 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
©Kirton News 2023
March 2024
The Editors Letter
e’ve had quite enough of you now Winter, many thanks for stopping by! I’m ready for a bit of sunshine now I don’t know about you!
A few weeks ago I was given some old editions of Kirton News from one of our long standing distributors. She has kept one of each issue aside for the last few decades! Funnily enough, between the issues of February and March 2004, exactly 20 years ago, the magazine changed its name from The Church in Kirton (and Community News) to Kirton News! Lesley Lanfranco had recently taken over as Editor and her letter in Feb 2004 (after the tenure of David & Sylvia Hilton, both who sadly are no longer with us) is very reminiscent of what I often talk about today ie. promoting local events and asking for contributions from local groups. In the March 2004 edition, Glynne Goringe had recently retired from running the Villager Fruit Shop and there were contributions from Kirton Guides, The Chestnuts, D’Eyncourt and Middlecott Secondary school.
Dates for your Diaries in March 2024:
• St David’s Day – Friday 1st March
• International Women’s Day
Friday 8th March
• Mother’s Day – Sunday 10th March
• St Patrick’s Day – Sunday 17th March
• Good Friday – Friday 29th March
• Easter Sunday – Sunday 31st March
I hope to once again run a front cover competition later in the year alongside the pupils of Kirton Primary School with the theme of the 2024 Paris Olympics! It’s always really well supported and there are some very talented young artists out there!
In our Meet the Locals feature we’re talking with The Revd Dr Val Ogden from Kirton Methodist Church. Take a look on Page 5! We’re starting to run low on participants for Meet the Locals. This is a great opportunity for some free publicity/advertising. If you wish to take part please email me at the address below. I’ve also included a ridiculously easy recipe for you to try for Easter on Page 13.
I’m always contactable at Editor@kirtonnews.co.uk. I’d love to see some suggestions for our 2024 issues. Do you have an interest you’re passionate about, do you have any recipes to share or have you read any fantastic books lately? We’d be more than happy to include you!
Meet The Locals
This month we’re talking to The Revd Dr Val Ogden - Minister, Kirton Methodist Church
Val Ogden was born in Manchester – the home of better football – in 1961. She holds degrees in theology from Manchester and Bristol, an MPhil in Ecumenics from Trinity, Dublin, a PhD (University of Wales) and is a graduate of the National Broadcasting School. Val worked in education and training in the 80s, and as a programmer/presenter in commercial radio before training for the Methodist ministry.
She was ordained in the United Church of Zambia where she served for six years on the Copperbelt, remaining deeply thankful to Zambia for all the faith, formation and inspiration she received there. Val returned to the UK in 1998 to minister in Wolverhampton and then to Selly Oak, Birmingham, as Tutor in Mission Studies.
She went on to become Director of the Selly Oak Centre for Mission Studies, at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham; engaged in training, research and orientation for global mission among a diverse, international community of clergy, church leaders and mission partners. From 2009-2013 she was Ecumenical Minister at St Martin’s Shared Church (Anglican-Methodist) in Dorking and Dorking Christian Centre, followed by an academic year in residence at Spurgeon’s College South London, a Baptist foundation.
From 2014-2018 she was Director of Theological Education by Extension at the Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji: an ecumenical centre offering theological education to a diverse range of people and places across the islands of the Pacific region, with much emphasis on issues of climate justice and decolonisation.
Val now serves as Superintendent Minister for the six Methodist Churches of Boston, Lincolnshire: three in town and three in the villages. She loves it – especially being immersed in a wide variety of community networks and is passionate about building partnerships and mutuality across shared commitments and concerns. She writes and teaches occasionally for St Hild College, Lincoln.
Kirton Church Fund
The winning numbers for February will be printed in the April magazine.
The March draw takes place on Sunday 31st and the winning numbers will be printed in the May magazine.
A first time win for number 99 and 86 has had several wins. Congratulations to both winners!
