Coln St Aldwyns, Gloucestershire

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON 9 JANUARY AT 7.00 PM
HELD AT VICARAGE COTTAGES BARN, COLN ST ALDWYNS
Present: David Hicks-Beach, John Reeves, Will Perkins, Helen Forbes, Anthony Van Oss, Steve Fletcher (treasurer), David Fowles (districvt councillor) and parish clerk Clare Brignall.

MINUTES

There were no apologies
There were no declarations of interest
The Council approved and signed the minutes of the last meeting, held on 3 October 2023.
The Council heard the report from the District Councillor who had spoken with the interim head of planning, David Morren, about the cladding on the chimney of the New Inn. They are looking at new solutions. There are problems with the weight that the roof can/cannot hold. The original planning officer has now left. CDC are looking at the continued future of Publica – providing back office function for 3 councils. A budget review going to full council will look at increases in charges to council tax, green bins and parking fees. There is going to be a boundary review of the wards in the council. The County Councillor was not present.
The Council approved the documents that have been adapted for this year: Standing Orders, and Financial Regulations. The Risk Assessment is outstanding and Council has agreed not going to have a Grants Policy. HF is going to look at the biodiversity policy.
The Council to considered the budget vs spend for the period of September to December. DHB thanked Steve for his work as treasurer. Most of the changes were in the grass cutting. After 7 years of no invoices, we received an invoice of £2424, which has been paid. The reserve was £2800, so we have a surplus. We need an invoice from the church for the churchyard mowing, which will be about £250. Insurance needs to be paid in February. £316.01 was paid for the coronation celebrations. We paid £181 for the village meeting. £60 for subscriptions. We have a budget of £1500 for the playground. The inspection was £324 and there is work needed for £3565 fix the zip wire, the badminton hoop, a new table. We have a budget of £416 for inspection, and a budget of £1500 for maintenance. The new website comes under village enhancements. We will send a cheque of £150 to CAB. We have an allowance of £350 for elections, which we will need to review. Three cheques approved, 596, 597 and 598. Zip wire expenditure and table and hoop approved and the extra money for these will come from the playground reserves.
The Council is happy with the bank reconciliation for the period of 3 October to 31 December.
The Council has approved the internal checks for the period of October to December.
The Counciled was informed about progress on tree planting on the Aldsworth Road. The trees are ordered. The Parish council is to pay for the one tree that has been damaged, and the other five people are to pay a donation of £55 each to Coln Parish Council.
The Council discussed progress on speed watch. Council has received a record of the way that the speeding has been going down. Council discussed the ongoing costs of speed watch, which are considered in the budget and the amount to be set for the precept. Council feels that for the moment one speed watch camera is sufficient, along with Smiley Sid, who is now shared with Hatherop.
The Council agreed to continue to hold elections in Quenington Village Hall until Coln Mill is ready.
The Council confirmed the date for the litter pick on 16 March.
The Council reviewed planning applications and there are no concerns apart from the problems with the chimney at the New Inn, which is discussed above, item 4. David Fowles is going to speak with the planning officer about a chimney that has appeared without planning permission at Salt Way Cottage, in their conservatory.
The Council discussed signage about hedgehogs and came to the conclusion that there is no need for further signage but that a member of each of the parish councils, Quenington, Hatherop and Coln, should be asked to meet to discuss a wildlife corridor and the biodiversity policy.
The Council agreed the precept for 2024/25. Steve went through the budget. The biggest changes come from money for the speed watch. The reserve will have gone down by the end of the year. We are putting through around £300 per annum for elections in 2027. Unknown is exactly how much the church mowing will come to. The replacement of the playground should mean putting aside £4000 per year over ten years, which would increase the budget for the precept by £2500, aside from small changes. This would need a raise to the precept of 28%. If we used some of the reserves for the renewal of the playground we could potentially get it down to a £1500. Alternatively, if the largest item failed in the first year, how much would you need to have in reserves to pay for that? Council agreed a 7% increase to the precept, on the assumption that we could use reserves to replace the largest item if it were to fail in the next year. The treasurer will send out the figures for everyone to agree the details.
The Council confirmed 19 March for the next meeting and to set the date of 15 May for the AGM, to start at 6.00 pm, with the village meeting at 7.00.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF COLN ST ALDWYNS PARISH COUNCIL
held on 24th May 2022 at 6 pm in Vicarage Cottage Barn

