The village of Benenden in Kent

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Monday 19th May 2008 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden.

Before the meeting the Chairman stated that in the Clerk’s absence Mary Kellett would be Acting Clerk for tonight’s meeting, providing clerk duties and acting as our proper office and RFO.

Present: Cllrs Blockley, Bailey, Clarke, Fogg, Hagens, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds.

308 Apologies: Cllr Hockney, Clerk

309 Election of Officers:
Cllr PB stood down and Cllr RL took the Chair. He asked for nominations for Chairman.
Cllr PB proposed by Cllr JC seconded by Cllr JH. All in agreement. Motion passed
Cllr PB took the chair and asked for nominations for Vice Chairman.
Cllr RL proposed by Cllr JH seconded by Cllr DB. All in agreement. Motion passed

Cllr PB and Cllr RL signed the Declaration of Office.

Committees:
The representatives for the committees for 2008/09 were agreed. [List attached]
Cllr PB advised the Governors of the Primary School had requested a representative of the
Parish Council serves on the school committee. Cllr AF agreed.

310 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 17th M arch 2008 were read and the following amendments noted:
Minute No: 294 – The word “new” to be taken out of the Chairman’s thanks to Cllr CP for her work on the Parish Newsletter. Patrick Conway was the originator of the newsletter. The item to read: “Cllr PB personally thanked Cllr CP, for being a proactive hands-on member of the PC. Her dedication and determination in the Production of the Parish Newsletter was evidence of the commitment to her role.”
Matters Arising:
Minute No: 297 – Cllr JC advised he had obtained a quote from Tommy Robb as David Miles had yet to submit one.

These amendments being noted the Minutes were confirmed and signed.

311 Declarations of Interest:
None declared.

312 Subscriptions and Donations [S137]: [list attached]
Cllr PB advised there was a modest increase in subscriptions this year. All agreed to continue subscribing to these organisations.
Donations – after discussion it was agreed to increase all by £5 with the exception of the Air Ambulance increased by £15 and Hospice in the Weald increased by £40. It was also agreed to give £100 to Kent BTCV Tree and Pond Warden Scheme. Minute No: 236

Cllr GR advised the Primary School was planning a pageant for its 400 yr anniversary, which would be events staged throughout the year and requested a donation of approx £1,000. Cllr PB stated it was early days but the PC would be prepared to support this in principle. Clerk to
confirm which donation section, and also if it would cross two financial years.

313 Benenden Primary School:
Cllr PB stated he had heard nothing on future developments. He had received a request to meet with the Governors and agreed to this when there was something to discuss.

314 Spring Clean Up Day:
Cllr RL reported the event was well attended and the Chairman thanked the Clerk for her work in organising it and the refreshments. Next year it is hoped to get other village organisations involved – scouts etc

315 TWBC Housing Forum:
The Clerk attended at the Assembly Halls, TW and Cllr PB read from her report.

316 Neighbourhood Watch:
Cllr JH advised following the meeting held on 7 Apr 08, Michael Finley is now deputy co-ordinator for the area with 3 co-ordinators. Lists of zones and telephone links are being prepared. Once Neighbourhood Watch is up and running successfully, then Cold Call Prevention Areas can be set up.

317 Planning Report:
Planning Rota [attached] - Cllr PB requested that all councillors make their own arrangements if they are unavailable for their month of duty.

Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached]
TW08/00865 Revised – Benenden Hospital Trust regarding car park lighting gave incomplete
data so PC was unable to give an opinion.
TW08/01161 Retrospective – Bramley House, Mill Lane as the dwelling has already been
built. This site has a complicated history regarding a previous application and it was decided to
go back to the Planning Dept for clarification.
TW APPEAL – Land at Eaglesden Farm, two barns and residential caravan. The
appeal is to be heard on 27th August 2008 at TW Town Hall and Cllr BR will represent the PC
at the hearing.

