Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Parish Held on 20th May 2018, 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Hardingstone

Present:

1. Approval of the minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on 22nd May 2017

2. Report from the Parish Council a. Chairman

We have a vacancy for Parish Councillor. If anyone is interested or knows anyone who might be interested please contact the clerk.

I would like to thank Sally, our parish clerk for all the hard work she puts in on behalf of the parish. Her assistance and advice on chairing the council and proper procedure are invaluable to me.

And I would also like to thank all parish councillors and co-opted members who have put in so much hard work this year. This includes all councillors but there are a few special thanks called for:

Cllr Bob Jones for looking after the VAS’s changing batteries and downloading data. Also his technical advice on other matters.

Cllrs Primrose Gobey and Sue Clements for planting daffodils on verges in the village, and especially to Sue for tending to the planter at the end of the Warren. Also thanks to both for organising games and fun runs for the children.

Alan Pease for his input on the design of the Queen Eleanor interchange and advice on several other matters.

Mick Freeland, footpath Warden and Paul Townsend, Neighbourhood Warden.

Pam Pease for drawing up an order of Remembrance Service which improved proceedings considerably.

The four members of the Editorial Team of the new Newsletter which will be out shortly, I’m sure you will be impressed.

b. Planning

The Planning Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month to consider planning applications received by Borough Council for building works in the Parish, and also to respond to consultations regarding developments in nearby areas which could impact on our Parish.

The public are very welcome to attend the meetings and express their views in public time.

Hardingstone Parish Council does not have the power to grant or refuse permission; this is the responsibility of the Planning Authority, N.B.C. but our comments and those of residents may be taken into account when making their decisions.

The Council is closely following the developments of the SUE and Hampton Green.

Homes England, the owners of the land, have picked Kier Construction as their chosen building firm and we are in conversations with them about the design of the community centre which will be built. Planning permission for 406 homes in phase 1 has been presented to NBC but as yet not been approved. The Hardingstone SUE and other developments in the area have provided funds for improvements on various roundabouts on the A45, including the Queen Eleanor roundabout. We are monitoring these improvements to ensure they will benefit the village.

We also have concerns over the 2 proposed Rail Freight terminals near junction 15 of the M1 and are putting in our objections to these proposals.

c. F&GP

The Finance and General Purposes Committee normally meets on the second Wednesday of each month. These meetings have a formal agenda, which is posted on the village notice boards no later than the Thursday before each meeting. In addition to the appointed Committee members, the Council’s Chairman and Vice-Chairman, together with the Chairmen of the other Committees and Working Groups are entitled to attend and vote at each meeting. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings.

The Finance and General Purposes Committee is responsible, in the main, for budget setting; monitoring performance against budget; monitoring the effectiveness of internal controls & financial reporting; undertaking all financial and legal issues relating to premises, land and equipment leased or rented; the HR function and reviewing all policies of the Council annually prior to their re-adoption at the Annual Parish Council meeting.

In respect of the Council’s finances, there was a surplus of £4,924 in the year to 31st March 2019. This was after setting aside further specific reserves of £7,650 to cover ongoing replacement of playground equipment in the Rec, Parish Room roof repairs and 2020 election costs. Total reserves amounted to £76,578 at the end of the year, which included specific reserves of £22,791.

The precept for 2019/20 is unchanged from last year at £40,000. This has resulted in a budgeted deficit for the year of £12,848 after setting aside specific reserves of £10,650. This includes a new reserve to cover the purchase and installation of bollards outside the Village Hall in an effort to eradicate thoughtless parking on the pavement, which not only endangers pedestrians but also causes traffic issues. Specific reserves are budgeted to total £33,441 at the end of this year, although it is likely that this total could be reduced by expenditure against those reserves. General reserves are budgeted to total £30,289 at the year end.

In addition to the setting aside of specific reserves, the precept covers the upkeep of the rec, village maintenance, upkeep of the Parish Room, Community events, grants to village organisations, payroll costs, insurance, audit, legal fees, the newsletter, communications, IT and training.

Finally, I should like to thank all those Councillors and the Parish Clerk, who have attended and supported the Committee during the past year.

d. Community and Open Spaces

The purpose of the Community group is to support, encourage and actively work with all residents, village organisations, visitors, businesses, the Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Neighbourhood and Footpath Wardens, NBC and NCC to foster a sense of belonging and community, to improve quality of life for all.

