Birdbrook News Issue No

Birdbrook News Issue No. 76 July 2016 A1017, WE ARE NOT GIVING UP YET!

The February issue carried the news that our another submission. This is now to be pre- attempts to have speed limits imposed in vari- sented in the form of a letter (see page 7) and ous areas had been refused as these were not we will await reaction. If you signed the peti- in line with Essex Highways current regula- tion before, or even if you didn’t, and wish to tions. This in spite of a petition organised by add your voice please contact our County or Warren Brace which contained 178 signatures District Councillors giving your views but asking for action. The Parish Council has please let the Parish Clerk know if you do spent a long time over the past months and this so we can see what is happening. All meetings putting information together and as contact details or on page two of Dates sec- much ammunition as we could find to put in tion.

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Page 1 some of the remarkable features. There is a guide NEWS FROM book on the book stall just inside the church door. ST. AUGUSTINE’S Find the monument to Martha Blewitt who died in 1681 and had nine husbands and Robert Hogan, CHURCH who married his seventh wife in 1739! The large stained glass window on the north east end of the nave is known as the Churchwarden’s Window, We are trying to make St. Augustine Church more and commemorates G.E. Unwin who was to serve meaningful to the people of Birdbrook. At present we 70 years as churchwarden, which must be some- hold at least four services a month, two Communion thing of a record. The stained glass windows and Services at 11.00, a Morning Prayer service and a Fami- the carved oak choir stalls, panelling in the chan- ly Service, both at 10.00. These services are accompa- cel and the carved oak pews repay close study. nied by our piped organ and we sign uplifting hymns. They were put in the 1960’s and 1970’s. We pride ourselves that we are a friendly welcoming The church has seen countless baptisms, wedding church and after the service there is much socialising and funerals. These seasons marked out for suc- and exchange of news and gossip while we serve up tea, ceeding generations of the inhabitants of Bird- coffee, soft drinks, biscuits and often cakes. During the brook. This has left the church with an winter months we are able to keep the church warm and atmosphere of peace and tranquility. In this world we are the only church in the Two Rivers Benefice that of noise and stress the church is one place where has a toilet! you will find calm, stillness and silence. We very We always keep the church open during the day. This is much hope that the people of Birdbrook will make for the benefit of the people of Birdbrook and visitors as use of this, even if it is just to get away from a St. Augustine’s is the most historical building in the Par- while. Some of you may even want to pray in ish. It dates back to about 1050 and has seen continuous such an atmosphere where you will be close to worship for 950 years. It is also a living museum show- God. ing how previous generations have left their mark on the If you would like to come to a service you would fabric of the structure There is also a collection, at the be most welcome, but we would be most encour- back of the church, of artefacts that have been found in aged if you paid your church a visit and told us the parish and a group of old photographs, of the church what you think by signing the visitor’s book. and the village. We would like the people of Birdbrook to use this building, as it is your building whether you Best wishes go to church or not. If you have never been in the Patrick Crouch and Judi Price, church before, please pop in, bring your friends and see Churchwardens

When respond- ing to an advert you have seen in Birdbrook News please mention where you saw it. Thank you.