The KCF books have gone for their annual audit as usual at this time of the year. Also, as usual, I will go through them on their return to give an update on the winning streaks for the last year.
Come and join us, you could be part of a winning streak that I report on next year! With only 51 numbers in the draw chances of winning are very good. It’s still only £5 a number each month as it was when we started way back in June 2012. Not much else has stayed the same price since then! Most of the members pay annually (£60), some pay £30 for 6 months or you can of course pay the £5 monthly if you wish. The choice is yours. You can also have more than one number as our second prize winner has and so does his wife who coincidently won the 2nd prize last January with one of her numbers! Anyone over 18 may take part.
The prize fund is ¼ of the money taken each month. The rest of the money goes to Kirton Church. The more people that take part the higher the prize money and the more money we raise for the church and as you know we are still trying to raise the money for the work needed on the church roof.
Registration forms are available from Fay, please ring 01205 723529, or pick up a form from the back of the church or from Paula’s Gifts on Station Road. If you would like more information give Fay a ring.
January 2024 Winners
1st PRIZE - £47.81 - TICKET NUMBER: 99
2nd PRIZE - £15.94 -
TICKET NUMBER: 86
Data protection. All information (name, address and phone number) of Kirton Church Fund members is held solely for the purpose of managing Kirton Church Fund and is not passed on to any other organisation or used for any other purpose.
Boston Classic Car Club
Christmas Dinner 2023
Over 120 members of the Boston Classic Car Club enjoyed an excellent Christmas dinner on the evening of 21st December and with the dress code featuring Christmas jumpers it ensured a colourful and suitably festive occasion!
For the second year running Club members gathered at the Ivys, Swineshead, with turkey, beef and a wide variety of vegetables and sauces on offer, followed by a choice of desserts, mince pies and tea or coffee. Everybody agreed that the meal was great and the service from Angie and Charlotte Thompson and their staff was fantastic!
A raffle (with a table groaning with donated prizes), in aid of the Club’s chosen charity for 2024, Lincolnshire Emergency Blood Bikes, raised an excellent total of over £300 which will be added to the total at the end of next year.
All in all the evening was a resounding success with members enjoying the meal, the atmosphere and the socialising.
When Granny Witch Came To Stay
Gillian Strugnell contacted Kirton News with details of her new book:
Having retired from a lengthy teaching career I decided to find time to write children’s books. As I approach my 80th birthday in a few weeks it’s a goal that I have thankfully managed to achieve as the book has now been published under the above title. As a young child I was fascinated by stories about witches and wizards. The main purpose of my story is to emphasise the deep bond between a young girl, Arabella, and her Granny Witch. As the reader enters a magical world the message soon comes through that thanks to Granny Witch’s potent powers good triumphs over evil. My publishers, Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd., have sent my book into well known bookshops ie. WH Smith, Waterstones, Foyle etc and other outlets world-wide where they have offices. Their promotional process has been excellent. They posted my storyline on a YouTube trailer which has evoked quite a lot of interest. I am also going into local primary schools to read and speak to the pupils which I am really looking forward to.
Like many other folk I do appreciate all the hard work you do for the newsletter. I am currently living in Kirton Skeldyke.
Kind regards
Letters to the Editor
Kirton town Hall - Last Night of the Proms 2023
Dear Editor
An amazing turn out again for this annual event. Kirton Brass band were fantastic as ever and had everyone tapping their feet, obviously enjoying themselves. A ploughman’s supper was served in the interval and in the second half, well known favourites had everyone waving their flags just like the Albert Hall audience in London. Thank you to all who came along to support the Town Hall. All monies raised go towards making sure the building continues to be available for the benefit of the residents of Kirton.
Dear Editor
Our Harvest Supper was held at Kirton town Hall again, as we cannot use the kitchen in the church. ( It is in need of serious refurbishment to meet environmental health standards)
Thank you to all who attended the event and continue to support our fundraising efforts to raise money towards a new roof on the church, as well as the other structural improvements that are needed. As always though, more support from the community would be very much appreciated.