318 Financial Report
Payments made on Council’s behalf since March 2008
Income
Closure of CIRC [s137] 154.46
TWBC [precept] 7,000.00
Bank Interest 269.82
J Musters [Stephen Ginder] 25.00
7449.28

Chq No Outgoings
198 B Sullivan – Mar salary 391.68 + Postage 8.47 400.15
199 Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99
200 P Message – [Footpaths] nails, gate catch, phone 70.55
201 IG Pavilion – Hall hire 17 Mar 08 6.00
202 BT Payment – Office Phone 62.54
203 Printing at Cranbrook – ink, photocopying 21.69
204 Ben Memorial Hall – Hire 18Feb08 + 31Mar08 13.50
205 KALC – vol honarium area secretary 28.00
206 B Sullivan – AA08 rfresh,flyers,adverts x2,pstge,stny 111.55
207 B Sullivan – Apr salary 391.68
208 Printing at Cranbrook – ink,photocopying AA08 51.65
209 Arnold Cole Tst – Gybbon & Ginder 06/07 + 07/08 55.00
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99
1250.29

The Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £25,726.86

Nb: Clerk requests BPC to consider retaining Banking Facilities with Co-Operative Bank
D/D now arranged for Waitrose.Com - Broadband

The accounts were presented and approved. Cllr PB and Clerk met with the accountant,
Tom Dawlings, who is preparing a new format for the accounts, including the Village Hall
accounts. A draft will be prepared. He has almost completed the Village Hall accounts and once
finished the 2007/08 year accounts will be signed off.

319 Correspondence
The Clerk now has a named contact at KCC Highways – Sue Cooper, Community Liaison Officer
Cllr PB has received an invitation for the PC to be shown round Benenden Hospital. All will be pleased to accept but will put forward until September when all PC will be available.
Cllr PB will write to Philip Message to express the PC’s thanks for all his work on footpaths and the War Memorial.

Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.05pm

Cllr PB opened the meeting to the public

TWBC PD spoke regarding TW07/ Eaglesden Appeal. He reported Alan Bringloe was retiring at the end of July. [Letter to be sent from Chairman]
KCC Highways – Cliff Wilson will possibly be appointed back to this area.

Cllr PB stated that often, not enough information was given with planning applications and the Parish cannot make sensible comments. TWBC PD will report and make sure all information is given.

Janet Greenroyd, Community Warden stated the Cold Calling Exemption Areas will be put in place when the Neighbourhood Watch signs go up. She explained residents feel more confident to refuse cold callers when the areas have been designated.

Peter Cooper expressed concern that nothing had yet been done at “See Rose”. TWBC PD explained an order had been raised and the works will be completed next month – raising the kerb and also checking the culvert to prevent flooding.

Cllr PB thanked everyone for their comments.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm

Next Meeting: Monday 16th June 2008
At The Pavilion, Iden Green 8pm

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Meeting Held 19th May 2008

320 Minutes:
The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 17th March 2008 were confirmed and signed.

321 Benenden Village Hall:
Cllr JC reported the Health and Safety check and risk assessment had been completed and inspected. All complete with the exception of some aspects of caretaker’s work. BVHMC meeting arranged to finalise H & S policy and implementation. Clerk to attend. Application will then be put forward for Kite mark. Cllr Clarke thanked Sue Cranston and Clerk for all help given.

322 Financial Report
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since March 2008
Income
St Georges Mar 158.33
BVH Mar wages 459.68
KCC Grant BVH 3,250.00
Bank Interest 103.68
St Georges Apr 158.33
BVH Apr wages 493.30
Ben Pre School Spring Term 08 267.00
J Kellett IG Allotment Field Jan-Jul08 43.75
BVH Caretaker Backpay Adjustment 488.22
5.422.29
Chq No Outgoings

D/D Insurance Mar 426.66
955 TWBC – BVH bldg reg fees TW/07/03815 120.03
956 D.Dalrymple – Mar wages 403.10
957 B.Sullivan – Mar wages 46.50
958 Post Office Ltd – Tax NI D.D 1Jan-31Mar08 609.57
959 D.Sullivan – elec repairs St George Cottage / Ben Preschool 120.00
960 D.Dalrymple – phonebill + petrol for lawnmower 83.03
961 D.Dalrymple – Apr wages 415.66
962 TWBC – Rates on Ben Preschool St Georges 194.04
963 B.Sullivan – Apr wages 46.50
964 South East Water – Rates Ben Preschool St Georges 47.03
2,512.12

Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £13,145.64

Balance in No 2 A/C - £105.60

Nb: D/D Zurich Insurance reinstated as delay through change of employee at Zurich.
2 payments to be taken in May 2008.

