TAKELEY PARISH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY
18th APRIL 2012
SUMMARY OF 2011 ASSEMBLY
The Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting of Takeley was held on Wednesday 18th May 2011
In Takeley Silver Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm.
The Chairman of Takeley Parish Council, Cllr. Richard Cheetham, welcomed 23members of local community to the Annual Assembly.
Present:
Parish Councillors: Cllr Richard Cheetham (Chairman of Takeley Parish Council)
Clr Trevor Allen
Cllr John Gregory
Cllr Nick Free
Cllr Brian Baldwin
Mrs. Jane Heskey (Clerk of Takeley Parish Council)
District Councillors: UDC Cllr. Jackie Cheetham
Local Representatives:
Mr. Steve Hazon (Takeley Local History Society)Mr. Michael Coleman (Silver Jubilee Hall)
Mr. Jack Coleman (Molehill Green Cricket Club)
Mrs Nia Watkiss (WEA & Recorders)
Mr. Peter Sanders (SSE)
Mr. Pat Curran (Takeley Football Club)
Mr. Eric Rogers (Sports & Social Club)
Mandy Line (Takeley Primary School)
Mrs Lyn Fitzgibbon (Holy Trinity Church)
Mr. David Daykin / Mr Roy Smith (Takeley Cricket Club) Clr John Gregory (Kung Fu)
Clr. Brian Baldwin (Takeley Community Centre)
Mrs Gill Baldwin (HEAL Cancer Charity - Takeley Branch)
Pat Caige (HEAL Cancer Charity - Takeley Branch)
Sarah Wesson (Takeley Cubs & Scouts)
Stephen Perrott (Takeley Cubs & Scouts)
PC Brad Healey
PCSO Joanne Trevail-Phillips
Mrs Lesley Free
Mrs Phyllis Altham ( Takeley Ladies Circle & ECC Bus Passenger Rep)
Apologies:
Cllrs Carol Pratt, Tricia Barber, Geoff Bagnall, John Orpin
Mr. Euan Kennedy
Takeley Community Group
Mrs. Barbara Aviett (Takeley Ladies Circle)
Mr. Emlyn Humphries (Takeley Christian School)
District Cllr Derek Jones
County Councillor Susan Barker
Rev Rob Burles
Parish Council Chairman Clr Richard Cheetham opened the meeting. He explained that the purpose of the meeting is to welcome residents and representatives from community groups, and to hear about what is going on in Takeley and to share the success of local groups.
Mr. David Daykin asked why the Parish Council Accounts are not available for inspection and question at the Annual Parish Assembly.
The Clerk and Chairman explained that the APA is not a Parish Council meeting. TPC facilitates the Parish meeting which is a meeting of community groups and residents. The Audit Commission sets the dates for inspection of End of Year Accounts which may not coincide with the date of the APA which must be held between 1st March & 1st June. TPC records, including financial records are a matter of public record and are open to inspection throughout the year. Residents are very welcome to attend PC meetings or request information via the Clerk.
Mr. Daykin suggested that the APA be delayed until after publication of the accounts.
Minutes:
It was agreed unanimously by members of the community, that the published summary of the 2010 Annual Parish Assembly was a true record of events and be signed by the Chairman.
Matters Arising: None
Summary of Reports from Local Organisations:
Takeley Parish Council Chairman’s Report
Clr. Richard Cheetham reported:
TPC minutes are published in the Grapevine, TPC Newsletter & TPC website and are open to all residents for inspection.
TPC was encouraged by a group of local children who approached TPC requesting support for a project to create a dirt bike course on the Sports Field. TPC coordinated the project in conjunction with the children and their parents. This is an excellent example of community self help.
Sports field: ongoing development of youth football facilities (7-18yrs) in conjunction with Takeley Football Club & Essex FA.
This is a long term project. Pat Curran will expand further. TPC has already provided a new portacabin changing facility. Phase 1 will include additional changing facilities and drainage/resurfacing work on the field.
Community Governance Review: No change to parish boundary. Election postponed until May 2012. Due to increasing population the number of councillors will increase from 11 to 13.
Planning matters: There is some frustration around planning controls e.g. Priors Green development, maintenance of BAA owned listed property, airport parking etc. TPC has arranged a meeting with Andrew Taylor – Head of UDC Planning Dept for 30/6/11.
Priors Green Community Hall: TPC will become the custodian trustee of PGCH. It will be run by a management committee comprised of local residents.
