Annual Meet 2007

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, HELD IN PURLEIGH VILLAGE HALL

ON THURSDAY, 19^th APRIL 2007, AT 7.30 P.M.

Mr. Kevin Ascott, Mrs. Sue Owen, Mr. Steven Potter, Mr. George Staines, Mr. Gavin Strathern (Parish Councillors).

Apologies were received from Mrs. Dawn Dack (Headteacher, Purleigh Community Primary School), and Mr. Lawrence Cooper (Parish Councillor and District Council Ward Member) who were both unable to attend due to prior commitments.

The Chairman extended a very warm welcome to everyone present and thanked them for attending.

The Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 6^th April 2006, which had been approved at the Parish Council meeting held on 21^st April 2006, were distributed amongst those present. There were no matters arising from the Minutes to discuss.

Reports were then given by representatives of the following organisations regarding their organisations’ activities during the past year:

The Chairman commenced his report by explaining that making this report was nerve-racking since he was about to report the activities of a Council which had been so kind and generous to its Chairman over the past year!

To give those present an idea of the consistency of the Council, last year (2006-2007) there had been 84 attendances at council meetings out of a possible 108, and three Councillors had attended all meetings.

One regular activity at council meetings was of course to make recommendations on planning applications to Maldon District Council, and last year the Council had considered 41 planning applications.

The Chairman informed the meeting that in the financial year 2006-2007 the Council precept had been £21,000, some of which had been spent as follows:

Grass cutting in the parish had cost £4,259 and total expenditure on the pavilion (including sanding and varnishing the floor) had been £4,311. This latter had included a non-domestic rate payment of £509 to Maldon District Council, a consequence of the pavilion extension, which included a new separate kitchen.

This was indicative of the increasing levels of legislation that the Council had to comply with. The annual RoSPA inspections of the children’s play area almost inevitably led to some expenditure to comply with requirements and obtain adequate insurance, and vandalism continued to be a problem.

The Chairman reported that the pavilion extension had been achieved in partnership with the Purleigh Playing Field Association (PPFA), who had worked so hard over many years to raise the finance that meant the full cost of the new facilities would not be a local rate burden on the parish. The extension had been formally opened on 13^th August, and the Chairman was sure that the PPFA representative would provide the meeting with more information about it in their report. The Chairman explained that as noted earlier, the unfortunate impact of the improved facilities had been to incur a local business rate and the need to comply with health and safety legislation (relating in particular to food preparation and accident reporting) in the kitchen area. The Chairman could report however, that although the rate for 2007-2008 had been set at £826 the Clerk, via a successful grant application, had managed to obtain relief on the figure, which had brought it down to £90.

During the year the Council had awarded grants (under section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972) of £40 to Farleigh Hospice and £35 to Essex Air Ambulance.

The Chairman reported that at the Parish Council meeting in January this year, in order to maintain a robust financial position, it had been agreed to precept the sum of £24,000. Grants of £1,200 to Purleigh Primary School to support swimming by pupils resident in Purleigh, and £280 to the Dengie Project Trust (of benefit to some of the older residents of Purleigh) had been agreed at this meeting, and the Council had also agreed to cover 50% of the cost (up to a maximum sum of £500) to pay for new heaters for the village hall.

The Council maintained a pretty constant dialogue with Essex County Council regarding road and traffic issues in the parish, and had persuaded the Post Office to move the Pump Lane post box to a safer position at the foot of Church Hill.

Finally the Chairman expressed his thanks and appreciation to the very hard working Clerk and to his fellow Councillors for their hard work and dedication. In particular he thanked those councillors who would not be seeking re-election in May (Lawrence Cooper, David Fleming, George Staines and Roger Woodcock). Their efforts over the past few years would not go unrecorded and it had been both a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with them.

