The village of Benenden in Kent

Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds, Clerk, TWBC SH + 8 members of the public

19 Apologies: Cllr JB [HOL] Cllr JHem [HOL] TWBC LH

20 Declarations of Interest:
None

21 Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 16 May 2011:
Chairman read JB notes and following discussion Chairman DB proposed Minute No: 4 11/12 is amended to read.
"Chairman DB explained the reasons for the change in titles at the moment to "working groups / representatives".
On current advice received this avoids the use of the word "committee" which might entail further agendas; minutes and open meetings for these low key discussions which is felt to be inappropriate for Benenden Parish Council’s way of working."

Chairman DB signed the amendment.

PC resolved to accept the Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Monday 16 May 2011 confirmed and signed by the Chairman. PC Resolved

22 Matters Arising:
Minute No 10 11/12 –PB asked for a contribution to "Help the Heroes" be considered to coincide with the RBL 90th Birthday Celebration. PC resolved to donate £200 PC Resolved
Chairman DB advised the Benenden RBL Garden Party had been a success with almost £700 raised. Two letters of thanks for PC support received.
Minute No: 9 11/12 – Standing Orders Review
Chairman DB reported no further progress as of yet. TWBC Paul Cummins is still away.

Minute No: 12 11/12 – BT Kiosk Removal
Clerk reported the kiosk had finally been removed. Marden Heritage Group had written to thank the Clerk for helping them obtain a K6 kiosk which is to be fully restored and placed in a prominent position within Marden village. Chairman DB had met David MacFarlane, Chairman of the group who will be a useful contact if Benenden forms a Heritage / History Group.

Minute No: 9 11/12 – Youth Forum.
DB advised a meeting had yet to be arranged.
DB/GR/JB/JHem 23 Public Toilet Rates:
Chairman DB proposed a small working group be formulated to research the future of the toilet block. PC resolved to accept DB, MK, PB & GR as the selected group. PC Resolved DB/MK/PB/GR

24 Age Concern AGM:
Vice Chairman MK reported on the current status of the Age Concern in Cranbrook. Situation remains similar with a venue still required to offer the lunch club service. A merger with Help the Aged into Age UK requires consideration as local fund raising may not necessarily go into local "pot". Age Concern is determined to continue to provide a local service as there is little provision for the elderly in this area. 1

25 KCC Community Warden – Adam Osbourn:
Chairman DB advised as of 1 June 11 Benenden, Frittenden & Sissinghurst are delighted to welcome our new Community Warden. Chairman DB had met with Nigel Freeman, Area Supervisor and Adam Osbourn. It was noted his presence had already been felt as he has attended coffee mornings and been seen in the village most mornings. PC Noted

26 Benenden Hospital Visit:
Chairman DB reported she and PB had been invited to attend Benenden Hospital’s new fertility clinic which was opened by Professor Winston. Chairman sent a letter of thanks.

27 Benenden CE Primary School Exhibition:
Chairman DB reported it was a good exhibition but was disappointed she had been told the issue of "the other site" with price comparisons was still being quoted. No formal costing has ever been taken on the site in New Pond Road. Our comments will be formulated once the planning application is received.
Chairman DB asked for any comment:
JC – a pity a model set within the landscape was not produced as people can not assess full impact from a drawing.
PB – Extremely disappointed yet again misleading information about site costings are still being discussed around the village. A quite deliberate attempt to mislead people who attended the exhibition.
RL – No-one from KCC has announced what the costs are, so how can £1m difference on sites be discussed.
GR – There is no appointed quantity surveyor until the planning application is put in. Costs are not a planning issue.
Chairman DB thanked Cllrs for their comments and agreed it was unfortunate that this argument had presented itself again. PC Noted

28 ERHA Affordable Housing Exhibition:
Chairman DB outlined the proposed exhibition details. Clerk would attend but asked for a councillor presence on a rota basis. MK/JC/RL/GR

29 Gybbon & Buckland Trustee Vacancy:
Clerk apologized that the agenda read "Gybbon & Ginder".
Chairman DB advised the PC may select a representative to stand for the vacancy. PC resolved to nominate Vice-Chairman MK. Clerk to write and confirm. PC Resolved

