Draft - Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting (Village)
DRAFT MINUTES OF LUDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
The Annual Parish Meeting (Village) was held on Tuesday 8 May 2025 at 7.00 pm at the Village Hall, Ludford.
PRESENT: Chairman Cllr Mrs Ridger
Vice-Chairman Cllr Mrs Hunt
Cllr: Fisher
Also Present: Cllr Fry (ELDC) & 1 Parishioner.
1. Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllrs Mrs Brader & Dr Lofts.
2. Minutes of the Last Annual Village Meeting
The Minutes of the last Annual Village Meeting held on 16 May 2024 were approved and signed.
3. Matters Arising from Minutes – None.
4. Chairman’s Report
The Chairman expressed her thanks to the Clerk, who ensured the smooth running of the financial and legal requirements of the Parish Council, ensuring Members were informed of council business at all times, mostly via email, when outside of the regular Meetings and at the regular Meetings held in May, July, September, November, January and March.
The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman for her continued support and her fellow Councillors, including the most recent Member: Dr Lofts, for their commitment to ensuring the continuation of a Parish Council in Ludford. Their support by attendance at Meetings, their insight on matters concerning the village, including planning issues, etc. Their eagerness to undertake the various responsibilities and activities on behalf of the Parish Council are genuinely appreciated and though they are few in number, they are an effective group.
The Chairman reported that it had been necessary to cancel the acquisition and installation of the east set of white gates, due in part, to the lack of space at the location. The tyres had been replanted and a bench purchased to commemorate the Kings’ Coronation, this would replace one of the old benches on Magna Mile shortly and Cllr Fisher had made a suitable plaque for the new bench. The Vice-Chairman and Cllr Mrs Brader were the contacts for the defibulator near the Church. The Café owned and were responsible for the defibulator on their premises. The Parish Council and Café were supportive of each other’s efforts to provide these units. Wreaths had been laid for 101 Service in June and for Remembrance Day in November. The Chairman will continue to arrange the road-closure parade permission with LCC.
The Chairman thanked the Vice-Chairman and the litter-picking team for their work in areas of the village where a large amount of refuse had been collected. Thanks were expressed to all Parishioners involved in this group and also to Mr Brader and Ian, who erected the Christmas tree & lights in December. The Community Speed Group would be continuing their speed watches now the weather had improved.
The Parish Council budget funds church lighting, Christmas tree provision and grasscutting in designated areas of the village. Due to an unexpected increase in the costs of grasscutting last year, we had been supported by a substantial donation from the Village Hall Committee, which was hugely appreciated. A new contractor has been engaged, budgets have been reviewed, and it is hoped the matter is resolved.
The good relationship with the Village Hall continues and the Chairman attends the monthly Village Hall Meetings as the Parish Council’s representative and the Parish Council hold their Meetings at this location for a fixed fee.
The Parish Council continue to sponsor the Magna Messenger publication, which is a regular newsletter covering village events and matters; distributed by volunteers to all Parishioners.
As Chairman, I would like to thank the Councillors for the time they give so freely and willingly, the experience and knowledge they bring to our Meetings, their individuality and the varied skills which they bring for the benefit of the Council and the village. I look forward to next year.
Meeting closed at 7.23 pm.
Signed ............................. Chairman/Vice-Chairman Date ........................