Minutes of Sibsey Annual Parish Meeting 26th May 2022
Minutes of the Sibsey Annual Parish Meeting
Held Thursday 26th May 2022 at Sibsey Village Hall, Frithville Road, Sibsey
Please note these minutes are draft until approved as a true and accurate record
PRESENT Nineteen members of the public which included three members of Sibsey Parish Council
The clerk of Sibsey Parish Council was also in attendance who was present to take notes of the meeting.
Rev. Clive Todd – Representing St Margaret’s Church
Road Safety Partnership Officer to give a presentation relating to the Community Watch Scheme
Sibsey Parish Councillor Ian Watts welcomed everyone to the meeting and relayed that this was a meeting for the parishioners of the village and was only hosted by the Parish Council.
1. AGREEMENT FOR CHAIRMAN OF SIBSEY PARISH COUNCIL TO CHAIR THE 2021 SIBSEY ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
It was proposed and seconded and resolved that Sibsey Parish Council Chairman Cllr I Watts would chair the 2022 Sibsey Annual Parish Meeting.
2. NOTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD THURSDAY 29th JULY 2021 TO BE APPROVED AS THE MINUTES
After time was allocated for the notes to be read it was It was proposed and resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record and thereby signed by the residing Chairman.
3. PRESENTATION BY LINCOLNSHIRE ROAD SAFETY PARTNERSHIP REGARDING COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEME
John Blakeston, the Community Speed Watch Officer introduced himself and gave a demonstration on how the scheme worked and the involvement required relating to it. He relayed that this was something more to educate drivers regarding speed awareness not an enforcement organisation.
After his presentation he thanked everyone and conveyed that he would be helping the parish in the future with their own scheme.
4. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS TO BE GIVEN BY INVITED GUESTS
a. Rev Clive Todd representing St Margaret’s Church
Reverend Clive Todd read a report to those attending the meeting – See Appendix A
b. Graeme Wright, representing Sibsey Free Primary School
The Headmaster, Graeme Wright was unable to attend the meeting but sent a report that was read out by the Chairman – See Appendix B
c. ELDC Councillor Neil Jones
Cllr Jones sent his apologies but did not send a report to be read out at the meeting.
d. LCC/ELDC Councillor Tom Ashton
Cllr Ashton sent his apologies but did not send a report to be read out at the meeting.
e Police
There was no representation from the Police or any report sent to be read out at the meeting.
f. Reports from any other Outside Bodies
Gary Limb read a report on behalf of John Woulds Charity – See Appendix C
g. Sibsey Village Hall
Apologies were sent by the Chairman to the Committee of Sibsey Village Hall meeting but sent a report that was read out by the Chairman – See Appendix D
h. Northlands Village Hall
Apologies were sent by the Chairman to the Committee of Northlands Village Hall meeting but sent a report that was read out by the Chairman – See Appendix E
5. SIBSEY PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Cllr Watts thanked the Parish Councillors and the Clerk for their help and support. He relayed that they try their best for the parish however, some things do take longer to do then they would prefer. Unfortunately, also due to Covid some projects scheduled were also delayed due to restrictions.
He conveyed that there has been two major Planning Applications in the Parish which have been approved by East Lindsey District Council which has upset the residents of Sibsey. The Parish Council do put their views across being a Statutory Body but unfortunately are not Statutory Consultees therefore not taken as a major factor for consideration.
Cllr Watts explained that the Parish Council ask for a set of money from East Lindsey District Council known as a Precept which is a levy to conduct the ongoings of running the Parish Council and the responsibilities and ongoings around the Parish.
He relayed the work that the Parish Council are responsible for in the parish which include Ground maintenance, Play Areas and Burial Ground and also working with the Community on various projects like the Christmas Fayre with the Primary School.
There are several issues that are reported to the leading authorities (ELDC and LCC) but with frustration to the Parish Council are not always adhered to, especially Highway matters.
Cllr Watts stated that if any residents had any ideas, they would like to put forward relating to the Parish or have any concerns they are always welcome to attend a Parish Meeting to convey these to the Council.
He concluded with thanks to the residents and the organisations within the parish which help Sibsey be a nice place to live.
