May 2026 Draft Minutes (Annual Parish Meeting)
Great Gonerby Annual Parish Meeting (APM) Minutes 262715APM
13th May 2026 – Great Gonerby Memorial Hall.
Council Members:
Cllr Karri Davey (Chair)
Cllr Ginny Beckett (Vice-Chair)
Cllr M. Beckett Cllr A. Davey Cllr M. Davis Cllr S. Gray Cllr T. Knight Cllr M. Neal
Caroline Marion - RFO/Burials/Grants & Proper Officer – In Attendance
Arlayna Bennet – Clerk & Proper Officer – In Attendance
Apologies – Cllr K. Morral & Cllr K. Bamford
Public in Attendance – 7 Members of Public
1. Welcome from the Chair of the Parish Council
The Chair welcomed all attendees to the Annual Parish Meeting.
2. To adopt the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 14 May 2025
It was noted that the minutes of the APM held on 14 May 2025 would be considered for adoption.
Resolution:
Proposed by Alan
Seconded by Marci
That the minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 14 May 2025 be adopted as a true record.
3. To receive an annual report from the Chair of the Parish Council
The annual report from the Chair of the Parish Council was received.
Introduction
This report outlines the work undertaken by Great Gonerby Parish Council over the past year and highlights the contributions of councillors, officers, volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, and residents whose ongoing support helps maintain and enhance our village.
The Parish Council remains committed to maintaining community assets, supporting local initiatives, managing parish finances responsibly, and protecting the character and wellbeing of Great Gonerby for both present and future generations.
Community Assets, Environment & Grants
The Parish Council is very grateful to Gonerby Moor Bio Farm for the grant received this year, which has enabled the purchase of new benches. These benches will shortly be installed along Holden Way, providing a welcome resting point with views across the surrounding fields and countryside.
At the village park, a new litter bin has been installed, replacing the previous rusted units. This improvement supports cleanliness and improves the appearance and usability of the park for residents and visitors.
In addition, last month the Parish Council donated litter pickers to support a sponsored village litter pick, which was completed by pupils from St Sebastian’s School. The Parish Council was delighted to support this initiative, which not only helped improve the local environment but also encouraged community responsibility and involvement among young people.
Millennium Woods & Green Spaces
Significant work has taken place at the Millennium Woods, primarily carried out by volunteers. A major task this year has been the removal of the original tree supports. This has proven to be a particularly challenging and time consuming job, but the majority of supports have now been successfully removed, with only a few remaining.
In addition:
• Stumps from previously removed trees have been cleared
• Three trees that had sadly died have been removed
• Ongoing general maintenance has been carried out to improve safety and appearance
Across the parish there have also been:
• Various green clean ups of footpaths
• Maintenance work within burial areas
• Bench washing and sign cleaning, with replacements installed where required
These works help protect and enhance the village’s shared green spaces.
Acknowledgement of Volunteers – The Green Elves
The Parish Council wishes to formally acknowledge and sincerely thank the Green Elves volunteers, who have dedicated a considerable amount of their own time to maintaining and improving parish green spaces and community areas.
Their continued commitment and practical support have made a noticeable and lasting difference throughout the village.
Wildflower Garden Project
A new wildflower garden has been organised and planted near the Gibbet, sponsored jointly by Ancaster Flowers and Great Gonerby Parish Council.
The Parish Council would like to thank everyone involved in organising, planting, and supporting this project. The flowers are now beginning to come through and will continue to develop, enhancing biodiversity and adding seasonal colour to the area.
Events & Community Life
The Christmas Light Switch On and Craft Fair, now in its second year, was once again very well supported by villagers and visitors. The event has quickly become a valued part of the village calendar.
Planning for Christmas 2026 is already underway, and residents may wish to note that this year’s event will take place on:
Saturday 28th November 2026
In addition, the Parish Council is pleased to announce that the Parish Council Events Committee will be holding a Summer Event this year.
Saturday 9th August 2026
This is set to be a fabulous, family fun filled day, and further details will be shared nearer the time. The Parish Council is also seeking volunteers to help support this event. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact the Parish Clerk, who will pass names on to the Events Committee.
The Parish Council thanks everyone involved in organising, supporting, sponsoring, and attending village events.
Finance & Parish Precept
For many years, Great Gonerby Parish Council has worked hard to keep the parish precept — the portion of Council Tax that directly funds parish services — as low as possible.
However:
• An increase was required last year
• A further increase was again necessary this year
The Parish Council remains hopeful that next year, subject to inflation and wider economic conditions, any increase can be kept to a minimum. At present, this remains uncertain due to ongoing global economic pressures.
Significant cost pressures include:
• Grass cutting
• Staffing costs, which have risen considerably over the last 24 months
• Repayment of the government loan for the Memorial Hall
To help mitigate these pressures, chair allowances have not been claimed for the past two years and again this year. All parish councillors continue to volunteer their time freely in every aspect of parish business. The Parish Council places on record its thanks to all councillors, past and present, for their dedication and continued service.