Page 2 Page 3 • Remember the Dispensary closes on Steeple Bumpstead Surgery – Wednesday at 1pm and re-opens at 8am on June 2016 Thursdays. The Surgery remains open until 6.30pm on Wednesdays. There are no changes to the Surgery Clinical Team. The continuity is proving successful and this is reflected in the • The Patient Participation Group remain Friends & Family Test survey results. Please can I en- staunch in their support and scrutiny of the courage you to make a comment when you attend the Surgery. Surgery. Cards are held on the front desk at Reception, along with the post box for you to place the card in. The Andy Cutting survey can also be filled in on line via the Surgery web- Practice Manager site. Steeple Bumpstead Surgery Patient We are pleased to confirm that we have had a nurse or a Participation Group (PPG) doctor available every working day since June 2015. We continue to work with the Surgery to improve Clinical Matters services for everyone. We would very much welcome your individual feedback, suggestions, comments or questions about the Surgery and its • During this quarter the Surgery are focusing on services so these can be fed into our discussions. Diabetes Management. We have a Specialist Please contact our Chair, Liz Heyer. Nurse attending to take sessions. The first two sessions are fully booked. The Nurse attends Liz Heyer - tel: 01440 730579 or email once per week and is shadowed by Chrissie Far- [email protected] rant, our Practice Nurse. In addition, Chrissie is currently undertaking a course on Diabetes. Increase in GP Appointments Please contact Reception if you wish to make use We are pleased that the Surgery has increased the of this service. The Surgery performance on this number of GP appointments on a Monday. If you subject could be better, but we are dependent need an urgent appointment remember that for most upon patients to make appointments so we can conditions you can be seen by a member of the collectively improve our management of this ail- nursing team who will then arrange for you to see a ment. GP if necessary. Mel Cunningham, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, is an independent nurse prescriber and • Doctors Bergh and Zada have kindly extended she can also refer patients to hospital consultants some of their sessions. There will be a slight in- and request x-rays. crease in appointments to see them on Mondays. Named GP • As part of the Surgery accreditation for its De- The Surgery is required to assign a “named ac- mentia work, there will be some upgrades to the countable GP” to every patient on the practice list. Entrance and Waiting Room during this month. Patients have been allocated to either Dr Bergh or Notice Boards and signage will be improved. Dr Zada on an alphabetical basis. Your named GP will be responsible for co-ordinating your overall • Our Patients continue to utilise Saturday appoint- care. However, you are free to see any of the doc- ments at Saffron Walden when they are unable to tors at the surgery and your records are available to see a Doctor at our Surgery on Fridays. all of the doctors and nurses. • The next GP Shutdown/training days for West If you want to know who your named GP is then Essex are 9 June and 13 July 2016. The Surgery please ask at Reception on your next visit to the closes from 1130am on these days. Surgery or contact the Surgery direct.

Other Matters On-line Services Wouldn’t it be great if you could look at your GP • People are still making appointments and then not records online? attending. Please let us know if you have to post- pone; it enables other people to see the Doctors Well, now you can! As well as booking and cancel- and Nurses. The Notice Board will run information ling GP appointments and ordering repeat prescrip- on the impact that non-attendance has on the tions online you can now view your clinical records: Surgery.

• Chrissie Farrant asked all colleagues on site to Patient Record – this includes the dates you have support the recent Autism week. She was able to seen a doctor or nurse and the reason for the visit, present £22 to the authority. Continued on page 5

Page 4 summary test results, referrals to a Hospital Consultant A few things to think about: and x-ray requests/results. There are a few things you need to think about before Summary Patient Record (SCR) – this is intended to registering for online records. be available to all GPs across the country so if you were ill and saw a GP when away from home they could ac- On very rare occasions: cess this information. It includes: Your GP may not think it in your best interest for you to • all known allergies and sensitivities look at your GP records online. If this happens, your • acute medication issued in the last 12 months GP will discuss their reasons with you. It is up to your • current repeat medication and when last issued. GP to decide if you should be allowed access to your online records. Patients can opt not to have a SCR – please contact the surgery for more information. You may see your test results before your doctor has spoken to you about them. This may be when you can- Vaccinations not contact the surgery, or when the Surgery is closed. A record of your childhood and subsequent vaccinations This means you will need to wait until an appointment including Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping is available to talk to your doctor. cough), Polio, HIB, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, Meningi- tis, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. Information in your medical records might need correct- ing. If you find something you think is not correct, you Test Results should contact the Surgery. The staff will be able to A record of pathology (blood, urine etc) test results and answer your questions and set things right when need- some x-rays and scans, once they have been proc- ed. Please bear in mind that you cannot change the essed by the surgery. record yourself.

