MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STERT PARISH COUNCIL
held in St. James’ Church on 22nd May 2023
Present:
- Chris Lawrence (CL) Chairman
- Alick Edwards (AE) Vice Chairman
- Ann Harris (AH) Councillor
- Lewis Cowen (LC) Councillor
- Lucy Barker (LB) Councillor/Treasurer
- William Howkins (WH) Councillor/Clerk
There were no members of the public present.
- Apologies for absence
There were no apologies.
- Chairman’s Report
CL read his Chairman’s report as follows:
The purpose of the Chairman’s report is I understand to let residents know what we have been doing for the last year and more specifically what we have been doing with their money.
The main expenditure has been on the village parties. Last year we had the Queen’s Jubilee hosted by the Parish and Lucy Barker at Farlingaye and the Christmas Party hosted by Alex Cooper and Lewis Cowen at their house. This year we had a Coronation party hosted by Daphne Moody, Alex Cooper, Lewis Cowen, Nete Howkins, Sue Bromhead, Hilary and Keith Hawkins and others. All three were very successful and enjoyable occasions. I am extremely grateful for the work done by these volunteers. I think these get togethers are an essential component of village life for many and very much hope that, as a village, we can keep them going.
Other matters that have occupied the council time and resources include the lobbying to reduce the speed limit on the A342 which has now been implemented. This was largely led by Ann Harris in order to make it safer for both the residents of the Clock Inn and rest of the village to pull out onto the main road.
The on-going potential Devizes Gateway station, due possibly to be in or right by the Parish, has been a recurring theme and Bill Howkins has been keeping a watching brief on developments.
Other Parish business has been the routine dealing of planning applications, village maintenance and general domestic issues.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking all the Parish Councillors for their valuable contributions and time over the year. Particular thanks to the Clerk (WH) and Treasurer (LB) for doing their jobs impeccably.
- Financial report
LB distributed a copy of the annual accounts to each councillor. These showed the receipts and expenditure for FY 2022/23 compared to 2021/22.
3.1 She also presented the Certificate of Exemption from External Audit since the income and expenditure was below £25,000. This was agreed.
3.2 The Annual Governance Statement was read out by CL and each item was approved and signed by him.
3.3 The accounting statement was also presented and signed by CL and WH. The accounts showed that on 31/3/23, the PC held a reserve of £3,262, this figure includes £200 set aside for future decoration of the phone box.
- Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman
The previous Chairman and Vice Chairman, being willing to stand again for a further year, were duly elected, as proposed by AH and seconded by LC.
- Questions from the public
There were no questions from the public..
Stert Parish 