Village Orchards
This year, we are hopeful — fingers crossed — to see some fruit on the village’s mini orchards.
Residents are warmly encouraged, if out walking, to:
• Take a bottle of water
• Choose a favourite tree
• Give it a drink
This simple act makes a real difference, particularly during dry weather.
Churchyard & Burials
The Parish Council is currently reviewing the condition of parish graves at St Sebastian’s Church. Many areas are subsiding, and it is felt the churchyard desperately and deserving needs some care and attention.
This is the resting place of our loved ones and something we should collectively respect and maintain. The Parish Council would welcome new volunteers willing to assist with this important work.
Community Resilience & Emergency Planning
Later in the year, the Parish Council hopes to hold a village meeting to:
• Explore the development of a Parish Emergency Plan
• Discuss how residents can get involved
• Help spread awareness and resilience across the community
Further information will be shared once arrangements are confirmed.
Chair’s Closing Statement
As we move forward, the Parish Council remains firmly committed to retaining and protecting village life in Great Gonerby. A key priority continues to be progressing the Great Gonerby Neighbourhood Plan. This is an important process that takes time and careful consideration but once completed it will be put to parishioners at a referendum to decide whether it should be formally adopted. We are hopeful there will be more news to share later this year.
The Parish Council would like to express sincere thanks to our repeat sponsors, including Vac U Lug, Wickes, private individuals, and all the businesses located within the village who continue, year after year, to generously support our Christmas event displays. Their generosity plays a vital role in the success of these valued community events.
Thanks, are also extended to all parish councillors as a collective, as well as our Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer, and village cleaner, whose dedication and professionalism are central to the smooth running, appearance, and wellbeing of the parish.
Finally, the Parish Council thanks all volunteers and residents who support parish life. Your time, care, and commitment help ensure that Great Gonerby remains the strong, caring, and thriving community it is.
4. To receive an annual report from the Chair of the Memorial Hall Trust
The annual report from the Chair of the Memorial Hall Trust was received and presented.
GREAT GONERBY MEMORIAL HALL
CHAIRMAN’S AND TREASURERS’ YEAR END REPORT MAY 2026
1. Trustees
The most recent Trustees Annual General Meeting will be held on 9 June 2026.
The following Trustees will be confirmed: -
Dave Witheridge – Chairman
TBA- Secretary
James Morgan – Treasurer
Jenny Critchley
Andy Mayer
Janet Thompson
Jeff Thompson
Annette Callow – Bookings Secretary
Matt Trimm
Sue Nash
Kelly Walton
Donna Featherstone (new Trustee)
Ian Featherstone (new Trustee)
Matt Tipton - Gonerby Youth FC Liaison
Jo Langdon & Karen Morrell are key holders but not Trustees
2. Hiring
The use of the Hall is subject to a hiring agreement which must be signed by the hirer when booking. The hiring agreement sets out the conditions of hire and identifies the respective responsibilities of each party to the agreement. There are three main types of hiring undertaken.
· Monday to Friday, 08h30 to 16h00 pre-school classes (term time only)
· Regular leisure activities, Monday to Friday evenings
· Weekend parties/celebration events on a one-off basis (Trustees provide opening and closing duties to ensure building security is maintained)
The weekend bookings are taken On-line only through Lemon Bookings which has taken a considerable workload away from the Bookings Secretary.
We have upgraded the CCTV system that was not fit for purpose an old analogue system that worked intermittently, we also upgraded the 3G pitch fencing with help from a grant.
3. Finance
mainly due to the upgrade of the fence around the 3G Pitch which even after the grant from the FA of £25,447.00 has cost us £10,171.42 The cost of hedge cutting and grass mowing at £4,631.20 and the upgrade of the football pitch at £5,020 after the grant from the FA of £3,200 have also contributed to the high maintenance cost.
As usual the parties again providing the lion’s share of the income at £8,830 after deposits had been repaid, followed by the pre-school at £5,747.82. Income from Gonerby Youth FC and Great Gonerby FC totalled £4,460.
A refund of £1,121.90 from E. On because of the electricity put back into the grid by the solar panels is a positive. At the end of February 2026 (end of our financial year) our finances were as follows:
Treasurers Account: - £ 13,516.17
Savings Account: -£ 16,501.41
3G Account: - £ 41,497.91
Cash: - £ 1.80
TOTAL: - £ 71,517.29
As at the end February 2025, our financial position is as follows: -
Income = £65,693.34
Expenditure = £77,875.88
Income over Expenditure = -£12,182.54
The considerable decrease in income over expenditure over last year is
Hall maintenance totalled 1,370.56, with plumbing issues in the football side of the hall accounting for £361.20 of this following a leak and the cleaning of the shower heads which were in a poor state of repair.
The replacement of the CCTV system totalled £4,000.
The 3G Football facility continued to provide a good income at £4,180, but the maintenance costs are high at £4,860.00 for the 3-year maintenance plan and £1289.45 for the new goal posts.
4. Health & Safety
All the statutory inspections and servicing have been carried out, including the fire alarm system, PAT testing, boiler servicing. Inspection by the parish council has been done with several issues highlighted this is being looked into and an action plan being formulated to eradicate these issues.
