The village of Benenden in Kent

Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 11^th December 2006 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden.

Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Pitt

Apologies: Cllr Reynolds, TWBC Cllr Davies

Vice-Chairman Cllr Pitt was welcomed by the Cllrs to chair the meeting.

87 MINUTES: The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 20^th November 2006 were confirmed and signed. Proposed – Cllr Hockney Seconded – Cllr Bailey

88 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None declared

89 MATTERS ARISING:

Minute No 75-Recycling in Benenden.

Cllr Hockney reported Julie Mellor from TWBC had agreed Cherryfields was not a suitable option or that bins be sited near the public toilets. Cllr Pitt reiterated the PC would take note of suggestions but would not necessarily act on them and asked Cllr Hockney to arrange a weekend meeting with a sub-committee and Julie Mellor.

Minute No 76-Benenden Primary School

Cllr Pitt advised the PC still aim to proceed with a Poll and are in liaison with TWBC Robert Cottrill, Head of Planning. Cllr Pitt reported she had contacted Julia Collard to place an insert in the Parish Magazine. Julia advised an entry had been submitted from Benenden Primary School, stating an Open Exhibition is to be held on Fri 12^th, Sat 13^th & Mon 15^th Jan 2007 to discuss proposals for the new school on Site 8 including notification of the impending poll.

Parish Poll – Cllrs discussed at length issues including; balanced wording, distribution, clear map outlines for the two sites, publicity, wording awareness eg; “security by design” means the school must be fenced therefore limit of access to Glebe field, general organsiation of the poll. All Cllrs agreed to proceed with the poll. Cllr Pitt & Cllr Blockley to instigate a Poll leaflet. Cllr Lake proposed a working party to comply a draft. All Cllrs would be invited to respond but tight deadlines would have to be adhered to. Cllr Pitt proposed action of leaflet with the calling of the Poll to be on the agenda for the next meeting of PC. Check with TWBC, on availability of regular Polling Stations.

90 KAPC Meeting Report

Cllr Hockney and Cllr Blockley attended the meeting on 29^th November 2006. A copy of the minutes will be circulated.

91 Cranbrook Council Offices – The Future

Cllr Pitt read out a letter sent to TWBC by Goudhurst Parish Council outlining the concerns of the future of the closed offices. Cllr Blockley reported a letter in support of Goudhurst PC had been drafted and sent to TWBC. Copies to be placed in circulation folder

92 TWBC – Grant for Christmas Lights

Clerk reported notification had been received that Benenden PC had been awarded £175. The grant is to be split equally between Iden Green Pavilion Trust and Benenden Village Hall.

93 Strawberry Wood Culvert Project

Cllr Kellett confirmed £4,100 has been raised and a steering group has been set up. KCC had given £1,000 and the restoration project could now go ahead.

94 Annual Assembly 2007

Clerk reported Monday 30^th April 2007 is the date set for the Annual Assembly. Author Bob Ogley had agreed to be the Annual Speaker. His talk “The Spirit of Invicta” will include history of the Weald and Benenden. Cllr Pitt thanked Cllr Clarke for his recommendation.

95 Planning Report

Cllr Kellett reported on recent planning applications & decisions.

96 Precept 07/08

Following distribution of proposed precept, Cllrs agreed the precept for 2007-08 be set at £14,000.00

Clerk had prepared financial estimates for the H/T for 2007-08. Further investigation required but shortfall possible even after vat refund. Clerk to investigate local pre-school hire costs. IG Allotments no need for increase after local market investigation.

97 Financial Report

Payments made on Council’s behalf since November 2006

Income

Untaxed Interest 126.79

Chq No Outgoings

071Cancelled – payee wrong - -

072 Kent High Weald Project-Strawberry Wood Culvert 100.00

073 The Village Shop 7.80

074 Arkhill & Hill- war memorial bronze clean 111.04

075 St Georges Community Project- TWBC Mayors Toy Appeal 50.00

076 Clerk Salary 356.40 / Reg Post Item 4.10 = 360.50

077 Waitrose.Com-Broadband 18.99 648.33

Clerk reported that the C/A held £500.00 and D/A held 20,076.13

98 Correspondence

Cllr Pitt reported a letter of acknowledgement of £50 donation to the Mayors Xmas Toy Appeal and asked Cllrs if they wished to attend the Mayors Charity Quiz Night.

Cllr Blockley distributed a letter from Jim Fitzpatrick MP in response to PC letter on the threat of closure to rural Post Offices.

Cllr Pitt invited comments from members of the public.

