Minutes of Annual Meeting of Parish Tuesday 12th May 2009 at 7.00 p.m. in the Village Institute

1. Apologies for absence

Apologies received from Janet Coull, Harlestone Tiny Tots; Richard Dyball, Harlestone Village Institute; Gary Slinn, Harlestone Playing field.

2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 19th May 2008

It is proposed that the minutes were approved and accepted as a true record of the meeting.

3. Chairman of the Parish Council May – Dec 2008 Report given by Allan Wilson, Council Chairman May – December 2008

Parish Council Activities April – December 2009

Council Activities The Council continued to focus upon safeguarding the future of the community as far as it was possible to do so within its limits of authority during this period. Although Harlestone is not directly affected by the planned expansion of the Borough of , or the Town of , both developments are likely to impact adversely upon our environment.

With the building of more housing, social amenities and places of employment in the north of Northampton and to the east of Daventry there will inevitably be increased commuter and service traffic through Lower Harlestone and probably a small increase in vehicles using the road through Upper Harlestone as the A428 becomes congested at peak periods. The Parish Council has sought to be kept abreast of all of these developments by maintaining good relationships with our elected representatives at County and District Councils and with the planning officers in both entities.

The Parish Council experienced some setbacks in housing development issues within the village during this time, as a number of decisions supporting the council’s objections were overturned on appeal to Government Planning Control officers.

Harlestone quarry’s development proceeded under supervision of the County Mineral Planning Office however it was necessary for our representatives to bringing unscheduled changes in the operational plans to the attention of the control officials and to support Gary Slinn in his representations to the monitoring committee.

All of these issues confirmed the need for a Village Design Statement, which the Parish Council put forward as a community project that would call on the experience and knowledge of most of the parishioners. Despite a slow take up, it is now in the early stages of preparation. Once completed, the resulting document will be lodged with the Planning Department in Daventry, where it will form part of the process in any future development plans for the village. It is envisaged that it will take up to two years to complete the initial statement and thereafter it will need to be reviewed at no less than 3 year intervals. Changes in the composition of the Council occurred as a result of the resignation of Cllr. Lynn Dyball after many years of loyal service to the community in her capacity as a Parish Councillor and that of Cllr. Emma Clarke, whose increased responsibilities at work forced her early departure. At the beginning of December Cllrs. Allan and Sue Wilson also resigned to concentrate on other interests in their retirement.

Contributors to the Council Throughout this period the Parish Council was ably supported by Mrs Liz Adams as Clerk. It is not possible to summarise the contribution made by Liz without mentioning the profound changes imposed upon the role under tighter audit and control procedures required by the government on public authorities. The depth and extent of each audit has steadily increased and includes all written records of the business conducted by the council in addition to book keeping and accounts. Thanks solely to Liz’s efforts this council met or exceeded all of the requirements laid down. In addition, she undertook a number of projects that were outside her contract of employment.

1 Our County Councillor, Steve Osborne, has attended most of the Parish Council meetings and has supported our approaches to a number of the authority’s service providers. Equally, he has generously supported the Parish Council with grants from his discretionary funds to allow work to be carried out in restoring roadside pavements along part of the A428. District Councillor Ken Melling has ensured that the Parish Council has been kept fully informed of developments affecting this community, both directly and indirectly and has enabled the Parish Council to lobby effectively when and where necessary to ensure that our community’s voice has been heard.

4. Chairman of the Parish Council Jan 2009 – present Report given by Clive Skinner, Chairman of HPC

Council Activities The council continued to focus upon safeguarding the future of the community as far as it was possible to do so within its limits of authority during this period. Although Harlestone is not directly affected by the planned expansion of the Borough of Northampton, or the town of Daventry, both developments are likely to impact adversely upon our environment.

With the building of more housing, social amenities and places of employment in the north of Northampton and to the east of Daventry there will inevitably be increased commuter and service traffic through Lower Harlestone and probably a small increase in vehicles using the road through Upper Harlestone as the A428 become congested at peak periods. The Parish Council has sought to keep abreast of all of these developments by maintaining good relationships with our elected representatives at County and District Councils and with the planning officers in both entities.

The Parish Council experienced some setbacks in housing development issues within the village during this time, as a number of decisions supporting the council’s objections were overturned on appeal to Government Planning Control officers.

Harlestone quarry’s development procedure under supervision of the County Mineral Planning Office however it was necessary for our representatives to bring unscheduled changes in the operational plans to the attention of the control officials and to support Gary Slinn in his representations to the monitoring committee.