6. SIBSEY COMMUNITY AWARD
This year’s recipient of the 2022 Sibsey Community Award is to be presented to Mr Raymond Darcy. A report sent by the school (see Appendix F) was read out by the Chairman.
7. FOR ANY MEMBERS OF THE PARISH TO SPEAK, ASK QUESTIONS OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS AND TO CONSIDER ANY MATTERS THAT MAY BE RAISED
There were no speeches, questions or statements made.
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked all for attending and the meeting finished at 8.33pm
Appendix A
Report from Rev. Clive Todd re St Margaret’s Church
It has been yet another very difficult year for St Margaret’s Church with numbers still being far too small following the Covid pandemic to ensure the Churches long term future. It has however been a delight to be able to report progress on the Community Library which should soon be fully operational and an excellent resource for everyone to use.
The church has thankfully been able to re-open for private prayer daily, and thankfully we have been able to provide the opportunity for celebratory services such as baptisms and weddings having now returned to normal practice.
It has also been a delight to hear the bells being rung again and a new Tower Captain and team of ringers are now back in operation and so we may well be able to hear them ring out again over the forth coming year.
Thankfully we have all started to consider fresh approaches to fund raising events which again we hope will continue to provide support and encouragement to the wider community.
My thanks go to all those who currently volunteer in a number of difference capacities abut especially to those on the cleaning rota of the Church, their weekly efforts have kept the church beautifully clean and a joy to worship in. We are always looking for more willing volunteers for this as the more we have on the rota the easier it is for all concerned so do please consider giving this a little of your time if you can.
There are many people in the community who have expressed an interest in helping the Church remain as a valuable community asset and that interaction and involvement will become vital if the Church is to continue to offer itself as a valuable resource for the future.
St Margaret’s is hoping to remain operational as a Community Church, though as the present church community do not have the resources to maintain a full time Vicar I will not be replaced once I retire later this year. Profession Clerical support will therefore be limited in the future, but with the help of the local mission partnership and the whole of our wider community I am sure that St Margaret’s will continue to be a spiritual haven for the people of Sibsey to enjoy for many years to come.
With my prayers and best wishes
Reverend Clive
Appendix B
Report from Sibsey Free Primary School
This year, the school has progressively returned to a more traditional approach of teaching children within school rather than at home! I think it is safe to say for many parents, carers and grandparents that home schooling feels as if it was a lifetime ago. We have been pleased to invite families back into school for events this year and to celebrate events together. The children, staff, governors and families of the school have been incredibly resilient and adapted well to the changes forced upon them and now although we are looking forward to a brighter future ahead, we are acutely aware that the cost-of-living crisis is causing real challenges for families nationally and we are considering the impact that this will have for our families in Sibsey going forward.
It is felt by the staff that the recovery work within the curriculum will take between 18-24 months for children to “catch up” and we will continue to work as hard as we can to support the pupils and enable them to achieve their aspirations for the future.
We thank the Parish Council as a whole and the councillors individually that have supported the school time and time again, contributing to the school during events and offering great enthusiasm to get involved. We think ourselves lucky to have a strong relationship with the Parish Council and look forward to finding further ways to work together next year.
Graeme Wright
Appendix C
Report from John Woulds Charity
The John Would Charity is a local charity trust whose mission is to provide compassionate financial support for Sibsey residents on those occasions when a little extra help is needed to make ends meet. We are registered with the Charity Commission.
There are currently three Trustees, We have a treasurer/secretary who records the minutes of the meetings and ensures that the finances are in order.
We meet on regular basis to discuss any requests we receive for financial help and to review the Trust’s finances. We advertise regularly in the Parish Magazine and on local noticeboards. All requests for financial help are give careful consideration. The money we give is not a loan – the beneficiaries do not have to pay it back. If you know of anyone who could benefit from approaching us, please ask them to get in touch.
Angela Saxon
Appendix D
Report from Sibsey Village Hall Committee
At the AGM in December 2021, a new executive committee took over the running of Sibsey Village Hall. A number of areas of improvement were highlighted and the role of caretaker was also advertised. Terms for hire of the hall and the hirers contract were both deemed to be unsuitable and needing an update as they were last refreshed in 2019. It was decided that hirer fees would be increased as of January 2022, and new hirers contract drawn up to a more suitable, as well as being clearer on expectations for the hall.