30 KALC Area Meeting:
Chairman DB advised no representative available to attend.

31 Telephone Kiosk: EDF unmetered contract:
Clerk advised the bill for the year 1 Jun 10 – 31 May 11 had been received from EDF for the kiosk in Iden Green £186. Research revealed, as it is unmetered, the power is on 24hrs per day. EDF are unable to offer a cheaper contract. A small credit is due on the kiosk at Goddards Green Road. Following discussion the PC resolved to disconnect the electricity with immediate effect. Clerk to write and confirm. PC Resolved

32 Training & Development:
KALC Clerk Conference – Clerk reported the conference was useful and would formulate a small report for all cllrs. TWBC Planning Training 7 July 2011 – To attend DB/MK/RL/JB/JC + Clerk
KHS Parish Seminar 12 July 2011 – 1 representative only JHem/JC/GR or Clerk
PC Chairman’s Meeting at TWBC 21 June 2011 – DB to atten

33 TWBC LDF Development Management Policies DPD Consultation 3Jun-15Jul:
Clerk advised this consultation concentrated on 4 key areas:
Planning Contribution; Older People Housing; Parking Strategy and Climate Change and Sustainability.
Clerk had requested a hard copy as had been unable to locate it on the parish portal.
Chairman DB proposed document to be circulated for comment and returned to Clerk by 11 July. PC Action

34 Planning Report: [i] RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Planning Report [attached]

TW/11/00954 – SFFDA OS Plot 7700, Standen Street, Iden Green
Proposed building to be used to keep agricultural and arboreal equip & for the storage & processing of fruit. RL advised TWBC had served a Regulation 4 notice – invalidated until further information received.

TW/11/01647 – Mr E Barham Farm building White Gates, Stepneyford Lane, Benenden
Change of use of redundant farm building to holiday accommodation.
RL confirmed this application had been refused by TWBC previously as there were H&S issues which needed addressing for visitors. The building has no architectural value and the PC see no reason for refusal, it would be good use of a redundant building.
RL confirmed he had met with Tim Duncan of Lambert & Foster who advised him that a planning application would soon be put in for Brewers Shaw, New Pond Road, for demolition of existing building and rebuild. The drawings were in the office but would not be circulated until the TWBC planning application was received.

[ii] TWBC EAPC move to TW Town Hall
Chairman DB reported on the previously circulated letter to all PC’s justifying the reasons behind the move of the EAPC to the Town Hall PC Noted

35 Financial Report:
[i] Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 10 May 2011
Income
SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk May 11 salary 100.00

TOTAL £100.00
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
509 SE Water – fresh water supply Public Toilets 86.24
510 D Bailey – PC celebration of P + M Message retirement 100.89
511 KCPFA – subs 11/12 [s137] 20.00
512 CPRE – subs 11/12 [s137] 35.00
513 KALC – subs 11/12 [s137] 657.44
514 ACRK – subs 11/12 [s137] 65.00
515 Communicorp 11/12 [s137] 11.00
516 NALC LCR magazine subs 11/12 15.50
517 Kent Air Ambulance – don [s137] 200.00
518 Kent Ass Blind – don [s137] 70.00
519 Hospice in the Weald – don [s137] 250.00
520 HCH LOF – don [s137] 350.00
521 TW&D CAB – don [s137] 350.00
522 Benenden PCC – don [s137] 70.00
523 Angley School Farm – don [s137] 180.00
524 Samaritans – don [s137] 200.00
525 R Dalton-Holmes – RBL 90th Celebration Public Liability [s137] 56.00
526 Stationery Express – AA 3 May 550 b/w copies 27.50
527 KALC – Clerks conference 15 June 2011 72.00
528 KALC – 4 copies of The Good Councillors Guide 4.00
529 Southern Water – waste water Public Toilets 131.66 530 B Sullivan – May 11 sal 751.58; postage 4.32 755.90
531 M English – public toilets May 11 186.00 + bleach/disenf 4.34 190.34
532 P Message – 8 boxes begonias; fertilizer; petrol; war memorial 50.00
533 Stationery Express – office ink; b/w copies may pc mtg 26.29
534 KALC – 6 copies of The Good Councillors Guide 6.00
D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband June 2011-06-15 18.99 TOTAL 3999.75

