Category Archives: Wretton

Articles relating to the Norfolk village of Wretton.

Cyril Marsters writes to The Editor

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Dear Ray,

In your January Editorial you said: “Viewing the range of local Parish Council minutes it is becoming clear that there seems to be a noticeable conflict between the various factions in each village”.  You conclude that: “…more time is spent arguing amongst the councillors than in working for the village”.

 I have gone back over a number of months of P.C. minutes and cannot find anything giving grounds for these assertions, which appear to me as an unjustified slight on people who give up their time to work for their village.

 At times, obviously, differences of opinion arise which require discussion and debate.  My impression is that our P Cs manage pretty well to come to democratic decisions on such matters, with presumably those holding differing views able to accept majority decisions with good grace.

 I am left rather wondering whether your remarks have been unduly influenced by a vocal minority who are unable to accept views other than their own, rather than an unbiased assessment of the situation.

                                                  Cyril Marsters 

 

Wretton Parish Council meeting – November 2011

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MINUTES OF WRETTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT THE CHURCH

MONDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2011

 

Present–

Cllr David Llewellyn – Chairman, Cllr Mick Peake, Cllr Mandy Peake, Cllr L Beatty, Cllr John Wyett, Cllr. John Reeve.

 Borough Councillor C Sampson

3 members of the public

 1.         No Apologiesfor Absence received.    

2.         No Declarations of Interest made.

3.         The Minutes of the meeting held on 12/09/11were agreed as a true record.

4.         Matters Arising

  • · Trees to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cllr. Beatty presented Councillors with a map indicating suggested area where trees could be planted in the parish. Packs of trees can be obtained free of charge from the Woodland Trust and it was agreed Cllr. Beatty should apply for a woodland fuel mix pack. It was agreed in principal to plant trees at the suggested locations but permission would need to be sought from land owners and from Highways for any tree planting on the roadside verges. Cllrs. agreed to research this matter further. Volunteers will be needed to plant the trees and young trees may need stakes and protection so some cost could be incurred.

Cllr. Sampson informed the Council that trees can be obtained through the Borough Council.

  • · Seat for Wretton Green to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cllr. Wyett has looked into the cost of a stone seat for the Green. It is estimated a reconstituted stone seat would cost in the region of £400 to £500 but further quotes will be sought. There would be additional costs for a concrete base for the seat (estimated £150) plus engraving of the seat.

The seat will replace the wooden seat by the village sign.

It was suggested a recycled plastic seat could be considered rather than stone as a possible cheaper alternative.

  • · Padlock for Play Area

The Play Area gate is to be locked. As the grass cutting contractors need to be able to enter the area a key will be held by Cllr. Wyett and one will also be given to the grass cutting contractors.

  • · Annual Play Equipment Inspection Report

Cllr. Mick Peake has looked at recommendations on the report and those risks identified are noted as low risk. Cllr. Peake will consider what work may need to be undertaken and report back to the Council if any cost will be incurred.

A sign stating ‘No Ball Games’ has been erected inside the Play Area.       

 Cllrs Beatty, Reeve, Peake and Wyett to undertake further research.

 Cllr. Wyett to obtain further quotes.

5.         Chairman’s Report

  • · Item 8 of the agenda is to include an update from the Chairman regarding the new Parish Council website.
  • · Possible encroachment of a public Right of Way known asLydia’s Lane has been reported to the Parish Council. It appears that a fence adjacent to the footpath has been moved out and thus the width of the footpath has been narrowed. In places it is now very difficult to traverse the path without walking almost in the dyke.

It was noted that the path has recently been cut but there is still a place where bushes need trimming back. This will be reported to the Countryside Access Team who will also be informed of the encroachment.

Clerk’s Report

  • One vacancy remains on the Parish Council for which a volunteer has now come forward. Co-option will be an agenda item for the January Parish Council meeting.
  • Highways andNorfolkCounty Council Rights of Way Officer, David Mills have both been approached again regarding the classification of Lime House Drove. David Mills has confirmed that Lime House Drove is a Restricted Byway (No. 4 Wretton and No. 14 Stoke Ferry). This gives the public the right to access it on foot, horseback, cycle or horse and carriage, but excludes public access with motorised vehicles. There may be private rights held by the owners of the land, which may give them and anyone they gave permission to, a private right to drive on the track.

The first 50 metres are also registered as anUnclassified Country Road, so anyone can drive the first 50 metres. These are higher rights which override the Public Right of Way and consequently the surface of the first 50 metres is the responsibility of Highways to maintain. After 50 metres the Country Access Team is responsible for maintaining the Right of Way in a condition which allows the public rights to be exercised. Wear and tear resulting from the public use will be repaired but any damage caused by vehicular traffic remains the responsibility of the private rights holders (those causing the damage) to repair.

