- 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), 4 members of the public
- Apologies
- none – final meeting of the calendar year, full attendance
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
All members were present. The Chairman welcomed a good number of residents to the final meeting of the year.
2. Declarations of Interest
None.
3. Public Participation
Several residents thanked the Council and volunteers for a successful Christmas lights switch-on event.
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2025 were RESOLVED as a true record and signed.
5. Matters Arising
The precept request of £39,500 had been submitted to Averbury District Council on 4 December, ahead of the 15 December deadline, and acknowledgement of receipt had been received. The Christmas lights switch-on on 5 December had been a great success with a good turnout; the Women's Institute raised £140 for hall funds from the refreshments stall. The Council recorded its thanks to all volunteers, the school choir and the Women's Institute for making the evening such a success.
6. Planning
Application 25/01402/HOU – single storey rear extension, 9 High Street, had been received. Members raised no objection in principle. As the comment deadline fell between scheduled meetings, it was RESOLVED to authorise the Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman, to submit a response of no objection provided no new issues came to light before the deadline.
7. Playground
Cllr Hollis reported that two further quotations had been obtained for the replacement roundabout, in addition to the initial enquiry noted in November. Sutcliffe Play was recommended as offering the best value at £2,380 including installation. It was RESOLVED to approve the order, for installation in spring 2026.
8. Churchyard Boundary Wall
Netherfield Building Services had confirmed availability for the spring 2026 rebuild and materials were on order.
9. Finance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | £45,745.98 |
| Clerk's salary (December) | £412.60 |
| HMRC – PAYE/NI | £58.40 |
| Room hire | £15.00 |
| Christmas lights – final invoice | £95.00 |
| Sutcliffe Play – roundabout, 50% deposit | £500.00 |
| Balance carried forward | £44,664.98 |
The Clerk confirmed the year-end accounts and internal audit timetable for 2025/26 would be brought to the Council in the spring, ahead of the Annual Meeting.
10. Correspondence
A card of thanks had been received from Thornwick St Mary C of E Primary School choir for use of the village hall for rehearsals in the run-up to the Christmas lights event; noted with pleasure.
11. Any Other Business
The Chairman thanked all councillors, the Clerk and the many volunteers across the parish for their work over the year, and wished everyone present a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
12. Date of Next Meeting
The Annual Parish Meeting and the next Ordinary Meeting of the Council are provisionally scheduled for Tuesday, 13 January 2026, 7.30pm, Thornwick Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.52pm.
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.