Present: David Hicks Beach, Will Perkins, Helen Forbes, John Reeves and Clare Brignall (Parish Clerk)

David Hicks Beach was re-elected as Chair, proposed by John Reeves and seconded by Helen Forbes
Will Perkins was elected as Vice Chair, proposed by John Reeves and seconded by Helen Forbes
The Chair and Vice Chair signed their declarations of acceptance
The Standing Orders were approved and will be put on the website
Financial Regulations were approved and will be put on the website
There are no seconded appointments
There are no appointments to outside bodies

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
PART 1

There were four cheques issued during that period: cheque 584 on 17 March to the Citizens Advice Bureau for £150.00; cheque 585 on 17 March to Clare Brignall for Clerk’s expenses for £350; cheque 586 for £70.35 to GAPTC for subs; cheque 587 on 22 March to David Hicks-Beach for £90 for litter picking equipment. The financial statement for the 2022/2023 accounts as at year end 31/03/23 was approved. The reserves were agreed, with the grass cutting reserve having been slightly reduced as there is enough money in the general reserve if the gardener should request payment. The end of year position was income of £5,953, expenditure of £5,674, balance brought forward of £14,121 and end of year balance of £14,400. Council agreed these figures and also noted that payments to the church for grass cutting in the churchyard are now up to date, and a reserve is still needed for the playground. The village enhancement underspend covered the costs of the jubilee celebration and thet playground underspend is to go to increase the reserve. Subs were paid to GAPTC for 2022/23 and for 2023/24. A VAT claim of £717.84 has been submitted but not yet received. Council approved these accounts and also approved the bank reconciliation. The reserves were agreed, to include reserves for general fund, grasscutting, elections and the playground.
The asset register was approved. Smiley Sid has been removed from the asset register as it has not been possible to get a battery for it.
The Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2022/2023 was completed
The certificate of exemption, p. 3, was approved
The governance statement, p. 5 was approved
The financial statement, p. 6, was approved

PART 2

Apologies were received from Carol Bond, who has stepped down as a councillor
The existing declarations of interest forms were checked and no changes were made
Nigel Bray and David Hicks Beach were elected as playground inspectors, with inspections carried out by RoSpa and Macventure
Nigel Bray was re-elected as an internal playground auditor
Will Perkins was re-elected as an internal accounts checker
GAPTC was approved as the internal auditor for 2023/24
Carol Bond has agreed to continue as defibrillator checker
The churchyard mowing payment arrangements for 2023-24 were agreed.

REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS

There were no declarations of interest.
The March 2023 minutes were signed off.
Council agreed to cheques raised in April and May, one for the Coln Community Stores and one for RoSPA for the inspection of the playground. The 2023/24 accounts and bank reconciliation were approved.
The RoSpa audit of the playground was discussed, with only minor outstanding issues to be dealt with. Nigel Bray has ordered a new step for the climbing frame and is getting a quote for a new mesh.
Council discussed recent planning applications: there were no issues.
Council discussed maintenance issues, including drains and potholes. The clerk will contact Thames Water and Highways about the manhole halfway down Main Street, which has no cover. HF will contact Daniel Tiffney from Highways about the new paint that is peeling off and running into the river.
HF reported on progress on the speed camera. Coln has been allocated a free camera from GCC, and HF met with Bob Passmore and the chair of Hatherop Council to discuss where to place the cameras for Coln and Hatherop. It was suggested that Coln’s first camera go opposite the Williamstrip entrance half way between Coln and Hatherop. Council would like to put a camera on the road from Aldsworth, but the cameras have to be put at least 50 metres from the 30 mph sign and this is difficult. HF contacted Highways about moving the 30 mph sign, but this is not possible. HF will ask the police if they can be a bit more lenient about the 50 metre rule, but once we have one camera up we can put signs all around the village, which will act as a deterrant until we can get another camera or two. The cameras have been very successful in Quenington, reducing the speeding by 80%. Council needs the exact costs of installing the cameras in order to put it in the next precept. Council was warned that we need to be careful when putting poles into the verges because of the fibre optic cables.
The next meeting were set for October 3rd at the Vicarage Cottages Barn at 7 pm.

