Bishops Cannings Parish Newsletter November 2019

Bishops Cannings Parish Council Newsletter, November 2019 1

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Finally the sun has come out after all the rain we’ve had and frankly I’d rather be outside planting my spring bulbs than writing this - but ‘hard luck’ as my mum would say… The Parish Council has been very busy over the last few weeks which has been reflected in our packed agendas and long meetings. We have talked to the Crown Estate about tree planting, the extension of the village car park in Bishops Cannings and also what their plans are with regard to a potential housing site. We have had a meeting with Council to discuss taking over the play areas in the Parish – can you believe we have ten in total – and have been round them all to see what needs doing. Most of the play areas need attention to some extent. This ranges from a small repair and some weeding to a complete overhaul requiring a new playground surface and extra pieces of equipment. This will be a huge commitment and requires substantial finance. A Green Infrastructure Plan is being prepared by looking at all the relevant policies for our area. These policies state what should be done to improve the natural habitat for the benefit of wildlife. The Parish Council’s aim is to compile a list of actions that will protect what we already have as well as increasing tree cover, planting hedgerows and establishing wildflower areas where possible. The footpath through the Churchyard is a right of way that is used by many residents to get to and from the bus stop, the pub or the primary school via the walking bus. The tarmac path is now in a poor state of repair and after much discussion we have committed some funds to replace the surface with stone paving but we are looking at additional sources of finance to help with the cost. We have not given up on trying to rent some land for the Parish on which to put extra community facilities and natural green space but

Bishops Cannings Parish Council Newsletter, November 2019 2 this is proving difficult. We have a considerable sum due from the Lay Wood development for the provision of formal sport pitches but, apart from the Cricket Club based in Coate, we have no other facilities because we do not have the land on which to put them. And finally – the Area Neighbourhood Plan, which our Parish is a part of, is to have a re-vamp. More on that later within the newsletter. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to Bonfire Night and making caramel toffee, which is a tradition in our house. Sometimes the toffee comes out soft, like fudge and sometimes it’s so hard you could break your teeth on it. It’s a lottery and all the more fun for it!

Diane

You can access the Newsletter via our facebook page:

Bishops Cannings Facebook Page

Or via the Bishops Cannings Parish Council Web page

For a printed copy contact Jenny Combe on 01380 860356

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Your Councillors:

Cllr Diane Carey Chair Woman DC [email protected]

Simon Casey Vice Chair SC [email protected]

Primary point of contact: Richard Miller, Clerk [email protected] RM

Jenny Combe [email protected] JC

Elizabeth Frearson [email protected] EF

Eric Clark [email protected] EC

Paul Robinson [email protected] PR

Kent Baxter [email protected] KB

Chris Callow [email protected] CC

Chris Body [email protected] CB Newsletter Editor

Deadline for next issue is Wednesday, 13th October November

Parish Council Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Parish Hall, Bishop’s Cannings. Next meeting 12th November

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DEVIZES AREA NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

The Devizes Area Neighbourhood Plan (DANP) incorporates the town of Devizes and the parish of Bishops Cannings. It was formed some years ago, mainly as a response to the threat of substantial housing development on the outskirts of Devizes that would have had an impact on our parish. The proposed Coate Bridge development was stopped because of the Plan, though we weren’t so fortunate with the Lay Wood development. Planning documents need to be regularly reviewed and the DANP is no exception. Rowde Parish Council now wishes to join and so we must register a new plan area with . The Parish Council has a group that will consider the issues that face our community. New housing and where to put it will always be a hot topic. This parish has had a significant increase in housing over recent years with the result that we have two adjacent housing estates without any land being left for recreation or sport. We have a number of very small play areas and a couple of larger ones, notably at Naughton Avenue and Le Marchant, but these are inadequate for the size of the population, particularly as new gardens are now so small. The situation has arisen where we have access to large sums of money which the developers have to give to our community for formal sports facilities, but we cannot spend this money as no land has been left between, or within the developments. The money has a time limit and if it is not used then it goes back to the developer. We are trying hard to get some extra land, but it is proving difficult. How we incorporate new green space into the Plan, particularly to the east of Devizes will be one of the topics for discussion when creating the new Plan. There will be others, such as where to put future housing, employment land and transport issues. There is much to do and if you have any ideas or wish to join the Council then please contact us at [email protected]

