams participating in local tournaments. An Open Day for the village will be arranged, hopefully before the end of term.
11 SHOREHAM ALMSHOUSES TRUST
A written report was read to the meeting. It stated that some improvement work has been undertaken in one property which became available. A new tenant eventually moved in who has begun to tidy the garden. Mrs J Breden retired as Clerk to the Trustees and Mrs Alison Evans has taken on the role.
12 SHOREHAM PARISH CHURCH
Rev Richard Freeman said that the financial situation is stable. He was pleased to report that the numbers attending Church is around 12 ½ % of the population against a national average of only 1%. There are a number of meeting groups, of which several involve children. The rules and regulations laid down by the Diocese for the Churchyard are beginning to be enforced. This will carry some friction but will make maintenance easier. Regarding the proposed extension, the architect has applied to the Diocesan Advisory Committee and the District Council for a faculty and full planning consent. The scheme is the one which was discussed at a public meeting in the Village Hall eighteen months previously and more information will be given shortly.
13 FRIENDS OF SHOREHAM CHURCH
Rev Richard Freeman reported that funds have been raised to keep the church beautiful and to pay for the grass cutting of the churchyard. Funds raised paid for a new curtain for the Vicar’s vestry and material for new vestments which were made by Sylvia Lyons.
14 SHOREHAM VILLAGE PLAYERS
Mr Richard Burraston reported that the Players had a busy schedule over the past year. A play had been staged at the Quadrangle Barn, An Inspector Calls had been put on last November and the cabaret was well received. A new sound system had been purchased with a grant from the Kent Youth Opportunities Fund. Future productions include a murder mystery play, Under Milkwood, See How They Run and Oliver.
15 SHOREHAM & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Mr Ed James reported that last year had ended on a high note with the publication of their book Shoreham at War. Several hundreds have been given away and almost as many sold. Any households in the parish who have not yet claimed their free copy are invited to do so. A main event was the presentation of the Cameron inkstand which had been presented to the village by Verney Lovat Cameron, the first person to cross the Africa from ocean to ocean on his return to Shoreham in 1876. It had recently been offered for auction and was purchased by Mr Tom Wilmot and Mr and Mrs Jon Moulton. The Society held a full programme of talks, organised two visits, to the battlefield of Hastings and to Belmont and Faversham, held its annual cream tea at Paynes Farm and rounded off the year with Christmas entertainment. There were two new Society publications last year; a paper by Sally Hofmann on Thomas Highgate and his Shoreham connections and one by Georgina Hopkins on the Gregory’s of Shoreham House. At the AGM, Chairman Ken Fowler and Secretary Ed James stood down after eight years and have been replaced by Mike Hopkins and Lynda Alleeson.
16 SHOREHAM CRICKET CLUB
Mr Martin Wells said the club has been operating a policy of continuous improvement. A professional groundsman has been employed and the pavilion has been decorated internally. There is also a new website www.shorehamcc.co.uk. Playing strength has also improved with two sides entering the Kent County Village League. The 2nd XI aims to encourage younger players and six have graduated from the junior ranks. There are two new coaches for the 6-9 years olds which are shared with Otford. However, there are escalating costs – a new roller and sight screens are needed – but this is matched by a significant increase in revenue from playing members, non-playing members and fundraising. Mr Wells then presented the Council with one peppercorn, being the rent due.
17 SHOREHAM BRANCH BRITISH LEGION
A written report was provided which stated that several fund raising events had taken place as well as the annual trip to Eastbourne. The Branch has attended a few parades during the year and the Remembrance Day service was on the same theme as recent years when readings were read by members of the Legion. There was a working party on the Cross with the Youth Club who did a marvelous job with their leaders. New stone planters have been placed around the War Memorial.
18 SHOREHAM WOMEN’S’ INSTITUTE
Mrs Patricia Keenan, President, reported that this is their 89th birthday year. They have had a full year entertaining members and visiting WI groups. Outings have included Kew Gardens with the refurbished Palace and Buckingham Palace to see the Queen’s wardrobe. The speakers at meetings included two local residents about their gardens. The group will run a stall at the fete and provide teas at the Castle Farm Lavender weekend.
19 SHOREHAM SOCIETY
Mrs Sarah Parkes, Treasurer, said there are now 94 paid-up members. There have been various events including a Parish Paddle when a memorial bench was installed, an Orchid Walk and an amble around the village. The Duck Race raised £140 which will contribute towards bunting for the fete. The keys to the Countryside Centre have been returned as this is no longer a viable proposition. It is hoped to install a kissing gate on the path from the Recreation Ground to The Terrace in memory of the late Tony Whitworth.
20 SHOREHAM UNITED FC
Mr Richard Boyle reported that the past season has been one of the worst because of the ongoing work at the school. This has meant the Club was still playing at Bradbourne Girls’ School which is a drain on the finances and deters spectators. However, it is hoped the school field will be fit for the next season. Mr Boyle appealed for more helpers and also said the changing room needs major repairs to the roof. It is hoped to achieve a grant for the work.
21 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Parking The Council was asked if all residents with off road parking spaces could be written to requesting that they park on their property thereby leaving spaces in the road for vehicles to pull into and pass.
The Council was asked to write to the school asking staff to use the Church Street car park and not park in the road.
Attention was drawn to the cars which park on the pavement outside the bungalows in the High Street near the Allotments, which result in pedestrians having to walk in the road.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.45pm
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Shoreham Parish Council