  • Padlocks have been purchased to allow the Parish Council notice boards to be locked.

 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

  • · Discussed under item 4. 

 7.         Accounts were presented and accepted for payment.

Cheques for approval of payment

MHB Services x2                                                                     £33.20

SJ Scarrott (Sept/Oct.)                                            £112.38

BCKLWN (play equipment inspection)                                    £70.02

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal                               £17.00         

Padlocks                                                                          £4.60

A1 signs                                                                         £10.00

CGM                                                                             £408.60

 Financial position @ 31/10/11

Community Account Balance                                   £2825.66

Business Saver Account (1)                                          £686.48

Business Saver Account (2)                                   £12260.30

Business Saver Account (3)                                             £0.36

8.         Wretton Parish Council website

  • · The new Parish Council website is now visible to Councillors as a test site and suggestions as to the content of the website were requested. Soundwave Marketing is undertaking work for the Chairman through his company and an agreement has been made with them to construct the Parish Council website at no cost to Wretton Parish Council. The Parish Council will have content management and the website will be moved to a hosting provider who will supply full support also at no cost to the Parish Council.
  • · The Chairman asked for photographs of the village to be supplied which could be shared on the website.
  • · Photographs of Councillors and a short resume of members will be published on the website.
  • · It is hoped the website will go live in the New Year and thus there is a need to publicise the new site to the village.
  • · It was suggested a reminder should be posted on the website informing people that the recycling credits from the waste paper skip located by the bus shelter in the village goes towards maintenance of the village play equipment.
  • · The Chairman was thanked for his efforts to establish a new website and for saving the Parish Council money through the arrangement agreed with Soundwave Marketing

9.         It was agreed the 2012 precept request should remain the same as 2011 at £3576    

10.       Correspondence

10.1 Norfolk Link etc, includes information regarding training (to be e-mailed to Councillors).

10.2 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons booklet

10.3 Norfolk NRCC Signpost

10.4 Norfolk Association of Playing Fields ‘The Playing Field’

11.       No planning applications received for consultation.     

12.       Maintenance of village paths

Discussed under item 5. 

 13.       Schedule of meetings for the forthcoming year

It was agreed future meetings of the Parish Council will take place on the first Monday of alternate months unless otherwise agreed. The January 2012 meeting will be held on January 9th as the first Monday is a bank holiday.

A calendar of meeting dates will be published on the website.  

14.       Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

Councillors were provided with copies of the model Standing Orders and Financial Regulations supplied by the National Association of Local Councils. Both will be considered at the January meeting when Councillors have reviewed the content.    

15.       Reports from Councillors/items for the next agenda

15.1 It was noted that the footpath at AllSaints Placeis still overgrown. This has been reported to Freebridge Housing previously and will be again. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

  • Members of the public voiced concerned regarding the issues of access along Lime House Drove. It was reported that Highways did arrive at Lime House Drove to dig out the gulleys but were unable to do so as a water pipe was discovered. Residents believe draining problems at the Drove entrance have been exasperated since the entrance was tarmaced. Highways need to find a resolution to the problems at the entrance to the Drove as it is impassable when wet.

It is felt a map is needed which identifies what land in the area is registered as Common Land as there is much confusion at present. Highways are still investigating the designation of parts of the Drove.

It was requested that a history of problems relating to the Drove should be compiled and that the matter should be an agenda item for the January meeting of the Parish Council.

  • A complaint was made that a loud noise seems to emanate from the British Sugar factory at Wissington each night at around1amand continues to4am. Investigation will be made regarding the origins of the noise.

 

 

 

 

The Diary of Emerald Green – January

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The after Christmas buzz, the time of the January sales, forget Christmas that’s more important!

I’m in my last year at high school now, and as soon as New Year hits, that will be it, not much time till my exams. I cannot wait to leave these little children that bang into you in the hallway without an apology, that scream and giggle at lunch times, I’m fed up with that and would like to begin my journey into adulthood. Mind you most adults are just as immature, but when they do it (act immature) it’s so much more fun.

Sitting here, debating where to go for my run, you would be surprised to hear it but I still run in the winter, even though it’s cold, even though it’s icy, and slippy, I still trek out every day to go for a bit of a run. You may think by the sound of that that I’m really fit, but then when you take into account the amount of unhealthy food I pour down my throat, it’s not surprising I have to go running every day.