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THE BIG SOUP SHARE – Saturday, 12th October Bishops Cannings Primary School had a “souper” time on Saturday taking part in the RHS Big Soup Share to celebrate the Campaign for School Gardening. Pupils and staff from the whole school were involved in harvesting the schools vegetables and turning them into “Brilliant Broad Bean and Pancetta Soup” and “Lovely Leek and Potato” to share with the local community. Even the school’s award winning monster pumpkin made a special appearance on the menu and was on display in the dining hall. Headteacher Catherine Vardy explained “This is now an important event in our school calendar and everyone gets involved. We were delighted see so many friends and neighbours joining us for lunch and to thank them for their support throughout the year”. The Year 6 pupils made the Leek and Potato soup and Year 2, the Broad Bean and Pancetta soup, which was a firm favourite. They also made bread rolls with Year 5 to accompany the soup, described by one appreciative guest as being “the best rolls I’ve ever eaten”. Pupils in Years 3 & 4 made blackberry and apple crumble, with blackberries they’d picked, and donated cooking apples. The Reception and Year 1 children made autumn bunting to decorate the Hall. School Governor, Caroline Martin said: “We served up over 120 bowls of soup which was amazing. It’s just such a wonderful way for us to come together with our local community and share some delicious homemade food at Harvest time.”

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BISHOPS CANNINGS COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FAYRE Preparations are well underway for next month’s Christmas Fayre. Now a firm fixture in the parish diary, we will have all your favourites for you to enjoy. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, 7th December between 9 am and 1 pm. Once again we will be selling premium grade Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees in the Crown Inn car park. With very competitive prices and the friendliest sales team we also offer a free delivery service for those customers living within the parish. There will also be bacon rolls, hot chocolate, mulled wine and a Christmas Hamper to win at the Crown Inn. As usual, St Mary’s Church will be full of festive stalls selling a whole host of amazing hand-made and locally crafted artisan products including: wood turning, knitwear, candles, cards, ceramics, jewellery, chutney, chocolates, cupcakes, books, bags, wreaths and much, much more. Visit our wonderful Santa to hear a very special story in his most magical Grotto. There will be craft activities, carol singing and tours of the Bell Tower. For early birds - why not enjoy a bacon roll for breakfast while you choose your perfect Christmas tree! There’s also a chance to take part in our “Reindeer Dash” - a short family fun run from the church to the canal swing bridge and back. Free reindeer antlers for all who take part! And the chance for one lucky runner to win the “Cariad Cup”! So make it a date and do join us again for the 8th annual Bishops Cannings Christmas Fayre! All proceeds go to our local community. Admission is FREE. Bishops Cannings Parish Council Newsletter, November 2019 8

St Mary’s Bishop’s Cannings Church Floodlighting November 2019

6th Rachel and David for Ann Horton. The Padwicks

21st Gale Bishop for her parents.

22nd John Rathbone. Combe family birthdays.

If you wish to commemorate an anniversary please contact:

Jenny Combe on 01380 860356 – cost £12.00 per week.

St Mary’s Church Services November 2019

Sunday 3rd 8am Communion 10am Informal

Sunday 10th 10am Remembrance Service 3pm Dedication Of Peal Board

Sunday 17th 8am Communion 10am Communion & Baptism

Sunday 24th 10am Communion

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Play Areas

Bishop’s Cannings Parish Council will be taking over responsibility from Wiltshire Council for the maintenance of the ten play areas in the Parish. The majority are for children under five, some are for eight and under and, on Naughton Avenue playing field and the Le Marchant development and green area, there are sets of equipment suited to a wide range of ages. Some of the small play areas are in a very sorry state, with unsuitable surfaces or damaged equipment; others are in a reasonable state but lack a good range of stimulating equipment. Good quality, long-lasting play equipment and play surfaces are remarkably expensive and require regular safety checks and ground maintenance. This will be a major commitment for the Parish Council, which already has some budget allocated for play areas but we will be seeking additional grants to fund this work. Following a very useful meeting with the Wiltshire Council team currently responsible for the equipment, our Councillors have already done a survey of play areas in order to prioritise which areas to focus on first. Over the winter months we will arrange for over-grown planting to be cut back and In Spring we will remove weeds and replenish bark surfaces. Please do not expect major transformations overnight! This project will require considerable research, planning and finance. If you have contacts or knowledge of the play equipment industry, we would be interested to hear from you. We will inform you of developments via our facebook page and monthly magazine and will invite you to join in work on your local play area.

