Wembworthy Parish Council Meeting July 2025 Minutes
A Parish Council Meeting was held on Monday 21st July 2025 at the village hall at 7.30pm. (postponed from Thursday 10th July 2025)
1/ Members present and apologies
Councillors Penter, Vile, Limond, Peters, and Tucker present
Apologies received from Devon County Councillor and Mid Devon District councillor Steve Keable
2/ Public Questions
Sherrie Marshall asked if the PC could promote the idea of a children’s activity or club in the village, particularly as the play park has now closed.
The PC agreed to place a small article in the village newsletter asking for public opinion. Previous articles about the play park closing had
no support so perhaps society has changed in its outlook, preferring it seems to pay for activities rather than volunteer and organise them but the PC was happy to support this request and would consider some grant funding if it benefited the community. Sports clubs and preschool groups would be considered.
3/ Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes were agreed as correct
4/Matters arising.
Feed back from the Annual Parish Meeting date 9th June 2025
The meeting was modestly attended, but those that did attend contributed to a constructive discussion around The Emergency Plan, the village newsletter and ideas for the council’s budget spending next year.
It was agreed that the printing costs of the newsletter of £120 p/a would be considered for funding, replacing the village planters and a new village sign on the top road as it is looking very shabby now. The clerk highlighted the new village signs in Thelbridge with integrated flower planters and will research the cost of these for the next meeting. A small planter has already been replaced by councillor Vile so it was agreed to reimburse this cost of £40 to her. It was agreed at this meeting that the Newsletter printing costs of £120 will be covered by the PC for the next 12 months.
Feedback from the Emergency Plan training
Councillor Susan Vile and the clerk attended a training session on 20th May 2025 organised by Devon Communities Together in Kentisbeare.
Some useful information came out with a new self awareness about the need for a Plan especially as there was a 2 day power cut earlier in the year.
Susan and Sarah will compile a useful sheet of information for residents plus a chat with the village hall about using the hall as a meeting point in potential emergency situations. Again the newsletter will be used to ask if any vulnerable residents would like to be noted for extra support should it be needed.
Update about the nuisance dogs in Eggesford Woods.
Councillor Gail Tucker is liaising with the original organisers, one of which Sherrie was present as a member of the public this evening.
Information will be communicated via the newsletter by Gail as the reporting process has been restarted after 2 years of no progress, with the PC taking the lead. DCC Councillor Steve Keable has been contacted so that hopefully information can be pooled, as other villages have also had issues
2nd defibrillator for the village
Councillor Tucker has now spoken to a local electrician about the possibility of a solar powered supply. It is possible. The clerk to now source a defibrillator within a total budget of £2000 which will include installation at the Bus shelter.
5/ Insurance Review
The current policy is locked into a Long Term Agreement but the potential amendment to increase cover will be done once the defibrillator is purchased.
6/Update on the councillors specialist areas
Graham Penter – Planning – none to consider
Lawrence Peters – Flagpole – jubilee plaque still to be installed – LD awaiting a knee operation which is causing the continued delay.
Gail Tucker – Public relations & Social Media – nothing to add
Susan Vile – Church & Chapel liaison – next service at Wembworthy 3rd August. No other news.
Sarah Goody (clerk) – Village Hall liaison – Quiz was held on 11th July. The Flower and Produce Show is 16th August and a Barn Dance on 13th Sept
James Limond – Improving Broadband for the village – news of a build to start in the village in September/October will be communicated soon
7/Accounts
a) Update on bank balance £11419.02 as at 30th June 2025 (latest statement received)
£11372.46 PC funds
£46.56 remainder of the Jubilee Fund for the plaque
Grant cheque for £230 to Wembworthy Chapel not yet cashed
b) Cheques to sign
Community First Insurance - £184.79
S Goody – Clerk – APM Tea and cake expenses - £20.75
S Goody – travelling expenses for Emergency Plan course 20th May 2025
72 miles @ 45p per mile = £32.40
8/AOB for next meeting’s Agenda
Date of next meeting is Thursday 11th September 2025
Meeting closed at 9.10pm