There’s down by the river, there’s up by the old wreck, there near my grans house, hm…..  I think I’ll go down by the river, I like it there, it’s peaceful. That is where I will go. In my NEW running trainers, did I forget to mention? Yes, they were only £8.00 from town but I love them, and I love that my family brought them for me, so thoughtful.

Write Soon x

Wretton Parish Council Meeting

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MINUTES OF WRETTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT THE CHURCH

MONDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2011

 Present–  Cllr David Llewellyn – Chairman, Cllr Mick Peake, Cllr Mandy Peake, Cllr L Beatty, Cllr John Wyett, Cllr. John Reeve.

 Borough Councillor C Sampson & 3 members of the public

 1.         No Apologies for Absence received.

 2.         No Declarations of Interest made.

3.         The Minutes of the meeting held on 12/09/11were agreed as a true record.      

4.         Matters Arising

  • Trees to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cllr. Beatty presented Councillors with a map indicating suggested area where trees could be planted in the parish. Packs of trees can be obtained free of charge from the Woodland Trust and it was agreed Cllr. Beatty should apply for a woodland fuel mix pack. It was agreed in principal to plant trees at the suggested locations but permission would need to be sought from land owners and from Highways for any tree planting on the roadside verges. Cllrs. agreed to research this matter further. Volunteers will be needed to plant the trees and young trees may need stakes and protection so some cost could be incurred.

Cllr. Sampson informed the Council that trees can be obtained through the Borough Council.

  • Seat for Wretton Green to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Cllr. Wyett has looked into the cost of a stone seat for the Green. It is estimated a reconstituted stone seat would cost in the region of £400 to £500 but further quotes will be sought. There would be additional costs for a concrete base for the seat (estimated £150) plus engraving of the seat.

The seat will replace the wooden seat by the village sign.

It was suggested a recycled plastic seat could be considered rather than stone as a possible cheaper alternative.

  • Padlock for Play Area

The Play Area gate is to be locked. As the grass cutting contractors need to be able to enter the area a key will be held by Cllr. Wyett and one will also be given to the grass cutting contractors.

  • Annual Play Equipment Inspection Report

Cllr. Mick Peake has looked at recommendations on the report and those risks identified are noted as low risk. Cllr. Peake will consider what work may need to be undertaken and report back to the Council if any cost will be incurred.

A sign stating ‘No Ball Games’ has been erected inside the Play Area.   

 Cllrs Beatty, Reeve, Peake and Wyett to undertake further research.

Cllr. Wyett to obtain further quotes.

 5.         Chairman’s Report

  • Item 8 of the agenda is to include an update from the Chairman regarding the new Parish Council website.
  • Possible encroachment of a public Right of Way known asLydia’s Lane has been reported to the Parish Council. It appears that a fence adjacent to the footpath has been moved out and thus the width of the footpath has been narrowed. In places it is now very difficult to traverse the path without walking almost in the dyke.

It was noted that the path has recently been cut but there is still a place where bushes need trimming back. This will be reported to the Countryside Access Team who will also be informed of the encroachment.

 Clerk’s Report

  • One vacancy remains on the Parish Council for which a volunteer has now come forward. Co-option will be an agenda item for the January Parish Council meeting.
  • Highways andNorfolkCounty Council Rights of Way Officer, David Mills have both been approached again regarding the classification of Lime House Drove. David Mills has confirmed that Lime House Drove is a Restricted Byway (No. 4 Wretton and No. 14 Stoke Ferry). This gives the public the right to access it on foot, horseback, cycle or horse and carriage, but excludes public access with motorised vehicles. There may be private rights held by the owners of the land, which may give them and anyone they gave permission to, a private right to drive on the track.

The first 50 metres are also registered as anUnclassified Country Road, so anyone can drive the first 50 metres. These are higher rights which override the Public Right of Way and consequently the surface of the first 50 metres is the responsibility of Highways to maintain. After 50 metres the Country Access Team is responsible for maintaining the Right of Way in a condition which allows the public rights to be exercised. Wear and tear resulting from the public use will be repaired but any damage caused by vehicular traffic remains the responsibility of the private rights holders (those causing the damage) to repair.

  • Padlocks have been purchased to allow the Parish Council notice boards to be locked.

 

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

  • Discussed under item 4.      