The AGM was followed by a Village Meeting, at which the following people spoke:
CDC                                       David Fowles
GCC                                       Report received from Dom Morris and pinned up
Speeding and Parking             Helen Forbes
Choir                                       Kate Hicks Beach
Coln Stores                              Philip Dance
Hatherop Primary School       Taryn Hancock
Bellringers                               John Reeves
Coln Cinema                            Nick Brett
Church                                    Simon Brignall
Cricket Club                             Andrew Sykes
Parish Council                         David Hicks-Beach

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON 14 MARCH 2023 AT 7.00 PM
HELD AT VICARAGE COTTAGES BARN, COLN ST ALDWYNS
Present: David Hicks-Beach, John Reeves, Carol Bond, Will Perkins, Helen Forbes (on zoom), Ian Powell and parish clerk Clare Brignall. Also present Alun Davies

DRAFT MINUTES

The Council received no apologies.
There were no declarations of interest.
The Council approved and signed the minutes of the last meeting, held on 8 December 2022.
The Council heard from Alun Davies of Barking Mad Dogs about ideas for reducing dog waste on the roads. Mr Davies has noticed an increase in dog faeces on public roads and paths. Potentially people are letting their dogs out of their cars to do their business and there are also some local people who do not want to dispose of faeces. It is a health and safety issue both for livestock and for children. The issue is not a shortage of bins. The district officer for waste said that they try to empty the bins at least once a week. During lockdown dog ownership increased to around 33% of households. Alun wrote in CHEQS magazine about it and he has taken part in litter picks to get rid of what is there now. He feels that if people see dog poo they feel able to allow their dogs to do the same. Alun is going to try to locate some clear plastic containers to go on the side of existing bins with poo bags in them in case people have forgotten them. HF said that people in the village do not pick up after their dogs and we need to make it OK for others to tell people who are doing that to say something. We need to name and shame. There are signs you can put up and particularly useful are signs that indicate what the risk is for livestock. We could possibly put bags on the gate by Yew Tree Lodge and by Stony Path. Mr Davies is prepared to furnish poo bags.
The Council reviewed the report from the County Councillor and discussed the sad news that the District Councillor, Ray Theodolou, has died and the funeral is on 28 March at 2 pm.
The RFO presented the financial statement for the period 4th December to end February 2022. Cheques 581 to MacVenture for £324.00 for the playground inspection, 582 to Gallagher Insurance for £955.63 for the council insurance and 583 to the Parish Church Council for £727.50 for the mowing were all approved. There has still been no invoice from Mr Robinson for grass mowing. The grass mowing for the church yard was larger than last year because it was for two years. There will be a refund for VAT this month. Other items were within budget.
The Council noted that the bank reconciliation as at 14 March 2023 agreed to the amount held in the bank accounts.
The Council approved the internal checks for the period of December to February.
The Council approved £350 for the clerk’s annual expenses.
The Council approved a donation to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau of £150.
The Council to finalised plans for a litter pick on 18 March. The litter pick will start at 9.30 outside Coln Community Stores and DHB to order some more litter pickers.
The Council to reviewed the plan of the footpath signs. It was recommended that we replace the sign that is broken at the end of the drive to Upper Mill. We need to put a sign opposite Manor Farm indicating the public footpath towards the church and another sign at Little Severals that is missing. WP will get quotes for a sign for Little Severills, including asking the district council if they could provide signs and one to go opposite Manor Farmhouse (may have to ask Highways if it is possible to attach it to the 30mph no entry sign), and for a sign at the end of the road to Upper Mill. WP will look for wooden finger posts.
The Council heard that Peter Hewson is going to fell ash trees on the Aldsworth Road and wants to do that before planting more trees. Williamstrip Estate have been very busy with fencing and have not had time to do it yet.
The Council discussed participation in the plans for a national hedgehog highway. Council heard about an initiative for all councils to create special gaps in fencing or walls to make it possible for hedgehogs to move freely, asking councils to spend £150 on a box of materials that make it possible to make gaps in walls or fences. Council was not sure how relevant it is in a village, but it would show commitment as a parish to the protection of hedgehogs. Council decided to discuss it with Quenington and Hatherop Councils at the joint meeting on 20 April.
The Council discussed progress on speed watch. Council has put in an application for a free camera but it has not arrived. Council will have to buy a pole and pay running costs. We can work with Quenington and Hatherop over sharing information and signage but we will have to pay for own cameras, installation etc. The costs will have to be included in the precept. We will probably put the first one on the Bibury Road. Daniel Tiffney will know the costs of poles and installations. Council will write to Daniel Tiffney to find out what the timescale is of getting the camera and how long it will take to install. We need a designated person in the village to be responsible.
The Council heard that the upcoming elections are going to be held in Quenington.
The Council discussed progress on finding a new treasurer. Currently we have not found anyone and so we are going to ask a book keeper in Fairford which will cost £25 an hour and have to go on the precept. Our current treasurer has prepared a list of what things need to be done. Council will try a few more people in the village before going to the book keeper in Fairford.
The Council discussed plans for celebrating the Coronation. Council discussed getting mugs for the 14 children in the village, and Council decided that there would be a bring your own picnic lunch at the playground on Sunday 7 May. Council will get a keg of beer from the Keepers and some fizzy drinks. There will be bell ringing on 6 May. Fancy dress for the children. People will be asked in advance to decorate with flags and bunting and yarn bombing in a message sent to Parvo.
The Council reviewed planning applications. The roof around the chimney of the New Inn is not strong enough to support the brick work to hide the flue and to redo the flue would mean shutting down the pub. Mr Henriquez is going to look at other options. There were no problems with any other planning applications.
The Council discussed the plans for a get together with the councils of Quenington and Hatherop. 20th April. Bring your own bottle.
The Council confirmed the date for the AGM and village meeting on 24 May. The following meeting will be on 3 October.