After all cheques cleared
Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £20,899.93
Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 May 2011 Balance: £23,973.15
Uncleared cheques Total: -£3,073.22
Balance in D/A £20,899.93
Parish Council resolved to accept monthly finance report PC Resolved

[ii] Chairman’s Allowance [S15]
Chairman DB advised she would not take a personal allowance but wished to continue the practice of setting the Chairman’s Allowance to allow each Cllr to receive ink and paper up to the value of £40 each. Cllrs can be reimbursed for expenditure of travel to meetings etc. PC resolved to accept the Chairman’s Allowance set at £360 for 11/12 PC Resolved

36 Correspondence:
Clerk spoke on the previously circulated correspondence report [attached]
Clerk read out the proposal set by Leiston Town Council v Tesco’s. PC resolved to formulate a response in support to try to prevent "Ghost Town Britain" PC Resolved

Clerk advised Staplehurst PC were holding "Up Rockin" skateboarding, BMX competition at the skate park on 16 July. GR to attend. GR

Clerk asked if any Cllr wished to attend the Try Angle Awards evening on Fri 8 July.
There being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.08pm

Chairman DB opened the meeting to TWBC SH

TWBC SH advised on Localism Bill meeting being held in Vestry Hall Fri 23 June 7pm; [PC representatives will attend] TWBC Core Strategy and the impact for Cranbrook; the disappointing move of the EAPC to the Town Hall.
Chairman DB thanked TWBC SH for his comments and opened the meeting to the Public.

BH asked if the Affordable Housing exhibition was organised by BPC.

DB – confirmed BPC had been working with ERHA and TWBC. The exhibition was to outline draft proposals.

MF – dismayed the PC is still fighting a lost battle. All useful comments should be directed towards the chosen site.

DB – Only commented because comparative costs given had been the concern of a parishioner. The PC will only look at the site which has been selected. I truly hope we will not have a repeat of the situation that we were all in before.

Chair DB thanked everybody for attending. The meeting closed at 9.20pm

Next Meeting On: Monday 18 July at 8pm
At: The Memorial Hall, Benenden

HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS
Ordinary Meeting held 20 June 2011

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

171 Apologies:
Cllr JB [HOL] Cllr JHem [HOL]

172 Minutes:
The minutes of the Annual Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 16 May 2011 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman. HT resolved to accept the minutes as a true record. HT Resolved

173 Matters Arising:
Minute No: 170 11/12 Graffiti Removal Iden Green
JC advised DD had removed the graffiti and would be monitoring both play areas. Chairman DB thanked DD for his prompt action.

174 Benenden Village Hall:
[i] Hire Rates
BVHMC Chairman JC advised the hall rates will increase by £1 per hour as of 1 Oct 2011.
Hall bookings for weekdays are good but weekends are quieter. BVHMC have discussed advertising but decided not to proceed with this yet.
PB remarked how splendid the hall looked when set for a recent wedding party.

[ii] ACRK Hallmark 2
BVHMC Chairman JC advised the application for Hallmark 2 had been sent and a date for interview and inspection was awaited.
[iii] HT Minute No 168 [i] 11/12 Car Park Repairs
Chairman DB advised use of colour tarmac was not an option as it would prove too expensive HT Noted
175 Benenden Recreation Ground:
[i] Football Pitch
JHgn advised Cranbrook Town Football Club have enquired if the club could level the ground and re-seed in the goal mouths with no costs to HT. JHgn advised Cranbrook Town FC have advised the football goal cross bars are sub-standard for some football leagues and may prevent clubs hiring the pitch. Cranbrook FC has enquired if they purchased collapsible aluminum posts could they be stored at BVH.
Chairman DB opened the discussion.
GR did not agree with CTFC purchasing the posts. HT should provide new posts if required and we should research the cost. I agree CTFC could seed as long as we are given the specification of the quality.
JHgn advised galvanized steel posts could be purchased at approx £600-£1000 per pair.
GR to investigate cost of new permanent posts.