In January, interviews were held for the role for caretaker, and Mr Kevin Rockall was appointed to the position. The committee is very impressed with the standard of work, and numerous of hirers have commented on the cleanliness and upkeep of the Village Hall since he has taken over.
A comprehensive list was created for improvements and updates to be made to the hall. The committee was able to complete the following:
• Replace the stage that was damaged
• Replace the backdrop behind the stage with a new modern twinkle light curtain
• Clear out clutter from the store house
• Removal of old tables and chairs that were no longer safe for use
• Install two new noticeboards
• Purchase lighting for the stage area
• Purchase microphones and a speaker
• Purchase new internal and external door mats
We have also made use of the bar area in the hall and have purchased equipment to make this a fully functioning area that we are able to offer to hirers to generate more income, as well as using it at our own fundraising events.
Our fundraising has been going from strength to strength and we have events planned up to and including March 2023. We have a variety of events for all tastes including our incredibly popular monthly cash bingo nights which are attracting on average 100 people. We have also had an indoor circus, a spiritualist evening, and numerous musical events. In the future we have a comedy night, a 50s dance night, a treasure hunt, a gift fayre and more musical events.
Regular hirers to the hall have on the whole returned after the implications of Covid, and we have also welcomed two new regular bookings, a stroll dance class and a karate class.
Our plans for the future are to carry out further renovation work in the bar area, as this is proving to be a fantastic source of fundraising and has proven to be very popular. We have also received a large quote for the car park to have tarmac put down and white lines for spaces put in but this is a significant cost so is something that we may look to do in the future.
Overall, the hall is very busy and with regular hires and enquiries, and due to the hard work of the committee, our fundraising events are securing a financial stable future for the hall, and we are welcoming more of the community through the doors than ever before.
Kind regards
Ben Pickwell-Smart
Chairman, Sibsey Village Hall
Appendix E
Report from Northlands Village Hall Committee
Trustees, Committee and Users met for the Village Halls AGM on 23rd May 2022 of which the Chairs, Treasurers and Secretaries reports were read reflecting the continuing progress of the hall.
During the last year the storeroom has been revamped and the usual range of activities have restarted.
We are looking forward to Sunday June 5th when Northlands version of a street party will be held.
All supporters and users of the hall are warmly thanked, including the Parish Council who use the hall as their venue for monthly meetings.
Northlands Village Hall Committee
Appendix F
Report relating to Sibsey Community Award Recipient – Raymond Darcy
It is such an honour to write a short commendation for a much loved and respected member of our community. This has been put together by a group of staff members that know and love you well.
Ray’s loyalty and service has stretched over many years and through this time his many talents have supported different ventures. Ray has always been very generous with his time and efforts, his contribution to the community has been incredible.
The long service award was presented to him for over 10 years as a lollipop man – come rain or shine, his relationships with the children, staff and parents of the village was incredible. That job was taken out of his hands in 2016 with the introduction of the new crossing, but it didn’t change the connections that he had built over time.
As the Sibsey Father Christmas, he created so many smiles and supported raising money for the school, as well as Cubs and Beavers at Northlands and turning on the Christmas lights countless times.
Ray brought a little bit of Ireland’s sunshine over to Lincolnshire, making sure he enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day to the full, with a Guinness and a brandy and a sing song at the local! Some people may feel sorry for him, being a big Manchester United fan, but he’s enjoyed his fair share of success over the years. He shared some good rivalries with Mary and the Liverpool link!
When Graeme joined the school in 2016, he realised early on that nearly everyone, even those closest to him, referred to Ray as “Mr Darcy” and it was partly out of a mark of respect, but also because they enjoyed the Pride and Prejudice link, having a Mr Darcy of our very own in Sibsey was very prestigious! Ray was often the first person to meet staff in the mornings and would always set the tone by greeting them cheerfully and making sure they felt happy before they entered school.
Ray may not be Sibsey born and bred, we count ourselves extremely lucky to have him as a valued part of our village. Ray, you are a true family man who is held in high regard and respected by many.