Wembworthy Parish Council Meeting May 2025 Minutes
Wembworthy Parish Council Meeting May 2025 Minutes
The Annual Parish Council meeting was held on Thursday 8th May 2025 at the village hall for 7pm, followed by the full Parish Council meeting at 7.30pm
Annual Parish Council Meeting Agenda 7pm
Members present Councillors Penter, Peters and Tucker Councillor Vile and Limond sent their apologies Councillor Vile agreed to be considered for Vice Chairperson in her absence.
a) Previous years Chairperson’s Report. Chairman Councillor Penter delivered his report.
b) Treasurer’s Report. The clerk delivered the report comparing finances to the previous 2 years.
c) Re election of officials Councillor Graham Penter was re elected as Chairperson. Nominated by Councillor Tucker seconded by Councillor Peters. Councillor Susan Vile was re elected as Vice Chairperson. Nominated by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Peters
Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm
1/ Members present and apologies Councillors Penter, Peters, and Tucker present Mid Devon District councillor and newly elected Devon County Councillor Steve Keable present. Apologies received from Councillor Vile and Councillor Limond
2/ Public Questions No members of the public present
3/ Minutes of the last meeting The minutes were agreed as correct
4/Matters arising. Annual Parish Meeting date 9th June 2025 – Format to be the same as last year with Tea and Cakes as refreshments. It needs to be well advertised in the newsletter to encourage better attendance. The clerk suggested that the subject of an Emergency Plan for the Village could be the focal point together with the loss of the play park to try and engage the village and perhaps encourage new councillors as 2 vacancies still remain.
2nd defibrillator for the village Councillor Vile had sent a message in her absence that contact has been made with the church warden Rob Perry about the cost of obtaining a faculty. It was confirmed that this could cost £400 without a guarantee of success. He also pointed out that there is no lighting along the church path so would make it hazardous to anyone accessing the defibrillator. A suggestion was made to site it in the bus shelter as there is an electric pole behind it. This would also be better for the Xmas tree lights Councillor Tucker will talk to a local electrician about the possibility of a solar powered supply.
5/Update on the councillors specialist areas All roles to remain the same as below with all councillors having responsibility for roads and hedges Graham Penter – Planning – 25/00412/FULL – Erection of roof over existing dung midden. – Upcott Farm – no objections Lawrence Peters – Flagpole – jubilee plaque still to be installed – LD awaiting a knee operation which is causing the continued delay. Recent complaint about the flag being noisy was rectified within 24 hours Gail Tucker – Public relations & Social Media – nothing to discuss Susan Vile – Church & Chapel liaison – Michael Downward who was a church warden for a number of years has sadly passed away and a memorial service will be held at Eggesford church which Susan will attend. Sarah Goody (clerk) – Village Hall liaison – the AGM will be held on 27th May 2025 and a Big breakfast is planned for 24th May. James Limond – Improving Broadband for the village – news went round the village of an impending installation of fibre broadband. This applies to the Chulmleigh exchange only which ends at Spekes Cross.–
6/Accounts a) Update on bank balance £9211.79 as at 31st March 2025 (latest statement received) £7165.23 PC funds £46.56 remainder of the Jubilee Fund for the plaque
Grant cheque for £2000 to the village hall not yet cashed
b) Cheques to sign
Annual Grants for grass cutting Wembworthy Church £690 Wembworthy Chapel £230 Wembworthy Village Hall £230 DALC membership subs £115.32 S Goody – flag replacement - £24.95
c)Approval of Year End Accounts and Audit Report The clerk has been unable to appoint the Internal Auditor in time for this meeting so an extraordinary meeting will be held immediately before the Annual Parish Meeting on 9th June 2025. The PC has approved the Certificate of Exemption for a limited assurance review in accordance with the AGAR 2024/25. The certificate was signed by the Chairman and clerk and will be submitted within the deadline of 30th June 2025
7/AOB for next meeting’s Agenda
Nuisance dogs – Councillor Tucker wishes to take this thread up again as the residents who called the public meeting have stepped back. She will talk to them about the PC continuing the pursuit of signage at Flashdown woods etc.