Areas of responsibility: Communication in various forms; website, newsletter, consultations, community activities.

The Group now meets on the second Tuesday of the month and the Open spaces meeting takes place the same evening.

Many issues overlap the two groups.

Open Spaces meet monthly as required. Their main function is to carry out maintenance to the open spaces, including trees as needed, and enhance the community areas, including the Parish Room. To improve areas as and when required and work with other organisations to improve and enhance the village we live in.

Areas of responsibility is to communicate through the newsletter and website, and carry out any consultations for any new large projects.

The remembrance service in November was better organised than in the previous year. Amplification enabled the vicar’s voice to be heard more clearly and the last post was played very competently by a student of NMPAT.

Two Vehicle Activated Signs were purchased and have been in position at various points in the village as an attempt to reduce speeding. It is our intention that the sites be moved periodically.

The Clerk has had various applications from junior football clubs to use the recreation ground and terms of use have been drawn up for such an eventuality, but so far no club has actually taken this up.

Our acquisition of Cherry Orchard has still not been finalised. We find that whenever it seems the agreement is complete a further condition is demanded by the Borough Council’s solicitors. The Parish Council is now debating whether to pursue this further or withdraw from negotiations leaving Cherry Orchard the responsibility of NBC.

Daffodil bulbs have been planted on various verges in the village and have brightened up the entrances to the village, as do the planters.

The Community Group had a stall with games and a fun run at the Academy Fete and games at the Christmas Fayre. More similar activities are planned for this year.

We try to send a representative to meetings of the Village Hall Committee but they often clash with Parish Council meetings.

Many residents were sad to see the discontinuation of the Forum magazine and a survey showed enthusiasm for a replacement.

It was decided to publish a newsletter, possibly six editions per year, for our village only, under the name “HP Source”.

It is being set up and compiled by an editorial team of four at the moment under the auspices of the Parish Council. It will contain articles and photographs from residents and local groups, as well as notes from Parish Council meetings.

Revenue will mainly come from advertisers but the Parish Council will make up any shortfall.

New directional signs have been put up showing Cherry Orchard, the rec. the Parish Room and Scouts’ and Guides’ Huts. The railings around the War Memorial and the metal benches and picnic tables in the rec. have been painted.

The rec. is increasingly popular with families, especially since the new items of play equipment were installed last year.

Additional safety surfaces have been fitted around the play equipment.

The Open Spaces working group oversees the mowing and maintenance of the rec. and ensures the safe condition of play equipment with regular inspection and repairs when needed.

3 - County Councillor L Bowen

There was no report from Cllr L Bowen

4 - Borough Councillors

There was no report from either Cllr J Nunn or Cllr L Graystone

5 – Police

The police are still facing many demands and the challenge is to manage this. The neighbourhood team for this area has been consistent since last August, but is shared with 5 other parishes so time is demand led around recorded crime.

Hardingstone still has a low number of recorded crimes, and is one of the lowest in the county. Main crimes in the parish are due to not securing vehicles, and most of these are on Brackmills.

The vision of the force has changed to fighting crime and protecting communities. The precept has been raised to provide an additional 100 officers across the county. How many will be coming to neighbourhood policing is not yet sure.

6 – NHW

The role of Hardingstone Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) is to encourage people to keep themselves, their neighbours and their property safe.

Pertinent NHW information has been placed on noticeboards, put in Forum & reported at Parish Council meetings.

Drivers should ensure nothing is left on show in their vehicles to tempt chance thieves. Do not buy on the doorstep and never respond to cold callers on the phone. People in the village have been scammed.

NHW is about residents, taking responsibility for keeping Hardingstone safe by being watchful and reporting concerns to the correct statutory authority; be that Police, NCC or NBC.

We as a village receive very little Police news. Residents can check Police news by searching Police website. There are forms on that site to report non-urgent information to them.

You can also report anything suspicious to Police on 101. Holding on to 101 for ages does not cost any more than the basic 15p call.

Do keep the useful Police leaflet about security that they have put through all doors. 7 – Reports from Local groups and Organisations

Hardingstone Academy

Hardingstone Academy has enjoyed another busy year, with lots to celebrate and be proud of.