In the absence of Mr. Cooper who had to attend a District Council meeting, the Chairman read out the following written report, which Mr. Cooper had submitted for the meeting’s consideration:

You already know I do not stand for re-election on May 3^rd so this is my last District Councillor’s report to Purleigh’s Annual Parish Meeting. The Maldon District Council has much of which it can be proud but pride is one of the seven deadly sins and can lead to complacency. This is why I feel uneasy that the Council should adopt such a smug slogan as ‘Pride in Itself’.

A fresh telephone system has been installed in the offices. Another management re-structure has taken place with a re-shuffling of Officers. Stuart Elrick leaves in May. John Hughes retired on December 31^st after 33 years employment at Maldon. Credit goes to him for the recent setting-up of the procedures required for the licensing of premises which sell alcohol.

Band D Council tax for 2007/2008 is increased by £5.34 to £157.00 – a rise of 3.5%.

Last spring the Council voted to keep the three Area Planning Committees (Central, South East and North West). Through the Ward Member they can serve as a useful grass roots link with the parishes but I fear the newly elected Council will agree to them being discontinued. This will mean even more planning decisions than at present being delegated to Officers. I see this as another step along the road towards Regional Government and refusal and approval decisions being taken by faceless bureaucrats in a distant Government office.

Public consultations have been ongoing about the new Local Development Framework to replace the Maldon District Local Plan. Last July the application for a Wind Farm at Bradwell was refused. The Appeal hearing begins on June 5^th and if allowed 10 turbines will change the outlook from many viewpoints. I cannot believe that managed retreat is a satisfactory response to climate change and rising sea levels. The coastline is part of Maldon’s rural heritage and for the future I think it is vital the sea walls are kept in good repair. Unfortunately the responsible authorities do not appear to attach the same importance to our sea defences.

Hopefully the Promenade Park, after radical cosmetic surgery, can look forward to becoming the popular attraction it has been for the last 100 years. The long saga of the Brythnoth statue (Battle of Maldon monument) has ended. On October 21^st, in the presence of the Danish Ambassador and Mr. Henry Doubleday, it was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant. Lord Petre said what a relief it would be to his secretary not to have to worry any more about how to spell Brythnoth’s name correctly.

The community of Burnham on Crouch, as well as the District Council, has been sadly diminished by the loss on Easter Monday of Councillor John Smith, when his light aircraft crashed on a remote hillside in Scotland.

Even if I still do not agree with party politics at District level, I can now see they do serve a purpose. Latterly I have come round to thinking that there is something to be said for elected Mayors with executive powers. During these last 16 years as an independent District Councillor the insights gained into the workings of Local government have been interesting and instructive. The experience has been one which I would not have missed out on. For this I thank the electors of Mundon, Stow Maries, North Fambridge, Cold Norton and Purleigh.’

Mr. John Archer (District Council Ward Member) thanked Mr. Cooper in his absence for his contribution to local government and described him as having been a ‘tremendous colleague’ over the last 16 years. Mr. Archer also thanked the Parish Council and Clerk for their help and support over the last four years. The meeting noted that Mr. Archer would be standing for re-election to the District Council on May 3^rd.

Tony England (Police Constable 2999, Neighbourhood Policing Team, Purleigh) and PCSO Stephen Butler both addressed the meeting.

PCSO Butler commenced his report by saying how much he had enjoyed his first year working in Purleigh parish. During that time he had developed good links with the Parish Council, school and wider community and was pleased to report that crime levels in Purleigh were low, and that it was a fairly safe place to live. There had however been some problems with vandalism and youths participating in late night drinking sessions near the children’s play area, and of late there had been some incidents of car crime where vehicles were stolen, burnt out and abandoned.

Purleigh had experienced 6 criminal incidents in the last month, and in the district as a whole the number of crimes had gone down by 32 over the year. PCSO Butler attributed this in part to the ‘leaps and bounds’, which had been made in neighbourhood policing.

Pc England added that there had been a growing trend in attempted thefts from larger premises such as farms, where heavy equipment and motor vehicles had been targeted. He went on to explain the structure of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams to the meeting. The district had seven Officers in total; three were based in Tolleshunt D’Arcy (North rural team) and four in Maldon (South rural team). The Officers based in Maldon covered three wards and Pc England was the specialist Officer who oversaw all of them and dealt with the more serious and unusual crimes, such as those related to drugs. He also played a key role in liaising with the local community and Parish Councils.