Those who attended enjoyed a hearty sausage and mash supper, followed by home made apple crumble or trifle. There was an excellent raffle of harvest produce followed by a mini auction of produce.
Thank you to Ann for cooking for us and for the church volunteers, who though few and ageing in number, manage to put on successful events. Our next event is the Christmas Tree Festival on 2 and 3 December. The Christmas craft fair in the Town Hall is on 2 December, so why not combine the two events. Refreshments will be served at both, so no need to go hungry .Do come along and support your village.
Dear Editor of Kirton News, I am a very concerned resident and I respond as follows to Mr A Bowen and The Kirton Car Park Group (KCPG) letter to you in the November issue of Kirton News.
While Mr Bowen states that Cllr Astill who led the discussion for item 7 on the agenda regarding the Town Hall car park, may have spoken eloquently and suggests that the current situation hadn’t been thoroughly planned, however prior to joining the council did he not regularly attend Council meetings as a member of the public? I would suggest that Cllr Astill quite possibly witnessed first-hand the discussions that the council had at the time of the decision-making process, which according to the Parish Council minutes website during the April 2022 meeting May AGM, June 2022, August meeting and in September in the Clerk’s updates, where it’s minuted that A Booth agreed as Chair of the Town Hall committee to sign the contract on behalf of the THMC, and yet the then Mr Astill had maintained silence throughout all of those meetings and yet only chooses to speak out now as a councillor?
What is very apparent to myself and I believe many, is the fact (according to the Parish Council minutes) is that the carpark had been discussed at least 4 times in the past was also an opportunity for KCPG to have their say prior to a decision being made, and yet they didn’t, so I would suggest 4 potential opportunities missed to speak up about this hence Mr Bowen’s letter is rather pointless and too late.
While Mr Bowen and the KCPG claim that they wish to change the way the restrictions to suit themselves and the Kirton Town Hall Management Committee (KTHMC) it’s worth noting that it has been revealed in the past that both the Parish Council and the THMC both signed the contract for the restrictions which very much suggests that Mr Bowen is incorrect, why would the THMC agree to sign the contract if they weren’t happy with the arrangements?
Mr Bowen goes on to say that all opinions are valid, and yet he states that he lives ‘close’ to the said car park? One would have to assume that he has quite possibly been significantly affected as it would seem that he has lost his own personal place to leave his vehicle(s) 24/7 despite having his own driveway with room for several vehicles. This is where I suggest that the matter of self-interest emerges in this discussion.
Another point is that it’s not just Mr Bowen and the minority that is observing this car park, it’s actually many residents within the community such as myself as a long standing resident of Kirton, and I believe there’s a silent majority out there who actually find it easier to collect and bring their children to and from school who of course are not going to attend meetings to say that they are happy with the new arrangements, and not having to battle to find space in the car park and use nearby streets which have no restrictions as they have done in the past. After all, isn’t it human nature to say nothing when happy and only speak out and make a fuss if it affects them? Believe me when I say the majority are happy with the current arrangements.
Mr Bowen seems to miss the obvious facts such as there are regular meetings and sessions of lunch club, dance & exercise classes, coffee mornings and Slimming world are there as well as during term time a place for parents to drop off and collect kids with a school across the road that has some 500 or more children attending.
Well, I think this is all starting to look more like sour grapes of those who have abused the system that has caused these restrictions to be imposed in the first place, if Mr Bowen wants someone to blame maybe have a look at his own actions first?
In any case, if this was a car park in Boston, or for that matter most towns and cities in and around the UK everyone would have to be paying for it! Well maybe that’s what KCPG want, and we will all quite possibly be thanking them for soon if they have their way and make us all pay? This car park has always been free, as it should be, and I say to the Parish Council its’s a job well done from the silent majority, please keep it how it is, it’s available for anyone to use for 3 hours. Seriously, how long could you shop for in Kirton? My answer would be much less than 3 hours.