What’s in it for you? There may be information in your medical records that You can look at your records whenever you choose, you did not know was there or that you had forgotten without needing to print them off. Online records are up about, such as an illness or an upsetting incident. If you to date and more secure than a printed paper record see anything you did not know about that worries you, which can get lost or be seen by others. please speak to Surgery staff and they will discuss this with you. People who have long term conditions, for example, diabetes, hypertension or coronary heart disease, have If you see someone else’s information in your record, found that looking at their test results online helps them please log out immediately and let the Surgery know as make positive changes to improve their health. They can soon as possible. see if their condition is improving or getting worse by looking at their test results over time. If you have questions about any of the above points, please talk to Surgery staff and they will be able to ad- You can look at your medical records before your ap- vise you further. pointment to see if there is anything you need to discuss with your doctor or nurse. This could be your test re- To access online services you will need to take photo sults, illnesses you have had in the past or any new in- ID (passport or photo driving licence) and proof of ad- formation added to your records. This could help you dress dated within the last 3 months (utility bill, Local discuss any concerns you may have and help you bene- Authority tax bill, Bank or Building Society Statement) fit more from your appointment. to the Surgery. They will then give you a username and password and details of how to log onto the Surgery Sometimes when you see your doctor, you are given a website - SystmOne online. The password should be lot of information and might not be able to remember it changed the first time that you log on. later. You may also want further information once you have had time to think about what was said. You can The login page for SystmOne is: look at your online records after your appointment to https://systmonline.tpp-uk.com/Login make sure you understood what your doctor or nurse said. This page can also be accessed from the Surgery website home page (left hand column towards the bottom): One of the most useful things patients have found is that http://www.steeplebumpsteadsurgery.co.uk you can make sure your medical information is accurate. For example, you will be able to let your doctor know if If you already have a username and password you can you have an allergy to a medicine and it is not recorded. log on and request access to these new on-line servic- Before you go on holiday, you can check if your vaccina- es. tions are up to date without having to go to the Surgery. Together we can improve services for everyone

Page 5 Birdbrook Ladies Group May

May is the month of our group AGM. Sue, our Chair- Our guide was Ben, a Park Ranger. He led us person read her report for the last year and thanked around the park stopping at various points of inter- everyone for their support. est to explain how they control and manage the dif- Our membership remains consistent but we will al- ferent areas and habitats for all the birds, animals ways welcome new members. and insects that live there. There were no changes to the Committee so Sue King One sight that was unforgettable was the meadows remains our Chairperson, Hilary Hoy as Treasurer and full of Ox Eye daisies, quite breathtaking. The park Diane Cook as Secretary. is not only for recreational use it is important from After all the formalities were completed we all enjoyed the environmental and educational point of view. some refreshments with a glass or two of wine. We spent a very pleasant hour and a half eventually arriving back at the visitors centre where we en- June joyed tea and biscuits while looking at lots of pho- tos and reading about the history of the park. We had no guest speaker this month so instead we all There was really too much to see and too much to gathered in the car park at East Town Park at 7.20pm learn about the Park to write about here so, my ad- for a walk. vice to you all would be to visit the Park yourselves We were very lucky with the weather, it was a beauti- to see and enjoy it . ful evening, one of the rare balmy ones that we sometimes get in the summer.

Page 6 A1017, WE ARE NOT GIVING UP YET! Continued from front page

Dear , We write to you formally as the elected Councillors of Birdbrook Parish Council. As the Parish Council we are 1. Setting out a new set of plans for changes in the speed limits for some roads in the parish with a map and diagram attached to help clarify our proposals.

2. Seeking an explanation as to why it is that the safety of residents and business people working in the parish have a lower priority than the perceived thoughts of drivers as described in your previous communication? 178 residents signed a petition to reduce the speed limits on the roads detailed in our submission.

3. Seeking why our previous submission failed to be put before the Local Highways Panel (LHP) and why it was we received no formal initial and final communication from you?

4. Requesting that you meet with us to visit the sites in question to discuss our proposals.

In this submission we seek to explain our view point, the history of previous applications, inconsistencies in the setting of speed limits in local roads, and a further application to change the speed limits on some of the local roads in our parish. We believe our proposals will improve safety and reduce the number of accidents on the roads concerned as well as maintain the flow of traffic. It needs to be remembered these roads have no footways and people making house to house deliveries are in serious danger of injury. We are particularly concerned for the safety of residents, pedestrians, business people whose place of work is on or use the A1017 as well as the well-being of road users: • between Sturmer and Ridgewell on the A1017,

• at the junction of the A1017 at New England with the B1054,

• at Station Road at its junction with the A1017 near Baythorne End.

As you should be aware that this section of the A1017 is particularly dangerous because of the number and acuteness of the bends.

