If you are viewing this on the village blog, by clicking on the above picture, you will be able to see the selected ten photos which will be included in the final selection for the calendar in November. If not they are on display in the Kings Head entrance and in the church. I think you will agree that they are quite impressive. We could easily have selected another thirty or so of similar quality. Many thanks to Maggie Farmer for carrying out the tricky job of judging. All photos were made completely anonymous for this purpose (numbered 1 to 90). The final response was terrific, with 92 photos submitted (2 were too late, arriving after the judging) from around eighteen to nineteen people. I did not keep records of who submitted what, so I can’t be certain, but from memory think that the final ten were submitted by either six or seven different people. It is now time to capture Spring on camera, all the blossom, spring flowers and bluebells should inspire you all to pick up your cameras. The closing date for these is 31st May so you need to get started. I have already had one submission! By the end of the year, we could easily have a collection of two hundred and fifty to three hundred photos. These could be a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in printing there own Christmas, Birthday, Greetings or Post cards. I am considering making them available on a disc at the end of the year if anyone is interested and if those submitting photos don’t object. Comments on this idea would be welcome. Thanks to all of you who joined in, I look forward to both your entries and some from new people for the Spring selection. Mike Johnson
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King's Cliffe.
Notes from the Village Meeting.
APETHORPE VILLAGE- ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTES TUESDAY, 28TH APRIL 2009 (29 attendees) 1) Apologies for Absence Andy & Justine Julie Goldsmith Ian Groundwater Linda Hindmarch Pat & Keith Howells Richard Parkinson David Manger 2) Minutes of the last Meeting Accepted as true and accurate reflection of discussions 3) Matters arising: a. Village Clean-up Formal thanks were offered to Andy & Justine for leading the organisation of this event. MWr suggested that the village might consider whether this could happen more than once annually b. Manor Farm road refurbishment MWr congratulated and complemented the residents of Manor Farm on the renovation of the private access c. Apethorpe Calendar Project update MJ advised all that the project had received over 100 photographs from 20 residents, representative of the area during winter. Maggie Farmer has judged the entries and 10 have been selected for further consideration for the calendar; they are being displayed in the pub and on the blog The process will continue for the remaining seasons at which point the calendar will be commissioned. MJ commented that all the photographs provided a useful local resource that maybe available on a CD for personal use Please ensure you have your spring entries with Mike by the 31st May 2009 ACTION ALL d. Community responder scheme DM updated the meeting about the scheme. EMAS have visited the village to chat to the volunteers; a minimum of 6 are required to run the scheme. A further meeting is planned for the 28th May at 7.30pm in the King’s Head to discuss logistics and fund raising. Please contact Deborah at Reed House (01780 470356) if you wish to attend ACTION ALL Mike Hindmarch agreed to contact Communicare about the scheme ACTION MH Nick Blackford advised those present that he would be semi-retired in July 2009 and would be interested in joining the scheme ACTION NB e. Allotments MWr led a discussion regarding the project. Anne Chamberlain has worked tirelessly on this project since the last meeting reviewing the land, the cost of clearing it and the probability of ensuring it would be fit for purpose. This research had led Anne to the conclusion that it could cost approximately £1000.00 to prepare the site and then she was not convince that it would make a useful site for allotments Many of the village residents present were keen to continue exploring the possibility of allotments; MWr would ask Anne to hold an Allotment Meeting to confirm the numbers of households interested and clarify the potential costs to those involved ACTION MWr/AC f. Children’s play scheme MWr stated that there was no update from Rachel Johnson for the meeting ACTION MWr/RJ g. Apethorpe Hall/ English Heritage update MWr has met with representatives (John Coulson, Nick Hill, Victoria Sewter, George Kelley) of English Heritage to discuss the future plans for the hall and any issues regarding the planned ‘visitor days’; at the meeting they discussed traffic, parking, access, open times. The response has clarified the current situation: · No buyer presently but any new owner is mandated to allow access for viewing 28 days per year · Visits 3rd June 2009 – 6th September 2009, Wednesday and Saturdays 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.30pm. · 25 people per tour, all prebooked and supervised · All advised to park at the pub car park afterwards if staying in the area · John Coulson advised that he is keen to maintain a good relationship with the village residents and as such is happy to attend village meetings. MWr to invite him to attend on the 2nd June 2009 ACTION MWr MWr advised that English Heritage would be funding (approx £1200.00) the replacement of the village notice board. Planning permission is not required if it remains in its current position. A proposal was made that it should remain in its current position. Proposed Andrew Forbes; Seconded Fiona Porter Carried