After all, there is plenty of all day parking in surrounding streets, as well as one hour parking all around the War Memorial in the centre of Kirton, or are the minority too lazy to walk more than 10 paces?
Kirton Parish Council, please listen to the silent majority and not the noisy minority, who ridiculously think it’s somehow their given right to park there all day and night because they are too lazy and it suits them, and ruining it for most of us.
It seems to me that this KCPG group is a very small minority who are only immersed in their own self interest to get what just selfishly suits them.
If we all end up having to pay for parking, we all know that it would be a complete travesty of fairness to disadvantage many, to appease the ones who make a fuss and shout loudest!
Mr Bowen and the KCPG are not worth listening to, just the same as all the high court armchair judges that reside in the toxic local community group on Facebook.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, JUST LEAVE IT HOW IT IS! Yours sincerely,
Ideas for Mother’s Day 2024
Here are some ideas on how to spend this special day with your Mum and/or special family member:
Have Afternoon Tea or Sunday lunch Together. Places I would recommend (alongside many others) would be The Old King’s Head in Kirton, The Tea House in the Woods in Woodhall Spa or The Ivy’s Farm Shop Restaurant in Swineshead. If you prefer to stay at home, create your own Afternoon Tea (try to enlist some helpers so you’re not doing it all yourself)!
Go on a nature walk and stretch your legs! There’s plenty of choice up to a 20 mile radius plus it’s free!
Book a relaxing spa day somewhere like The Grange in Pointon (they are closed on Sundays but open on Saturdays).
Visit a local museum - The Museum of Lincolnshire Life in Lincoln followed by lunch/dinner in Bailgate.
If you have younger children or grandchildren then visit somewhere where the kids can let off some steam - Belton House near Grantham.
Visit the coast, have a brisk walk along the sea front and eat some traditional seaside fare - chips!
If your Mother is no longer with you on Mother’s Day, I appreciate how difficult that must be. Try and celebrate your memories of her by doing something she would have loved and talking about her with other family members.
Thoughts brought home from aboard,
a Short story sent to us by Bill Crewdson
On a cold and wet evening in January 1985, Michael Grey was sitting in the lounge bar of the ‘Three Horseshoes’ pub just off the Edgware Road in Central London. It was still early and as yet there weren’t many customers. The Horseshoes was a traditional London pub that had been dubiously modernised to attract a younger clientele, not really Michael’s sort of place at all, however - that’s were his contact had suggested - so be it!
As he sat there in the dimly lit bar, Michael began to reflect upon events in his past life, a Widower now of just over two years, he felt ready to start living again, he was hoping that recent enquires he had made, culminating in tonight’s meeting would bring new meaning to life.
Michael has been married to Julie for two years, they had been working closely together as colleagues when romance blossomed, it had been a good relationship and they were both very happy, they had planned to start a family, but these dreams were shattered when Julie was tragically knocked down and killed in a road traffic accident, it was said at the hearing that the driver was under the influence of drugs.
Michael Grey was a tall man of athletic build now in his forties he still kept in shape by regular visits to his local Gym and frequent rounds of Gold.
Michael was employed as a Senior Civil Servant, he was head of a Department within the Army Freight Organisation which is housed in the Empress State Building close to Earls Court. This 31 storey skyscraper a rare feature of the West London skyline was built in 1961, originally intended to be a Hotel, it was eventually taken over by the Ministry of Defence.
Michael had been in his present post just over six years, prior to this, his role was very different. It is a little known fact that this great building is also the home of MI6. Britain’s Secret Intelligence Services are administered by two official bodies. MI5, which looks after operators on British soil and M16 which deals with matters overseas.
During his time in M16, Michael was an Intelligence Officer on active operations, it was the time of the Cold War and Michael was sent into East Berlin to contact a double agent who had some vital information. This operation was not to Michael’s liking, he felt apprehensive of the outcome, the intelligence on his contact was sketchy to say the least. Continued next month.
