Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Hemsley, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk, TWBC F Rook + 2 members of the public

55 Apologies:
None

56 Declarations of Interest:
None

57 Minutes:
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on Monday 18 October 2010 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman. Proposed: Cllr JC Seconded: Cllr RL PC Minutes resolved.

58 Matters Arising:
None

59 Parish Councillor By-Election:
Chair PB reported there were 2 candidates for the forthcoming by-election being held on
Thurs 18 November: Mrs. Janet Beattie and Mrs. Gill Snow.
There would be 2 polling stations – BVH + IGP. Not at East End. To help minimize costs.

60 Local Consultations:
[i] TWBC “The Council’s Budget” Urban + Rural Residents Priorities Consultation Chair PB advised PC collated comments would be given to TWBC Economy + Governance Select Committee at the meeting to be held on Tues 23 Nov at Goudhurst Parish Hall. Clerk attended a weekly coffee morning to gauge residents opinions. An insert had appeared in the Parish Magazine. PC Action
[ii] KCC – “Bold Steps for Kent” Consultation
Chair PB advised he and DB had read the document and formulated a response. Chair PB read out the PC comments. A copy of the full response can be obtained from the Clerk.

Chair PB explained the consultation draft was to outline the KCC’s Medium Term Plan to 2014/15. It sets out a theoretical wish list. Vice Chair DB advised that Greg Clark MP implied small Parishes would not have to take on works they felt were unachievable. Some
excellent initiatives e.g. tax on rural roads for foreign lorries, would benefit places like
Goudhurst. PC Noted
[iii] KPA – Kent Police Survey 2011/14
Chair PB advised he and the Clerk had completed the online survey on behalf of the PC.
PC response was for emphasis on frontline policing needing to be protected. PC Noted

61 Benenden Hospital: [report on file]
Chair PB & DB met with Jane Abbot, Medical Director of Benenden Hospital who outlined the future plans for the hospital. After several years of discussion and planning the hospital building will remain on the site but the facilities are not adequate for 21st century medical needs. Hospital will utilize existing buildings with practically all buildings on one side of Goddards Green Road except for staff accommodation and estates office. The aim is to rationalize patient facilities; single occupation rooms; division of out-patients and in-patients. Largest complaint is about the food and there are plans to improve the kitchen facilities. The hospital aims to continue to function during the project. If plans progress, works will commence in the later part of 2011 with completion by 2014. The hospital staying in Benenden is a positive outcome as the potential for employment is certainly safe and may increase.PC Noted

62 Parish Chairman’s Meeting Report:
Chair PB advised TWBC Roy Bullock gave a rundown of what is currently happening at TWBC.
Precepts must be set and with TWBC by 14 Jan 2011. BS has draft precept prepared.
Strong indication that 0% increase is set by all PCs. We are fortunate that our main election was earlier this year; other parishes are struggling with capped precepts. PC Action
TWBC were expecting government cuts of approx 30% over 6 years but in fact the cuts are to be 20% over 4 years. Not as severe.
Fate of the site of the old council buildings will be decided by end Nov /Dec
Press release to outline TWBC position on a £20million loan obtained for the purchase of the cinema site bid which was not successful and awaited decision on the purchase of the Land Registry site. This follows complaints that the money was borrowed at a high interest rate. TWBC deny this.
QE2 Fields – in line with the Queens Golden Jubilee Celebrations in 2012, recreation grounds can be registered. It is a fantastic programme to protect 2012 outdoor recreational spaces in communities all across the country as a permanent living legacy of these landmark occasions.
PB confirmed he had spoken with the organization. Further research required. PC Action
TWBC are proposing to mark the occasion of the Jubilee in 2012.