Both Officers appraised the meeting of recent efforts by the Police to reduce speeding traffic and crack down on motoring offences such as the non-wearing of seat belts. Successful speed monitoring had taken place in Purleigh (Chelmsford Road and Fambridge Road), North Fambridge, Mundon and Althorne, the latter unfortunately marred in part by the fact that Essex FM had broadcast the location of the Police activity.

In response to requests from the floor, the Officers agreed to carry out further speed checks in Chelmsford Road (near the vineyard) and in the Round Bush section of Fambridge Road. The Chairman also asked if traffic calming measures could be implemented at the bend in the vicinity of Queens House, Chelmsford Road, where speeding motorbikes were a particular problem, especially on Sundays. Pc England explained that speeding motorbikes were a serious problem in the area, especially on the Lower Burnham Road, which had been advertised on the Internet as being a very fast road. The problem was also exacerbated by the fact that there was currently a 30% increase in bike sales year on year.

Mrs. Owen observed that the new signage when travelling from Stow Maries to Cold Norton was confusing, as the 40mph speed limit appeared to end at the new gateway markings, but in fact ended at the commencement of the 30mph speed limit in Cold Norton. Pc England suggested taking the matter up with the Highways Department.

PCSO Butler ended the Police report by urging people going out not to forget to lock their doors and windows, which was easily done in periods of warm weather. Unfortunately, there were still people who would take advantage of an unlocked home.

The Chairman thanked both Officers for their interesting reports and for their continued efforts to prevent and detect crime in the parish.

At this juncture John Archer and both Police Officers left the meeting, the former to attend a District Council meeting and the latter having been called away on Police business.

The Chairman gave Mrs. Dawn Dack’s apologies (Headteacher, Purleigh Community Primary School), as she was not able to attend the Annual Parish Meeting due to other commitments.

The Chairman did however read out an abridged version of a written report submitted by Mrs. Dack for the meeting’s consideration. A copy of Mrs. Dack’s full report was available for parishioners to read should they wish to do so.

Mrs. Dack’s report commenced by explaining that the year had been very busy and exciting. The school had developed new play areas in the playground, started new clubs for pupils after school, had put enhanced provision in place for pupils with Special Educational Needs, and had continued the good progress already made by pupils. The school had also received many comments on the excellent behaviour and attitude of its pupils.

Mrs. Dack’s written report advised that Purleigh’s school day was arranged as normal and children were taught in seven classes. The number on roll (190 pupils) was the largest it had ever been, although 3 children were due to leave shortly as their families were moving.

The intake for September 2007 had still to be confirmed by the Local Authority but the school was hoping to be able to offer a place to all children who put Purleigh as their first choice.

Attendance: Mrs. Dack’s report advised that the attendance rate at the school in the 2006 academic year was above the national average and congratulated her pupils accordingly. The rate of unauthorised absence at the school in the same year however, had been broadly in line with the national average.

School Uniform: Mrs. Dack’s report explained that school uniform was compulsory for all children and that the sweatshirts and T-shirts, which bore the school logo, had proved very popular.

Early admissions and Pre School: Valuable pre-school classes for new entry pupils would commence in the summer term and would run on Thursday afternoons for all children who were five during the academic year 2007-2008. This provision helped accelerate the progress of all children.

Special Educational Needs: Mrs. Dack’s report informed the meeting that Mrs Pointer continued to benefit from one day per week release time so that she could co-ordinate the Special Educational Needs Assessment, using the Code of Practice and Local Authority recommendations. She used this time to support particular groups of children in Key Stage 2 in literacy, numeracy and the Gym trail.