Historical background This stretch of the A1017 has for some considerable time been regarded as hazardous to users. Approximately twenty five years ago there were plans to build a by-pass of Baythorne End and New England from the top of Four Ash Hill to the Haverhill side of Sturm- er. Furthermore, Essex County Highways (ECH) acquired land near the junction of Station Road and the A1017 to straighten the A1017 through this particularly bendy section. Neither of these plans came to fruition. In late 2008 following a meeting with a previous resident of 1 Hunnex Green, Councillor Finch and the Chairman of the BPC result- ed in a submission in 2009 “Making the A1017 a Safer Road” being made to the Highways for Braintree for consideration of the Lo- cal Highways Panel. Speed checks were put in place but we have no record to show whether the submission was passed to the LHP or not. In 2010 there was a Community Initiative Fund “Special” for highways plans from local parishes. We were successful in being shortlisted to the top five priorities. However, owing to the considerable cost involved Essex County Highways said they would take the project on and then ignored the proposals but did install signs with an advisory 25 MPH speed on the A1017 through the acute S bends. The potted history of our recent application to make the A1017 a safer road was supported by a petition organised by a local resident, Warren Brace of 1 Hunnex Green is as follows: • We submitted a letter dated 10 th June 2015 with copies to other local people and agencies to Essex Highways. We received a reaction from our MP, and Catherine Leather, Customer Service Officer who recommended we make an application to the Local Highways Panel (LHP) through the auspices of Matthew Valentine. This was submitted on 20 th August 2015. We failed to receive a reply or an acknowledgement from Matthew Valentine.

• We know through Warren Brace the outcomes of the speed checks on the A1017 and that the ECH believe that the perceived view of drivers is of more importance than the safety of residents and local businesses. The results of the speed checks at Sturmer have at no time been forthcoming.

• On the 15 January 2016 we were in contact with Councillor Finch with regard to the above situation.

• On 27th January 2016 we received a letter from Councillor Finch with reference ECC-068448-16.

Continued on pages 8 & 9 Page 7 • We have looked at the Local Highways Panel minutes and can see no reference to our application . Was the application forwarded to the panel or did the ECH officer make the decision not to make any changes to the speed limits in iso- lation?

Justification for speed- limits being reduced in the Parish The twenty three accidents on the stretch of road from Sturmer to Four Ash Hill on the A1017 are well documented in the previous application and the correspondence you received from Warren Brace. There have been at least six occasions when vehicles have travelled around the bend on the A1017 at the junction with Station Road and lost control and crossed the carriage way and into the garden of 1 Hunnex Green and on one occasion continued into the utility room causing £26,000 worth of damage. This stretch of road has no pedestrian footway and it is now very difficult to cross the road. We would like to add: • Since the advent of satellite navigation many more vehicles are leaving the A11 at Fourwentways and travelling through to Baythorne End to Clare, or Sible Hedingham.

• The expansion of the Culina Depot in Haverhill mean more lorries are travelling the road with many paying little heed to the existing speed restrictions, especially through Sturmer. Additionally, further expansion is taking place for extension works are being carried out at the present time adjacent to the Culina depot.

• The expansion of the wine shop at Baythorne Hall to a café, if agreed will increase the numbers of vehicles exiting and joining the A1017. Motionless vehicles waiting to turn into the premises are a potential serious hazard.

• The junction of the B1054 and the A1017 at New England with the new second hand car sales centre, and hard core depot and within the past two years Cut Maple Fires have opened adding to the number of times vehicles that are stationary on the A1017 turning into the businesses or the B1054. The Tavern on this junction at New England is, we believe under re- furbishment and may well reopen. Recently a vehicle stationary waiting to turn into Cut Maple Fires was hit from behind a pushed some 60 metres up the road.

• The acute S bends between New England and Baythorne End are used as a “race track” by motor cyclists and only last month two BMW cars were racing side by side through them.

• The national speed limit on single carriageways for HGVs over 7.5 tonnes was increased on 6 th April 2015 to 50MPH from 40 MPH. Only last week a Culina lorry driver lost control outside of Sturmer heading towards new England and careered off hit the curb and bounced into the other lane and fortunately righted himself before the on-coming traffic were upon him.

