Held at The Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary) David McNeight, Anthea Sweeney, Simon Wakeford, Lorraine Marks, John Stibbons
The Meeting opened at 7:00pm
1. Apologies
- Rosabelle Batt
- Note: Bob and Den Lewis have now moved from the Parish
2. Review Minutes of last meeting
It was agreed the previous minutes were a fair reflection of the meeting.
3. Parish Map Noticeboard Project
JD distributed a new map option from NPS in Norwich. After discussion it was agreed a compromise of ‘green shading detail’ relating to the Parish Boundary should be investigated. This would hopefully minimise the loss of detail. KL to contact NPS and arrange a meeting in April for JD/KL to discuss.
3A East Beckham Church Ruins ‘Information Board’
RB advised by email that no formal letter had been received by the Parish Council relating to an information board. KL had replied to ask if this was necessary if the SCFC wants to take the idea of an info board further.
4. Community Bus Service
It was agreed KL to put into the next Bulletin issue a request for interest in the service.
5. Village Gates
KL advised Steve White had agreed we could have a speed sign included on the white village gates along with the village name. Awaiting a reply to advise if the gate is 3 ’slats’ or 4 ‘slats’ to accommodate this. JD advised post meeting that JS had received a revised quote from Steve White.
6. Playing Area
KL had met with Playdale representative Will Desborough at the playing area. He was to respond with a quote for a basket swing (which can be used by a disabled person, parent and child together, multiply children or singularly) and another vertical pole swing (as seen in Gresham school) and a lower level slide for smaller children. It was thought appropriate to keep the play area for younger children – although 5 children under 5 years have recently left the village.
Surfaces would also need to be considered with access for mowing.
KL awaits a quote or response from Playdale.
JS to look out invoice for Gresham play area and advise.
7. Bench installation & Noticeboard
As before – awaits installations. The Sheringham Road bench is being restored by G.Place.
8. TCV West and East Beckham
LM advised TCV had successfully visited 22nd March and worked on West Beckham Village green clearing more bracken and bramble. There was now a space for a picnic table. A tree had been cleared at the entrance. Snowdrops had been a lovely and plentiful, daffodils are now on show, and bluebells are coming through. Nettles are also emerging which will need clearing from the entrance. (To be put Parish Maintenance rota along with the Village Gates which will be just outside the Village Green). It was queried if the big gate to the VG can be opened for easy access for the installation of a picnic table?
23rd March TCV had visited East Beckham Common and cleared areas especially for the picnic table. JS to discuss access before ordering any picnic table, but this was important to get installed as asap before the “Duke of Edinburgh Award season”.
It was felt 3 more days of work was needed. Chris the TCV manager was keen to come back to help if more local volunteers could be found. It was agreed KL, DM, LM, SW would meet to clear more bracken on Sunday 26th, 3pm – 5pm.If other local volunteers can be gathered this would be helpful. No more clearance will be possible after end of March until August.
9. Picnic Benches
As above, Gladson Picnic benches are they flat packed or delivered complete – how heavy? JS to negotiate and order 2 benches once East Beckham Common access is established.
10. Invertebrate traps permission
RB forwarded by email a letter from Savills (UK) Ltd (Agent for Gresham Farms Ltd) explaining that no permission I can be granted due to conflict with the Higher Level Stewardship Environmental Agreement and possible breach of this agreement. LM brought the very small ’trap’ made from a piece of drain pipe to show the committee. The Committee felt it a shame this trap could not be used for a couple of weeks but obviously was now not possible in light of the response.
11. Photos for East &West Beckham Village signs
RB/JD advised Councillor G. Place (ex professional photographer) had been asked to take photos.
12. Various items for the Bulletin Spring Issue (circulation pre Easter)
- Mission Hut
- Graveyard Entrance – design and quote had been received
- East Anglian Children’s Hospital (EACH)
- Community Bus Service
- Appeal for SCFCommittee members or Parish Councillors
- NWT Bird Survey insert (p. 23)
- Bodham Village Hall photos of signs + toilet refurb
- TCV work at Village Green and Common – LM to forward photos
- Village Gates – photo
- Defibrillators?
13. Churchyard & Graveyard
KL advised the NWT had agreed to survey the Churchyard and Graveyard in West Beckham. Fr Phil Blamire had agreed the permission. They will start 30th March visiting monthly throughout the summer. LM is also part of this group of volunteers who are surveying other churchyards, so will ask if she can take part.
14. AOB
None
15. Date of Next meeting
7PM – 8:30PM
- 27th April – B&B Village Hall
Meeting closed at 8.40pm