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Bishop’s Cannings Tuesday Club

Firstly a big thank you to the Parish Council for their generous donation to our funds. This will ensure we can go ahead with our annual Christmas Meal. We were considering a celebration to mark the 20 years since Tuesday Club first started, so with this funding we will be able to do something special in May. I was sorry to miss the talk on the Lipizzaner Horses which I hear was excellent, although not very well attended, which is a shame. At the time of writing we are looking forward to Eric’s talk on Local History next week, which I know will be fascinating.

Tuesday Club Programme 2019/20 Nov 19th Jeremy Dix Operation (Mr Dix is the son of the former Headteacher here in Bishop’s Cannings) Dec 10th Christmas Meal

2020 Jan 21st Bob Rogers Islands on The Edge Feb 18th John Girvan Doing Time in Wiltshire Mar 17th Bill King The Upper Thames Patrol, The Waterborne Home Guard (They appeared on Tony Robinson’s TV series about the River Thames) Apr 21st Debi Evans Dragons and Rescue Dogs (postponed from 2019) May 19th Keith Genever ‘My Journey Through Hell’ tracing the owner of a wartime dog-tag. June 16th John Farrow Moscow to St. Petersburg By Boat

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The Bishop’s Cannings Community Lunch The next get together will be at The New Inn, Coate on Wednesday, 6th November at 12.30pm

The lunch is a great way to meet new neighbours, make new friends and have a good catch up with current friends. Anyone is welcome to join us but please pre-book with Liz Bailey on 01380 860400 or text 07779 900227 (email [email protected]) by Monday, 4th November Future date for your diary: Wednesday, 4th December

The children and staff have been enjoying a few Autumn walks out around the school grounds and village collecting conkers and leaves to create pictures. The children have also been blackberry picking and made blackberry coloured Playdoh at Preschool.

A big thank you to all Poppy sellers who will be in your area from 21st October onwards.

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Minutes of a meeting of Bishops Cannings Parish Council Held on Tuesday 8th October 2019 in Bishops Cannings Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs. D. Carey (DC), (Chair), S Casey (SC), (Vice-Chair), J Combe (JC), C Body (CB), E Frearson (EF), E Clark (EC), K Baxter (KB), C Callow (CC). In attendance: Richard Miller (RM), (Clerk), Philip Whitehead (PW), (Unitary) and 5 members of the public. 1 Apologies for Absence. P Robinson. 2 Public session. Sarah Banks referred to the financial assistance request from the Coate Fireworks Community Association that had been received too late for inclusion in the Agenda. After discussion and advice from PW the Council agreed to hold a further meeting on 22nd October at 2pm to consider the request. Venue to be arranged by DC. Mr D Cackett raised 3 matters:

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a) Blocked drain in Puddle Lane, Coate: Mr Cackett has made a request to Highways for attention to the blockage, Highways have attended the site and closed the request without taking action. PW advised that flooding to property is the highest priority and that blocked drains will remain low priority. In his opinion, no Health & Safety issue is involved. b) Speeding issue in 30 mph zone in Etchilhampton Lane: Mr Cackett expressed his view that the installation of Metro strips at Spaniels Bridge was at an inappropriate location. PW advised that Highways would have selected the safest and most practical location. EC offered the information that a further Metro count may not be requested within 12 months of the last. PW advised Mr Cackett to raise a further issue with Highways and send details to DC. c) Mr Cackett provided information relating to the Voluntary Emergency Telephone System (VETS) in operation in Coate and gave a brief outline of its methodology. The Council expressed an interest in the system and requested that further information be sent to DC. Costs are £99 for set-up and an annual charge of £220. 3 Disclosure of Interest relevant to the business of the meeting. There were none. 4 Approval of Minutes. Proposed by JC and seconded by CB it was resolved that the minutes of the meeting of 10th September 2019 be signed by the Chair as a true record.

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5. Chair’s Report. It was reported that a letter before action had been received from solicitors acting on behalf of a resident of the parish. It was discussed in a closed session after the meeting. Arising from that discussion RM was instructed to meet with Solicitor and contact the Council’s insurers. DC referred to correspondence from a resident regarding a request for a Highway restriction in Church Walk. PW offered extensive advice on the matter and RM was instructed to convey the Council’s views to the resident. 6. Cllr Whitehead (Unitary) Update. PW reported a meeting with an agent for the National Grid regarding a pylon removal project. The Parish Council has also been approached with a view to discussions. PW’s view was positive, as is that of the Council and DC confirmed that a meeting has been arranged. No cost to the Council is anticipated. JC raised the matter of verge mowing by a resident at Elmcroft, Bourton Rd. EC suggested that a S.96 licence may be in place in which case the verge is the responsibility of the Parish Council. EC will research further and advise. 7. Clerks report The Clerk reported a letter from a resident regarding felling of 3 beech trees in an area adjoining the Le Marchant amenity site. Cllrs Carey and Clarke attended the location that afternoon and determined that the trees were on private property and not subject to a TPO. RM has responded to the resident.