63 Kent Highways Parish Seminar Report:
Clerk gave a brief report on the KHS Seminar attended. John Burr Director of KHS spoke on his determination to deliver improved services with reduced budgets. A large challenge had been to change staff mindset. No more shoddy workmanship; no pat + slap – potholes repaired correctly with cut square. Government cuts expected of possible 25-30% so no service will have the same budget. There will be cuts and priorities will be set. Kim Hills spoke on winter service and snow plan action. Parishes that have indicated to receive salt on a trial basis, to be administered where necessary, will hear soon. Salt bin requests – inundated after last year’s snow. Some KCC members have pledged to pay for salt bins. Steve Horton KHS Road Safety Team Leader advised KCC had campaigned in the summer to hi-light the high percentage of serious accidents and fatalities were on rural roads – 61% of all crashes in Kent. Richard Hallett outlined where KHS budget gets spent and KALC John Wilson spoke on a new KCC traffic, HGV vehicles, speed strategy which following meetings with KALC has been put in place. KALC and KHS now meet regularly. Parishes must use only 1 lead into the contact centre and communicate with KHS Liaison Officer. Clerk confirmed good links with KHS.

Clerk advised correspondence received identified Benenden PC as a nominated Parish to receive free 1 ton of salt for a trial basis and a salt bin request from Harmsworth Court to be placed in Rothermere Close had been received. PC Noted

64 Parish Newsletter 2011:
Chair PB advised it was time for each councilor to consider an article they would submit for the annual newsletter. A review of the previous 12 mths. Discussion about the urgency of sitting with residents of our village whose experience and memories should be recorded, or we as a Parish could be in danger of losing important details. History of Benenden evidence gathering committee. DB requested to be included and would write an article on the history of BVH.
GR - Youth Matters
PB requested all ideas be with RL or Clerk by end of Nov with distribution aimed for Feb 2011.
Future thought – A parish archive room where all village history is stored. Somebody to take responsibility to gather all information and documents. GR suggested it would be great to show items at village fetes, these should be celebrated. MK emphasized the need for the documents to be stored correctly. They are currently kept in a dark and even temperature which is ideal. People could view items but would need to be monitored. We must look after our history. RL suggested residents may well want to contribute information and artifacts. DB suggested a history society be formed. PC Action
Queens Golden Jubilee – PB asked should we organize something.
JHem – excellent idea, the occasion must be celebrated.
Chair PB suggested a sub-committee be formed and involve local groups like Brownies, Scouts, Benenden Players. PC Noted

65 TWBC Youth Bus:
Chair PB confirmed TWBC Street Cruiser bus would be visiting Benenden on Monday 13 Dec between 5-7pm. Ideal range is 11-18. The bus includes gaming stations, beauty section.
PCSO Lori Ham has worked hard to arrange the visit. We hope it is well attended. Clerk will display posters when received. Located in Benenden Village Hall Car Park

66 AGM Invitations:
[i] KALC AGM attended by PB and DB. Speakers from Kent Police, John Burr KHS, Greg Clark MP and Ann Barnes, Chair of KPA. Ian Lemonth, Kent’s Chief Constable spoke of his aims to build on the success of his predecessor, to try to ensure they give first class service with customer satisfaction a priority. 303 crimes per day in Kent. Kent’s biggest public complaint is parking with the other extreme of threatening behaviour and violence. Crime reduction of 28% in the last 4 years. KPA want the public to decide what the police should be dealing with. In light of cuts there has to be a hierarchy of crime. Budget reductions of £53 million over 4 years
The full effects of the spending review still not known. DB expressed concern that one sad possible threat was Community Wardens – feeling public valued but….
KHS Director John Burr spoke. A refreshing talk with a review of the system ideal as it presently doesn’t work. Responsibility stops at… another restructure taking place with a determination to provide a system with feedback.
Greg Clark MP spoke on decentralization, The Big Society and Planning Information. Objective is to turn the current system upside down to allow local people to feed directly in and get things done. Abolition of the Standards Committee completely and emphasis on “more power to the people” await the Local Government Bill.
Chair PB and Vice DB felt overall it was an in-depth meeting worth attending.

[ii] CPRE Protect Kent AGM – Friday 19 Nov 2pm Lenham Community Centre. GR will try to attend.