Station House: ECC intend to lease the ground floor to a commercial tenant, possible a cafe operation. TPC will be offered a sub lease from the new tenant.
Regrettably vandalism in the village is a problem. Recreation Ground signs, Station House platform gate, bus shelters, swings, worst of all the Sports Fields portacabin was burnt to the ground. It cost £750 to clear the site.
The local Police Team has been very helpful and have worked closely with TPC throughout the year.
Thank you to Clr Trevor Allen who has initiated renovation work to the War Memorial.
TPC is looking for land in the village suitable for allotments. A number of residents have expressed an interest.
Finally, thank you to fellow councillors for their support in the past 12 months especially Carol Pratt, Trevor Allen and the clerk, Jane Heskey. Welcome to new member Nick Free. A special thanks goes to Bob Muddle; Takeley’s village handyman.
Police:
PC Brad Healey reported:
- Stationed at Hatfield Heath
- 8am-2am shifts supervised by Dunmow Police Station. Airport Team do help on occasions.
- Aware of 3 types of crime at the moment:
- Speeding: provided information regarding resources invested in Takeley. Community Speed Watch volunteers operating in a number of locations in Takeley.
- Vandalism: PCSO’s aware of incidents
- Airport related parking in Takeley
Clr John Gregory thanked PC Brad Healey & his team.
Takeley Football Club:
Mr. Pat Curran reported:
- Very difficult year for TFC
- Committee of 10 people have worked for a year improving the club.
- Now recognised as one of the best clubs in Essex.
- Extension named after Lee Boreham
- Extension cost £80k. £20k came from the Football Foundation.
- 2 senior teams, senior ladies team tbc
- 2 youth teams playing at the Sports Field. U12s won their league, U14s came 4th.
- TPC provided new changing facility for the children which includes a kitchen & toilets
- TPC has agreed to provide another changing room to accommodate home and away teams and referees (as per FA standards)
- Working with TPC on phased project to improve youth football facilities at the Sports Field.
- Thank you to the Parish Council.
Report from District Councillor
UDC Cllr. Jackie Cheetham reported:
-Apologies from DC Derek Jones & County Cllr Susan Barker
- A challenging year fro all councils. Govt grant cut by 28% over next 3 years.
- UDC Council Tax level
-Reduced management costs by 40%
- Protecting front line services.
- Partnership working with other authorities
-Delighted threat of 2nd runway at Stansted airport has gone away.
-UDC Planning consulting on the Enforcement Strategy - aware it is a problem
- New Head of Planning - Andrew Taylor
- New Homes Bonus – consultation early summer. UDC has received £750k. Communities will need to consult locally on how to spend the money.
- LDF consultation autumn 2011 (approx. £2500 homes over 20 years)
-Localism Bill – Nov. 2011
- Recycling – looking at kerbside glass collections. UDC is very appreciative of residents support.
- UDC Cabinet system is coming
-JC delighted to be re-elected - thank you.
Takeley Community Centre
Clr Brian Baldwin reported:
- TCC runs over 55s lunch club twice each week. Cheapest in Uttlesford at £3
- Arrange outings
- Christmas lunch
- Centre is available for hire & is utilised successfully
- Website coming soon
Takeley Chapel
Mr. David Daykin reported:
- Weekly Sunday service at 10.30am & prayers on Thursday at 7.30pm.
- Shared lunch on 2nd Sunday of the month
- Monthly shared prayer and worship at Priors Green Community Hall with Anglican churches.
- Modest growth in attendance.
- Welcomed a number of guest speakers and preachers
- Continued programme of work on the building to rewire & replace boiler. Replacing windows in the summer.
- Outreach plans
Silver Jubilee Hall
Michael Coleman reported:
- Well let
- Refurbishment: ongoing plans - latest plans have been well received - requires funding.
- Fun Run 2010: 170 runners & was a great community event.
- Fun Run 2011 - 4th September.
Molehill Green Cricket Club
Jack Coleman reported:
- Last few years have been a struggle
- This season the average age is 23 yrs
- Over the winter we have installed a new roof, carpet, new changing room and new kitchen.
- Thank you to TPC for their support
- MHG village hall trustees are donating £6k to supply electricity to the pavilion.
Sports & Social Club
Eric Rogers reported:
- A few new members
- Royal Wedding street party for 90 children
-Club going reasonably well
Takeley Cricket Club
Mr .Roy Smith reported:
- 2010 better than 2009
- Enjoying cricket. 2 senior teams
- U13s & U15s sides playing in junior leagues although School
- Need to encourage coaching at primary and secondary school children
- Finance – books are balanced. Thank you for local support
Kung Fu Club
Clr. John Gregory reported on behalf of Mick Crisp.