Frampton Gardening Club
If you are a regular reader of the Frampton Gardnening Club news, you will know we have been having a break from meetings until March 28th 2024.
We did however, have our annual lunch at the Thatched Cottage, Sutterton in January, when over 20 members enjoyed a lovely meal. Thanks go to the staff at the Thatched Cottage for their hard work and hospitality, and Di Froy, one of our committee members, also thanked Ray Harding and Maggie Welberry for organising it for us.
We start again, with a talk by Peter Skeggs – Gooch from Thorncroft Clematis. As there are many varieties of clematis, besides the different groups, I’m sure there will be many people asking the question ‘When should I prune mine?’ This is the start of a varied programme for this year.
If you are interested in joining us, (and you don’t have to have a garden to be interested) then you would be most welcome. You can turn up on the night at Frampton Village hall, Middlegate Road 7.30pm, or contact Ray Harding on 01205 723181or Maggie Welberry on 01205 722382. Our meetings are always on the last Thursday in the month and your first meeting is free.
Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- January 2024
Present: Councillors:
Cllr P. Watson, Chair, Cllr D Jarvis Vice Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr A Bowen, Cllr M Elston, Cllr Pryke, Cllr M Sohail Cllr J Stevenson, and Cllr S Watson. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather. Borough Cllrs Pryke & Middleton.
Before the meeting commenced the Chair apologised to the Councillors for the statement, he read out last month without advising them he was going to do this.
Public Forum
Resident thanking Cllr Astill for clearing wet leaves away from near Frampton Middlegate bus stop.
A second resident also thanking Cllr Astill and Elston for clearing leaves at the Doctors. Police Report link had been sent to Councillors from meeting Clerk attended.
Reports From Elected Borough And County Councillors
Cllr Middleton – noted on minutes comments had been made regarding cost of Christmas in Boston but wanted to advise the numerous thanks received from residents and businesses for its success.
Resident from Cleymond Chase regarding non maintenance of area around her residence. Clerk will ask contract to include. Last meeting resident mentioned mud on road at local development. Planning Officer will attend, try, and action. He has not received a complaint and needs to prove guilty parties.
Cllr Astill advised the area is surrounded with trees and building development and tractors a like are causing problems so just needs sorting.
Part of planning is they must keep roads clean, but there are four developers along that area.
Cllr Baillie felt area had slight improvement.
Resident at Kirton End complaining over restrictions for 7.5-ton weight limit. Cllr Middleton will contact Cllr Brookes.
Cllr Pryke had also visited areas of development who are clearing mud regularly, and felt it was the smaller development causing the problem.
Various potholes have been reported together with overgrown hedges. Also reports of an abandoned van on Horseshoe Lane.
Bucklegate – Chicken poo is being moved but hasn’t all been removed. Still a problem for the residents. Will check with Environment if complete load is to be removed.
Complaints from residents of person on land, adjacent to planning application site for travellers on Marsh Road. Gentleman in question has also been responsible for releasing dogs in Scotland and has been prosecuted and his name forwarded to Boston Police.
Cllr Elston requesting if any updates regarding streetlights. Matter is being discussed at a Parish Council Liaison meeting on 25th January which Kirton will be attending.
At this point a guest from the County Council arrived. Cllr Pryke advised as a number of parents were concerned regarding the sudden closing of the nursery in Kirton on Friday after Christmas with no warning. A number of Cllrs had been contacted as had Cllr Pryke as Borough Cllr. Some colleagues on the Parish Council and Cllr Pryke contacted the County Council requesting assistance to replace the provision of the premises and some progress has been made. Cllr Pryke is also one of the Trustees of the Charity that owns the building, who have been hindered by the present tenants who are not engaging with the Charity. LCC are aware of people who are interested in taking over the premises and reinstating the service. It is believed the County Council are also interested in this and why Cllr Pryke invited Sarah Waite, from Lincolnshire County Council to the meeting. They have had many of their existing providers interested in running a provision in Middlecott House. The barrier being now the Landlords have received no notification of their tenancy and no-one can have access until that is sorted. LCC spoke of alternative arrangements for residents.