BPC Recommendations and existing speed restrictions on other local roads that support a change to our roads We recommend 1. The section of the A1017 from Sturmer through to New England and on to the voluntary 25MPH signs before the junction at Station Road at Hunnex Green have an enforced speed limit of 40MPH, however if this was deemed too drastic a meas- ure 50 MPH would be an improvement on the present arrangements.

2. The section of the A1017 from the 25MPH sign before Station Road, Hunnex Green mentioned in 1 have an enforced speed limit of 30MPH through to the other side of Baythorne End at Four Ash Hill.

3. On the A1017 at the point where our proposed 30MPH ends at Four Ash Hill in 2 have an enforced 50MPH through to Ridgewell.

4. An enforced speed limit of 30MPH on Station Road, Hunnex Green from the junction with the A1017 up to the defunct railway bridge.

5. An extension to the enforced 40MPH speed limit section on the B1054 from Steeple Bumpstead to the junction with the A1017 at New England.

We believe the following existing speed restrictions, some very recently changed support our proposals: • There are very few sections of the A1017 between Sturmer and Braintree that are subject to the national speed limit. Thereby, imposing a lower speed limit as described in 1, 2, and 3 above would be in keeping with the vast majority of the road. Most of the reduced speed limit sections are less hazardous than the sections which our proposals cover.

Continued on page 9

Page 8 • The section of the A1017 from the Garden centre outside of Ridgewell going towards Great Yeldham is 50MPH. This section of the A1017 is wider straighter and has no more dwellings or businesses than the section between Baythorne End and Sturmer.

• The non-duel carriageway section of the A1307 on the route from Linton to Abingdon has a new 50 MPH enforced speed restriction imposed. Again this section is a much safer road to drive than the section between Sturmer and Bay- thorne End.

• The B1054 on the approaches to Radwinter from Hemstead has a 40MPH limit imposed on the S bends at Pant Brook House/ Selland’s Farm until the 30MPH limit takes over at Radwinter.

• The road between Maple End to Tye Green Wimbish has a new 40 MPH limit imposed.

• The road leaving Tye Green Wimbish and along the B184, and past Carver Barracks is subject to a 40 MPH enforced speed limit.

• A1092 and A143 have numerous enforced reduced speed limits along their length.

The members of the Parish Council are seeking to improve the lives and well-being for our residents and that of the users of our roads and there is considerable passionate feeling about the issue as demonstrated by the petition. We look forward to meeting and hearing from you: • addressing the issues in this letter especially points 1 to 4 in the opening paragraphs of this letter, and

• to organise a date to meet with you to discuss the issues and our proposals

• acknowledging our formal proposal for speed limit changes,

• confirmation that the plans are to put to the Local highways Panel (LHP)

• keeping us informed of developments and the final decision of the LHP

Yours sincerely,

—------

Local Blood Donor Sessions

12 th July - Thaxted, Bolford St Hall 15 th July - Haverhill, New Croft 25 th July - Haverhill Arts Centre Give the gift of life 22 nd August - Haverhill Arts Centre 1st September - Linton Village College

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Page 9 NEW BUS AVAILABILITY We have just received some information re the new bus schemes and these are detailed here. Please excuse if some of the layout doesn’t seem quite right as have had to extract from a larger piece.

Braintree Community Transport Braintree Community Transport offer tailored transport from your home to your destination of choice and home again. Transport is bookable at least the day before you need to travel. Your vehicle is personal to you at times requested by yourself. Passengers make a contribution towards the cost of their journey which is subsidised by Essex County Council and Braintree District Council. To find out more please call 01376 557883.

A New Demand Responsive Transport In addition to the Community Transport schemes, an exciting new Demand Responsive Transport (DaRT) has been introduced in parishes in the North of Essex. This service allows residents to travelbetween0600 and 2000 Monday to Saturday. It increases the opportunities to travel and improve access to shopping, health appointments, work, school or college. It can also be used to visit friends and family. Passengers can travel alone or as a group. Concessionary Bus pass holders can use the service for free after 0900 Monday to Friday and all day on a Saturday. Instead of using fixed routes with fixed stops and times, customers book journeys with the operator in advance and are picked up from an agreed point – often their own home, a bus stop or local place of interest. To book the DaRT service contact Arrow Taxis on: 01621 874411.

