February 2010 Archives

Dear Councillors

You are summoned to a Special Meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held in the Methodist Chapel School Room on Wednesday 3rd March 2010 at 7.00pm. Prior to the official start of the meeting a public forum of not more than 15 minutes will be held if required. The public may address the council between 7.00pm and 7.15pm on this agenda item and your attendance is also requested during this period.

Signed: Ms S N Wetherall AILCM
Clerk to Metheringham Parish Council
26th February 2010

AGENDA - Special Meeting - 3rd March 2010

1. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given

2. Members Declarations of Interests: Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any point during the meeting in accordance with the 2000 Local Government Act.

3. Financial matters: New Play Park Equipment: To consider and approve quotations received for the purchase and installation of new adult and children's outdoor fitness equipment at Shiregate and Prince's Street Play Parks at an approximate cost of £13,500.00.

4. Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 Exclusion of the Press and the Public: To resolve that in accordance with Section 1(2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 and by reason of the confidential nature of the remainder of the business, the Press and the Public be excluded from the Meeting.

5. Metheringham Village Hall: To discuss matters relating to the Village Hall.

From Dot Howes

Metheringham Over 60s hold their AGM at their meeting on March 3rd in the village hall. They are holding their Spring Coffee Morning on Saturday 6th March in the village hall at 10.00a.m. with a variety of stalls including cakes, bric a brac and tombola.

This is All Our Village, All Our Future. There will be an Open Evening on 16th March 2010 in St Wilfrid's Church Hall at 7.00p.m. all about Metheringham Community Plan. Guest Speaker Fiona Lowe from Community Lincs will give a short talk and overview about the steering Group and the aims of the Metheringham Community Plan. It is hoped to attract a people from all walks of life, ages and experiences onto the steering group. The Community Plan will show the values of the community and its aspirations for the next 10-15 years and will be used to inform the parish council, district council and county council and influence policy, funding and resources going into the community. Anyone interested but unable to attend the evening should contact the parish clerk.

Dear Macla Readership

I can hear some already saying Branston does not come under the MACLA catchment area but we are only four miles north and I think we have a Tennis club which we would love to share with the Macla readers. We have four tarmacadam tennis courts, two of which are newly painted, and all are in good order and can be used all year round. The gate has a combination lock to restrict access to tennis club members.

We already have three of the Macla area residents on our books, all of whom play regularly on a Saturday morning and a Tuesday afternoon and I am looking forward to seeing more of you joining the tennis club.

Branston Tennis Club continues to be a thriving club with members drawn from Branston and its surrounding villages. We pride ourselves in celebrating inclusiveness and count among our members' active, regular players ranging from children to a number of retired people. We have an on-going programme of improvements and endeavour to keep the area clean and well maintained. We are also vigilant to any instances that may affect the playing of tennis on our courts.
Over the last few years, we have hardly had any incidents on or near the club. The BTC Tennis club has several sessions during the week when any member can come along and participate with whoever turns up.

SATURDAY morning 10.00 to 12.30hrs
TUESDAY afternoon 14.00 to 16.00hrs
WEDNESDAY starting soon 18.30 to Dusk

We have an active committee who address any problems or issues promptly so your enjoyment of playing tennis is kept to a minimal.

Our annual membership

FAMILY £55
ADULTS £30
UNDER "18" £15

We also have a coach who gives lessons on an individual basis or groups if you prefer his name and telephone number is Adonis Worden 07760 115985

Our present membership consists of 80 individuals, the more members we have the more we can improve the club. One of our more critical aims is for a proper leisure building and toilet facilities. Unfortunately we received some unexpected news via the parish council that our request for funding this year has been rejected .But we remain positive. The tennis club will be running several fund raising events over the year to increase the clubs finances.

If you would like any further information regarding the club please contact
Branston.tennis@virgin.net or Adonisworden@aol.com

Thanks for reading we hope to see some of you at the club.

Dan Howland (BTC chairman)

From Dot Howes

Metheringham Methodist Church are hosting this year's Women's World Day of Prayer service on Friday March 5th at 10.00a.m. This year's service is prepared by the women of Cameroon and the speaker will be Mrs Elspeth McMenemie from Metheringham Primary School. The school choir will also be at the service to which all are welcome.

Metheringham WI were entertained by Alan Porter and his auctioneering and cricketing tales at their February meeting. President Audrey Webb reported on the recent darts matches and ten pin bowling afternoon.
Arrangements were made for the quiz on Friday at Pinchbeck and the federation Spring Council Meeting. Members were asked to make any nominations for the committee ready for the AGM in March when members will also be playing Bag Beetle. There are many dates for the 2010 diary involving, visits, social events, craft workshops and the group meeting. The winner of the flower of the month was Moira Sturdy and Paula Hill won the competition for an item beginning with A. The AGM will be on Wednesday 17th March in the village hall at 7.15p.m.

Dear Councillors

You are summoned to a meeting of Metheringham Parish Council which will be held in the Village Hall on Tuesday 23rd February 2010 at 7.30pm. Prior to the official start of the meeting a public forum of not more than 15 minutes will be held if required. The public may address the council between 7.15pm and 7.30pm on current matters, or issues which may become future agenda items and your attendance is also requested during this period. A Police Report will be given at this time.

Signed: Ms S N Wetherall AILCM
Clerk to Metheringham Parish Council
16th February 2010

AGENDA - 23rd February 2010

1. To resolve to accept Apologies for Absence and reasons given

2. Members Declarations of Interests: Members may make any declarations of interest at this point but may also make them at any point during the meeting in accordance with the 2000 Local Government Act.

3. Reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a) To receive a report from the County Councillor.
b) To receive a report from the District Councillor.
c) To receive reports from Council representatives on other outside bodies.

4. Notes of the last Full Council Meeting held on Tuesday 26th January 2010, to be approved and signed as the minutes.

5. Clerks report on matters outstanding (previously circulated)

6. Financial matters:
a) To consider making a donation of £100.00 to the Silver Sounds Band for playing at the Quality Status Presentation Evening.
b) To resolve to purchase three new litter bins at a cost of £116.95 each, two to be installed on the grass area between Station Road and Grange Road and one to replace damaged bin at Prince's Street Play Park.
c) To resolve to purchase five new rubber swing seats at a cost of £30.00 each for play equipment at Shiregate and Prince's Street Play Parks.
d) To consider annual subscription to Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils 2010/2011 at a cost of £367.00.
e) To approve payment to Lincolnshire County Council of £5,000.00 as our contribution towards the Village Centre Regeneration Project.
f) To consider accounts for payment.
g) To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances, Income and Expenditure.

7. Planning Committee: Notes of the last meeting held on 10th February 2010, to be approved as the minutes (previously circulated).

8. Correspondence:
a) To note general correspondence (publications and letters are available for viewing).

9. To receive reports on Outside Meetings:
a) To receive a report from the Chairman on the Standards Committee
Meeting held 10th February 2010.
b) To receive a report from members on the Nocton Dairy Farm Planning
Consultation Meeting held 11th February 2010.

10. To receive reports from Working Groups:
a) Fayre and Feast
b) Highways, Footpaths & Car Parks

11. Recreation field & related issues: To receive a progress report following information from MPC solicitor.

12. Allotments: To receive an update following the proposal for new allotments and pavilion.

13. The Quality Parish Scheme: To receive feedback on the QPS presentation evening held on Tuesday 2nd February 2010.

14. Annual Village Meeting 2010: To confirm details for this year's event.

15. NALC - Local Council Awards: To consider applying for NALC - Local Council Awards and decide which category (previously circulated).

16. Metheringham Spring: To formally agree to open the Spring Garden to the public.

17. Metheringham Play Parks: To discuss the need for new play park equipment and health & safety issues (previously circulated).
i) To discuss health & safety issues relating to existing play equipment.
ii) To discuss requirements for new outdoor fitness equipment for children and adults.

18. New Residents Information Pack: To consider producing an information pack containing relevant information for new village residents (previously circulated). (Members to provide suggestions for the meeting).

19. Training: LALC Training Events for 2010 all members to give consideration
to their training needs.

20. Date, time and venue of next meeting: Tuesday 30th March 2010 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

From Dot Howes

Kevin Harrison will be giving a talk on Lincolnshire's Finest Citizens at St Oswald's Church, Blankney on Friday 5th March at 7.30p.m. to raise funds for the Church. Tickets which include a glass of wine, light refreshments, entry into the lucky Ticket Draw and the Famous Faces Quiz will cost £10 each. They are available from Di Behan on
01526 322331 or from Metheringham Info Links or Blankney Estate office.

New Age Kurling resumes regularly every Friday in the village hall between 7-9p.m.. from Friday 19th February 2010. It costs £3.00 per session or £10 for a family group.

The B1189 Moor Lane between Metheringham and Martin Moor will be subject to temporary road closures between 1st and 31st March while essential road repairs are under way.

From Dot Howes

There will be a Coffee and Auction Morning in the Chapel Hall on 13th February 2010 to raise funds for Metheringham Methodist Church. Viewing and coffee will be from 9.00a.m. with the auction at 10.00a.m.

A free open Evening of New Age Kurlling takes place in the village hall between 7-9p.m. on Friday 12th February. All ages and any levels of experience are welcome. For subsequent Friday evenings the charge from 19th February will be £3 or £10 for a family.

Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tan Vats Parish Council celebrated being granted the Status of Quality Council on Tuesday evening with a Presentation Evening and social to which many local groups and characters from the community were invited. The guests were welcomed with complimentary drinks and green and silver themed decorations in the village hall. Entertainment was from the Silver Sounds Band.

Councillor Dr Mike Allen, Chairman of Metheringham Parish Council welcomed the dignitaries from Lincolnshire County Council and North Kesteven District Council and all those present representing the community. He introduced Robin Tucker the Chairman of the Quality Status panel of Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC). Mr Tucker credited all the councillors and particularly the Parish Clerk, Sharon Wetherall for all their hard work in getting Metheringham to join the other 700 Quality Councils in the country.

The aims of the Quality Council status is to improve the quality of management and administration in local councils by providing benchmark minimum standards in many areas including accountability, training and involvement in the community. Over the course of the assessment process Metheringham were assessed by the 5 members of the Lincolnshire panel over three years. Mr Tucker then presented the certificate to Dr Allen.
In his acceptance speech Dr Allen praised Ms Wetherall for instigating and working through the process which couldn't have been achieved without the good will and efforts of all the councillors and advice from the LALC. The community and the groups within the community deserve nothing but the best from their council, he said and now the council can deliver the best to them. The council have now earned the opportunity for dialogue with the next tier of local government to benefit Metheringham, Sots Hole and Tan Vats.

A delicious finger buffet was provided and many of those present were able to expand their circle of contacts with other groups. There were also displays to show the portfolio of work undertaken over the assessment period and also a slide show and albums of photographs of Metheringham through the decades.

Tai Chi and Qi Qong classes continue to take place in the village hall on Thursdays between 1.30-2.30p.m.. These are open to beginners or people with previous experience. For more information contact Jason on
01526 345080.