All of these issues confirmed the need for a village design statement, which the Parish Council put forward as community project that would call on the experience and knowledge of most of the parishioners. Despite slow take up, it is now in the early stages of preparation. Once completed, the resulting document will be lodged with the Planning Department in Daventry, where it will form part of the process in any future development plans for the village. It is envisaged that it will take up to two years to complete the initial statement and thereafter it will need to be reviewed at no less than three year intervals.

Changes in the composition of the council occurred as a result of the resignation of Cllr Lynn Dyball after many years of loyal service to the community in her capacity as a Parish Councillor and that of Cllr Emma Clarke, whose increased responsibilities at work forced her early departure. At the beginning of December Cllr Allan and Sue Wilson also resigned to concentrate on other business interests in their retirement.

Contributors to the Council Throughout this period the Parish Council was ably supported by Mrs Liz Adams as Clerk. It is not possible to summarise the contribution made by Liz without mentioning the profound changes imposed upon the role under tighter audit and control procedures required by the government on public authorities. The depth and extent of each audit has steadily increased and includes all written records of the business of the council in addition to book keeping and accounts. Thanks solely to Liz’s efforts this council met or exceeded all of the requirements laid down. In addition, she undertook a number of projects that were outside her contract of employment.

Our County Cllr, Steve Osborne, has attended most of the parish Council meetings and has supported our approaches to a number of the authority’s service providers. Equally, he has generously supported the Parish Council with grants from his discretionary funds to allow work to be carried out in restoring roadside pavements along part of the A428.

District Cllr Ken Melling has ensured that the Parish Council has been kept fully informed of developments affecting this community, both directly and indirectly and has enabled the Parish Council to lobby effectively when and where necessary to ensure that our community’s voice has been heard.

2 5. County Councillor Cllr Steve Osborne Report given by C Cllr Osborne

Having been Cllr for two years and regularly attended meetings. C Cllr Osborne reported that County Council had undergoing major restructuring changes including the Highways department. The County Council is now a listening council as well as a doing council. The restructuring have lead to particular improvements to the highways department, making access to the council easier. No cuts are expected in the budget or reallocation of budgets between departments.

Rate rises are below inflation, keeping the county in lowest 25% of country and with the lowest band E. C Cllr Osborne sits on the Young People advisory committee, dealing with all aspects of youth.

6. District Councillor, Cllr Ken Melling Report given by District Cllr Ken Melling

I have now been your District Councillor for eleven years. I represent the villages of Church & , Harlestone, , Great & and on the District Council at Daventry.

I am a member of the DDC Strategy Group (or Cabinet) with responsibility for Business Development. I am also a member of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee, which will decide where the 40,000 new houses around Northampton will be located.

During the past 12 months: • DDC has kept the Council Tax increase to 3%, and it remains amongst the lowest 25% in Britain. This has only been achieved by taking £1.4M from revenue reserves. Major changes in jobs & services are inevitable. • DDC has £8M frozen in Icelandic banks, along with some 122 other public authorities. Negotiations continue at a national level. These are capital funds, which cannot be used to support the Council Tax. • Plans for the town centre redevelopment in Daventry are progressing - slowly. • A planning inquiry is currently in progress about where to build up to 10,000 new homes in Daventry. It is currently suspended due to a review of traffic growth at Weedon crossroads. A final decision is expected later this year.

Our biggest concern here is the impact of the future growth of Northampton. • The North-West By-pass - No commitment yet to go beyond Harlestone Firs, but plans for growth in Dallington Heath & Buckton Fields may change that. • Decisions on the location of the future growth of Northampton are expected later this year. A public consultation document will be issued in May.

There are no elections for Council this year, but the European & Country Council elections will take place on 4th June.

7. Althorp Estate Report given by Edward Crooks, Althorp Estate Manager The Althorp Estate continue to celebrate 500 years since the building of the house, installing a new exhibition for visitors last year, holding a summer garden party for 700 invited guests. The house will be open again this year over the summer months, employing around 70 local people. The Estate aims to broaden the product range this year, increasingly aiming at groups. A literary festival will take this place along side a summer fayre (moved from Christmas); the Battle Proms will also take place this summer. Corporate group events were very successful last year; this success is not expected to repeat this year in light of the economic down turn.

Maintenance of the house is an ongoing project and this year will see repairs to brick work, the roof which shows signs of catastrophic decay, the Chimneys, and external brickwork where sandstone is showing signs of distress. The first phase of work will start this year, costing around £1 million.