		Minutes for Meeting May 2008 Click for minutes for March 2008 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk
		Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on Monday 19th May 2008 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden. Before the meeting the Chairman stated that in the Clerk’s absence Mary Kellett would be Acting Clerk for tonight’s meeting, providing clerk duties and acting as our proper office and RFO. Present: Cllrs Blockley, Bailey, Clarke, Fogg, Hagens, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds. 308 Apologies: Cllr Hockney, Clerk 309 Election of Officers: Cllr PB stood down and Cllr RL took the Chair. He asked for nominations for Chairman. Cllr PB proposed by Cllr JC seconded by Cllr JH. All in agreement. Motion passed Cllr PB took the chair and asked for nominations for Vice Chairman. Cllr RL proposed by Cllr JH seconded by Cllr DB. All in agreement. Motion passed Cllr PB and Cllr RL signed the Declaration of Office. Committees: The representatives for the committees for 2008/09 were agreed. [List attached] Cllr PB advised the Governors of the Primary School had requested a representative of the Parish Council serves on the school committee. Cllr AF agreed. 310 Minutes: The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 17th M arch 2008 were read and the following amendments noted: Minute No: 294 – The word “new” to be taken out of the Chairman’s thanks to Cllr CP for her work on the Parish Newsletter. Patrick Conway was the originator of the newsletter. The item to read: “Cllr PB personally thanked Cllr CP, for being a proactive hands-on member of the PC. Her dedication and determination in the Production of the Parish Newsletter was evidence of the commitment to her role.” Matters Arising: Minute No: 297 – Cllr JC advised he had obtained a quote from Tommy Robb as David Miles had yet to submit one. These amendments being noted the Minutes were confirmed and signed. 311 Declarations of Interest: None declared. 312 Subscriptions and Donations [S137]: [list attached] Cllr PB advised there was a modest increase in subscriptions this year. All agreed to continue subscribing to these organisations. Donations – after discussion it was agreed to increase all by £5 with the exception of the Air Ambulance increased by £15 and Hospice in the Weald increased by £40. It was also agreed to give £100 to Kent BTCV Tree and Pond Warden Scheme. Minute No: 236 Cllr GR advised the Primary School was planning a pageant for its 400 yr anniversary, which would be events staged throughout the year and requested a donation of approx £1,000. Cllr PB stated it was early days but the PC would be prepared to support this in principle. Clerk to confirm which donation section, and also if it would cross two financial years. 313 Benenden Primary School: Cllr PB stated he had heard nothing on future developments. He had received a request to meet with the Governors and agreed to this when there was something to discuss. 314 Spring Clean Up Day: Cllr RL reported the event was well attended and the Chairman thanked the Clerk for her work in organising it and the refreshments. Next year it is hoped to get other village organisations involved – scouts etc 315 TWBC Housing Forum: The Clerk attended at the Assembly Halls, TW and Cllr PB read from her report. 316 Neighbourhood Watch: Cllr JH advised following the meeting held on 7 Apr 08, Michael Finley is now deputy co-ordinator for the area with 3 co-ordinators. Lists of zones and telephone links are being prepared. Once Neighbourhood Watch is up and running successfully, then Cold Call Prevention Areas can be set up. 317 Planning Report: Planning Rota [attached] - Cllr PB requested that all councillors make their own arrangements if they are unavailable for their month of duty. Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Planning Report [attached] TW08/00865 Revised – Benenden Hospital Trust regarding car park lighting gave incomplete data so PC was unable to give an opinion. TW08/01161 Retrospective – Bramley House, Mill Lane as the dwelling has already been built. This site has a complicated history regarding a previous application and it was decided to go back to the Planning Dept for clarification. TW APPEAL – Land at Eaglesden Farm, two barns and residential caravan. The appeal is to be heard on 27th August 2008 at TW Town Hall and Cllr BR will represent the PC at the hearing. 