COLN ST ALDWYNS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

To all Councillors - You are summoned to the meeting of the parish council to be held on Tuesday 14 March 2023 at 7.00 pm, at the Vicarage Cottages Barn

Clare Brignall Parish Clerk 4 March 2023

AGENDA

To receive apologies.
The Council to receive declarations of interest.
The Council to approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting, held on 8 December 2022.
The Council to hear from Alun Davies about ideas for reducing dog waste on the roads.
The Council to hear the report from the District Councillor and the report from the County

Councillor.

The Council to consider the budget vs spend for the period of December to February.
The Council to review the bank reconciliation for the period of 29 November to 4 March.
The Council to approve the internal checks for the period of December to February.
The Council to approve the clerk’s annual expenses.
The Council to approve a donation to the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
The Council to finalise plans for a litter pick on 18 March.
The Council to review the plan of the footpath signs.
The Council to hear about progress on tree planting on the Aldsworth Road.
The Council to discuss participation in the plans for a hedgehog highway.
The Council to discuss progress on speed watch.
The Council to discuss the process for the upcoming elections and where they are to be held.
The Council to discuss progress on finding a new treasurer.
The Council to discuss plans for celebrating the Coronation.
The Council to review planning applications.
The Council to discuss the plans for a get together with the councils of Quenington and Hatherop.
The Council to confirm dates for next meetings, with a view to having a date for the AGM in May.