Mrs. Dack’s report explained that children identified as having special needs were given differentiated activities and support. If a child’s needs met the recommended criteria then an individual programme, guided by appropriate targets and strategies was set up, which was discussed with parents and children and was regularly reviewed. The meeting noted that additional support from teaching support assistants was funded from within an allocated budget and at present the Local Authority funded 10 hours each week for 2 children with special educational needs statements. Mrs Dack’s report explained that a specialist teacher was involved in monitoring targets for children, the support they received and the progress they made. Visits from outside agencies such as the educational psychologist, specialist teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist and an information, communications and technology assessor had taken place during the term and these specialists continued to be involved in assessing pupils` needs and progress.

Community Relationships: The school continued to contribute to Purleigh and North Fambridge parish magazines and Purleigh Parish Council continued support the school with a grant towards swimming costs for Purleigh pupils, which was greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Dack’s report informed the meeting that parent assemblies and services had been well supported by family, friends and parishioners. Representatives of local churches had officiated at Harvest and Easter services and harvest gifts had been distributed to local senior citizens. The Reverend Elspeth Bland had also visited the school regularly to take assembly, which the whole school community had greatly appreciated. The school’s nativity service in Purleigh Church had been heralded by a torch-lit procession of pupils, parents and staff.

In addition, PCSO Stephen Butler had visited the school many times during the year and had supported the writing work in Year 3.

A representative of the School had recently attended a meeting of the Purleigh Education Foundation where the school had been awarded £70 towards the purchase of bibles.

Mrs. Dack’s report advised that during the year money had been raised for the school charity ‘Asthma UK’ through non-uniform days and collections at school events and productions.

The Parent Teachers Association continued to hold many events to support the school and Mrs. Dack’s report thanked parents for all their hard work, which had included planning for the summer fête. Volunteers were desperately needed however to ensure the event took place.

Mrs. Dack’s report informed the meeting that visits to the school had been made by a school doctor and nurse, various storytellers, theatre companies, a road safety officer, a representative from Asthma UK and Plume School staff members.

Curriculum and School Development: During the year staff had attended many courses, as identified in the School Development Plan, which had been successfully implemented. School advisers from Essex County Council had visited the school to support it with training in Maths, Information Communications Technology and target setting.

All children had taken part in a Christmas art day, a book week, talent and hobbies week and various science days and had worked in groups of different ages whilst engaging in these activities. Sex education continued to be taught in the school according to Local Authority guidelines.

Mrs. Dack’s report explained that every day the children participated in an assembly with a broadly Christian focus but that parents had the right to withdraw their children from these sessions if they wished to do so.

According to Mrs. Dack’s report, the School Council continued to go from strength to strength. Weekly meetings were held to discuss whole school issues and explore the ideas and opinions brought to the attention of its members. Miss Padfield supervised the procedures of the council, which were considered at staff meetings.

Educational Visits/Visitors: During the year many trips and local visits linked to the school curriculum had taken place. The reception class had been for a road safety walk. Class 5 had visited Hyde Hall and had learnt a lot about fruits and seeds during their visit. Class 2 had visited the War Memorial in Purleigh to look at the tributes after Remembrance Day. At Christmas a visiting theatre group had performed a pantomime for Key Stage and Reception children. Classes 3, 4, 5, and 6 had also been to the Civic Theatre in Chelmsford to see a pantomime. Year 4 was currently studying the Romans and had visited Colchester Castle and Year 5 had enjoyed a super day at Chatham Docks in Kent.

The summer term had been busy with trips out. Class 4 had enjoyed a lovely day dressing up as Roman soldiers and learning about how they lived. Class 2 had been to Braintree Museum dressed as Victorians. They had looked super and had found the Victorian classroom very interesting. Class 1 had been pond dipping and had benefited from an exciting day.

Clubs at Purleigh School: Mrs Dack’s report explained that the school had been pleased to be able to offer the following clubs at the school: Music (recorder instruction was available for all children and musicians accompanied all the school’s musical events), football, netball, country dancing, green watch, Information Communications Technology and media, cycling proficiency, karate, and art. Mrs. Dack’s report thanked all the parents, staff and other volunteers who ran these very beneficial extra-curricular activities. Piano lessons with a qualified teacher were also available for children whose wished to pay for the service.