A member of the public has registered their interest in continuing the service. There appear to be some discrepancy over the ownership of the buildings.
Cllr Middleton and Mrs Waite left the meeting. Cllr Pryke left meeting to speak with Sarah Waite.
Cllr Brookes – Bungley Lane has been resurfaced. The problems of the 30 mph speed limits on London Road have been resolved. Cllr Astill felt there is still a problem in Bungley Lane due to the sides of the road having been worn away with traffic. Ideally requires a drain system as water has nowhere to drain away. Also along that stretch there is now approx. 10 metres of hedging missing. Clerk advised she had been successful in obtaining 120 mixed hawthorns from Lincolnshire Woodland Trust
To Receive Apologies For Absence
To receive and accept apologies for absence as given to the Clerk prior to the meeting by Cllr L O’Connor, Borough Cllr Rylott and County Cllr Brookes. Cllr Austin had an accident before Christmas and will not be attending meetings for some time. All resolved to accept reasons given.
Cllr Baillie apologised for missing December meeting having confused the date.
To Approve Notes Of Previous Meetings Held On 13th December 2023
Proposed Cllr S Watson seconded Cllr Astill that these be accepted as a true copy. Unanimous.
To Receive Updates From Clerk
Streetlights in High Street have now been reported to LCC as they are not the responsibility of the Borough Council.
Gutters at Town Hall have been cleared but there are some broken parts so they will be returning to complete the work. Cllr Astill had supervised the works for three hours to be sure work was being done. Company agreed it was a larger job than anticipated. Cllr Elston suggested it be a good idea to have them visit every other year to check drains.
Resident on Willington Road still awaiting tree works.
To Discuss/Approve Orthodox Chapel Annual Rent
Inherited a lengthy lease on almost a peppercorn rent of £500 per annum which has not been increased since inception. Would be difficult to increase to a relative amount in relation to the maintenance of the old cemetery which is something the Parish Council are responsible for anyway. Cllr Baillie agreed this was an unacceptable rent with no increase for over 10 years. Cllr S Watson questioned if a rent rise of x% could be offered, but they are being responsible for maintaining the grounds themselves. Clerk didn’t think they would agree as the lease area is only that of the Chapel, driveway a small area to the right, so effectively not theirs to maintain.
If the calculation was made for 5% increase each year, accumulative would equate to revised rent of £690.
Cllr Elston advised it will be in contract what increase is allowed, as any increase would have to be legal. Contract says a years’ notice in writing, of increase has to be given and then only on the 10-year anniversary.
Proposed Cllr Elston seconded Cllr P Watson legal advice be taken. Cllr Baillie suggests a meeting with Flora Buda and the Priest regarding this.
Cllr Jarvis suggested we could only increase at the cost of inflation as the Chapel could object and appeal.
Clerk agreed they are approachable people but feels decisions will not be made by them but legal people higher up the chain.
Cllr Elston withdrew his previous motion. Cllr Baillie proposed approach party and discussed all facts. Seconded Cllr Elston. Unanimous
To Approve Changing Of Meeting Dates And Amend Standing Orders.
As discussed at a previous meeting if all in agreement just needs to be approved to amend Standing Orders. Makes better use of Council deadlines for Kirton News, budget, precepts etc. Proposed Cllr S Watson, seconded Cllr Baillie. Majority.
To Discuss/Approve Summer Planting
Cheers have previously said they are happy to supply plants but cannot plant as early as we want them planting. Thistles, a group in Sutterton were initially to help with this but have now decided they do not wish to do it.
