on Thursday, 8thJanuary2015 at 7.30pm
in Bulphan Village Hall
Present: David Gilbane (Chairman),Naomi Cooper (Treasurer), Janet McCheyne (Secretary), Cllr. Sue Little, Dave Hale, Bernie Benn, Steve Benn, Don Goodman, Gill Miles, Paul Eke, Sherry Ridler, Diane Perkins, Rod Addison, Sylvie Besant,DeniseWakeling, Anne Lacy, Ed Lacy, Angela Shearing, Amy Thongmak, Richard Scruby (Condovers), Graham Pinkerton, Mitch Hallett, Carol Moring, Colin Pankhurst, Vera East, Iris Aedy, Ron Smith, Allan Cox, Lin Cox, Jim Mortimer, Marion Chaplin.
David welcomed everyone to the meeting.The minutes of the last Open Meeting and AGM on 9th October 2014 were distributed, agreed and signed.
Matters arising:
a)Feedback was asked regarding the 265 bus to Grays via Orsett: a few people had used it and were happy with the service, which started on 1st December and is funded until the end of March 2015.
b)Devon Perkins had volunteered to help churchwarden Ron in adjusting the clock, which now shows the correct time.
c)Residents were advised of free electrical item recycling: 10 – 11.30am on Friday 9th January 2015
d)Deadline for responses to the proposed Malgraves development had been extended
Treasurer’s report: copies of the current financial position were distributed, including details of events
Allocation of funding The proposed enhancements of the park entranceway, to be funded by SunEdison, with relevant pictures, were distributed. Use of the Solar Farm funding for this project was agreed.
Bluegrass Folk Festival: 3 members of the Chadwell Hill Billies entertained us with country music, including Country Roads, take me home…….and then gave us details of their wish to hold a Bluegrass Folk Festival in the village hall and recreation ground, 10th – 12th July 2015. They are experienced at organising similar events in the north of Essex and last year the event was based at Condovers in East Tilbury. It had been very successful, with no complaints or problems – and Richard Scruby Group Scout leader had attended the meeting to vouch for the good organisation of the event. Thurrock Council was in favour of the event, subject to the approval of Bulphan Village Community Forum and the local councillors. After various queries (churning up of the recreation ground, security, confirm no amplified music etc) a vote was taken: FOR: 29 AGAINST: 0 ABSTENTION: 1. The councillors were in favour.
Shop Steering Group Report: Janet outlined actions taken so far and proposed next steps. A request was made to hold a separate meeting, as there was not enough time in Forum Open Meetings to discuss the shop in depth. Janet agreed to organise a meeting soon.
Solar Farm Open Day: this will be held on Saturday 25th April 2015
Fly tipping, hedge-cutting and anti-social behaviour in Brentwood Road redundant loop: Cllr. Sue Little has been very helpful in trying to solve all these problems; she has asked for the hedge to be cut lower, so there is visibility and she will continue to press for improvements at this location.
Dunton Garden Suburb: there is an exhibition and chance to talk to planning staff from Basildon and Brentwood Council on Wednesday, 14th January at St. Francis Church, Thorndon Avenue, West Horndon from noon until 4.30pm. Although the actual development is in Basildon and Brentwood, as it lies adjacent to Thurrock, it will have significant impact, especially on Lower Dunton Road/Doesgate Lane.
Thames Crossing update: no further updates currently.
Police/Neighbourhood Watch update: no updates to report
Bulphan in Bloom update: Sherry promoted the upcoming Magic Night fundraiser for Bulphan in Bloom.
Planning matters: a barn conversion had been proposed in Pear Tree Lane; permitted development of 5 dwellings at Fen Farm had been approved; 6 houses at Hatch Farm were recommended for refusal.
Questions from the floor:
a)Bins: the Forum Committee was asked if a letter could be sent, requesting that wheelie bins are replaced once emptied and not left obstructing the pavement.
b)noisy cycling club: a resident of Church Road complained about very early morning (i.e. 5.30am on a Sunday) cyclists talking very loudly as they rode by en route to the village hall car park. Janet will ask Gary in the library to identify the club.
c)Gratitude was expressed to Cllr Sue Little for the work she has put in to ensure our ditches have been cleaned out. The meeting gave her a round of applause.
Next event:
Easter Antics: 1 – 4pm on Monday, 6th April 2015 at the village hall: egg hunt for little ones; village walkabout treasure hunt for families; refreshments; Easter Bunny; raffle;
Next Open meetings:
Thursday 9th April 2015 at 7.30pm in the village hall
Thursday 9th July 2015 at 7.30pm in the village hall (AGM)
Thursday 8th October 2015 at 7.30pm in the village hall