Annual Parish Meeting – 15th May 2024
Minutes of the Great Longstone Annual Parish Meeting
held at 7pm on 15th May 2024
at Longstone Village Hall
Present. Cllr Wendy Long (Chair), Cllr Simon Headington (Vice Chair), Cllr Jane Rigby, Cllr Caroline Briggs, Cllr James Cox, Cllr Phil Barrett, Cllr Andy Douglass and 21 parishioners, including members of the Village Hall Committee (VHC), Longstone Events and Activities Project (LEAP), Friends of Longstone School (FOLS), Longstone Sports and Recreation Association (LASRA), Parochial Church Council (PCC) and “Under the Edge” (UTE).
The meeting was opened at 7.04pm.
- Apologies for absence. Apologies from County Councillor Alasdair Sutton.
- Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting 18th May 2023. The minutes were proposed by Cllr Long and seconded by Cllr Briggs.
- Chair’s report. Topics covered included repairs to the playground equipment, the allotment water project, the churchyard conservation project, the new sports and recreation association and the future of the buildings on the recreation ground. The chair also touched on the loss of the old infant school building, as a community asset, and the successful annual Christmas eve concert.
The Parish Council welcomed Councillor Andy Douglass to their team and thanked Sarah Stokes, who retired after many successful years as Clerk, wishing her well for the future.
- Persons on electoral roll. Matters raised.
A parishioner asked if the village could apply for funding from the government’s Energy Scheme. It was suggested that this is an idea that could be put forward for consideration when work starts on the village plan, later in the year.
A parishioner asked if there could be more equipment in the playground for older children and if the toilets in the pavilion could be made available on a more regular basis for parents and children who are using the recreation ground.
A representative of LEAP explained that they have a very successful programme of events though are always looking for new ideas, particularly if these bring in new users.
A discussion took place about the production of the annual Well Dressing, which for a number of years this has been led by the school. However, this year changes in school staffing mean that they have fewer resources available, and more input is needed from parents and other villagers.
A representative of the PCC explained that they have decided to move their annual “open gardens” event to the start of well dressing week (13/14 July).
It transpired that a number of events are happening over the same weekend, including the FOLs “Summer Sizzle”, LEAP events in the Village Hall on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, and cricket matches on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. A representative of the new sports and recreation association discussed an event that they are planning to run the following weekend (Sat 20th).
The idea of replacing the worn-out village bunting was met with general approval and the Parish Council was asked to consider this.
The creation of a “Village Plan” was briefly discussed. It is currently expected that work will start on this in September, with the formation of a steering committee. In the meantime, opportunities will be taken to raise awareness of the proposal.
The Chair closed the meeting at 7.30pm.
Simon Headington
Clerk to Great Longstone Parish Council
Church Croft, DE45 1TB
Tel: 07968 295258
Email: parishcouncil@greatlongstone.org