Due to the reduced rainfall this spring, farming in the area is the poorest it has been for many years, the Rape crops having been particularly hard hit. Some stewardship schemes have been successful in improving hedges and areas set aside to increase habitat for specific species of wildlife. Felling was undertaken in

3 Harlestone Firs to continue the cycle of growth needed in order to manage a woodland area. The estate is investigating the possible use of wood fuel for heating the house. They continue to maintain the public rights of way which cross the estate and have undertaken much tree safety work. Of particular concern is the avenue of trees in Harlestone Firs.

8. Harlestone Charities Report given by Edward Crooks, Althorp Estate Manager

There are two charities: Harlestone Relief Charity for any resident of Harlestone in need of support and the Education Foundation which provides funding towards books and educational fees for residents of Harlestone under the age of 25.

9. Harlestone Village Institute Report from Richard Dyball Harlestone Village Institute Chairman.

1) Thanks to HPC for their financial support.

2) Thanks to fellow trustees and committee members.

3) Our AGM was held on the 9th March 2009 with no changes to existing Trustees roles.

4) Another excellent year on the fund raising front with £2,534.00 being raised through trustee organized events and £1,250.00 from the 200 club. All funds raised are used to maintain and improve the Institute. Highlights for 2008 were, kitchen refurbishment and redecoration £1,465.00, Main hall floor refurbishment £2,425.00, new cooker for the kitchen £1000.00, 2 new emergency exit doors £1,347.00; Exterior walls repaired/painted £6,000.00. Total spent on repairs/improvements £12,313.00 this is why it is important to have the Institute run on a commercial basis!! Easy to spend, hard to raise.

Future capital expenditure will be required for outside lighting upgrade and interior electrical repairs circa £700.00. Quotes are being obtained for a new kitchen roof as we currently have a leak and the roof is apparently rotten.

5) Future fund raising events Fun Quiz Night Sept 12th, Halloween Party Oct 31st and Xmas pub night/ Harlestone’s got Talent Dec 19th.

6) New trustees or supporters always welcome.

10. Harlestone Playing Fields & Cricket Club Report given by Garry Slinn,

The playing field got off to an eventful start with in excess of £6,000 worth of damage being caused in the spring bank holiday weekend in 2008. A letter of apology was received from one of the young persons who were present but not a participant in the damage caused. Thankfully we have not suffered any problems since.

Whilst the aims of the association is to provide good safe facilities for all participating sports clubs and local residents and children, we become more popular for the casual visitors who believe it’s a public park. This inevitably brings more work for the two volunteers who help maintain the facility. An ongoing dilemma. Thanks go to Malcolm Russell who has taken on Alf Anderson’s role in carrying out the work because he enjoys it. It’s probably true to say that without the past services of Alf and now Malcolm’s help we would certainly not have the funds to maintain the facilities we have. Thanks also to Harlestone Cricket Club for providing a new strimmer to replace the one that was stolen in 2007 and helping Malcolm in strimming areas around the swings etc. It was good to see Harlestone School utilise the field for a football coaching course for 6 weeks during March/ April this year.

Financially we are in reasonable state except if one of the major pieces of machinery did require unexpected replacement then we would not have sufficient funds to be able to replace them. We continue to try and build up a capital reserve that would help guard against that in the future. The pavilion windows require some attention and grant funding to help us with this has been sought but we have not been successful to date. We continue to strive to improve all the facilities costs permitting.

11. Harlestone Association for Fitness & Fun Report read by Cllr Skinner on behalf of Virginia Henley, HAFF Chairwoman

4 HAFF has had a quiet year in terms of fundraising, however, our Treasurer; Sarah Stock has been efficient in reclaiming tax through the Gift Aid scheme. We are therefore fortunate in having the funds already in place to respond to the latest report from the insurers re health and safety recommendations. We intend, this year, to improve the surfacing under the swings and either replace the bin or secure the existing one more effectively (to prevent it being moved/damaged) We are also investigating the possibility of providing one more piece of play equipment primarily aimed at older children, for whom the use of current equipment is quite limited.

12. Benefice Beginners Report read by Cllr Skinner on behalf of Virginia Henley, group organiser

BBs continue to meet every Thursday in the Village Hall. We are a group for all children below school age, supported by the churches in our United Benefice. Its aim is to introduce the very young to basic ideas about the teaching of Jesus and for young families to meet up and play together. Our numbers vary from term to term but children join us from Harlestone, the Bringtons, , Norton and . We always welcome newcomers and we continue to charge no admission. We love using the facilities that the Village Hall offers and are grateful that we are able to do so at such a reasonable cost.