HT resolved to accept CTFC offer to improve area of goal mouth subject to seed specification being provided but not to replacing the football goals. JHgn to contact CTFC HT Resolved

[ii] Wooden Post Renewal
Chairman DB reported 9 posts had been replaced along the front edge of the recreation ground following several posts being removed or rotted.
Chairman DB proposed a quote be obtained for the perimeter to be fully inspected, fix loose posts and infill as required. Costs under £500 to go ahead with the works or if over to obtain 2 further quotes. Chairman DB proposed a lockable parking post be reinstated. JHgn requested the post be moved towards the play area to protect the football pitch.
HT resolved to proceed with the works required to the perimeter of the recreation ground and purchase of a new post. Clerk to contact PP and Landscape Services. HT Resolved

JC left the meeting.

JC had previously enquired if permission had been sought by the PCC for the forthcoming church fete. Clerk confirmed nobody had contacted her. Clerk to advise TC of the new locking post.

176 I/G Recreation Ground
[i] Dead/Dying tree
MK reported a chestnut tree on the I/G recreation ground appears half dead with bark falling away. HT resolved to remove tree. Clerk to contact PP HT Resolved

[ii] Knotweed in hedge
Clerk advised a resident had contacted Environmental Protection reporting Japanese
Knotweed in the hedge in Iden Green Road at the Iden Green Pavilion.
MK suggested the fence behind the bus shelter be removed to allow removal of knotweed,
brambles and ivy, which are overgrown within the hedge. MK to treat knotweed and Clerk to contact MKwd. HT Resolved

GR left the meeting.

177 St Georges Hall
Clerk advised only the smoke alarms to St Georges Flat needed completion. Clerk to meet with M&S Electrical and DD to arrange location of alarms.
Clerk advised LD from Benenden Pre-School has reported a crack in the ceiling of the entrance hall of St Georges Hall. Quotation for works required.
HT resolved to obtain quote for necessary works. HT Resolved
178 Finance Report Harmsworth Trust:
[i] HT resolved to accept the monthly finance report.
Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 10 May 2011
Income
St Georges May 11 rent 158.33 BVH Apr 11 wages 537.80
Ben Pre School Spring + Summer Terms 11 1152.00 BVH Insurance 11/12 1686.12
BVH May 11 wages 537.80

TOTAL 4072.05
Outgoings
Chq No Supplier
D/D Aviva – Insurance May 11 390.34
132 Croft Glass – BVH broken window 136.75
133 SE Water – fresh water supply Ben Pre School 51.40
134 PP Estates – stihl grass strimmer 165.10
135 Southern Water – waste water Ben Pre School 82.77
136 D Dalrymple – salary Apr 11 480.00 weed killer 9.63 489.63
137 Chubb Fire – annual service + replace fire ex St Georges 305.10
SO Rate Account –BS clerk May 11 100.00
TOTAL 1721.09
After all cheques cleared

Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £8,661.38

Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 May 2011 Balance: £9,538.88
Uncleared cheques Total: -£877.50
Balance in D/A £8,661.38
HT A/C NO 2
Balance in No 2 A/C 1038.31 HT Noted

[ii] PB suggested that 50% of the costs of the BVH Car Park repairs be met by BPC Rate A/C
as the car park is a public space.
Chairman DB proposed 50% of costs are met by BPC Rate A/C

HT resolved to accept the costs are divided between HT & BPC Rate A/C HT Resolved