Last term, Year 4 visited Grendon Residential Centre where they were able to participate in a variety of activities from high ropes to orienteering and egg drop! Year 1 completed a class trip to Twycross Zoo. Members of Northampton College also visited the Academy to present a play called The Genius. Parent information events have included English and information regarding Year 2 and Year 6 SATs. Year 2 and Year 4 have delivered a class assembly. Some of our KS2 children took part in a countrywide gymnastic completion and during Active Week, the children were able to participate in curling, fencing, judo and boccia.

Year 4 visited Northampton Saints to participate in a day of activities. Our KS2 choir took part in Voice in a Million, where they travelled to Wembley Arena to sing alongside thousands of other children from across the country. Year 3 delivered a class assembly and the performing arts and dance groups performed routines. Rock Steady sessions have begun and we now even have a teacher’s group! Our KS2 children have visited St Edmunds Church in Hardingstone, taking part in Easter activities. During the Easter holidays, some of the children represented the academy during a visit by The Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Parent Teacher Association have organised cakes sales and mothers’ day gift events. They have also started to deliver Ice-Lolly Friday, all of which have raised much needed funds for the academy. The Summer Fun day last year was a success with many groups and organisations involved and another is planned 6th July. Anyone wanting a stall please contact the school. The PTA have applied to the parish council for a grant to allow them to purchase a new PA system. They are always looking for more parent volunteers to help with these events.

If anyone would like to become more involved with the school, we are always looking for new school governors. Governors are required to attend around seven meetings a year and their roles is to help to evaluate how the school and its pupils are performing. You will receive full support and training. Anyone who would like to find out more can email [email protected]. We’d love to have you on board!

Scouts

Another good year for 1st Hardingstone with numbers growing across the board. It is the 4th year in a row we have received the Districts gold growth award for seeing growth in all sections.

Our Thursday nights scouts grew to 41 Scouts and a decision was made to split it, another troop now meeting on Tuesdays. Although it hasn’t had an effect of continued growth, it has enabled us to better manage the numbers.

Over the 3 groups (Beavers, Cubs Scouts) and young leaders there are 114 members, with 27 on the waiting list. After Easter we opened an explorer unit for 14-18 year olds, there are around 19 members, some of which are also our young leaders.

This year 99 members signed up to a weekend camp with activities which included shooting, climbing, archery amongst others. At the end of the camp we were presented with a certificate by the deputy county commissioner to commemorate the group being over 100 in number. We were also given the news we are the 2nd largest in Northamptonshire – a tremendous achievement. We are taking 24 young people to Belgium in August and will be laying a wreath at the Menin gate ceremony.

We are looking to ease the strain on the waiting lists and actively recruiting leaders to set up new beaver and cub groups on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We are aware that this traffic generates problems for local residents and our HQ is suffering with age problems. We would like to work with the PC to see if there are possibilities to have land or funds as part of s106 to build a new scout hut as part of the new development.

Guides

There was no report from the Guides

Village Hall

We have had a successful year, thanks to the hard work of our manger and treasurer and bookings have stayed steady, as always losing some groups but gaining new ones, we are at about 80% capacity with only the difficult times available.

At long last the problems with the subsidence, have been successfully dealt with piling done to the outside of the building then cracks filled and re-decoration to the kitchen and porch area, the front door is also being replacing imminently we are very pleased to say Northampton county council our landlord got this sorted out on their insurance. We are very grateful to them for their help.

We had another serious issue this year when part of the ceiling collapsed in the main hall, we had to close half of the room off and get this dealt with promptly, this was an expense we hadn’t expected and this was not covered by any insurance as it was due to the age of the building. We have taken steps to stop this happening again. Due to this issue we have not done any other major improvement this year.

As reported last year we set up a subcommittee to look in to changing the association to Charity Incorporated Organization (CIO) this is still on going

The committee continues to work hard to keep the building and association going in the right direction.

Our AGM this year is on Monday June 24th at 7.30pm everyone is welcome.

Allotment Association

The Allotment Association for the past year has again maintained a 100% occupancy of the plots on the field, one plot that has become vacant in recent weeks but we do not foresee any issue with finding an occupier.

The security measures introduced over the past few years continue to be effective in preventing unauthorised access to the site.

Last year was a reasonably successful growing year despite very hot and dry weather with some crops such as chillis and peppers doing very well.

