Held at The Bodham and Beckham Village Hall
Present: Julia Dovey (Chair) Kathryn Lord (Secretary), John Stibbons, David McNeight, Anthea Sweeney
The Meeting opened at 7:00pm
1. Apologies
- Simon Wakeford
- Lorraine Marks
- Rosabelle Batt
2. Review Minutes of last meeting
It was agreed the previous minutes were a fair reflection of the meeting.
3 Project Matters discussed
Parish Maps with cases are ready for collection from Norwich. KL to collect 5th July (JS advised milage can be charged at 45p/mile)
JD to contact R Hudson and arrange putting up the 3 maps plus moving the Chestnut Farm Parish Noticeboard.
Parish Walk Leaflet is with Chevertons and a draft is being created. It will be glossy paper and folded. A decision must be made regains the amount to be produced. 1 per household, plus others for holiday lets, pub, bus shelter (purchase a holder) etc.
Bus Survey
Responses from 3 households in East and 3 in West Beckham had been analysed. KL supplied a table and charts to show preferred options were Saturday weekly, pick up time 10am, duration before returning was 2hours. It was felt others in the Parish also would use the bus service but had not responded. It was therefore agreed to investigate what the Community Bus Service could offer in response. KL to ask if R Batt could follow this up. There may need to be more flexibility on times or regularity but the above could be used as a guide. Bus pick up locations were varied answers from individuals homes to Valley Corner or The Loke in East Beckham, to Bus Shelter, Sheringham Road or Olive’s Lay-by in West Beckham.
Village Gates
JS advised these have been paid for however we are not aware of the installation date as yet. It was noted that the area where gates were going had been cut recently.
Play Area
KL advised 2 quotes (Playdale and FLP) had been given so far and the 3rd will be surveying on 6th July (Sovereign). The quote for the 2 pieces of equipment from each of the suppliers, so far, were very similar in price. How to progress a climbing wall and possible new fencing?
Benches, Picnic Tables and Noticeboard installations
JD to contact Geoff Place re using Stuart Thurtle (with trailer) and Richard Hudson to move/install the Picnic Table that is already in Robert McNeil-Wilsons Barn along with the 3 other benches. Additionally moving the Parish Noticeboard from under Chestnut Farm Tree. Action is required urgently re installations. DM/KL had advised a rough quote for DM making a General noticeboard for the bus shelter should be under £50.
Green Spaces and TCV
JD advised Thursday 20th July and Thursday 27th July are dates booked with TCV. A day visit to West Beckham Village Green to pull bracken and a day for East Beckham Common to clear and pull bracken. JD to talk to Anne Macombie re which would suit her best for East Beckham.
Note: JD had walked the Green areas with pathways with a Tree Surgeon who does work with NNDC and he had advised where trees should be cleared of dead wood, an old oak topped out. He also expressed concerns about the Chestnut Tree outside Chestnut Farm – he would discuss with Simon Case at NNDC. It was noted that Steve White at Highways had been advised when touring the villages regarding Village Gates back in 2016, but nothing appears to have been actioned. This will be raised again at the Parish Council Meeting to write to the District Council and highlight safety concerns about the old tree.
The 5 year Management Plan from TCV was still outstanding but the manager who is compiling the plan is currently unwell and undergoing treatment.
Nature and Bird Boxes
These were now ordered and will be delivered to JD. Owl boxes are a consideration and the tree surgeon would be happy to site them high into trees.
Defibrillators
It was felt at the next Parish Council meeting the Committee members who are also Parish Councillors would propose, 2nd and vote on the purchase of these pieces of equipment. (Subject to authorisation on voting rights) JS to review the current quotes with suppliers.
Village Sign Refurbishment
KL advised she had found a local artist (Fiona Davies) from East Runton who renovated village signs. JS/JD advised they also had another known contact who they would approach for a quote.
Graveyard Entrance.
A quote had been offered by Neil Thompson for the PPC & SCFC for just under £5000 (+VAT)
KL had a further quote from Bunting & Son that came in at £8641 + VAT
The other builder Peter Marra had not come back with a quote as yet.
Knowles and Wright to be contacted by KL for a quote.
East Beckham Allotment
Water provision (or lack of) was still an issue for some.
The hedge had not been cut back at the entrance as promised back in spring.
The driveway was getting more rutted. It needed to be dealt with.
Weeds needed cutting. JS to contact Terry Abbs to cut before it seeds over all the allotments.
4. AOB
West Beckham Allotment has been seeded with a Nectar mix and next year it will be cut with paths.
KL requested the Allotment land be paddock fenced with ‘sheep fencing’ therefore secure for animal grazing (for rental) and also for secure dog walking.
A Tennis Court would also be a great village asset for all ages which we could investigate further. A ballpark cost of a greenfield installation ‘En Tout Cas’ all weather court or MUGA (Multi Use Games Area – e.g. tennis, 5 a side football, netball, hockey) would be from £30,000. This could be possible with further funding.
Beckham and Bodham Village Hall Committee asked for a contribution for a refurbishment of the Disabled Toilet at the village. A quote of £3,367.00 was made by the company who had successfully refurbished the male/female toilets which felt to be reasonable and the request worthwhile.
9. Date of Next meeting at B&B Village Hall, 7PM – 8:30PM
- 27th July
- August would be a holiday
- resuming September Date TBA
Meeting closed at 8:30pm