Peter Cooper advised of 2 Highway problems in New Pond Road. A hole has appeared outside the property Uphill and leading down away from the village, in the dip, the road floods. Tree debris amalgamates around the grate.

There being no further questions the meeting closed at 9.06pm

Next Meeting: Monday 15^th January 2007 at 8pm, The Pavilion, Iden Green

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS

Meeting Held 11^th December 2006

99 St Georges Club

Cllr Blockley reported the 5 yearly lease for St Georges Club was due to expire. A solicitor is legally required in the renewal of the lease. Whitehead Monkton had confirmed costs of approx £1,000. Following advice from Ian Standen, a reputable market letting advisor, we should expect an annual rent of approx £2,000. Cllr Blockley reported a meeting had taken place with John Marshall, Chairman of St Georges Club and in principal a figure of £1,900 p.a had been accepted.

100 Benenden Pre-School Playgroup

Cllr Pitt reported a letter had been received from Benenden Pre-School Playgroup requesting the erection of 2 signs to aid awareness of the playgroup, who are suffering a lower intake this year. 1 sign would be attached to the front gate, which faces The Street and the other proposed sign, would be erected on a 5ft post at the entrance to the car park, fronting New Pond Road. TWBC have sent forms and guidance notes. It was noted the sign on the gate is acceptable but the proposed sign by the car park could add further problem to an already dangerous crossroads. Await Playgroup proposal

101 Benenden Village Hall

Cllr Clarke confirmed nothing to report.

102 Financial Report

Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since November 2006

Income

Untaxed Interest 29.71

COIF 2,422.41

BVH Wages nov 440.05

St Georges nov 115.00

3,007.17

Chq No Outgoing

D/D Insurance 413.18

873 D.Dalrymple – wages 367.83 / rat poison 10.99 378.82

874 B.Sullivan – clerk wages 45.00

875 Bourne Amenity-repairs to IG & Ben rec grounds 587.50

876 Mid Kent Water- rates St Georges 41.09 1,465.59

Clerk reported the C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £6,911.63

Balance in No 2 A/C £13,454.2

Clerk had prepared financial estimates for the H/T for 2007-08. Further investigation required but shortfall possible even after vat refund. Clerk to investigate with other local P.C, pre-school hire costs. IG Allotments no need for increase after local market investigation.