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING ON 7TH DECEMBER 2022 AT THE VICARAGE COTTAGES, COLN ST ALDWYNS

The Council received no apologies, and gave thanks to Dom Morris and Ian Powell for coming.
There were no declarations of interest. One councillor has a planning application in, but there are no comments on it.
The Council approved and signed the minutes of the last meeting, held on 28 September 2022.
The Council heard the report from the County Councillor. The District Councillor is not well and was not able to come. If needed we can get hold of someone at CDC for any help. Dom Morris reported on bad accidents on nearby roads and especially on the B4425. Most accidents are happening on A and B fast roads and the County Councillor wants to get tighter speeding limits. The County Council have been working on sewerage into the rivers. The Environment Agency needs more ‘teeth’. County Council has been in touch with Sir Geoffrey Clifton Brown: the levers are with government. The oil slick on the Coln seems to have stopped. Godwins were very helpful. We are expecting white lines shortly.
The Council approved the documents that have been adapted: the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations are ready and can go on the website but Council agreed that no Grants Policy is needed. We will put a notice on the website to say that we do not have a Grants Policy.The Risk Assessment Policy will be discussed at the next meeting. (WP)
The RFO presented the financial statement for the period 1st April to 4th December 2022. Cheque 579 to GAPTC for £181.30 for the 2021/22 audit was approved. It was noted that the final installment of the precept had been received. The payments against grass cutting referred to 2021 & 2020 and was covered by the grass cutting reserve. The Council had just received an invoice for the Council contribution to this year’s cutting of the churchyard, but still nothing had been received for the cutting of the playground for this and previous years. Concerns were raised as to whether the balance in the grass cutting reserve would be sufficient to cover the outstanding years. IP and DHB both offered to find ways of emailing Mr Robinson to try to find out when he is going to invoice the Council for the mowing of the playground. The insurance cost has gone up, and £800 was budgeted but the cost will be £950. A plan is needed for the playground as it will need replacing soon and Council will ask MacVenture to do a ten year plan for the life expectancy of all the equipment and replacement cost (DHB). Other items were within budget and the Jubilee celebrations would be covered by the village enhancement budget. It was noted that the cheque for £30 to SG Manufacturing for the postage of Smiley Sid was never cashed and had been credited back into the accounts .
The Council noted that the bank reconciliation as at 4th December 2022 agreed to the amount held in the bank accounts.
The Council approved the internal checks for the period of September to November.
The Council was informed about progress on tree planting on the Aldsworth Road. Peter Hewson has the trees ordered but he is looking at where he needs to put them as some big ash trees have to come down with Ash Dieback. County has some money for cutting down ash trees if they are a danger to the highways.
The Council discussed progress on speed watch. Quenington has 3 cameras and is running trials. We need to apply for cameras through Community Speedwatch, maybe asking help from Bob Passmore. HF offered to contact Bob and also Hatherop about how many cameras are needed and what signage is needed. CMB to forward the email about applying for a camera.
The Council discussed where to hold local elections on 4 May 2023 and going forward. CMB to write to Katrina at CDC with a view to using the pub, who have agreed to the possibility of it being used. For the future HF offered the mill when it is renewed. (The pub have also agreed that staff will park on the Quenington Road, and that they will have 4G for Vodafone; they want to start putting bricks around the chimney, but the roof needs looking at first).
The Council discussed options for a “warm hub”. The pub would be open to villagers wanting to keep warm. There will be a “warm grant” from the Estate through the village fund to help people who are struggling with their heating costs. The alternative would be for people to go to Quenington Village Hall.
The Council reviewed planning applications and there are no issues over any planning applications.
The Council agreed the precept for 2023/24. IP suggested that the precept will need to go back to zero based budgeting because of inflation. Council went through the budget and agreed the following changes: Increase the insurance by £300 due to increased costs; Village enhancements to increase by £750 to cover the possible purchase of a second speed camera and Coronation celebrations; add £20 to the cost of the village meeting and £350 to cover the costs of any contested Parish election in 2023. This added £1,420 to the budget. The precept was agreed and set at £7,110 and approved by Council. IP would like to pass the Treasurer’s role to someone who is in the village after the next AGM. DHB thanked IP for all his hard work over 20 years.
The Council confirmed dates for next meetings, as 14th March and 18th May, depending on rules for how soon after an election we have to sign in new councillors.

COLN ST ALDWYNS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

To all Councillors - You are summoned to the meeting of the parish council to be held on Wednesday 7 December 2022 at 7.00 pm, at the Vicarage Cottages Barn.

Clare Brignall - Parish Clerk 30th November 2022

AGENDA

To receive apologies –.
The Council to receive declarations of interest.
The Council to approve and sign the minutes of the last meeting, held on 28 September 2022
The Council to hear the report from the District Councillor and the report from the County

Councillor.