179 Correspondence
Clerk advised ROSPA will inspect both play areas during July 2011 HT Noted

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.00pm

Date of Next Meeting: Monday 18 July 2011 at 8pm
At: The Memorial Hall, Benende

		Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on Monday 20 June 2011 in the Memorial Hall, Benenden (including Harmsworth Trust minutes) Click for minutes for Annual meeting May 2011 These notes are abstracted from the original minutes-for the full and proper copy please contact the Parish Clerk
		Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley, Clarke, Hagens, Kellett, Lake, Reynolds, Clerk, TWBC SH + 8 members of the public 19 Apologies: Cllr JB [HOL] Cllr JHem [HOL] TWBC LH 20 Declarations of Interest: None 21 Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on 16 May 2011: Chairman read JB notes and following discussion Chairman DB proposed Minute No: 4 11/12 is amended to read. "Chairman DB explained the reasons for the change in titles at the moment to "working groups / representatives". On current advice received this avoids the use of the word "committee" which might entail further agendas; minutes and open meetings for these low key discussions which is felt to be inappropriate for Benenden Parish Council’s way of working." Chairman DB signed the amendment. PC resolved to accept the Minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Monday 16 May 2011 confirmed and signed by the Chairman. PC Resolved 22 Matters Arising: Minute No 10 11/12 –PB asked for a contribution to "Help the Heroes" be considered to coincide with the RBL 90th Birthday Celebration. PC resolved to donate £200 PC Resolved Chairman DB advised the Benenden RBL Garden Party had been a success with almost £700 raised. Two letters of thanks for PC support received. Minute No: 9 11/12 – Standing Orders Review Chairman DB reported no further progress as of yet. TWBC Paul Cummins is still away. Minute No: 12 11/12 – BT Kiosk Removal Clerk reported the kiosk had finally been removed. Marden Heritage Group had written to thank the Clerk for helping them obtain a K6 kiosk which is to be fully restored and placed in a prominent position within Marden village. Chairman DB had met David MacFarlane, Chairman of the group who will be a useful contact if Benenden forms a Heritage / History Group. Minute No: 9 11/12 – Youth Forum. DB advised a meeting had yet to be arranged. DB/GR/JB/JHem 23 Public Toilet Rates: Chairman DB proposed a small working group be formulated to research the future of the toilet block. PC resolved to accept DB, MK, PB & GR as the selected group. PC Resolved DB/MK/PB/GR 24 Age Concern AGM: Vice Chairman MK reported on the current status of the Age Concern in Cranbrook. Situation remains similar with a venue still required to offer the lunch club service. A merger with Help the Aged into Age UK requires consideration as local fund raising may not necessarily go into local "pot". Age Concern is determined to continue to provide a local service as there is little provision for the elderly in this area. 1 25 KCC Community Warden – Adam Osbourn: Chairman DB advised as of 1 June 11 Benenden, Frittenden & Sissinghurst are delighted to welcome our new Community Warden. Chairman DB had met with Nigel Freeman, Area Supervisor and Adam Osbourn. It was noted his presence had already been felt as he has attended coffee mornings and been seen in the village most mornings. PC Noted 26 Benenden Hospital Visit: Chairman DB reported she and PB had been invited to attend Benenden Hospital’s new fertility clinic which was opened by Professor Winston. Chairman sent a letter of thanks. 