Details of New DaRT Operations in Braintree (Birdbrook Area) DaRT 3 The fully flexible service operates within the parishes of: Alphamstone, Ashen, Belchamp Otten, Bel- champ St. Paul, Belchamp Walter, Birdbrook, Borley, Bulmer, Bures Hamlet, Colne Engaine, Foxearth, Great Henny, Great Yeldham, Lamarsh, Liston, Little Henny, Little Yeldham, Middleton, Ovington, Peb- marsh, Pentlow, Ridgewell, Stambourne, Steeple Bumpstead, Tilbury-Juxta-Clare, Toppesfield, Twin- stead, Wickham St. Paul, and White Colne for areas not served by service 88 Travel is allowed to and from anywhere within these zones, between these zones, and also direct to Sud- bury, Halstead and Haverhill town centres, Sudbury train station and health facilities in Clare and community hospitals in Sudbury and Halstead. Care will be taken not to undermine existing bus services. Passengers will be encouraged make connec- tions with services 11, 12, 13, 38, 88, 91, 132, 352, and 753 for onward journeys to Braintree, Bury St Ed- munds, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, and beyond.

Continued on pages 11 & 12

Page 10 Map 3: Area of coverage for Demand Responsive Transport DRT3

Continued on page 12

Page 11 Frequently Asked Questions

When does it operate? DaRT 2 and 3 operate between 0600 and 2000 hours, Monday to Saturday. Unlike a bus service there is no set timetable. How do I book a journey? Telephone Arrow Taxis Essex Ltd on 01621 874 411 and explain 1. where you would like to go 2. where you would like to be collected from 3. what time you need to go (please give at least 2 hours notice before travelling) The operator will also need to know: 1. your name 2. your telephone number 3. any specific requirements, such as if you are a wheelchair user or you have difficulty walking It is advisable to book you r return journey at the same time as your initial booking otherwise you will need to give 2 hours’ notice for your return journey. Remember to be ready when you are due to be collected. How much will it cost? Adult (age 16 or over) Child (age 5 to age 15 inclusive) Distance Single Return Single Return Less than 2 miles £2.50 £3.50 £1.50 £2.00 Between 2 and 5 miles £4.50 £6.50 £2.50 £3.50 More than 5 miles £5.50 £8.00 £3.00 £4.50 Concessionary bus pass holders can travel for free after 0900 Monday to Friday and all day Satur- day. How can I pay? Cash on the bus or by debit/credit card over the telephone. Lost property, comments, questions or concerns If you leave something on the bus or have any comments, questions or concerns please contact the operator directly on 01621 874 411. What sort of vehicle will be used? 8 to 16 seat vehicles with the DaRT logo. Can passengers take their trolleys? Yes. There will be a cage area in the mini bus for trolleys. It is advisable to mention this when booking the service. Can you travel by yourself? Yes, a taxi may be used when the numbers travelling are very small. How will hospital appointments work? When travel is booked generally the return journey time is also booked. The passenger has the option to change it but if it is less than 2 hours’ notice needs to be flexible. Does the DaRT mean that I can travel every day? Yes. You can travel any time between 0600 and 2000 Monday to Saturday. You may be asked to be flexible so passengers are grouped together. Can a relative or friend book on my behalf? Yes. Can people use the service to go out for social / leisure activities? Yes. Experience has shown passengers often choose to book the service as a group and passengers who previously could not use a conventional service can use the DaRT. As long as it is safe to do so the service can pick up passengers from their homes. Can a group of people book together? Yes, you will need to say how many people will be travelling.

Page 12 PARISH COUNCIL TRANSPARENCY CODE Yet another new piece of legislation for Parish Councils. As you will be aware meetings are open to the public but not many attend hence part of the old Quality Council scheme was for Meeting Minutes to be published online and this we have been doing. However it is felt by the powers that be that this may not reach everybody so inclusion in a Parish Newsletter is now part of the game. So this issue sees our first publication of minutes and these will follow each issue from now on. They will still be published on the website as before.