The Council to approve the documents that have been adapted: Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Assessment Policy and Grants Policy
The Council to consider the budget vs spend for the period of September to November.
The Council to review the bank reconciliation for the period of 27 September to 29 November.
The Council to approve the internal checks for the period of September to November.
The Council to hear about progress on tree planting on the Bibury Road.
The Council to discuss progress on speed watch
The Council to discuss where to hold local elections on 4 May 2023 and going forward.
The Council to discuss options for a “warm hub”.
The Council to review planning applications.
The Council to agree the precept for 2023/24.
The Council to confirm dates for next meetings, with a view to having a date in March.

MINUTES OF THE COLN ST ALDWYNS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 AT 7.00 PM IN THE VICARAGE COTTAGES BARN
Present at the meeting David Hicks Beach, chair, Will Perkins, Helen Forbes, Carol Bond and Clare Brignall (clerk)
DRAFT

Council received apologies for absence from John Reeves.
There were no declarations of interest, but CMB needs to send Will Perkins’s and Helen Forbes’s forms to CDC and also put them on the website
Council approved and the chair and clerk signed the minutes of the last meeting, held on 10 May 2022
Council minuted that the public were informed about their rights to query the accounts during the period of 13 June to 22 July 2022
Council reviewed the plans for road markings and speed watch. HF had the information from the survey completed by villagers and three councillors met Dan Tiffney from GCC Highways during the period following the last council meeting and agreed that two parking spaces should replace the chevroned area near the shop and then white lines should be painted outside the entrance to Waterside, as per markers – two cars can park outside Waterside but no parking below that. It was agreed that the key thing is to ensure that there is enough passing space for cars going up and down Main Street. It was also agreed that the current sign outside Waterside about where not to park should be moved to the start of the white line. The discussion included the idea of having a white planter near the village sign on the bottom road, but the consensus was that they often become quite messy. Council agreed that the village sign should be moved nearer to the village as per marker, and that a white line should be painted from the litter bin at the entrance to Upper Mill for about 10 yards. If old village sign can be moved a new sign could include a 30 mph sign at the top, but it would better to wait until we know if speeds limits are going to be changed to 20 mph. Parish council discussed the idea of having a residents’ only parking scheme, but council considered that residents would have to pay and it would be unenforceable, so the parish council does not consider it a viable option. Council agreed that there should be a map of the village, which would originally go on the website and to be considered at a future date as a physical map. Council discussed the possibility of creating a QR code, potentially placed on the Coln Community Shop sign by the bridge, and also on the noticeboard. Parking on the Bibury Road: It was discussed about moving the parking from one side to the other but it would mean losing pull in places where cars can pull in when there is a car coming from the other direction, which would create more congestion. There was overwhelming support from the survey for reducing the speed limit to 20 mph – this is part of a wider conversation in the County. The three councils need to apply together to be a 20 mph zone or an auto speed watch zone, but the change of speed costs £10,000 which can be split between the three parishes. Auto speedwatch costs £500, but the Council has applied for a grant from CDC to move forward with these options. On HGVs Dan Tiffney said that we can put our own signs up on private land – eg. “Road ahead unsuitable for HGVs”. We need to identify a position and get permission from the land owners. Council suggested that we ask landowners near the Upton Smokery. Electric charging: the shop does not want it in his yard. GCC are running a trial of charging points and want to know if we have a location. GCC will match fund. Residents who do not have off street parking must not be liable for extra costs by having to park elsewhere. Our interest has been registered by a councillor. Potentially it could be at the top of Church Lane. This needs the community’s response and he price needs to be equivalent to what you would pay at home.
Council to reviewed the external audit with key issues mentioned below.
Council approved the external auditor from GAPTC for next year and confirmed that the auditor is competent and independent of the council.
There was no report from the District Councillor but Council heard the report from the County Councillor which did not contain anything that the council needs to respond to.
The Council considered the budget vs spend for the period of 1st April to 27 September. Village enhancements included new pads for the defibrillator which has been used several times. The treasurer has included notes to the budget which explain what any differences are. Council agreed that the budget and accompanying notes should be displayed on the noticeboard and sent out on the village email system.
The Council reviewed the bank reconciliation for the period of 1st April to 27 September. There is £55.98 in the business premium account and £15,983.56 in the business account. A councillor will review the reserves with the treasurer and comment accordingly.
A councillor will review the model Standing Orders and Financial Regulations from GAPTC, rewrite them for Coln St Aldwyns and then they will be put on the website.
The Council discussed the writing of a grants policy. A councillor will review a model and rewrite accordingly and it will then be put on the website.
The Council discussed the writing of a Code of Conduct. A councillor will review a model policy and rewrite accordingly and it will then be put on the website.
The Council agreed to write a risk management policy. A councillor will review a model policy and rewrite it accordingly and it will then be put on the website.
The Council agreed that WP should do internal checks quarterly, and in October, January, April and July.
Council agreed a donation to the CAB for 2022-23.
Council was informed that a donation was given and partly returned for the Jubilee celebrations. Council noted that £500 was given and £240 was given back.
Council discussed the plans for planting hornbeams to celebrate the Jubilee. A councillor has spoken with Peter Hewson about planting but it cannot happen yet because the ground is too hard. It was agreed that if anyone else wants to give a tree we could consider another location as we now have the required number of trees to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Council discussed the planning application for the New Inn. Mr Theodoulou is going to look into this and he has the reference number.
Council was told that there has been no progress on batteries for Smiley Sid and the manufacturers are no longer answering telephone calls, but one of the councillors is trying to buy a new battery.
Council was informed that on playground issues there is a MacVenture safety check due in September. Council wishes to record thanks to Nigel Bray for his work, having fitted two new seats to the toddler swings. The clerk to send a message of thanks.
Council set a date for the village litter pick of 18 March 2023.
7 December was confirmed for the next council meeting and 5 April was agreed for the following meeting. There will be mince pies. WP will stand in as chairman when David HB is away in February and January.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF COLN ST ALDWYNS PARISH COUNCIL
held on 10th May 2022 at 6 pm in Vicarage Cottage Barn