27 Benenden CE Primary School Exhibition: Chairman DB reported it was a good exhibition but was disappointed she had been told the issue of "the other site" with price comparisons was still being quoted. No formal costing has ever been taken on the site in New Pond Road. Our comments will be formulated once the planning application is received. Chairman DB asked for any comment: JC – a pity a model set within the landscape was not produced as people can not assess full impact from a drawing. PB – Extremely disappointed yet again misleading information about site costings are still being discussed around the village. A quite deliberate attempt to mislead people who attended the exhibition. RL – No-one from KCC has announced what the costs are, so how can £1m difference on sites be discussed. GR – There is no appointed quantity surveyor until the planning application is put in. Costs are not a planning issue. Chairman DB thanked Cllrs for their comments and agreed it was unfortunate that this argument had presented itself again. PC Noted 28 ERHA Affordable Housing Exhibition: Chairman DB outlined the proposed exhibition details. Clerk would attend but asked for a councillor presence on a rota basis. MK/JC/RL/GR 29 Gybbon & Buckland Trustee Vacancy: Clerk apologized that the agenda read "Gybbon & Ginder". Chairman DB advised the PC may select a representative to stand for the vacancy. PC resolved to nominate Vice-Chairman MK. Clerk to write and confirm. PC Resolved 30 KALC Area Meeting: Chairman DB advised no representative available to attend. 31 Telephone Kiosk: EDF unmetered contract: Clerk advised the bill for the year 1 Jun 10 – 31 May 11 had been received from EDF for the kiosk in Iden Green £186. Research revealed, as it is unmetered, the power is on 24hrs per day. EDF are unable to offer a cheaper contract. A small credit is due on the kiosk at Goddards Green Road. Following discussion the PC resolved to disconnect the electricity with immediate effect. Clerk to write and confirm. PC Resolved 32 Training & Development: KALC Clerk Conference – Clerk reported the conference was useful and would formulate a small report for all cllrs. TWBC Planning Training 7 July 2011 – To attend DB/MK/RL/JB/JC + Clerk KHS Parish Seminar 12 July 2011 – 1 representative only JHem/JC/GR or Clerk PC Chairman’s Meeting at TWBC 21 June 2011 – DB to atten 33 TWBC LDF Development Management Policies DPD Consultation 3Jun-15Jul: Clerk advised this consultation concentrated on 4 key areas: Planning Contribution; Older People Housing; Parking Strategy and Climate Change and Sustainability. Clerk had requested a hard copy as had been unable to locate it on the parish portal. Chairman DB proposed document to be circulated for comment and returned to Clerk by 11 July. PC Action 34 Planning Report: [i] RL discussed previously circulated Monthly Planning Report [attached] TW/11/00954 – SFFDA OS Plot 7700, Standen Street, Iden Green Proposed building to be used to keep agricultural and arboreal equip & for the storage & processing of fruit. RL advised TWBC had served a Regulation 4 notice – invalidated until further information received. TW/11/01647 – Mr E Barham Farm building White Gates, Stepneyford Lane, Benenden Change of use of redundant farm building to holiday accommodation. RL confirmed this application had been refused by TWBC previously as there were H&S issues which needed addressing for visitors. The building has no architectural value and the PC see no reason for refusal, it would be good use of a redundant building. RL confirmed he had met with Tim Duncan of Lambert & Foster who advised him that a planning application would soon be put in for Brewers Shaw, New Pond Road, for demolition of existing building and rebuild. The drawings were in the office but would not be circulated until the TWBC planning application was received. [ii] TWBC EAPC move to TW Town Hall Chairman DB reported on the previously circulated letter to all PC’s justifying the reasons behind the move of the EAPC to the Town Hall PC Noted 35 Financial Report: [i] Payments made on Parish Council’s behalf since 10 May 2011 Income SO Harmsworth Trust – Clerk May 11 salary 100.00 TOTAL £100.00 Outgoings Chq No Supplier 509 SE Water – fresh water supply Public Toilets 86.24 510 D Bailey – PC celebration of P + M Message retirement 100.89 511 KCPFA – subs 11/12 [s137] 20.00 512 CPRE – subs 11/12 [s137] 35.00 513 KALC – subs 11/12 [s137] 657.44 514 ACRK – subs 11/12 [s137] 65.00 515 Communicorp 11/12 [s137] 11.00 516 NALC LCR magazine subs 11/12 15.50 517 Kent Air Ambulance – don [s137] 200.00 518 Kent Ass Blind – don [s137] 70.00 519 Hospice in the Weald – don [s137] 250.00 520 HCH LOF – don [s137] 350.00 521 TW&D CAB – don [s137] 350.00 522 Benenden PCC – don [s137] 70.00 523 Angley School Farm – don [s137] 180.00 524 Samaritans – don [s137] 200.00 525 R