Conclusions: Mrs Dack’s report concluded by reiterating that it had been a busy and exciting year. The school had continued to offer a broad and enriched curriculum for pupils with high expectations and who valued good behaviour. The school appreciated its links with the parish and thanked all those who supported it in so many ways.

Mr. Potter, a Trustee of the Foundation, advised the meeting that the Trustees had met on 26^th February 2007. The investments had generated an income of £234 during 2006, which had been available for disbursement. Of this £70 had been awarded to Purleigh School, £30 to the Sunday School, £60 to the ‘Small Saints’ group, and a book token to the value of £40 had been given to a student going on to further education. The remaining income had been reinvested as capital.

Mr. Don Nowell (Chairman, Purleigh Village Hall Management Committee) commenced his report by informing the meeting that the recent problems with the fragile lavatory seats in the Gentlemen’s loos had been solved, thanks to Mr. Bowyer, and that more substantial seats were now in place.

Mr. Nowell explained that in the year ending 31^st December 2006, the Village Hall had been used on 299 occasions compared with 396 occasions in the previous year, even though there were now eleven regular user groups who hired the Village Hall compared with the ten the previous year. The Committee was encouraged that the number of regular users had increased but feared that the increase in charges agreed last September might have contributed to the reduction in the number of occasions on which the hall had been hired.

Mr. Nowell reported that the Committee had recently purchased five new smaller tables for the hall, which were easier to put up than the existing ones, and had installed new heaters. The cost of the heaters had amounted to £1,156 and the Committee thanked the Parish Council for its grant of £500 towards them.

Mr. Nowell ended his report by looking forward to the Annual Art Show which was due to take place between the 4^th and 6^th May inclusive, this was the Committee’s biggest fund raising event of the year, and was under the capable direction of Steven Potter and Judith Prestwich.

PURLEIGH PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION (PPFA)

As Mr. Steeples, Chairman of the Purleigh Playing Field Association, was not present at the meeting, Mr. Mick Elliott (PPFA Committee Member) gave a report on the organisation’s behalf.

Mr. Elliott began by expressing the PPFA’s relief that after years of fundraising, grant applications and overcoming what occasionally seemed to be insurmountable problems, the new extension to the pavilion had finally been built and was proving to be a great asset. Feedback from users of the improved facilities had been very positive with lots of compliments about the new kitchen.

Mr. Elliott regretted that last year had been the first time in many years that there hadn’t been a Purleigh Fête (which usually raised approximately £3,000), as new volunteers hadn’t been forthcoming despite repeated requests from the Committee for help. Instead, the Committee had held a very successful murder mystery evening, which had raised between £600 and £700, the profits from which had been shared with Purleigh Village Hall’s Management Committee. The organisation intended to repeat the evening in September 2007 and to hold a Quiz night at the end of the year. Steve Dewison was also organizing a Race Night, which would be held in Latchingdon Village Hall. The PPFA was aiming to raise funds, which might be put towards redecorating the interior of the pavilion. Mr. Elliott explained that the PPFA appreciated the newly sanded and re-sealed floor in the pavilion and advised the meeting that every effort was being made to protect the new surface and prevent users of the facilities from wearing studded footwear in the hall.

The PPFA were thanked and congratulated for their efforts in getting the Pavilion extension built.

The Chairman concluded by thanking the speakers and members of the public for attending the meeting and Mrs. Pauline Potter, Mr. Tom Potter, Mrs. Pamela Staines and the Clerk for the refreshments.

PURLEIGH PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION (PPFA)

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PURLEIGH PLAYING FIELD ASSOCIATION (PPFA)

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Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Send mail to webmaster@oaktreeservices.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2005 Oaktree IT Services Ltd and Purleigh Parish Council Last modified: 09/08/2008

Send mail to webmaster@oaktreeservices.co.uk with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2005 Oaktree IT Services Ltd and Purleigh Parish Council Last modified: 09/08/2008