The start to this year is once again slow due to the cold weather. However, we are looking forward to a good growing season. In light of the drier, hotter seasons of late the association have installed some additional water butts which are for use by all members, we may have to invest in additional water storage if this year proves to be very dry again.

The Association has been in negotiation with representatives of the Parish Council regarding the lease for the allotments and held a very productive meeting on the site to discuss the last few remaining concerns. These are now all resolved and the Allotment Association are looking forward to signing the lease.

Hardingstone Wine Circle

This year has seen another great variety of talks. We started our year in March with Arnold Francklow who spoke about the amazing Georgian waistcoat which could have been made for a king by an ancestor and its inclusion on the Antiques Roadshow. This was followed by Ray Hobby’s storytelling. Barry Watson amused us all with his account of the Agony & Ecstasy of a Canal Hotel Boater which sounded great fun. We were treated to an update on the Mary Rose by Bill Davies which was fascinating to hear and see pictures of new discoveries made about the ship and artifacts. In August we enjoyed a presentation by Nicola Jelliman called Behind the Curtains at Milton Keynes Theatre and Derek Blunt returned to acquaint us with the Saints, Sinners, Stars and Scandals in Northants. Everyone was greatly impressed by Debbie Horsman a relative of Ernest Shackleton who gave a poignant and memorable illustrated talk about his Forgotten Men. We then had a nostalgic trip with the History of Toys as David Brown brought so much of his collection for us to see and a great many fascinating anecdotes to share from his career in the business.

We had an excellent guided tour around historic Spratton by Enid Jarvis and their enthusiastic History Society in June and our usual trip to London in September for the Heritage Week. We also had an enjoyable Christmas Party ably catered by Graham Waughman again and entertained by Sally Knights singing. Nigel excelled himself with a wine tasting and quiz in the New Year.

Our AGM in February brought many changes. We sadly said goodbye to some members who found new interests or moved away. The members voted to change our name to Hardingstone Social Club in an effort to encourage new members as the historical name of the club did not reflect accurately what happens at our meetings. We are hugely grateful to The Parish Council and Friends of Hardingstone for their grants.

We would love to welcome new members to our meetings in The Village Hall on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 8pm.

St Edmund’s King and Martyr Hardingstone

For the first three months of the year the Rev. Beverley Hollins took a long over due Sabbatical during which time she was made an honorary Canon of Peterborough Cathedral and she was also elected to the General synod.

Since her return Canon Hollins and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) have been turning their attention to ways and means of making the Church building more accessible to the community at large. The PCC will shortly circulate a survey encouraging all members of the parish, both Churchgoing and non-Church going to give their opinions. This survey is important as the foundation for future planning and we would urge as many people as possible to take part.

We have a visit in June from the Diocesan Advisor Committee (DAC) who will advise the PCC of any constraints to re-ordering the interior of the Church. This advice together with the results of the survey will then lead Architect’s plans being drawn up ready for diocesan permission and grant applications. The grant that the Parish Council are making today, which we acknowledge with thanks, will be put towards the cost of the Architect’s fees.

Supporters of St Edmunds is a charity that was formed in 2018 to encourage the Parish at large to support the maintenance and development of the Church, as focal symbol of the heritage of Hardingstone and its links to Delapre Abbey.

In this we are very privileged to have as our patron Gospatric Home, who is a great nephew of the last private owner of Delapre – Miss Mary Bouverie. He is also patron of the Delapre Preservation Trust.

The Supporters held their launch weekend in June 2018 with bellringing, drama, crafts and singing. During September until Remembrance Day, we organised an exhibition Honouring Hardingstone’s WW1 heroes. The year ended with ‘lights for a loved one’ illuminating a yew tree at the entrance to the church, which proved to be very popular.

The grant that the Council have kindly awarded us will be utilised in putting on an exhibition at Delapre in September, celebrating the link between the Delapre Estate and Hardingstone Parish.

Bouverie House

Bouverie House Community continues to run popular weekly coffee mornings on Wednesdays, Bingo on most Fridays and Whist Drives on Monday evenings. Monthly Lunch Club has been successful & well appreciated. However, July’s will be the last one, as our cook is no longer available. She, with helpers, have done a sterling job.

We had a coach and steam train outing to the Cotswolds. Our latest venture has been a trip on the Crusader Boat together with a pub lunch.