Dalton-Holmes – RBL 90th Celebration Public Liability [s137] 56.00 526 Stationery Express – AA 3 May 550 b/w copies 27.50 527 KALC – Clerks conference 15 June 2011 72.00 528 KALC – 4 copies of The Good Councillors Guide 4.00 529 Southern Water – waste water Public Toilets 131.66 530 B Sullivan – May 11 sal 751.58; postage 4.32 755.90 531 M English – public toilets May 11 186.00 + bleach/disenf 4.34 190.34 532 P Message – 8 boxes begonias; fertilizer; petrol; war memorial 50.00 533 Stationery Express – office ink; b/w copies may pc mtg 26.29 534 KALC – 6 copies of The Good Councillors Guide 6.00 D/D Waitrose.com – Broadband June 2011-06-15 18.99 TOTAL 3999.75 After all cheques cleared Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £20,899.93 Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 May 2011 Balance: £23,973.15 Uncleared cheques Total: -£3,073.22 Balance in D/A £20,899.93 Parish Council resolved to accept monthly finance report PC Resolved [ii] Chairman’s Allowance [S15] Chairman DB advised she would not take a personal allowance but wished to continue the practice of setting the Chairman’s Allowance to allow each Cllr to receive ink and paper up to the value of £40 each. Cllrs can be reimbursed for expenditure of travel to meetings etc. PC resolved to accept the Chairman’s Allowance set at £360 for 11/12 PC Resolved 36 Correspondence: Clerk spoke on the previously circulated correspondence report [attached] Clerk read out the proposal set by Leiston Town Council v Tesco’s. PC resolved to formulate a response in support to try to prevent "Ghost Town Britain" PC Resolved Clerk advised Staplehurst PC were holding "Up Rockin" skateboarding, BMX competition at the skate park on 16 July. GR to attend. GR Clerk asked if any Cllr wished to attend the Try Angle Awards evening on Fri 8 July. There being no further council business the meeting closed at 9.08pm Chairman DB opened the meeting to TWBC SH TWBC SH advised on Localism Bill meeting being held in Vestry Hall Fri 23 June 7pm; [PC representatives will attend] TWBC Core Strategy and the impact for Cranbrook; the disappointing move of the EAPC to the Town Hall. Chairman DB thanked TWBC SH for his comments and opened the meeting to the Public. BH asked if the Affordable Housing exhibition was organised by BPC. DB – confirmed BPC had been working with ERHA and TWBC. The exhibition was to outline draft proposals. MF – dismayed the PC is still fighting a lost battle. All useful comments should be directed towards the chosen site. DB – Only commented because comparative costs given had been the concern of a parishioner. The PC will only look at the site which has been selected. I truly hope we will not have a repeat of the situation that we were all in before. Chair DB thanked everybody for attending. The meeting closed at 9.20pm Next Meeting On: Monday 18 July at 8pm At: The Memorial Hall, Benenden HARMSWORTH MEMORIAL TRUST MATTERS Ordinary Meeting held 20 June 2011 Present: Cllrs Bailey, Blockley Clarke, Hagens, Lake, Kellett, Reynolds, Clerk 171 Apologies: Cllr JB [HOL] Cllr JHem [HOL] 172 Minutes: The minutes of the Annual Meeting of Harmsworth Memorial Trust held on Monday 16 May 2011 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman. HT resolved to accept the minutes as a true record. HT Resolved 173 Matters Arising: Minute No: 170 11/12 Graffiti Removal Iden Green JC advised DD had removed the graffiti and would be monitoring both play areas. Chairman DB thanked DD for his prompt action. 174 Benenden Village Hall: [i] Hire Rates BVHMC Chairman JC advised the hall rates will increase by £1 per hour as of 1 Oct 2011. Hall bookings for weekdays are good but weekends are quieter. BVHMC have discussed advertising but decided not to proceed with this yet. PB remarked how splendid the hall looked when set for a recent wedding party. [ii] ACRK Hallmark 2 BVHMC Chairman JC advised the application for Hallmark 2 had been sent and a date for interview and inspection was awaited. [iii] HT Minute No 168 [i] 11/12 Car Park Repairs Chairman DB advised use of colour tarmac was not an option as it would prove too expensive HT Noted 175 Benenden Recreation Ground: [i] Football Pitch JHgn advised Cranbrook Town Football Club have enquired if the club could