67 Planning Report:
Cllr RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Planning Report [attached]
Appeal against TWBC refusal decision has been submitted by the applicants of Hillside, Mill
Street, Iden Green TW/10/02057. TWBC felt the proposed two-storey front extension and
replacement of flat roof did not fit the street scene. Cllr RL confirmed our full support of the
original proposal and had contacted TWBC to advise our position.

Cllr RL advised works on the lake at Benenden Place had moved on substantially and
planning criteria and conditions are being met at the present time.

68 Financial Report:
Parish Council resolved to accept monthly finance report
Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 13 October 2010
Income
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk Oct salary 100.00
BK Bank Interest 7.57
CHQ G Santer – marquee donation 30.00
TOTAL 137.57
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
449 KALC – AGM booking PB + DB 17.00
450 BT Payments – Office phone 81.33
451 B Sullivan – Oct 10 salary 603.76
452 M English – Public Toilets Oct 10 + disinfectant 194.16
453 South East Water – Public Toilets fresh water 86.34
454 EDF Energy – Public Toilets 24 Aug – 3 Nov 10 46.63
455 Stationery Express – copying b/w + colour 45.80
456 J Clarke – Public toilets bulk toilet rolls + blocks 35.53

D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband Nov 10 18.99
TFR HT Account – HT + BVH vat refund 2743.88
TOTAL 3873.42
After all cheques cleared
Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Oct 2010

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £21,899.04 PC Noted

69 Correspondence:
Clerk read from the previously circulated report 11 Nov 2010 [attached]
Item 32 - Vacancy for Town/Parish on TWBC Standards Committee + future of the Standards
Committee. Emailed previously
Item 34 – Grants to Parishes for festive decorations 2010.Clerk reported that despite being advised the funding would withdrawn for yr 10/11, TWBC decided to offer small grants with a very short application window. Clerk advised we had applied and been granted £85 to be split equally between BVH + IGP Clerk Action
Item 66 – Valuation of Benenden Public Toilets received. Clerk confirmed public liability was provided automatically but an additional sum of £130 pa was required for buildings insurance.
PC resolved to accept additional premium for inclusion of public toilets. PC resolved

There being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.10pm

Chair PB opened the meeting to TWBC representative

TWBC FR explained TWBC is very active at present. Regeneration Company meets with Audit Committee tomorrow. It revolves around the tenders that went out. John Laing awarded “preferred contractor” status at a cost of £330k – problem with minutes not being accurate. Also whilst the Regeneration Company is involved with the Council Offices paying approx £120k for demolition more worrying if the Town Hall is to be demolished who should pay for that? In 2007 it was first muted TWBC should move out to the Land Registry Office with part of the property let out if purchased. Also still issue of £20 million borrowed.
Planning – comment forms do make it easy for a Parish to quickly say they wish for a “call in”. Please email me straight away but there have to be planning reasons for it to be called in. By taking contentious applications to Eastern Area Committee it ceases to be officers’ decision.
FR congratulated us on being successful in the KHS Salt Bin trial.

RL welcomed FR attending our PC meetings. GR commented on the financial state of TWBC.

FR emphasised some of the problem is with the cabinet system which is chosen by the leader of the council, he chooses chairman and leaders. As Lib Dem we are only allowed 9 seats on the committee, 6 of us on 9 committees. Opposition are allowed chairs or vice – we have none.

Chair PC thanked FR for attending.

JHem reported the recently installed interactive speeds signs [ISS] were located in totally wrong places. JHem + Clerk to liaise and contact KHS JHem/BS

Chairman opened the meeting to members of the public

CH read a report on how disappointed she felt about the lack of an officially guided public memorial service for Remembrance Day. Will the Parish Council think of a way forward to ensure people with all backgrounds are included? Not everybody wishes to attend the church.
Chair PB advised that a short service was held on Thursday 11 Nov at 11am but due to inclement weather the decision was to hold it in the church not at the war memorial.

