Minutes

of Ufton Nervet Annual Parish Assembly

held at the SUN Village Hall on Thursday 23rd March 2017 at 7.45pm

Declarations of Interest: members are reminded that declarations of interest should be made where appropriate.

Present: Mr David Hanningston (Chairman), Parish Councillors:Mr Norman Bagshaw, Mrs Penee Chopping, Mr Geoff Godwin and Graham Bridgman (District Councillor) arrived at 8.15pm.

In attendance: Mrs Fiona Jones (Clerk)

Members of the Public: Mr Simon Lindley, Mr Andy Tanner, Mr Tony Holden.

  1. Apologies

Received from Mr Dave Brown, Mrs Mollie Lock

  1. Approval of minutes of 2015-2016 Annual Parish Assembly

The minutes from 2015-2016 Assembly were approved and signed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

  1. Chairman’s report

Mr Hannington presented a report on the Council’s activities for the past year- see attached.

  1. SUN School Report

Mrs Penee Chopping, one of the Governors, read a report from SUN school – see attached.

Mr Holden enquired if the school was at capacity and Mr Bagshaw and Mrs Chopping replied it was. They also commented that the budget is very tight. There will be a big project to improve the computer provision for the school. Mr Tanner commented that he may be able to help the school through his contacts at Microsoft with purchasing refurbished computers.

  1. District Councillor’s Report

The Clerk read reports from Mrs Lock – see attached. Mr Bridgeman asked for questions or comments on his report – see attached. He gave some background to the council tax rises that had been implemented. He confirmed that the council had agreed the changes to the ward boundaries. This will mean that Ufton Nervet will move into a new ‘Aldermaston’ ward. Sulhamstead will join Burghfield ward.

  1. Ufton Nervet Fuel Allotment Charity (UNFAC)Report

The Hon. Treasurer, Mr Simon Lindley read a report from UNFAC -see attached.It was commented that the assets of the charity exceeded £1 million but was likely to decline due to market conditions.

  1. St Peter’s Ufton Charitable Trust (The Spire)

The Hon. Treasurer, Mr Simon Lindley read a report from The Spire -see attached. Mr Bagshaw drew the councils’ attention to an additional report in the Parish Magazine. Mr Lindley commented that the trustees would be discussing options to fund raise in order to finish the building the cost of which could vary between £50,000 and £150,000.

  1. West Berkshire Community Broadband

Mr Simon Lindley read a report from West Berkshire Community Broadband – see attached. Mr Tanner commented that if BT cannot make the fibre connection before Thames Water start their mains water pipe replacement next month, then an alternative plan would be implemented. Mr Hannington asked if Gigaclear were able to put the fibre in land instead of the road. Mr Tanner commented that it was possible but not likely. Mr Tanner compared the costs of WBCB vs Gigaclear and stated that Gigaclear would be likely to be 3 times more expensive over 5 years. Mr Lindley talked about the hardware and showed some microwave aerials. Mr Tanner commented that the reason why the volunteers are keen to finish the project is to prevent Gigaclear having a monopoly as superfast provider.

  1. Report from the Village Hall Management Committee

Mr David Hannington read the report - see attached.

The date of the Cream Teas and Island Farm was announced as 9th July.

  1. Any other business

The meeting was closed at 8.51pm there being no further business.

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APA Minute 2015 - 2016