BIRDBROOK PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 11 MAY 2016

PRESENT: Mr T R Walker (Chairman) Mr S Rhenius (Vice Chairman) Mr P Smart Mr A Cook Mr D Simpson Mr M Gilbert ALSO PRESENT: Cllr R Bolton (BDC) Mrs J Stobart (RCCE) CLERK: Mrs D Hilliard

16/38 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN 2016/17 Chairman – Richard Walker was nominated, proposed by Steve Rhenius and seconded by Martyn Gilbert, all in favour. Vice-Chairman – Steve Rhenius was nominated, proposed by Alan Cook and seconded by Peter Smart, all in favour. 16/39 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE None. 16/40 OTHER ABSENCES Cllr David Finch. 16/41 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 3 March 2016 were agreed as a correct record and signed. Pro- posed by Peter Smart and seconded by Martyn Gilbert. 16/42 NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS PRESENTED BY JAN STOBART OF THE RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF ESSEX Richard Walker introduced Jan Stobart who had been invited to attend to discuss Neighbourhood Plans and whether there was a need for Birdbrook Parish Council to undertake one. Jan commenced by explaining the difference between a Parish Plan and a Neighbourhood Plan. • A parish plan is an action plan encompassing projects for the village funded by precept, grants or in con- junction with another body. They are usually refreshed every 5 years. • A neighbourhood plan – came out of the Localism Act 2011 and is the right to produce policies which are used to assess planning applications. If passed it becomes the first legal document against which planning applications are assessed. They cannot contravene the District Council’s own strategy and must conform with National and European policies. A plan might be needed if the local authority were imposing a development on the parish. Jan provided those present with a printout of details of the process to produce a Neighbourhood Plan. Jan confirmed that parishes can combine to produce a joint Neighbourhood Plan. It was agreed to agenda this item to the June meeting for further discussion. Thanks were expressed to Jan Stobart and Cllr Bolton for attending and they left the meeting at this point. 16/43 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST None. 16/44 COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORT OF THE CLERK The Clerk reported that her items were listed under other areas of the agenda. However, discussion was required on the Queen’s 90 th birthday and whether any celebrations were taking place in the village. It was suggested that if a group organises an event the Parish Council would lend its’ support. 16/45 DOCUMENTS ON DEPOSIT Clerks and Council’s magazine – noted. HAGS leaflet – noted. Continued on page 14 Page 13 EACH funding request – noted. HMRC VAT letter – noted. RCCE Village of the Year – noted. 16/46 MEMBERS’ REPORTS (a) Pond – Richard has not seen Mr Rook. He will order the rakes so that the pond can be raked over. (b) Parks – Nothing to report. (c) Chairman’s Report – Richard reported he has spoken to Mr Argent regarding the land in Daw Street. Mr Argent’s potential plans for the site were noted and there was no further potential to pursue a possible solar farm on the site.ll Richard then raised the proposal of changing the streetlights to led lighting and reported a company which may be able to provide this. Discussion took place on whether they should be invited to speak at the September meeting. He also reported that on 5/6 April a tree fell in The Street and took down with it the power pole nearby, which also held one of Birdbrook’s street lights. The pole has been taken away by Network UK but they have also taken with it the street light. They need to be contacted to arrange to reinstate the light on the new pole. The Clerk will undertake this. The re-glazing of the BT box will be undertaken by Alan soon, now that the weather has improved. (d) Highways - The clerk confirmed she had reported the severe hole in Daw Street but no action has been taken by ECC Highways. This will be followed up. A report had been received that the iron rail- ings on the bridge on the A1017 need repainting. Is this Highways or Anglian Water responsibility? The Clerk will try and establish. A1017 – It was agreed that Richard, Alan and Peter will work on a document to go to ECC Highways on this mat- ter. Parish Council vacancy – Mr W Brace had expressed some interest in becoming a Parish Councillor. Richard will see if he is still interested and invite him to the June meeting. 16/47 BDC STREETSCENE AGREEMENT 2016 The new agreement for 2016 was signed by the Chairman. L Pest control – A quote had been received from Command Pest Control. The Clerk advised that Mr J Bolton had been informed that a review of these arrangements would take place in 2016 with a view to beginning in 2017. It was agreed that quotes would be invited to commence a new contract from 1 January 2017. The Clerk will contact both parties. Litter pick/bin emptying – A discussion took place on whether volunteers from the Parish Council should take on the litter control, given how much money could be saved. This will be put on the agenda for June for further discussion. 16/48 INSURANCE RENEWAL It was agreed to proceed with the quote from Zurich Insurance. Proposed by Alan and seconded by Steve. Rich- ard will take the quotes to check before finalising. 16/49 CIF APPLICATION Alan will contact the sign companies for plans and quotes. The Clerk reported the Expression of Interest form deadline was August. 16/50 PLANNING Nothing to report. 16/51 FINANCE Financial Report – Noted and agreed Annual accounts for 2015/16 - The Clerk reported that a new internal auditor had had to be found at short notice due to the illness of Mr Siggery. The accounts had been audited. The Chairman read out the Governance State- ment and this was agreed. The accounts were duly signed and will be sent to the External Auditors. 16/52 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS Not required. 16/53 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS None. 16/54 TIME, DAY AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will take place on Thursday 30 June 2016 at 7.30pm in the Community House, Birdbrook There being no further business to discuss the meeting closed at approximately 10.15pm.