		Minutes for Meeting December 2006 Click for minutes for November 2006 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk
		Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 11^th December 2006 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden. Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hockney, Kellett, Lake, Pitt Apologies: Cllr Reynolds, TWBC Cllr Davies Vice-Chairman Cllr Pitt was welcomed by the Cllrs to chair the meeting. 87 MINUTES: The minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Council held on 20^th November 2006 were confirmed and signed. Proposed – Cllr Hockney Seconded – Cllr Bailey 88 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None declared 89 MATTERS ARISING: Minute No 75-Recycling in Benenden. Cllr Hockney reported Julie Mellor from TWBC had agreed Cherryfields was not a suitable option or that bins be sited near the public toilets. Cllr Pitt reiterated the PC would take note of suggestions but would not necessarily act on them and asked Cllr Hockney to arrange a weekend meeting with a sub-committee and Julie Mellor. Minute No 76-Benenden Primary School Cllr Pitt advised the PC still aim to proceed with a Poll and are in liaison with TWBC Robert Cottrill, Head of Planning. Cllr Pitt reported she had contacted Julia Collard to place an insert in the Parish Magazine. Julia advised an entry had been submitted from Benenden Primary School, stating an Open Exhibition is to be held on Fri 12^th, Sat 13^th & Mon 15^th Jan 2007 to discuss proposals for the new school on Site 8 including notification of the impending poll. Parish Poll – Cllrs discussed at length issues including; balanced wording, distribution, clear map outlines for the two sites, publicity, wording awareness eg; “security by design” means the school must be fenced therefore limit of access to Glebe field, general organsiation of the poll. All Cllrs agreed to proceed with the poll. Cllr Pitt & Cllr Blockley to instigate a Poll leaflet. Cllr Lake proposed a working party to comply a draft. All Cllrs would be invited to respond but tight deadlines would have to be adhered to. Cllr Pitt proposed action of leaflet with the calling of the Poll to be on the agenda for the next meeting of PC. Check with TWBC, on availability of regular Polling Stations. 90 KAPC Meeting Report Cllr Hockney and Cllr Blockley attended the meeting on 29^th November 2006. A copy of the minutes will be circulated. 91 Cranbrook Council Offices – The Future Cllr Pitt read out a letter sent to TWBC by Goudhurst Parish Council outlining the concerns of the future of the closed offices. Cllr Blockley reported a letter in support of Goudhurst PC had been drafted and sent to TWBC. Copies to be placed in circulation folder 92 TWBC – Grant for Christmas Lights Clerk reported notification had been received that Benenden PC had been awarded £175. The grant is to be split equally between Iden Green Pavilion Trust and Benenden Village Hall. 93 Strawberry Wood Culvert Project Cllr Kellett confirmed £4,100 has been raised and a steering group has been set up. KCC had given £1,000 and the restoration project could now go ahead. 94 Annual Assembly 2007 Clerk reported Monday 30^th April 2007 is the date set for the Annual Assembly. Author Bob Ogley had agreed to be the Annual Speaker. His talk “The Spirit of Invicta” will include history of the Weald and Benenden. Cllr Pitt thanked Cllr Clarke for his recommendation. 95 Planning Report Cllr Kellett reported on recent planning applications & decisions. 96 Precept 07/08 Following distribution of proposed precept, Cllrs agreed the precept for 2007-08 be set at £14,000.00 Clerk had prepared financial estimates for the H/T for 2007-08. Further investigation required but shortfall possible even after vat refund. Clerk to investigate local pre-school hire costs. IG Allotments no need for increase after local market investigation. 97 Financial Report Payments made on Council’s behalf since November 2006 Income Untaxed Interest 126.79 Chq No Outgoings 071Cancelled – payee wrong - - 072 Kent High Weald Project-Strawberry Wood Culvert 100.00 073 The Village Shop 7.80 074 Arkhill & Hill- war memorial bronze clean 111.04 075 St Georges Community Project- TWBC Mayors Toy Appeal 50.00 076 Clerk Salary 356.40 / Reg Post Item 4.10 = 360.50 077 Waitrose.Com-Broadband 18.99 648.33 Clerk reported that the C/A held £500.00 and D/A held 20,076.13 98 Correspondence Cllr Pitt reported a letter of acknowledgement of £50 donation to the Mayors Xmas Toy Appeal and asked Cllrs if they wished to attend the Mayors Charity Quiz Night. Cllr Blockley distributed a letter from Jim Fitzpatrick MP in response to PC letter on the threat of closure to rural Post Offices. Cllr Pitt invited comments from members of the public. Peter Cooper advised of 2 Highway problems in New Pond Road. A hole has appeared outside the property Uphill and leading down away from the village, in the dip, the road floods. Tree debris amalgamates around the grate. There being no further questions the meeting closed at 9.06pm Next Meeting: Monday 15^th January 2007 at 8pm, The Pavilion, Iden Green HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS Meeting Held 11^th December 2006 99 St Georges Club Cllr Blockley reported the 5 yearly lease for St Georges Club was due to expire. A solicitor is legally required in the renewal of the lease. Whitehead Monkton had confirmed costs of approx £1,000. Following advice from Ian Standen, a reputable market letting advisor, we should expect an annual rent of approx £2,000. Cllr Blockley reported a meeting had taken place with John Marshall, Chairman of St Georges Club and in principal a figure of £1,900 p.a had been accepted. 100 Benenden Pre-School Playgroup Cllr Pitt reported a letter had been received from Benenden Pre-School Playgroup requesting the erection of 2 signs to aid awareness of the playgroup, who are suffering a lower intake this year. 1 sign would be attached to the front gate, which faces The Street and the other proposed sign, would be erected on a 5ft post at the entrance to the car park, fronting New Pond Road. TWBC have sent forms and guidance notes. It was noted the sign on the gate is acceptable but the proposed sign by the car park could add further problem to an already dangerous crossroads. Await Playgroup proposal 101 Benenden Village Hall Cllr Clarke confirmed nothing to report. 102 Financial Report Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since November 2006 Income Untaxed Interest 29.71 COIF 2,422.41 BVH Wages nov 440.05 St Georges nov 115.00 3,007.17 Chq No Outgoing D/D Insurance 413.18 873 D.Dalrymple – wages 367.83 / rat poison 10.99 378.82 874 B.Sullivan – clerk wages 45.00 875 Bourne Amenity-repairs to IG & Ben rec grounds 587.50 876 Mid Kent Water- rates St Georges 41.09 1,465.59 Clerk reported the C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £6,911.63 Balance in No 2 A/C £13,454.2 Clerk had prepared financial estimates for the H/T for 2007-08. Further investigation required but shortfall possible even after vat refund. Clerk to investigate with other local P.C, pre-school hire costs. IG Allotments no need for increase after local market investigation.