October 2026 Minutes (262722)
Great Gonerby Parish Council Minutes – 262722 5th October 2026
Great Gonerby Memorial Hall
Present: Cllr K. Morrall (Chair) Cllr M. Neal (Vice-Chair) Cllr T. Rogers Cllr M. Davis
Caroline Marion – RFO/Burials/Grants & Proper Officer – In Attendance Arlayna Bennett – Clerk & Proper Officer – In Attendance
Public Forum
No matters were recorded during the Public Forum.
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr M. Beckett (Holiday).
Apologies were not received prior to the meeting from Cllr S. Gray; however, Members agreed to accept the reason for absence.
2. Declarations of Interest and Requests for Dispensation
No declarations of interest or requests for dispensation were received.
3. Co-option
No applications for co-option had been received.
4. Chair's Report
The Chair made a statement regarding comments arising from the previous meeting concerning Summerfest. The Chair clarified that no decision had been made at the previous meeting and reiterated that decisions of the Parish Council are made collectively by Members through the Council's proper decision-making processes. The Chair also reminded Members of the importance of respecting confidentiality where applicable and of relying on published Council minutes as the formal record of Council business. Members noted the statement.
5. Minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 7 September 2026 and the Extraordinary Meeting held on 23 September 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record and signed by the Chair.
6. Finance and Burials
The RFO / Proper Officer's report was received and noted.
The External Auditor's Certificate was received and considered by Members. It was agreed that the Clerk and RFO would review the report and determine any actions arising from the auditor's comments.
The Clerk reported that the date of the next Internal Audit had not yet been confirmed and confirmation was awaited from the auditor.
Members noted that former Cllr G. Beckett had been removed from the VM Bank account. It was agreed to defer consideration of adding Cllr M. Neal to the replacement account until the November meeting.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to approve the proposed change of name for the Future Events Account.
Members received an update regarding Moor Bioenergy. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact MH regarding the storage arrangements for the two pallets and the proposed location of the diversity bench and report back to Council.
Members considered quotations received for environmental maintenance works. Following discussion, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to appoint Powershift, noting that insufficient alternative quotations had been obtained.
It was noted that the schedule of payments and receipts since the previous meeting would be presented to Council for consideration at the next ordinary meeting.
7. Donated Land
Members noted that no further update had been received from the solicitors regarding the proposed land donation.
It was agreed that the Clerk would continue to pursue an update.
8. Environment
Members noted the vacancy created following the resignation of former Cllr G. Beckett from responsibility for environmental matters.
It was agreed that Cllr K. Morrall would assume responsibility for environmental matters on behalf of the Council.
Members noted that the findings of the tree survey were expected prior to the November meeting.
Members received a proposal from a group of parishioners to undertake daffodil planting within the village.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the Parish Council purchase daffodil bulbs in support of the community initiative.
Members noted that the planting would be organised and undertaken independently by village volunteers and would not constitute a Parish Council activity. Any councillor choosing to participate would do so solely in a personal capacity as a parishioner and not as a representative of the Parish Council.
9. Highways
Members received an update regarding ongoing highways concerns, including parking on Long Street and safety concerns at the junction near the Premier Shop.
It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police regarding speeding and HGV concerns and establish whether the photographic evidence available was sufficient to support further action.
10. Millennium Wood
Members considered expenditure for the previously approved Bug House sign.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to approve expenditure of £23.69.
11. Newsletter
Members considered future arrangements for the Parish Newsletter.
It was agreed to defer further consideration until additional councillors were available to assist with the project.
12. Remembrance
Members considered arrangements for Remembrance Sunday.
It was agreed that the Clerk would liaise with the Church regarding arrangements for the wreath and village flag displays.
13. Statue Charlie Refurbishment
Members received an update regarding the condition of the Charlie statue.
It was agreed that Cllr T. Rogers would inspect the statue and advice would be sought from the original supplier regarding any refurbishment requirements.
14. Notice Board
Members received an update regarding the proposed notice board.
It was agreed to defer the matter pending receipt of additional quotations.
15. Memorial Hall Representative
Members thanked Cllr M. Neal for service as the Parish Council's representative to the Memorial Hall Committee.
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to appoint Cllr M. Davis as the Parish Council's representative to the Memorial Hall Committee.
16. Motions for Future Meetings
• Handyman appointment.
• Memorial Hall Fire Risk Assessment update.
• Electrical box repairs.
The meeting closed at 9.40pm.