Page 14 Healthy Fresh and Fruity Ideas for the Summer

Strawberry Ice Lollies 180 grams strawberries (fresh) 50 grams sugar 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions Slice strawberries into small pieces. Sprinkle with sugar and let sit for 20 minutes until juicy. Add lime juice. Pour strawberries into a blender, and process until smooth. Pour into lolly moulds (or paper cups if you don't have moulds). Freeze

Raw Strawberry Cheesecake For the crust 135g raw macadamias 12 medjool dates, seeds removed 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the filling 200g raw macadamias 2 lemons, juiced 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 120ml coconut oil 120ml raw organic maple syrup 1 punnet fresh strawberries, plus an extra punnet for decorating and serving

For the crust place macadamias, medjool dates and sea salt in your blender or food processor and blend until the nuts are crushed and the mixture holds together.

Scoop out crust mixture and press firmly into a 20cm spring-form pan and smooth out with the back of a spoon. Rinse blender or food processor well

For the filling warm the coconut oil in a small pot on low heat until liquid, add the maple syrup and whisk to combine.

In the blender or food processor place all filling ingredients (except the strawberries) and blend on high until very smooth.

Pour about 2/3 of the mixture onto the crust and smooth with the back of a spoon or a spatula and place in the freezer to set for 30 minutes

Add the strawberries to the remaining filling and blend on high until smooth

Pour onto the first layer of filling and place into the freezer until solid (approximately 1-2 hours).

Remove from the freezer and slice with a warm knife

Serve with fresh strawberries Page 15 Our rates are as follows: Want to Advertise Your ¼ page £ 14.00 Business in the Next ½ page £ 23.00 Issue of Birdbrook Full page £ P.O.A. News for Free? 1 year ½ page in pullout section on colour paper £11 0.00

Birdbrook News is distributed 5 If you pay for a full years advertising you get one issue free ! times a year to all households in (i.e. you only pay for 4 issues) Birdbrook Parish and some to households in Haverhill, If you would like more information or would like to place an advert please contact Sturmer, Steeple Bumpstead and Richard Walker on 788887 or e-mail [email protected]. Ridgewell. Dates for adverts to be submitted by are included in the pull-out section of the newsletter.

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BIRDBROOK NEWS is supported by Birdbrook Parish Council, who meet all printing costs not covered by sponsorship / advertising. It is produced by Richard Walker and Carrie Webb and all copy should be left at The Meadows, Daw Street or e-mail [email protected] or call 788887. News is issued February, May, July, September and late November and copy deadlines are published on diary page of this Newsletter.

We welcome comments, reports and stories on village life, past and present and also general correspondence, which may be edited due to space reasons.

The acceptance of, and subsequent publication of, any advertisement does not in any way constitute any endorsement by Bird- brook News of goods or services being offered. The views and comments in Birdbrook News do not necessarily reflect the opin- ions of the Parish Council. TRW/CW/BdbkNews/Issue76July2016/28/06/16

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