CH asked might the Parish Council consider organising a public gathering.
Chair PB suggested that CH forward her letter to the British Legion and agreed people should have been directed to the church. The British Legion needs support, sadly if the Legion folds the Standard will be gone.
CH thanked the PC for listening.
JB - Youth Bus Awareness - If BS contacts the Editor of the Parish Magazine, will insert for December. Clerk thanked JB Clerk Action
JB – Queens Jubilee 2012 - JB expressed concern whether the Brownies in Benenden will still exist then. Despite efforts leaders were hard to find and JB herself is a volunteer leader.

JB – Parish Elections – Are costs known for the forthcoming by-election?
Chair PB advised the last by-election in 2008 cost £3,000 but should be less as only 2 polling stations.
JB – December Parish Council meeting can not start at 7.30pm as Brownies Xmas Party is on until 7.30pm. BS confirmed agendas will state 8pm Clerk Action

Chair PB thanked everybody for attending.

No further questions from members of the public the meeting closed at 9.40pm

Next Meeting: Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council
On: Monday 10 December at 8pm
At: Memorial Hall, Benenden

PETER BLOCKLEY, CHAIRMAN BENENDEN PARISH COUNCIL

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Ordinary Meeting held 15 November 2010

Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley Clarke, Hagens, Hemsley, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk

124 Apologies:

125 Minutes:
The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday
18 October 2010 were confirmed and signed. Proposed: Cllr GR Seconded: Cllr JHag

126 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 120/10-11 – Benenden + IG Recreation Grounds
Chair PB advised 2 firm quotes had been received for extensive repairs to both play equipment areas. As a body HT are allowed to put a resolution forward to the effect
that; on this occasion we agree to accept only 2 quotes instead of 3. Following discussion
HT resolved to accept the quotation from Bourne Amenity Ltd. All works carried out
between Nov – March include a 10% discount. HT Resolved

127 Benenden Village Hall:
Chair PB advised a fully paid fire risk assessment had not been carried out at the BVH. Although advice had been sought from a Fire Safety Officer no documentation had yet been produced. BVHMC and the Clerk have produced fire safety documents inline with Hallmark requirements. One quotation for a suggested fire alarm system received. Further research required. Clerk has contacted the fire safety officer at Tonbridge to arrange a visit to the hall. HT Noted

Car Park repairs now completed. PB thanked JHem for his role in securing a good price.

Waterboard are investigating drainage issues as a fresh water pipe goes runs through our land drain. T Robb asked KHS to assist. KHS advised the waterboard are responsible. Parish not liable for costs.

128 St Georges
Chair PB advised that following HT Fire Risk Assessment through Fireclipse Ltd and advice from a Fire Safety Officer the requirement for St Georges building incorporating Benenden Pre-School, St Georges Club and Caretaker Cottage was for 6 linked wireless smoke alarms.
One quotation received – 2 further quotes required. HT Action

129 Finance Report Harmsworth Trust:
HT resolved to accept the monthly finance report.

Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 13 Oct 2010
Income
BK Bank Interest 4.13
St Georges Oct 10 rent 158.33
BVH Oct 10 wages 519.75
BVH Oct salary adjustment 1Oct 10 18.05
TFR Vat Refund – HT + BVH 2734.88
TOTAL 3435.14
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Aviva - Insurance Oct 10 387.39
106 D J Gurr – BVH temp repairs + debris removal 105.00
107 D J Gurr – St Georges – lino + panel repairs, clear drains 156.00
108 TGR Groundworks – BVH Drains in Car Park 376.00
109 M Kenward – 2010 cutting grass + hedges I/G 1007.25
110 D Dalrymple – Oct 10 salary + phone bill £74.42 532.50
111 BVHMC – Vat Refund 09/10 1595.85
112 South East Water – St Georges Flat + Playgroup 38.94
SO Rate Account – BS clerk Oct 10 100.00
TOTAL 4298.93
After all cheques cleared

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 Oct 2010

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £8,498.95

HT A/C NO 2
Balance in No 2 A/C 1037.81 HT Noted

130 Correspondence
None

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.00pm

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 13 December at 8pm
At: The Memorial Hall, Benenden
immediately after PC meeting

PETER BLOCKLEY, CHAIRMAN OF HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST