- Present
- Cllr M. Pearson (Chairman), Cllr D. Whitfield (Vice-Chairman), Cllr S. Iqbal, Cllr A. Foxton, Cllr D. Marsh, Cllr P. Hollis, Cllr R. Yeoman, Cllr K. Ashworth
- In attendance
- Mrs L. Carrow (Clerk & RFO), 2 members of the public
- Apologies
- none
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
All members were present.
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Public Participation
None.
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2025 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed.
5. Matters Arising
The Remembrance Sunday service on 9 November had been well attended, with the wreath laid by the Chairman on behalf of the parish; the Council recorded its thanks to the Royal British Legion and all who helped organise the service. Arrangements for the Christmas lights switch-on were confirmed, with the road notice submitted to Mereshire County Council Highways and both the Women's Institute and the school choir confirmed to take part.
6. Precept 2026/27
It was formally RESOLVED to confirm the precept request of £39,500 for 2026/27, and for the Clerk to submit this to Averbury District Council ahead of its deadline of 15 December 2025.
7. Churchyard Boundary Wall
Two quotations had been obtained for the rebuild: Netherfield Building Services, £2,650, and Mereshire Stone & Restoration, £3,100. It was RESOLVED to accept the quotation from Netherfield Building Services, with works to be scheduled for spring 2026 subject to weather and access to the churchyard.
8. Playground
The £2,500 budget provision for a replacement roundabout was confirmed as part of the precept request above. Cllr Hollis agreed to obtain final supplier quotations ahead of a spring 2026 installation.
9. Planning
No new applications had been received.
10. Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £46,731.98 |
| Clerk's salary (November) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Grounds maintenance – final autumn cut | £180.00 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Christmas lights – hire and electricity connection | £320.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £45,745.98 |
11. Correspondence
A letter of thanks had been received from St Mary's PCC for the parish's contribution towards churchyard grass cutting arrangements; noted with pleasure.
12. Any Other Business
Cllr Yeoman gave advance notice that she intended to step back from the footpaths working group in the new year owing to increased work commitments, while remaining a member of the Council; this would be revisited at the Annual Meeting appointments in May.
13. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.09pm.
Signed (Chairman) Date: ____________________
Thornwick St Mary Parish Council — Clerk to the Council: Mrs L. Carrow — clerk@thornwickstmarypc-demo.org.uk — These minutes are draft until formally approved and signed at the next meeting of the Council.