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8. Matters arising from previous minutes Minute Action Summary Responsibility pt. no. 4b 1 Completion of Green In progress - DC Infrastructure Plan 4c 2 Bourton/Horton Rd tree See 11b planting 4d 3 Parish wide tree survey See 11c

4e 4 Cannings Hill green See 11g spaces/play areas 4f 5 Car park and Pathway See 11f plan 4g 6 Supplier terms and PR to supply draft to conditions RM

5 7a Lay Woods mowing DC to email PW 7b arrangements DC has done so twice. 7c Request Wilson Homes DC to persist to tidy access area EC has done so. Contact landowner in Cutting likely in Nov. Coate re hedge 7.3 8 Pilots memorial See 11e

7.5 9 Bank mandate variation Completed and sent.

7.6 10 Additional deposit RM has details and account will visit branch

7.6 11 Removal of Horse DC contacted PW – Chestnut no response. Tree now removed.

13a 12 Allotments RM has written to

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resident.

13c 13 Health & Safety EC to seek inspections recommended local source

13d 14 Risk assessment See 10b

14 15 Church pathway See 11d

15 16 Chandlers Lane See 11a

17 17 Crown Inn field New owners are Red Oak Taverns

17 18 Court Farm DC/EC have met the Crown agent. Development proposals are being progressed. Further meetings to be arranged.

9. Planning applications. None.

10. Policies and procedures. a) To approve Newsletter editorial guidelines. Subject to a change of wording – substitute ‘Social Media and Communications Policy’ for ‘these guidelines’ in S.4 of Material eligible for Inclusion, the guidelines were approved by all present. b) To approve Risk assessment.

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Subject to the insertion of ‘Observance of Financial Regulations’ in the section relating to Fraud by Employee, the assessment was approved by all present.

11. Projects a) To discuss Chandlers Lane – Latest developments No further developments reported. Electoral register has been requested from WC. b) To discuss Tree planting – progress with costings No progress with costings reported. DC/EC have met the Crown agent and EC is to supply him with further information regarding the project. c) To discuss Tree survey – progress EF has produced terms of reference for the project. The meeting agreed to proceed with a TPO application for a stand of Hornbeams on the K&A canal as a test case. EC to circulate details to Cllrs. d) To discuss Church pathway – progress with external funding/preferred surface. On the basis of best value for money DC proposed that stone be selected as the preferred surface. All Cllrs. were in agreement with the exception of Cllr. Casey who wished his objection to be noted. Discussion on external funding centred on the application to the Area Board and the time scale involved. EC was requested to investigate the availability of other funding sources. Regarding the quantum of any contribution offer the provisional sum of £10,000 was agreed by all Cllrs. with the exception of Cllr. Casey who wished his objection to be noted. On the subject of the Church gates, EC suggested that refurbishment may be a viable alternative to

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replacement and he was requested to make further enquiries and report his findings to the Council. e) To discuss Pilots memorial Highways department have not approved the ‘Triangle’ site as a location. EC has identified further WW2 crashes in the parish. EF suggested a wooden inscribed plaque mounted by the Village Hall entrance. It was concluded that the project may require re-evaluation. f) To discuss Car park and School pathway The project was discussed at the meeting with the Crown agent. Regarding the car park ditch, definition of boundaries will be required, as will a detailed plan. All Cllrs. agreed that EC should contact Conservation Contractors to commission a plan. g) To discuss Canning Hill green spaces – Green Infrastructure Plan DC/EC have inspected the Le Marchant site with a view to development of the rough grass area. The option to convert to a meadow has the support of Wiltshire Council. All Cllrs. agreed that EC should seek expressions of interest in framing a plan from Ecology Consultants. DC/CB/CC/RM have met with Adrian Hampton of Wiltshire Council to evaluate options for play areas throughout the Parish. Many were created by Wiltshire Council some years ago but are no longer maintained and are in varying states of disrepair. DC outlined the options available being: Do nothing and allow Wiltshire Council to progressively close the sites when the state of disrepair exceeds Health & Safety minimum standards. Acquire management responsibility for the sites by way of Service Delegation

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or acquire the sites outright by way of Community Asset Transfer (CAT). The latter option will involve substantial recurring costs both in terms of asset replacement and regular maintenance. These costs are yet to be quantified. In addition, the CAT process will attract legal costs. Financial incentives are available for the CAT option in the form of £1,000 per pre-registered site (8 sites) and this is available up to the end of 2021. In addition, there is a short term offer of a contribution of £6,000 for specific repairs available for two weeks from the date of the meeting.

