Alvingham Parish Council
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting
Held on 10th June 2025
Present: Councillor N Ashley (NA)
Councillor V Stratford (TS)
Councillor G Cummings (GC)
Councillor A Graves (AG)
In Attendance: Councillor N Hastings (NH)
Clerk: Mrs T Bradshaw (TB)
Apologies Councillor E Mossop (EM)
Councillor S Shucksmith (SS)
Lincolnshire District Councillor
The Parish Councillors welcomed Cllr Nick Hastings to the meeting, and wished him well in his new role as a District Councillor for Lincolnshire.
Minutes of meeting held on 11th March
The minutes from the previous meeting on 6th May 2025 were read and Cllr Stratford proposed they be approved and Cllr Cummings seconded this.
Cllr Ashley signed them as a true copy.
Matters Arising
Christmas Tree – Cllr Shucksmith has filled the hole left in the grass verge by the Christmas Tree support post.
The planters made by ‘The Alvingham Knob Polishers’ have been ‘installed’ at White Barn Corner, at the corner where High Street meets Church Lane, and by the Stocks. They are now fully planted up and will hopefully provide a colourful display over the summer. Cllr Cummings has arranged with various villagers to ensure the planters are watered regularly.
Pot Holes –Cllr Cummings raised the issue of the state of Highbridge Road and Church Lane with Cllr Hastings, and reiterated how helpful Cllr Alex Hall has been previously. Cllr Hastings agreed to meet with Cllr Cummings to view the areas of concern, and to raise the matter with Layla Hardy in Highways at LCC.
The Alvingham Cup – Cllr Ashley is still investigating costs of plaques to have engraved each year. A certificate should be designed and awarded to the winner of the cup so they have something to keep, as the cup will be awarded but displayed in the Community Hall.
Alvingham Village Signs – Cllr Cummings advised that Ian Whittington had repainted the gold lettering on the 3 village name signs.
VE Day – a £120 donation was made towards the cost of catering at the VE Day celebrations. All Cllrs agreed that the day was very successful.
Defibrillator – the Parish Clerk advised that multiple attempts to contact LIVES had been made, but to no avail. Further attempts will be made.
Ivy Cottage – Cllr Cummings is still sourcing the appropriate signage to gift to the owners of Ivy Cottage re the public footpath.
War Memorial – Cllr Ashley has spoken to the relevant stonemasons and is now awaiting a response re the refurbishment.
Treasurers Report
Cllr Cummings confirmed that the current balance in the account stands at £6,245.18.
The annual accounts and AGAR form were proposed as true by Cllr Cummings, and seconded by Cllr Graves. It was then formally signed by Cllr Ashley as Chair, Cllr Cummings as Treasurer, and Terri Bradshaw as Clerk. Cllr Cummings will submit the AGAR from as required before the deadline of 30th June 2025.
A letter of thanks to be sent to David Haywood for his assistance in checking the accounts and forms.
Correspondence
GRASSroots Grant – it was discussed whether to submit an application to request grant funding for the village. A ‘green space’ or play area would by beneficial, but the lack of land prohibits this. Likewise for allotments or a similar area. As most things revolve around the Community Hall, Cllr Cummings suggested the Social Committee may be better placed to submit any application, so details of the grant will be forwarded.
Planning Application re Silverwell Cottage – the site maybe unsuitable for development due to traffic concerns and road safety. Inevitably, any development would lead to an increase in traffic, on a dangerous section of road, which is already narrowed by vehicles parked from the properties opposite. Cllrs would refer the Planning Dept to the decision made for The Grange some years ago.
Any Other Business
Parish Clerk Remuneration – Cllr Ashley raised the matter of Clerk Remuneration which had not been reviewed for some years. Cllr Cummings advised that the rate of 104 hours per year was agreed at the minimum wage at that time in 2019. As minimum wage had increased since then, Cllr Cummings proposed that annual hours should remain at 104 (2 hours per week) and the remuneration should be increased in line with todays minimum wage rate of £12.21 p/h. Cllr Stratford seconded this.
Grass cutting in the churchyard – whilst the areas of open ground are being well maintained, there is a need for grass around the gravestones to be cut or strimmed. Whilst unable to employ a gardener, the Parish Council are possibly willing to contribute towards cost of fuel, etc. for someone to carry out regular work. Cllr Stratford advisedThe Friends of Adelwolds would ask for volunteers. In the meantime, Cllr Cummings would try to organise a ‘clear up’ of the churchyard.
It was also suggested that the GRASSroots Grant was available ‘for impactful volunteering & social action projects’ so it maybe worth submitting an application for a small storage facility, mower and tools, as the churchyard is a central point for the village. Parish Clerk to investigate the possibility of this with ELDC.
Next Meeting Tuesday 16th September 2025 7.30pm
Cllr Ashley thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 9pm