majority ACTION MWr A discussion followed regarding the recent TV programme which tended to suggest that consideration would be given to private buyers as a dwelling and also to those considering institutional use. There had been comments during the programme regarding Lord and Lady Brassey. MWr read a letter form Lady Brassey to the village meeting; the letter refutes the personal comments made during the programme and clearly states the hurt caused (scanned copy attached) 4) Election of Officers No nominations were made to replace the current chairman, clerk or treasurer; it was agreed that all should be reinstated Tamar Ord gave a vote of thanks to the incumbents It was suggested that the accounts required auditing and that this could be done by a resident of the village; as the accounts have not witnessed any transactions a formal audit is not required. A nomination of Rick Avern was proposed by Mike Walsh and seconded in writing by Richard Parkinson (scanned copy attached). This was carried unanimously ACTION RA/MW 5) Financial Report These were presented by MW (scanned copies attached) MWr thanked Mike for his continued efforts on behalf of the village 6) Neighbourhood Watch Scheme report Guy Porter gave a presentation regarding the scheme that he is now leading. He has made contact with the regional coordinator and was able to make many leaflets and formal guidance available to those in attendance He is keen to be able to ensure that all villagers receive timely advice and this will be facilitated if we ensure he has our e-mail addresses. Please contact Guy directly at Laundry Cottage ACTION ALL He presented information regarding the marking of personal items including ‘Smart Water®’ kits which can be purchased at a cost of £20.00 (normally retail at £80.00). Please contact Guy if you wish to discuss this further His final comment was “be observant and use common sense” 7) Transport and Highways a. Village Bus Service MWr advised that the Transport and Highways in NCC would be reviewed and he has been asked to comment on the service on our behalf. A passionate discussion followed with many residents asserting that, despite NCC stating the service is not greatly used, the service should not be diminished; many felt it needed to be strengthened. Reasons given included the need for non car drivers to be able to get to town, doctors and dentist. Without the service the village would be cut off and having a negative impact on the movements of those who do not or cannot drive. ACTION MWr b. Bridge safety Following the recent accident at Bridge Cottage it was felt that a discussion was required about how to make access to the village safer. A lengthy discussion followed including the following · Can we make allowances for those who drink and drive? · The line of sight over the bridge · Signage · Speed bumps · Priority vehicle movement over the bridge It was concluded that MWr would advise the Transport & Highways section of NCC that there was a problem with the bridge and ask them what solutions may be possible. The suggested solutions will be presented at the village meeting ACTION MWr c. Report of countywide event DM briefly reported the key points presented at a countywide launch event of the reorganised Transport & Highways department of NCC. (Detailed notes available from MWr and DM). The key relevant points were · A new reporting system for issues affecting T&H in the county · A countywide contractor for the next 3 years · Area based working with a local contact for Apethorpe in Corby · A local notional budget for repairs 8) Forthcoming Events a. Village Open Day/Party All present felt that this event was thoroughly enjoyed by all and should be repeated. Unfortunately Richard Parkinson is unable to lead this event this year. MWr formally thanked Richard for all his efforts in ensuring this event had run smoothly in the past MWr could confirm that Lady Brassey had generously agreed to make available the Manor lawn to the village; Lady Brassey felt that any profit should be equally split between church funds and the community responder scheme. This was felt to be an appropriate use of any profit by those in attendance and all wanted MWr to extend their appreciation to Lady Brassey ACTION MWr Andy & Justine had generously agreed to organise entertainment for the event Discussions followed about the need for a lead; Caroline Clements agreed to lead the event. MWr suggested that Caroline should organise a ‘party meeting’ and ask for volunteers to coordinate catering, marquee, etc ACTION CC Please contact Caroline to let her know if you are able to help at the event ACTION ALL b. Apethorpe Church Open Week and Music in Quiet Places This week long event begins the 17th May 2009 and includes: · Bishop John visiting the church and village to make acquaintance with the parishioners · Evensong · Kids after school session on the Friday afternoon · Surgery event led by Bishop John Tamara Ord added that currently the church costs £1000.00 per month to keep open; it is open every day and hosts many services for the community. If the church is unable to maintain funding it will close for most of the year to reduce costs (it will open only 6 times a year). This event is designed to develop a positive relationship between the church and the local parishioners c. Countryside walk Sunday 10th May, David Moisey is hosting a 4 mile walk through out local countryside. Please meet at the Kings Head at 10.30am 9) Kings Head Update 1st May Tapas evening 15th May Jazz night 19th May Curry night Book early to avoid disappointment 10) Date of next Meeting 2nd June 2009: discussions to include Apethorpe Hall and the Village Party