This year volunteers have been making items for sale at coffee mornings and proceeds have been donated to Supporters of St Edmunds.

Bouverie House events are open to all adults in & around Hardingstone. Details are on the new HP Source calendar Page.

Friends of Hardingstone

Friends of Hardingstone was formed in 2006 when there was quite a lull in activities in the village. In the past we put on quite a lot of events and this, over the years, has led to other groups, including new ones, becoming quite innovative. Hardingstone now has many opportunities for all ages. Our coffee mornings on the First Saturday of the month are well supported. This is when we draw the monthly tote. We hear news from several of the other organisations in the village, we promote their events, and share many humorous quips. Pins and needles, run by Jo, on the 4th Monday evening in the month has just a few people coming with their creative work and their news stories. It would be good to have a few more coming along. Our Christmas seniors’ get-together was again well attended. Sadly we will not be holding one this year but we encourage people to join in the community picnic on the Rec on Sunday June 23rd. The tote is our main source of income and this year we have donated £250 to The Hardingstone Social Club and £250 to St Edmunds fund raising team for refreshment expenses for 3 whole village events during 2019. Apart from our insurance (not cheap) and lottery licence we have no major expenses and so have not applied for a Parish Council grant this year. We have 2 new Steering Group members. Josie will be helping me with the tote and Geoff is our new treasurer taking over from Sadie. Our events are open to all. As ever our tote tickets are on sale and you do not need to be a resident of Hardingstone to own one.

History Society

Our society is continuing to grow, with a membership of 41, up 3 on the previous year.

We meet once a month, generally in the Parish Room on the second Wednesday of the month, but in August we arrange an outside visit. We have a speaker for the first half of the meeting, followed by refreshments and an activity. Activities range from a short film or slides, a quiz or a reading, to a discussion on the history of our local area.

Speakers can be quite expensive, so we have to be selective, especially when we try to avoid topics that we have had before. The grants provided by the Parish Council have helped us to be a little more relaxed about our selection process, and this year’s grant will be used in the same way. In the past year we have had talks on:

The Buildings of Thomas Tresham Lamport Hall Northampton through the Lens Life at the Royal Theatre What made Victorians Laugh Edward Harrison Barwell, Northampton Ironfounder A History of Toys Sulgrave Manor Behind the Scenes at the National Trust

Visitors are always welcome, all you need to do is to come along to the Parish Room on the second Wednesday of the month at 2pm.

Finally, a big thank you to the Parish Council for continuing to support our society and all the various groups in the village. It is much appreciated.

Bouverie WI

The Bouverie WI meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.45pm in Hardingstone Village Hall.

We currently have 34 members, who enjoy friendship, entertainment and activities in our monthly meetings.

We were very grateful to the Parish Council for awarding us some funding in 2018.

The money has been invaluable and has helped towards the cost of the hall hire and booking speakers for some of our evening entertainment.

During 2018/2019 we have enjoyed listening to some excellent speakers, about a wide range of subjects. These include talks on the work of The Leprosy Mission, the story of Silk and the Silk Road and Wartime Rationing and Baking, which included baked treats for members to try. We also had an evening of Gift Wrapping Ideas and a very informative talk about Healing with Essential Oils.

In July 2018 we held an open evening, and invited ladies from local WI’s to join us to celebrate Wimbledon with a very enjoyable talk from a retired umpire. The evening finished with strawberries and cream.

Without the funding that we receive from the Parish Council, we would not be able to enjoy such interesting events.

Bouverie WI also arrange a number of additional activities that members can enjoy.

Ten Pin Bowling, Croquet, Monthly tea group, Scrabble, Board Games, Craft, Cinema visits and Darts and Skittles.

Bouverie WI also support Cynthia Spencer Hospice by providing home made cakes.

We also support our Village Hall and St Edmund’s Church by helping with funding ideas,

In 2018 we hosted the local WI carol service at St Edmund’s Church with members providing Mince Pies and helping with refreshments. Funds raised were donated to the church.

We supported Quinton Church by knitting and attaching over 100 poppies to their poppy cascade, to commemorate the Armistice in November 2018.

We continued donating our knitted Twiddlemuffs to Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital, for their dementia patients. They are always extremely grateful for our support.

We have been fortunate to welcome new members to our monthly meetings and continue to look forward to seeing anyone who would like to join our friendly group.