13. Parochial Church Council Report given by Barry Smith, Lay Chair April 2009

We maintain a mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God by seeking to ensure our church services are varied and in sympathy with contemporary attitudes. Thus we hold family services, celebrate communion and mark seasonal festivals; Easter, Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas. We endeavour to make the church building welcoming in facilities and human fellowship and we seek to work together with the Benefice parishes and the wider church to ensure the continuing Christian presence in the community of Harlestone. We respect tradition alongside developing extended, appropriate use of the wonderful building e.g. New Year’s Day bell ringing, art exhibition social evening and Christmas market.

We have a flexible policy, within the bounds of church law, towards requests for marriage and blessings, baptisms are usually celebrated in the family services that the families may enjoy the fellowship of a typical contemporary congregation.

The process of recruitment of a new Rector continues, meanwhile our services are taken by the Spencer Benefice assistant priest, Revd April Richards and several retired clergy. Thus we maintain a regular full pattern of services – set out in the service booklet delivered quarterly to every household in Harlestone.

We do not receive any government funding and subscribe to the Peterborough Diocese Clergy Stipend and Pension costs (our parish share; £6,541 in 2008) plus a contribution to central diocesan administration and training. Our annual running costs – electricity, parish share and insurance are in order of £12,500 which we raise by personal giving – enhanced by gift aid to recoup income tax, and fundraising events. In 2008 we staged our fourteenth annual church Art Exhibition, a wedding dress exhibition and an artist’s open studio. Any surplus funds we place to the account of the St Andrews Preservation Trust which is dedicated to the maintenance and restoration of the fabric of the building. We currently face the challenge of major restoration work of the stained glass windows and their stone surrounds. A detailed work specification is being prepared to facilitate seeking grants from potential trusts. Consideration of possible ways to install toilet and kitchen facilities is ongoing.

We record continuing great appreciation of the Parish Council’s generous organising and funding the mowing of the churchyard which we are confident will be in good order when we gather on Remembrance Sunday to witness the Chair of the Parish Council lay the wreath to the blessed memory of the fallen of Harlestone.

14. Harlestone CP School Report given by Sue Cockerill, School Governor

We have had a busy but rewarding year.

Ofsted Inspection: Our OFSTED inspection took place on the 12 June 2008. The inspectors recognised the strengths of the school and noted the dedication of the staff. We were categorised as “Satisfactory” overall, with the quality of guidance and support being recognised as “Good”. The children’s behaviour was classed as 5 “Outstanding”. We, as all schools, work together with our designated School Improvement Partner to ensure the school continues to improve its practices and levels of achievement.

Pupil numbers:  Total of 48 pupils started the 2008 – 09 school year. o Class 1 - 24 pupils ( 11 boys and 13 girls) o Class 2 – 24 pupils ( 15 boys and 9 girls).  As of April 2009, we have 46 pupils.  Three will be leaving Year 6 in July to go to secondary school  We expect at least 8 to join Reception in September 2009 (total 54).

Staffing: The school has:  A full time teacher equivalent in each of Class One and Class Two as well as a part time teacher who covers for the Head teacher on two days each week.  A full time teaching assistant in Class 1  Two teaching assistants in Class 2 each morning and one each afternoon.  A site manager  A bursar / administrator  Each class has a lunchtime supervisor.

Curriculum: The children have had a wide range of curriculum experiences to enhance their learning experiences. Throughout the year many visitors have contributed to subjects (on health and safety, religion, music etc) and the children have paid visits to plays, other schools, conferences, and the Longtown Outdoor Activities Centre in the Welsh borders, to name but a few. They have the opportunity to take part in drama, music and sporting activities within and beyond the school day.

There have been several activities with Moulton School, either at Harlestone or at Moulton. This is useful for the children (it prepares them for the transition to secondary school and also gives them the opportunity to use facilities and equipment that we do not possess) and provides professional development for the staff in both schools.

Building/ Health and Safety:  The covered outdoor area was completed in time for the new school year and came in very handy when we seemed to have rain every day in September! There were a few snags but most have now been sorted out. Our neighbours were invited to view the plans and talk to the architect before this work was undertaken.  The non fiction library has been refurbished. It now looks very inviting and child friendly.  The willow tree in the playground has been removed.  The garden shed has been refurbished, thanks to some hard working parents.  We are now planning work to improve the top of the playing field to provide a larger play space for the children.

