2023 Annual Parish Meeting

Ref: HPC 10432

Notes of Horsington Annual Parish Meeting 
Wednesday 15th March 2023
Village Hall, Horsington

Chairman’s Report

Horsington’s Annual Parish Meeting was held in the Village Hall on Wednesday, 15th March 2023. The Chairman of the Parish Council reminded those present that it was their meeting, not that of the Parish Council, whose role was limited to facilitation. In the absence of anyone offering to chair the meeting, the Parish Council chairman agreed to do so. The meeting attracted a small number of residents (but proportionately, more than had attended the town meeting in Horncastle).

The Chairman’s report from the 2022 meeting was approved and signed as a true record.

PCSO Jad Mohammad and PCSO Lora Blackett spoke about the role of PCSOs (and the county’s police generally) in protecting and patrolling the area. They made the point that suspicious behaviour should always be reported (normally via 101 or email) in case it indicated a pattern of behaviour by those with criminal intent. The proposal by the Lincolnshire Police to make redundant a number of the county’s PCSOs caused concern to be expressed, together with a view that calls to the police were not always acted upon or a response (or progress report) was not given. It was explained that cutbacks were the result of a financial model imposed on the force (which, it was pointed out by the chairman, has the lowest rate of funding of any English force) and the Clerk to the Parish Council told the meeting the Parish Council had written to Louth and Horncastle MP, Victoria Atkins, expressing concerns at potential redundancies of PCSOs and the lack of resources given to the county’s force. The PCSOs were thanked for their work, for attending the meeting and were applauded.

Amarylis Midgley from the Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa (a registered charity) explained with the help of a display the facilities on offer, including a fitness suite, (with 27 different pieces of equipment),  updated children’s paddling pool and  a new boiler to better heat the pool water (which cost £70,000). She encouraged those present to use the state-of-the-art gym and to take advantage of the free advice on offer on how to stay healthy and active  She pointed out remodelled toilet areas will include a private facility for adults needing help with changing before and after using those facilities, which will  greatly improve privacy. Last year, 83,000 swimmers had used the pool.

Horsington Emergency Plan: Cllr Rod Howard said equipment for use in an emergency had been delivered (at no cost to the Parish Council) and was now kept in the Village Hall for use when required. He listed the items supplied (including lighting, walkie-talkie radios) and said the group of volunteers who would assist in an emergency would shortly be trained by his contact from the Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service.  He emphasised that in an emergency, “999” should always be called first before contacting him or the other Emergency Plan volunteers. He was thanked by the Chairman for his initiative and work on progressing the Plan.

Village communications: the Parish Clerk gave details of the village Facebook page, web site and newsletter. The Village Hall Committee were encouraged to make use of the FB page.

The Elder Tree Inn: the Chairman advised that the owners had promised a report on progress towards reopening, but nothing had been received. It appeared that despite considerable renovations and work carried out prior to October 2022, little had been done since then. There was understanding in the room  about the headwinds facing the hospitality industry and the hope was expressed by several present that the Elder Tree could still be reopened and again become a focal point for the village.

Parish Council Elections: the Clerk pointed out there will be vacancies on the parish council when elections are held in May and encouraged those considering standing to contact him.

Coronation of HM King Charles III: Cllr R. Hill (on behalf of the Village Hall Committee) said that after the success of the event staged for the Platinum Jubilee of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, (which had raised several hundred pounds for charity), there would be an Evening Event free to all villagers on Sunday 7th May 2023. It was hoped this would raise money (via a raffle etc.) for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The Chairman raised the idea of providing a “Welcome Pack” for new residents moving to Horsington, giving basic contact details of health services, utilities, bus timetables, facilities such as Jubilee Park, the Cottage Museum in Woodhall Spa and other district amenities. It was suggested that copies should be laminated and displayed in the village notice boards. 

It was agreed the 2024 Annual Parish Meeting would be held on 13th March.

The meeting was closed and the Chairman thanked those present for attending and the contributors for making the meeting informative and useful.