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Minutes Approved by Chair / Acting Chair : …………………………… Date: ……………………………
BRERETON AND RAVENHILL PARISH COUNCIL
DISTRICT OF CANNOCK CHASE COUNTY OF STAFFORDSHIRE
Minutes of the
ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING
Held at: the Parish Hall, Ravenhill Park, Brereton, Rugeley. WS15 1DU
Friday 17th May 2024 6.00pm – 7pm
WELCOME
Members Present: M Blackham (MB)(Chair, A Cowdell (AC), D Blocksidge (DB), C Davies (CD), C. Harris (CH)(Acting Clerk), K Theobald (KT), K Paul (KP), R Hall (RH), S Merriman (SM)
APOLOGIES
Members Absent: Apologies were received from: C Boulton (CB), J Gascoigne (JG) (V-Chair), R Hall-Davies (RHD) which were accepted. No apologies were received from J Johnson (JJ).
In Attendance: J Smith (JS) (Caretaker) D. Williams (District Councillor) Sian Mollart (Brereton Brownies Leader)
Invitations were sent to representations from the Police, District Councillors, People representing the hirers of the hall and Community groups’.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A medium gathering of 30+
STRATEGIC REPORT PLAN
Report placed on tables around the hall for public members to view and comment on
FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIR
“Welcome everyone, and thank you for coming to the Chairpersons Reception 2024.
This is the first Chairpersons Reception since our new Council has taken over and it is good that finally we can celebrate after such a long and eventful year. There were a number of complications due to council laws and practical issues, but we successfully battled through a very difficult time. 2023 also saw many issues with several failed audits and challenging problems to get the basic policies and procedures put in place. With nothing but a set of keys handed to us we have slowly navigated our way through these systems and can finally see light in a very long, dark tunnel.
However, over the last year we have been able to include some enjoyable events which have also taken place since my Chairmanship. We hosted our first Remembrance Parade, keeping everyone safe whilst the Parade took place. We created FREE tennis in the tennis courts last summer. We now have regular Heritage walks around the village and meetings in the library which are growing each time with more and more people attending. We have also trialled an indoor table top sale which we are hoping will become a regular event and maybe even become an outdoor car-boot, in the future.
As well as events our team of new Councillors has achieved many other things, which I have to say as Chairperson I am extremely proud, to list just a few; Many clean ups around the village including tackling the weeds along the main road. Joining in with the Brereton Million volunteer day in the Park. Supporting many residents with
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Minutes Approved by Chair / Acting Chair : …………………………… Date: ……………………………
personal waste issues, applying for brown bins, planning applications. As well as continuing the Christmas light traditions, creating a weekly drop in and welcome warm space and cleaning up the community hall.
We also have experienced many changes of staff during my time of office, it truly has been a very challenging time. First of all we cannot thank John Smith (JS) enough as he has been through the most changes, has advised, adapted and basically rolled his sleeves up and done whatever has been needed to be done. John is truly a favourite among the hirers and a gem that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
I have to thank Paul Whibley, our Clerk, for all his help to get us out of this complicated period. He has worked extremely hard in taking the helm and steering us in the right direction. Then Lee Fetherstone (RFO) joined the team and helped give us the account support that was greatly needed. Paul and Lee came on board to get us updated and we are pleased to say, we are almost there. We owe all of them a great big thank you to you all for your excellent work and service.
I must thank all of our Councillors for their hard work over the last year, especially with their support in getting all the behind the scenes paperwork complete. It hasn’t been the nicest start and many of us have stopped and asked ourselves several times why we are doing this. But we stepped up to the challenge and we are determined to complete it. We want to create an open and transparent, caring Community led Council. That this Community can come to in their times of need and celebrate the good times also.
Before I finish, I must thank all the community groups that use the Community Hall. We know you have felt uncertainty at times and we have had to put the correct Health and Safety measures in place. As well as work around the repairs that have needed to be made. We want you to know we are all part of community groups and we understand how you all need to operate. If you have any issues please do pick up the phone or pop along and see us.
Now we are coming out of the dark side and we are able to put the nicer stuff into action. You will see our new Strategic plan placed around your tables. This is our plan for the next 3 years, please do take a look and come and have a chat with any of the Councillors you see sat with me. We have plans to support the lack of transport in the area, improve the car parking here in the park, more events and to eventually create a cafe here in the park. If you fancy volunteering for any of our projects, we are currently looking for help with trialling a tuck shop for the park, or if you feel you could help us steer the Council in the right way, please do come and talk to us.
I would like to thank everyone here tonight for taking your time out and putting your faith in myself for another year as your Chairperson .”
OPEN FORUM FOR PUBLIC TO ASK QUESTIONS AND ALSO TO COMMENT ON STRATEGIC REPORT PLAN
No questions were asked publicly however Councillors mingled with the members of the public to discuss the plan and other general enquiries.
MEETING CLOSED AT 6.30pm