Present: David Hicks Beach, Will Perkins, Helen Forbes, Ian Powell and Clare Brignall (Parish Clerk)

David Hicks Beach was re-elected as Chair, proposed by Will Perkins and seconded by Helen Forbes
Will Perkins was elected as Vice Chair, proposed by David Hicks Beach and seconded by Helen Forbes
The Chair and Vice Chair signed their declarations of acceptance
The Standing Orders were approved and it was agreed that a new version would be approved at the September meeting, using the CDC version as a template
Financial Regulations were approved and it was agreed that a new version would be approved at the September meeting, using the CDC version as a template
There are no seconded appointments
There are no appointments to outside bodies
The Code of Conduct drawn up by the Cotswold District Council was approved as a template for the parish council

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
PART 1

The financial statement for the 2021/2022 accounts as at year end 31/03/22 was approved. There is a reserves balance of around £14,000 and it was agreed that this year we should set up a grass cutting reserve. The reserves were agreed.
The asset register was approved
Page 1 of the Agar report, a summary of the Internal Auditor's Report was received and signed, and will be reviewed in more detail at the next parish council meeting, apart from page 1 of Agar
The Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2021/2022 was completed
The Governance statement, p. 5 was approved
The Financial statement, p. 6 was approved
The Certificate of exemption, p. 3 was approved

PART 2

Apologies were received from Carol Bond
The existing declarations of interest forms were checked and a change was made to Helen Forbes’s form
It was minuted that the insurance policy was reviewed in January and paid in February but not minuted at the March meeting
Nigel Bray and David Hicks Beach were elected as playground inspectors, with inspections carried out by RoSpa and Macventure
Nigel Bray was re-elected as an internal playground auditor
Will Perkins was re-elected as an internal accounts checker
GAPTC was approved as the internal auditor for 2022/23
Carol Bond was elected to continue as defibrillator checker
The churchyard mowing payment arrangements for 2022-23 were agreed. It was asked that an estimate for the costs be requested from the church treasurer

REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS

There were no declarations of interest
The March 2022 minutes were signed off
The 2021/2022 accounts and cheques were approved. The council approved £500 to be given to the Jubilee celebrations – although it is possible that the sum will be less in the end.
The RoSpa audit of the playground was discussed, but there are no outstanding issues to be dealt with.
Council discussed recent planning applications: Williamstrip railings have come down; the garages at 18 Main Street have been sold; CDC have told the New Inn that they have to put red bricks around the flu vent. Council agreed to tell CDC that as a council we feel that it should be wrapped in Cotswold limestone.
There were no urgent maintenance issues, including drains and potholes. Council was told about the website “Fill that Hole” to report potholes, via the cycling community.
The next meetings were set for Wednesday September 28th and December 6th at the Vicarage Cottages Barnat 7 pm.

The AGM was followed by a Village Meeting, at which the following people spoke:
CDC                                         Ray Theodolou
GCC                                         Dom Morris (report read by David Hicks Beach)
Speeding and Parking             Helen Forbes
Choir                                       Kate Hicks Beach (read by David HB)
Coln Stores                              Glenn Stephens (read by David HB)
Hatherop Primary School       Taryn Hancock (read by David HB)
Bellringers                               John Reeves
Coln Cinema                            Nick Brett
Church                                    Simon Brignall
Cricket Club                             Andrew Sykes
Jubilee Picnic                          Helen Forbes
Parish Council                         David Hicks Beach

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SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES OF THE COLN ST ALDWYNS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING held in the Vicarage Cottages Barn on Tuesday 29 March 2022 at 7 pm
Present: David Hicks-Beach, John Reeves, Carol Bond, Will Perkins, Helen Forbes and Clare Brignall (Parish Clerk)

There we no apologies for absence.
There were no declarations of interest as item 8 from the agenda had been cancelled
The minutes from the last meeting on 19 January 2022 were approved and signed
The report from District Councillor was read and there were no comments.
The accounts and cheques were signed off.
The Council agreed to give a donation of £100 to the CAB before the end of the tax year.
The council was shown a spread sheet with information about the costs of the grass cutting and strimming in the churchyard and it was agreed to pay £1642.50 for the years 2020/21 and 2021/22. It was also agreed that the church would reduce its mowing regime in order to allow for the wildlife to flourish in the churchyard.
Luke and Abby de Marco did not come to the meeting as they had been told by the land agent, Bruton Knowles, not to attend.
Council heard a report from HF about the possible solutions to the speeding and parking issues in the village. It was agreed that she would make a presentation at the village meeting to be held on the day of the parish council AGM. More information about the overall plan is available on request.
Council heard that the plan to plant another six hornbeams will have to wait until the autumn as it is too late to plant them now. Their purchase has been agreed in combination with the Williamstrip Estate, and the trees have been ordered.
Council heard a report about the plans to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, which includes a party on Sunday 5 June on Compton’s Field from 1 to 5 pm.
It was proposed that as a village we support Ukrainian refugees as a network, with different people offering things that they can do, from housing refugees to teaching them English, and other possibilities. HF is organising a network and has already had many offers from people around the village. She will put them in touch with each other.
Planning applications were discussed. Council has responded to the New Inn’s new plan, which does not now include covering up the flue that they have installed. Council is not happy with this, and nor are other villagers. The application to turn garages into air bnbs has lost at appeal and Williamstrip have started to take down the railings on the Hatherop Road.
There is still no sign of the batteries for Smiley Sid and a councillor proposed calling in at Tiverton on his way to Cornwall and picking these items up. We will continue to contact SG Manufacturing.
Council heard about the work on the playground. There will be a ROSPA inspection next month and two villagers are very helpfully doing small maintenance jobs.
Council was told that there is no longer much water coming down the village since the leak was fixed on the Aldsworth road. However there is still oil leaking into the river at the bridge, and the Environment Agency have been working with Godwins to try to find the source of the oil.
Council was informed that the litter pick was a success, with not as much litter as usual.
The date for the AGM was set as 10 May at 6 pm, to be followed by the village meeting, to which DHB will invite various members of the community to speak. The date for the following meeting was set as Wednesday September 28 at 7pm. Both meetings will be in the Vicarage Cottages Barn.

The meeting ended at 8.10 pm.

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