Benenden

The Vicar's Letter

Minutes for May 2003

These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk

PARISH  COUNCIL OF BENENDEN 

Minutes of the ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PARISH MEETING held on MONDAY 28TH APRIL 2003 in The Village Hall, Benenden.

PRESENT  Mr. Gordon Reynolds in the Chair, seven councillors and some 40 parishioners.

APOLOGIES  Cllr John Clarke.  Mrs. Arianwen Neve Mr. & Mrs. Milne.  Mr. Roy Chapman.

MINUTES  The Clerk read the Minutes of the Annual Assembly held on 29th April 2002 which were signed by the Chairman as a true record

ACCOUNTS.  The Clerk presented the un-audited Rate and Harmsworth Memorial Trust Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2003 which were proposed by Alaistair Pringle and seconded by Mrs. Manning.  A full copy of this report is included with these Minutes.

VILLAGE CHARITY REPORTS

 

The Arnold Cole Trust  Mrs.Lewis read the report. This Trust was set up by Dr. Cole who left money in his Will to benefit the old and young members of the Parish. The Chairman of the Trustees is his daughter, Mrs. Joan Weston and the three Trustees are Mr. Philip Message, Mrs. Arianwen Neve and Mr. Ken Potter.,  A gift of £88.00 was received from the Benenden Women’s Club Income from the Charities Official Investment Fund  of £495.50 plus the opening balance of £366.91 gave a total income for the year of £950.38  The Trustees distributed £440.00 between 20  elderly parishioners and £200 to 1st Benenden Scout Group which left  reserves of £262.38 with £50 in the Current Account.

Benenden Almshouse Charity   These are 3 cottages at Thorne Cottages in Iden Green – – and 6 flats at Feoffee in Benenden.  They provide homes for elderly residents at a low rent. In the absence of Mrs. Neve the Clerk read the report for the year ending 31st December 2002  Total income of £16,676.37  from Annual rents £15,672.18, interest received from COIF, Nat West and NAACIF £1,004.19 .  Total expenditure

Of £12,718.40 including mortgage fees . maintenance and repairs, admin expenses

Insurance and investment for emergencies, leaving a balance in hand of £3,957.97.

Gybbon and Ginder Charities. The Clerk reported that £22.50 had been received and distributed to an elderly parishioner in  Iden Green.

Gybbon & Buckland Charity. Mr. Peter Blockley reported that the Trustees met twice during the year  Presentation Bibles were given to each year 6 pupil at the Primary School at the end of the Summer Term.  20 bibles were presented at a  total cost of  £226.00

26 grants towards further education were awarded of £275.00 each.  He went on to report on the maintenance work at School House and the Canteen.

IDEN GREEN PAVILION CHARITY.  Mrs. Tricia Skilton reported that the Iden Green Jubilee Fayre for 2002 was a great success  This and the Annual BBQ and Rounders match which are the two main fund raising events netted a profit of £2,211.00 .  Gross income £14,238.03 Gross expenditure £12,308.22.

The year started with just over £4000 and the balance at 31st December was £6,635.58

The committee decided to invest £4000 in the Charities Official Investment Fund.

It was decided to hold the May Fayre every two years and the next one with be in 2004.  Expenditure expected in 2003 includes interior  painting and funding a Quiz Night for Iden Green residents.  Future events will be the August Bank Holiday BBQ and Rounders Match.

CHAIRMANS REPORT   The Chairman reported that Parish Council elections were held in May 2002 and he welcomed Patrick Conway and Roger Manning to the Council, with Peter Davies and Eleanor North  representing Benenden and Cranbrook ward as Borough Councillors Roger Manning was also elected to Kent County Council.  He went on to talk about the new Code of Conduct which all councillors have to agree to, the problem with the return of the squatters on the Benenden Recreation Ground, the Parish Appraisal, the neighbourhood watch scheme ,  highway and planning matters and the plans for the extension of the Village Hall.  A presentation was made to Peter Blockley who had retired from the Council after 16 years – 7 as Chairman  A full copy of the Chairmans Report is appended and forms part of these minutes.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS    Questions were asked about the speed limits and the state of the pavements. .  The Chairman said the speed limits  had been extended at each end of the village. Interactive signs can only be used on A roads.  Regarding the pavements – let the council know and they will contact Highways.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.54 p.m.

 Chairman                                                               28th April,  2003

Copyright Tim Dwyer 2004 - timdwyer@benenden.org.uk