Welcome and Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Yeoman.
Declarations of Interest
None.
Public Participation
A resident asked for an update on the churchyard boundary wall.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2025 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed.
Matters Arising
The structural engineer's report on the churchyard boundary wall had been received, recommending the rebuild of a six-metre section at an estimated cost of £2,800; this was to be factored into the budget discussion below. Data from the first month of vehicle activated sign operation showed a reduction in the 85th percentile speed on the monitored approach from 34mph to 29mph, an encouraging early result; it was agreed to review again in six months.
Planning
No new applications had been received.
Budget and Precept 2026/27
The Clerk presented a draft budget for 2026/27 setting out anticipated income and expenditure, including administration, insurance, grounds maintenance, hall hire, a playground replacement reserve of £2,500, a churchyard wall repair provision of £2,800, and the ongoing running costs of Speedwatch and the vehicle activated sign. After discussion, and taking into account a small contingency, the draft precept requirement was calculated at £39,500 (an increase from £36,000, broadly equivalent to a rise of a few pence per week for a typical Band D household). It was RESOLVED to approve the draft budget and precept figure of £39,500, for formal confirmation at the November meeting.
Remembrance Sunday
Arrangements were confirmed for the Remembrance Sunday service at St Mary's Church on 9 November. The wreath had already been ordered from the Royal British Legion; it was agreed the Chairman would lay the wreath on behalf of the parish.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
It was RESOLVED that the village Christmas lights switch-on be held on the Green on Friday, 5 December, from 5.00pm. Cllr Marsh agreed to coordinate with the Women's Institute (refreshments stall) and the school choir. The Clerk was asked to notify Mereshire County Council Highways of a short road closure/parking restriction for the evening.
Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £47,397.98 |
| Clerk's salary (October) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Structural inspection report – churchyard wall | £180.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £46,731.98 |
Correspondence
None requiring discussion.
Any Other Business
None raised.
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 11 November 2025, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 9.20pm.
Signed (Chairman) Date: ____________________