level the ground and re-seed in the goal mouths with no costs to HT. JHgn advised Cranbrook Town FC have advised the football goal cross bars are sub-standard for some football leagues and may prevent clubs hiring the pitch. Cranbrook FC has enquired if they purchased collapsible aluminum posts could they be stored at BVH. Chairman DB opened the discussion. GR did not agree with CTFC purchasing the posts. HT should provide new posts if required and we should research the cost. I agree CTFC could seed as long as we are given the specification of the quality. JHgn advised galvanized steel posts could be purchased at approx £600-£1000 per pair. GR to investigate cost of new permanent posts. HT resolved to accept CTFC offer to improve area of goal mouth subject to seed specification being provided but not to replacing the football goals. JHgn to contact CTFC HT Resolved [ii] Wooden Post Renewal Chairman DB reported 9 posts had been replaced along the front edge of the recreation ground following several posts being removed or rotted. Chairman DB proposed a quote be obtained for the perimeter to be fully inspected, fix loose posts and infill as required. Costs under £500 to go ahead with the works or if over to obtain 2 further quotes. Chairman DB proposed a lockable parking post be reinstated. JHgn requested the post be moved towards the play area to protect the football pitch. HT resolved to proceed with the works required to the perimeter of the recreation ground and purchase of a new post. Clerk to contact PP and Landscape Services. HT Resolved JC left the meeting. JC had previously enquired if permission had been sought by the PCC for the forthcoming church fete. Clerk confirmed nobody had contacted her. Clerk to advise TC of the new locking post. 176 I/G Recreation Ground [i] Dead/Dying tree MK reported a chestnut tree on the I/G recreation ground appears half dead with bark falling away. HT resolved to remove tree. Clerk to contact PP HT Resolved [ii] Knotweed in hedge Clerk advised a resident had contacted Environmental Protection reporting Japanese Knotweed in the hedge in Iden Green Road at the Iden Green Pavilion. MK suggested the fence behind the bus shelter be removed to allow removal of knotweed, brambles and ivy, which are overgrown within the hedge. MK to treat knotweed and Clerk to contact MKwd. HT Resolved GR left the meeting. 177 St Georges Hall Clerk advised only the smoke alarms to St Georges Flat needed completion. Clerk to meet with M&S Electrical and DD to arrange location of alarms. Clerk advised LD from Benenden Pre-School has reported a crack in the ceiling of the entrance hall of St Georges Hall. Quotation for works required. HT resolved to obtain quote for necessary works. HT Resolved 178 Finance Report Harmsworth Trust: [i] HT resolved to accept the monthly finance report. Payments made on Harmsworth Trust’s behalf since 10 May 2011 Income St Georges May 11 rent 158.33 BVH Apr 11 wages 537.80 Ben Pre School Spring + Summer Terms 11 1152.00 BVH Insurance 11/12 1686.12 BVH May 11 wages 537.80 TOTAL 4072.05 Outgoings Chq No Supplier D/D Aviva – Insurance May 11 390.34 132 Croft Glass – BVH broken window 136.75 133 SE Water – fresh water supply Ben Pre School 51.40 134 PP Estates – stihl grass strimmer 165.10 135 Southern Water – waste water Ben Pre School 82.77 136 D Dalrymple – salary Apr 11 480.00 weed killer 9.63 489.63 137 Chubb Fire – annual service + replace fire ex St Georges 305.10 SO Rate Account –BS clerk May 11 100.00 TOTAL 1721.09 After all cheques cleared Clerk confirmed C/A held £500 and D/A held £8,661.38 Reconciled with Bank Statement 31 May 2011 Balance: £9,538.88 Uncleared cheques Total: -£877.50 Balance in D/A £8,661.38 HT A/C NO 2 Balance in No 2 A/C 1038.31 HT Noted [ii] PB suggested that 50% of the costs of the BVH Car Park repairs be met by BPC Rate A/C as the car park is a public space. Chairman DB proposed 50% of costs are met by BPC Rate A/C HT resolved to accept the costs are divided between HT & BPC Rate A/C HT Resolved 179 Correspondence Clerk advised ROSPA will inspect both play areas during July 2011 HT Noted There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.00pm Date of Next Meeting: Monday 18 July 2011 at 8pm At: The Memorial Hall, Benende