5. Maintenance
As can be seen from the provisional accounts, expenditure on Hall Maintenance, Field & Playground Maintenance and on the 3G Football Pitch Maintenance has increased significantly. Further details of the major items are given below: -
Hall Equipment/Installations
CCTV system replacement £4,000
Field & Playground Maintenance
General maintenance £1,370.56
Grass & Hedge cutting £4,631.20
3G Football Pitch.
Fence repairs (after grant of £25,447) £10,171.42
Replacement goals £1,289.45
Potential Expenditure in 2026 and beyond.
Hall maintenance
Grants are being explored for redecoration of all areas of the Hall, with a quote received of £5,760 for this work. Initial investigation of some damp issues around the windows at the front of the Hall indicates that there may be a need to replace the windows, and possibly the door, in this area. Again, grants are being researched to support this work.
Hedge Cutting
We have already spent a total of £2,400.00 with Eden Tree Services to have the hedge around the whole of the property cut by hand. It has proved impossible to arrange for a tractor with a flail to cut this hedge, plus the ground has been too wet to allow a large tractor on to the field so hand cutting was the only alternative.
Football Pitch Upgrade.
The second phase of the football pitch upgrade will be carried by Fineturf at the beginning of June 2025 at a cost of £8,220.00 incl VAT. However, the grant from the FA will only be £3,200.00 our contribution will be £5,020.00.
3G Pitch Maintenance
We have accepted a quotation from SIS Pitches for the maintenance of the 3G Pitch for the next 3 years, 3 visits a year, for £4,860.00 incl VAT.
6. Summary
Overall, we have had a very good year financially, although our expenditure exceeding our income by £12,182.54. However, next year is likely to be financially more stable,
D. Witheridge – CHAIRMAN. J. Morgan – Treasurer.
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5. To receive an annual report from the Chair of the Poor Lands Trust
The annual report from the Chair of the Poor Lands Trust was received and presented.
Gt Gonerby Poor land Charity #221713
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 28 February 2026
Reference and Administrative Details
The Charity operates for the benefit of the parish of Great Gonerby. The trustees are responsible for governance and compliance with charity law.
Objectives and Activities
The Charity’s objective is the management and disposal of its land assets in order to generate funds to be applied for charitable purposes in accordance with its governing document. The trustees seek to manage the Charity’s assets prudently and in the best long term interests of the Charity and its beneficiaries.
Review of Activities and Achievements
During the year, the Charity completed the sale of the Allington land to the long term tenant. This disposal has removed ongoing management responsibilities for that asset.
The Charity continues to hold the Downtown land. An offer to purchase from Oldrids Downtown was received during the period and considered by the trustees but was declined as it was not considered to be in the Charity’s best interests.
The tenant previously renting the Downtown land passed away during the year. The land remains occupied; however, there is no legal tenancy in place, and the occupier is formally classed as a squatter. As a result, no rental income has been received during the period.
Financial Review
On 28 February 2026, the Charity’s financial position was as follows:
• Current account balance: £15,543.00
• Deposit / interest account balance: £34.20
The Charity did not receive rental income during the year. Expenditure was limited to routine administrative costs. The trustees consider the Charity to be financially stable in the short term.
Reserves-
The trustees aim to maintain sufficient reserves to meet foreseeable costs while decisions regarding the remaining land asset are pending. Given the Charity’s limited level of activity and expenditure, the current reserves are considered appropriate.
Plans for Future Periods
The trustees are currently awaiting decisions under the South Kesteven District Council Local Plan. These decisions will inform the future use or disposal of the Downtown land. Once the planning position is clarified, the trustees will review available options, which may include sale by auction or retention of the land in anticipation of potential employment or development use, and will act in the best interests of the Charity.
Risk Management
The trustees acknowledge the risks associated with the lack of rental income and the current occupation status of the Downtown land. These risks are being actively monitored, and no significant commitments will be entered into until there is greater certainty regarding planning outcomes.
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6. Open Forum – 20 Minutes at the discretion of the Chair
Cllr Peter Stevens (South Kesteven District Council) addressed the meeting and provided an update regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), noting that they represent a considerable expense to the Council and encouraging residents to submit comments or objections where appropriate. *During this item, a comment was made during the discussion which caused offence to some members of the public present. It was noted that a complaint has been submitted to the District Council by an individual*
A parishioner raised concerns regarding the junction layout and parking issues on Pond Street. The Clerk confirmed that they are still awaiting an assessment from Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) in relation to local highways matters. Concerns were also raised regarding the existing weight limit at Belton Lane Bridge, with reports that large vehicles continue to use both Belton Lane and Long Street. In addition, evidence was reported of vehicles exceeding the 7.5 tonne weight limit travelling through Manthorpe Chase. It was noted that such vehicles should be following designated approved routes and, where they are not, instances should be reported to the developer, who has been proactive in ensuring that drivers follow the correct routes and procedures going forward.
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End of Meeting
The meeting concluded following the Open Forum.