Links with the Harlestone Community:  St Andrews Church: o Reverend Chris took assembly each Wednesday until his departure from the parish. In the Inter regnum we have been supported by Maureen Basford and Maureen Walton. Mrs Walton came into school to take an assembly on Advent and Easter. o We held our Harvest Festival at the church and a representative of the Hope Centre attended. The pupils collected dry food goods to donate to the Hope Centre.  The Evergreens visited for an afternoon of songs and their tea was prepared by the Year 6 pupils.  The local PCSO came and met with the Junior Road Safety Officers (an proactive group of pupils) and also talked to class 1 about how light can be used to keep us safe.  We have hosted work experience students from Northampton College, University of Northampton and The School  The Village Institute: o Both classes watched a performance of a play called ‘Pip’s War’ o Sports day took place at the Village Institute due to inclement weather o The whole school took part in the end of term performance of Romeo and Juliet. o Both classes use the Village Institute for PE lessons from January to the summer.

6 Governing Body: We are very proud and lucky to have a full complement of governors (most schools have vacancies) who contribute very actively and positively to the well being and development of the school. The attendance rate at meetings is very high..

Our children continue to be very positive advocates for our school. We are proud of their attitude and behaviour when they are on visits elsewhere and when visitors meet them in the school. The governors would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, under the leadership of the Head teacher, Mrs Linda Wood, for their dedication and hard work throughout the year, also to our supportive parents and members of the local community.

For more information on the school, please look at www.harlestone.northants.sch.uk Liz Ashton Davies: Chair of Governors Presented to the Parish Council AGM by Sue Cockerill, Governor

15. Evergreens Report given by Daphne Bayliss

We have had a good year, with so few members, we struggle to entertain in the way we have done in the past. We have had a good Christmas meal at the Chequers at Ravensthorpe, been entertained by the children at Harlestone School, played carpet bowls, play your cards right and a quiz or two and a fish & chip lunch at the village hall. Harlestone Garden Centre is a very popular venue; they look after us well and provide a good meal. Members mainly like to chat over sandwiches and cake. Sadly, Margret Talbutt past away at the grand old age of 90 years, she was in the past a very active member of the Evergreens. We look forward to another year, hoping for a few more members.

16. Women’s Institute Report given by Jean Bateman, Secretary

Harlestone WI has had another successful year with a further increase in members. It is especially pleasing that we are getting younger women joining who bring new ideas and this bodes well for the future of this WI.

In October Jennie Woods stood down from the committee having been an excellent President for 4 years. Margery Palmer too left the committee having been on it for 21 years. Maxine Adkins stood down from her job as secretary. The newly elected president is Mrs Jean Baines, Mrs Jean Bateman took over as secretary and Mrs Jane Melling is our treasurer. There are six other members of the committee.

A varied programme brought to our meetings talks on barn owls, wine & cheese tasting, Malcolm Deacon speaking on Christopher Hatton, knitting with wire and beads, the Air Ambulance Service and last but not least Belly Dancing. We have also had a ramble, a lovely garden meeting at Dairy Barn and two evening visits one to Cathy Brown’s garden at Stevington and the other racing at Towcester. Always ready to leave the kitchen and sample other people’s cooking we had a Christmas Party at the Institute and a meal out at the Hopping Hare in January.

Several members took advantage of the various courses and outings provided by the local federation and some also supported the county show by entering in several classed with great results. Our Scrabblers took part in a tournament as did the skittles team.

Jennie Woods and Judy Derby produced an illustrated leaflet which describes a guided walk around our village. Copies are available.

The WI is always pleased to support the village in all that is going on and again produced puddings for the village barn dance and cakes for the Cynthia Spencer Hospice. The Big Tidy Up was also a community project.

We are a very friendly group and feel that we are providing a focal point for ladies of our village and the surrounding area. It is always good to meet people, to talk together and hear new ideas. Visitors and new members are always made very welcome.

17. Tiny Tots Report read on behalf of Janet Coull, Tiny Tots organiser. 7

We are a very friendly and welcoming Group and have 21 children on register. Last year we were awarded a grant from Northamptonshire County Council for Informal Care and we have applied for same again this year but as yet we do not know whether we have been successful. The money has to be used for something specific and we used it to fund the Christmas activities last year and hopefully for a summer outing this year. We have a healthy bank balance at the moment but during the summer months our numbers drop and we do not collect sufficient subs to cover the cost of the hall, therefore we have to subsidise the rental. We do stay open during school holidays, except for bank holidays.

I’ve been chairperson for about four years and the Group is flourishing but I’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and am finding difficulty in walking, so we are looking for someone to run the Group. We have six mums on a rota to open and close but it would be better if there was just one person running the Group. We have play sessions in the hall with lots of toys and games plus a craft table, then we move to the smaller room at 11.15 a.m. and have a drink and biscuit and we do some singing.

Anyone who would be interested is very welcome to visit us on a Monday morning from 10.30 – 11.45 a.m.

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