7.         Accounts were presented and accepted for payment.

Cheques for approval of payment

MHB Services x2                                                                      £33.20

SJ Scarrott (Sept/Oct.)                                             £112.38

BCKLWN (play equipment inspection)                           £70.02

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal                               £17.00         

Padlocks                                                                          £4.60

A1 signs                                                                         £10.00

CGM                                                                             £408.60

 Financial position @ 31/10/11

Community Account Balance                                      £2825.66

Business Saver Account (1)                                          £686.48

Business Saver Account (2)                                      £12260.30

Business Saver Account (3)                                             £0.36

8.         Wretton Parish Council website

  • The new Parish Council website is now visible to Councillors as a test site and suggestions as to the content of the website were requested. Soundwave Marketing is undertaking work for the Chairman through his company and an agreement has been made with them to construct the Parish Council website at no cost to Wretton Parish Council. The Parish Council will have content management and the website will be moved to a hosting provider who will supply full support also at no cost to the Parish Council.
  • The Chairman asked for photographs of the village to be supplied which could be shared on the website.
  • Photographs of Councillors and a short resume of members will be published on the website.
  • It is hoped the website will go live in the New Year and thus there is a need to publicise the new site to the village.
  • It was suggested a reminder should be posted on the website informing people that the recycling credits from the waste paper skip located by the bus shelter in the village goes towards maintenance of the village play equipment.
  • The Chairman was thanked for his efforts to establish a new website and for saving the Parish Council money through the arrangement agreed with Soundwave Marketing.     

9.         It was agreed the 2012 precept request should remain the same as 2011 at £3576   

10.       Correspondence

10.1 Norfolk Link etc, includes information regarding training (to be e-mailed to Councillors).

10.2 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons booklet

10.3NorfolkNRCC Signpost

10.4NorfolkAssociation of Playing Fields ‘The Playing Field’      

11.       No planning applications received for consultation.

12.  Maintenance of village paths

  Discussed under item 5. 

13.       Schedule of meetings for the forthcoming year

It was agreed future meetings of the Parish Council will take place on the first Monday of alternate months unless otherwise agreed. The January 2012 meeting will be held on January 9th as the first Monday is a bank holiday.

A calendar of meeting dates will be published on the website.

14.       Review of Standing Orders and Financial Regulations

Councillors were provided with copies of the model Standing Orders and Financial Regulations supplied by the National Association of Local Councils. Both will be considered at the January meeting when Councillors have reviewed the content.         

15.       Reports from Councillors/items for the next agenda

15.1 It was noted that the footpath at AllSaints Placeis still overgrown. This has been reported to Freebridge Housing previously and will be again.       

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

  • Members of the public voiced concerned regarding the issues of access along Lime House Drove. It was reported that Highways did arrive at Lime House Drove to dig out the gulleys but were unable to do so as a water pipe was discovered. Residents believe draining problems at the Drove entrance have been exasperated since the entrance was tarmaced. Highways need to find a resolution to the problems at the entrance to the Drove as it is impassable when wet.

It is felt a map is needed which identifies what land in the area is registered as Common Land as there is much confusion at present. Highways are still investigating the designation of parts of the Drove.

It was requested that a history of problems relating to the Drove should be compiled and that the matter should be an agenda item for the January meeting of the Parish Council.

  • A complaint was made that a loud noise seems to emanate from the British Sugar factory at Wissington each night at around1amand continues to4am. Investigation will be made regarding the origins of the noise.

 

 

 

 

December 2011 Anglican Newsletter

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 This is the Pump’s Christmas issue and I ought to consider some aspect of Christmas.   However, I was just reading a lengthy letter from my American sister-in-law, who’s from just down the road fromNashvilleinTennessee.   This was an appropriately rambling letter about a several day long guided hike with her husband and some friends in the West of Ireland.  They were having a meal in a restaurant on the Dingle Peninsular, when she saw something on the wall that attracted her – she took down the name ‘Desiderata’ and googled it when she got home.   She is a very committed Christian and broadcasts regularly throughout theUSAandCanada, but she had not come across this before.

 It reminded me to read it again, after an absence of some years and it moved me much as it had before, so much so that I thought it was a pretty good Christmas message to those who have never seen it before as well as to those for whom it will already be very familiar.   So here it is:

 Go placidly  amid  the  noise  & haste, & remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.   Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

 Avoid loud & aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.   If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself.   Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.   Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.   Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. 

 But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.  Be yourself.   Especially, do not feign affection.   Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

 Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.   Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.   But do not distress yourself with imaginings.   Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.  

 Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here.   And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.  

 erefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.   With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.   Be careful.   Strive to be happy.

 FOUND IN OLD ST PAUL’S CHURCH, BALTIMORE;  DATED 1692

Be Happy at Christmas – and before! – and after! – it is very much a matter of personal decision, not accident.

 Keith MacLeod