318 Financial Report Payments made on Council’s behalf since March 2008 Income Closure of CIRC [s137] 154.46 TWBC [precept] 7,000.00 Bank Interest 269.82 J Musters [Stephen Ginder] 25.00 7449.28 Chq No Outgoings 198 B Sullivan – Mar salary 391.68 + Postage 8.47 400.15 199 Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99 200 P Message – [Footpaths] nails, gate catch, phone 70.55 201 IG Pavilion – Hall hire 17 Mar 08 6.00 202 BT Payment – Office Phone 62.54 203 Printing at Cranbrook – ink, photocopying 21.69 204 Ben Memorial Hall – Hire 18Feb08 + 31Mar08 13.50 205 KALC – vol honarium area secretary 28.00 206 B Sullivan – AA08 rfresh,flyers,adverts x2,pstge,stny 111.55 207 B Sullivan – Apr salary 391.68 208 Printing at Cranbrook – ink,photocopying AA08 51.65 209 Arnold Cole Tst – Gybbon & Ginder 06/07 + 07/08 55.00 D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband 18.99 1250.29 The Clerk confirmed C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £25,726.86 Nb: Clerk requests BPC to consider retaining Banking Facilities with Co-Operative Bank D/D now arranged for Waitrose.Com - Broadband The accounts were presented and approved. Cllr PB and Clerk met with the accountant, Tom Dawlings, who is preparing a new format for the accounts, including the Village Hall accounts. A draft will be prepared. He has almost completed the Village Hall accounts and once finished the 2007/08 year accounts will be signed off. 319 Correspondence The Clerk now has a named contact at KCC Highways – Sue Cooper, Community Liaison Officer Cllr PB has received an invitation for the PC to be shown round Benenden Hospital. All will be pleased to accept but will put forward until September when all PC will be available. Cllr PB will write to Philip Message to express the PC’s thanks for all his work on footpaths and the War Memorial. Their being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.05pm Cllr PB opened the meeting to the public TWBC PD spoke regarding TW07/ Eaglesden Appeal. He reported Alan Bringloe was retiring at the end of July. [Letter to be sent from Chairman] KCC Highways – Cliff Wilson will possibly be appointed back to this area. Cllr PB stated that often, not enough information was given with planning applications and the Parish cannot make sensible comments. TWBC PD will report and make sure all information is given. Janet Greenroyd, Community Warden stated the Cold Calling Exemption Areas will be put in place when the Neighbourhood Watch signs go up. She explained residents feel more confident to refuse cold callers when the areas have been designated. Peter Cooper expressed concern that nothing had yet been done at “See Rose”. TWBC PD explained an order had been raised and the works will be completed next month – raising the kerb and also checking the culvert to prevent flooding. Cllr PB thanked everyone for their comments. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.10pm Next Meeting: Monday 16th June 2008 At The Pavilion, Iden Green 8pm HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS Meeting Held 19th May 2008 320 Minutes: The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 17th March 2008 were confirmed and signed. 321 Benenden Village Hall: Cllr JC reported the Health and Safety check and risk assessment had been completed and inspected. All complete with the exception of some aspects of caretaker’s work. BVHMC meeting arranged to finalise H & S policy and implementation. Clerk to attend. Application will then be put forward for Kite mark. Cllr Clarke thanked Sue Cranston and Clerk for all help given. 322 Financial Report Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since March 2008 Income St Georges Mar 158.33 BVH Mar wages 459.68 KCC Grant BVH 3,250.00 Bank Interest 103.68 St Georges Apr 158.33 BVH Apr wages 493.30 Ben Pre School Spring Term 08 267.00 J Kellett IG Allotment Field Jan-Jul08 43.75 BVH Caretaker Backpay Adjustment 488.22 5.422.29 Chq No Outgoings D/D Insurance Mar 426.66 955 TWBC – BVH bldg reg fees TW/07/03815 120.03 956 D.Dalrymple – Mar wages 403.10 957 B.Sullivan – Mar wages 46.50 958 Post Office Ltd – Tax NI D.D 1Jan-31Mar08 609.57 959 D.Sullivan – elec repairs St George Cottage / Ben Preschool 120.00 960 D.Dalrymple – phonebill + petrol for lawnmower 83.03 961 D.Dalrymple – Apr wages 415.66 962 TWBC – Rates on Ben Preschool St Georges 194.04 963 B.Sullivan – Apr wages 46.50 964 South East Water – Rates Ben Preschool St Georges 47.03 2,512.12 Clerk reported C/A held £500.00 and D/A held £13,145.64 Balance in No 2 A/C - £105.60 Nb: D/D Zurich Insurance reinstated as delay through change of employee at Zurich. 2 payments to be taken in May 2008.