Clerk is going to approach the Clean Up Squad and other volunteers to plant and ask if Thistles would be prepared to water throughout the season. Cllr Elston felt he would be able to get a group together, including the school children that help the Clean Up Squad. He also suggested that perhaps the local businesses may be willing to assist. Clerk to speak with them. Kirton Holme had originally requested a bin last year. Clerk suggested the planter at Kirton End which is not required by Kirton End residents be moved to Kirton Holme. All agreed. Cllr Pryke suggested then the area where the planter is at Kirton End could be cleared of nettles and rubbish. Also a planter in Penny Gardens in a ‘sorry state’ Clerk to investigate.
Cllr S Watson advises the Kirton signs are beginning to look a little faded and worn. Is it the Parish Council’s responsibility to freshen them up? Perhaps another question of the Clean Up Squad.
Finance
To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule
Cllr Astill requesting the remainder of the financial sheets, there were no breakdowns of the events held for income and expenditure. Race Night and Christmas Meal.
Clerk advised Christmas meal had been approved last month, nothing on the authorising payment sheet related to anything to do with these events. This being the case Cllr Astill still was not prepared to authorise these payments without that knowledge and felt the PC should not agree to them this month but defer until the breakdowns are available.
Cllr Pryke requesting if VAT had been claimed back last month. Clerk confirmed it had.
Proposed Cllr Elston to defer to next meeting seconded Cllr Astill. 8 for one against.
Planning
To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting
Cllr Pryke felt it not a good idea for the takeaway to be on the industrial site in Wash Road. Access to the site off the A16 was not conducive to additional traffic. Cllr Jarvis felt it would be for the employers on site not necessarily the residents and visitors. Cllr Pryke felt at planning, in the beginning, food outlets were not allowed on this site. He is to ask Planning the question.
Members Reports
CA – Cllr Elston and he cleaned footpath across footpath from Town Hall to Kings Court. Very boggy and requires attention and possibly having some drainage either side. Town Hall tower require serious remedial work.
Had received a call from a resident, when Christmas lights were taken down, that they had been donated to the Parish Council. Having taken them down they are now in Clerk’s office. Christmas tree now needs to be moved.
FB – requesting updates of works to trees in Churchyard. Archbishops’ permission has now been given to cut down or reduce the storm damaged tree. Clerk is to advise the residents involved of the updates personally and not at a public meeting. Church tree, arborist advised tree is not unsafe and with all works required on trees within the village, each case has to be given its rightful priority. Cannot justify the approximate cost of £2000 at present. Tree lined footpath of Church has now been surveyed but it is a short period to be able to work on trees due to the nesting periods. Cllr Jarvis has a contractor that may be able to offer a quotation. Clerk to contact them for quotation for works.
ME – Funding for works on Town Hall available with UK Prosperity via the Community Foundation also have another grant with deadline for applications of 1st March. BBC appear to be monitoring the UKSP in the Borough different to the likes of adjoining District Councils. Matter to be spoken on at Parish Liaison Meeting.
SW – Requesting if quotes are required for these potential works at the Town Hall. Clerk had been speaking with Town Hall Committee with this in mind.
Correspondence
Clerk had ascertained that communications were not coming through from BBC on some local meetings, in particularly the Liaison meeting. Cllr Jarvis to attend.
Greater Lincolnshire Devolution – open forums regarding the voting of a Mayor for Lincolnshire.
Two letters of complaints against Chair regarding the last meeting, naming a resident and complaining of the co-option procedure. Requested that one be read out at the meeting to Councillors and residents present.
Cllr Astill had requested the PC social media policy be discussed as it appears still not to be working for Kirton and had asked the clerk.
Not being adhered to as such, i.e. by Clerk and Cllr Sohail, when suggested, post on the page. Cllr Sohail advised that the site is a group and therefore can receive comments. Cllr Stevenson agreed with Cllr Sohail that the information has to be factually correct.
Cllr Elston felt that as the PC had agreed to the Social Media Policy previously.
If the PC are not prepared to have it as a discussion page that it is very clear that it is for information only. Also it has been agreed that communications come from and sent from the Clerk.