All Cllrs. agreed to pursue the CAT route and Wiltshire Council will be informed of the intention by DC.

DC/CB/CC will survey the play areas and draw up a list of minor repairs for the purposes of the £6,000 contribution from Wiltshire Council.

Other matters that emerged from the discussion were:

The possibility of National Lottery Funding for play equipment. The option of re-designation from play area to green space for certain sites thereby reducing the cost of equipment replacement. The creation of a designated fund via the precept to create a reserve for future equipment purchases.

12. Subjects for next Agenda None

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13. Finance a) To approve Monthly payments list The payments shown below were approved by all Cllrs. and the list initialled by the Chair.

Payee Reference Description Amount Provision Method HMRC - Oct. income 89.80 s.112 BACS tax payable LGA72 Nov. R Miller - October 548.26 s.112 SO salary LGA72 St John - Donation 250.00 s.137 BACS Amb. LGA72 Village - Cost 3000.00 s.133 BACS Hall contribution LGA72 Village - Hall rental to 189.00 s.111 BACS Hall December LGS72 2019 DMC 3436 September 51.80 s.142 BACS newsletter LGA72 printing idverde GM771526 September 117.94 s.127 BACS grounds LGA72 maintenance PKF SB20192502 External 360.00 BACS audit fee R Miller - Stationery 16.96 s.111 BACS LGS72 S 11 October 137.50 s.127 BACS Peachey asset LGA72 maintenance

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Wilts 90340705 School field 10.00 s.54 BACS Council rental to PHA61. Sept 2020 £4771.26

b) To approve Bank reconciliation The bank reconciliation was presented, approved by all and signed by the Chair. Total balance at bank amounted to £145,562,17 c) To consider 2nd Quarter Budget v Actual results These had been circulated prior to the meeting. No questions or comments arose. d) To discuss Formation of a Finance group Councillors agreed to the formation of a group comprising DC/EC/RM. The function of the group will be to facilitate intra meeting payments if they arise and to undertake initial evaluation of financial proposals. The Group will have no executive capacity and the usual controls over payments will apply. RM will amend the Financial Regulations to make reference to the group.

Meeting closed at 10.00pm.

Signed…………………………………………………. Date………………………………………………………

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Appendix Summary of action points for the next meeting. Minute Action Summary Responsibility point no. 1 1 Arrange venue for 22nd DC October meeting 5 2 Meet with Solicitor RM

5 3 Contact insurers RM

5 4 Reply to resident re Church RM Walk 6 5 Verge mowing at Elmcroft EC to check S.96 licence

8 (4b) 6 Green Infrastructure Plan DC to progress

8 (4g) 7 Supplier terms and PR to supply draft to Condition RM

8 (5) 8 Lay Woods mowing DC to email PW arrangements 8 (5) 9 Wilson homes untidy DC to contact access area 8 (7.6) 10 Deposit account RM to progress

8 (13c) 11 H&S Inspections EC to recommend local source

11 (a) 12 Chandlers Lane EC/DC to prepare case to Diocese based on local need

11 (b) 13 Bourton Rd. trees EC to email tree plan to Crown

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11 (c) 14 TPO test case EC to circulate details to Cllrs

11 (d) 15 Church gate refurbishment EC to investigate option 11 (f) 16 Car park & School pathway EC to contact Conservation Contractors

11 (g) 17 Le Marchant amenity site EC to progress

11 (g) 18 CAT for amenity sites DC to contact Wiltshire Council DC/CB/CC to visit play areas

13 (d) 19 Finance group RM to amend Financial Regs.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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The NEW INN at COATE

SATURDAY 2nd NOVEMBER COATE BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS

Hot food available

Bonfire lit at 6:30pm Fireworks from 7:00pm

Parking off-road - wear sensible footwear and bring a torch

Free glowsticks for children Please do not bring sparklers

Bucket collection for

Devizes Open Doors and Dorothy House

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