- Non profit making organisation
- 30 years in Takeley
- Club operates at Silver Jubilee Hall on Mondays. 2 sessions -7pm juniors, 8pm seniors (over 16yrs)
- Annual membership £5. Class fee £3 juniors & £4 seniors
- Fees have been increased due to increase in hall hire charges
- Junior numbers continue to decline (13-18). Seniors 6-8. New members welcome.
Takeley Primary School
Mandy Line (Head Teacher) reported:
- Successful year for the school
- Food for Life (growing & cooking) – silver award (1st school in Essex)
- Ofsted inspection – good with many outstanding areas. Very pleased & proud.
- Kitchen inspection – 5* hygiene rating (highest award)
- Continue to increase outside clubs & facilities
- Academically doing very well – above national average
- 209 pupils
- Thriving PFA. Thank you to TPC for supporting ‘Winter Wonderland’
- Planning permission granted for new school site at Priors Green> Opening Sept. 2012. Challenges: walk to school route & Broadfield Rd ditch.
Takeley Local History Society:
Mr. Steve Hazon (Chairman) reported:
- Healthy membership approx. 60. Meetings 4 times each year at Takeley Primary School with guest speakers.
- In 12th Year
- 9th July 2011 outing to view private collection of farming implements at Pledgedon Farm
- Produced 3 more booklets this year
- Website averages 4000 hits per month.
Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE)
Mr. Peter Sanders reported:
- May 2010 BAA withdrew application for 2nd runway at Stansted Airport
- SSE is still active
- Aim:
1. To rule out a second runway for the long term (we have been in this position 3 times before)
2. Influence Govt aviation policy to rule out a 2nd runway at Stansted Airport. We need a long term commitment from all parties.
3. Aviation industry is launching a major campaign for additional capacity in the south east of England.
4. BAA already has permission for 35mppa 264k flights – double the size it is today.
- There will be a new owner
- Sale of BAA owned property – BAA is not selling any in the area of G2
- Thank you to Takeley for your tremendous support. We cannot afford to relax.
Cubs & Scouts
Sarah Wesson reported:
- Cubs 30 members, Scouts 13 members
- External outings to local facilities including Priors Wood & Hatfield Forest
- Trips to Greenwich & Duxford
- Camp in June
- 2nd in 6 a side football tournament
- Involved with Explorers (aged 14-17 yrs)
WEA
Nia Watkiss reported:
- Started 40 yrs ago
- 2 sessions per year held at Takeley Community Centre. Talks are of a very high standard.
- Very strong core membership
- Would encourage more members
- Nia is also the Uttlesford Recorder for Takeley
ECC Bus Passenger Representative
Phyllis Altham reported on a recent meeting at Saffron Walden
Takeley Ladies Circle
Phyllis Altham reported:
- Apologies Mrs Barbara Aviett
- A very entertaining year
Holy Trinity Church:
Lyn Fitzgibbon- Church Warden reported:
- Apologies from Reverend Rob Burles who joined in January
- Rob & his wife have settled very well
- Thank you to those who stepped in
- Thank you to TPC for grant towards churchyard maintenance
- On 1st December the church parishes of Lt Canfield & Takeley became one.
- There will be a joint PCC this year (Takeley & Lt. Canfield)
Helen Rollason Heal Cancer Charity (Takeley Branch)
Pat Caige reported:
- Raised £k through various events this year
- Quiz Night raised £890
- Committee has been together for 16 years
- Many patients use Rivers at Sawbridgeworth
- Please support us – raising money for research and treatment centres
Takeley Community Group
Written report received:
- Apologies for absence
- Halloween, Easter & Christmas parties were all well attended. New Years Eve fundraising party was a great success.
- As these parties are so popular the group would like to continue organising them and will in future make a small charge to cover costs.
- Many new people moving into the area, particularly on Priors Green, the parties are a good way of making these people feel part of the community.
- We are very grateful to those who have supported us throughout the year & hope that people will continue to do so.
Takeley Art Group
Richard Cheetham reported:
-Held in the Silver Jubilee Hall, the group has 16-18 members
-Very good tutor
-Fees are £65 per term. New members are welcome.
Clr Richard Cheetham thanked all those who have attended.
Meeting closed at 9.25pm
Jane Heskey
Clerk to Takeley Parish Council
May 2011
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