May 2025 Minutes (Annual Meeting)
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH
Venue : Stickford Community Centre, started at 7.30pm on 13th May 2025
DRAFT MINUTES
No. of Residents present : 6 Official attendees read Y for attending N for non-attendance
Chairman Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson Y Councillor Tony French Y
Vice Chairman Councillor Mr John Howlett Y Councillor vacancy N
Councillor Mr Clive Kingswood Y Councillor vacancy N
Councillor Mrs Pam Bryant Y Parish Clerk Mrs Nicki George Y
Lincs C C Councillor Mrs W Bowkett N ELDC Councillor Mr Terry Taylor Y
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1. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Update and Matters Arising from last Annual Meeting of the Parish held 14th May 2024 :
a) A resident expressed concern at the slippery state of the pathway at the end of the Cul De Sac and the foot path that crosses the bridge. Vehicles turn around at the end of the Cul De Sac and the mud is being churned up. The ground is owned by LCC. Cllr Bowkett will investigate disabled access to the bridge along this public foot path. No action taken, as path is classified as a Ramblers path and not a Foot path.
b) A resident asked if the speed limit along the A16 could be looked at again, reducing it to 50mph. The last survey was completed in March 2022 and was declined as the criteria was not met with regards to Density of Development & Accident Data. Cllr Bowkett will investigate with Highways as to whether another Speed Survey can be done. Request was submitted but refused as previous survey/information gathering exercise was done only 2 years ago.
c) A resident has requested that the curb be dropped along Church Road for disabled access, by the carpark of the Red Lion. Cllr Bowkett will investigate. No action taken.
Page 1 of 7 Signature of Chairman …………………………………………. Dated …………………
d) A resident asked if more play equipment can be erected in the Community Centre play area. The Community Centre committee have been looking into this and have obtained 3 quotes. It was deemed at the time that not enough children in that certain age range lived in the village so the project has not proceeded. If someone with an interest wanted to take on this project , please approach the Community Centre committee to discuss further. Community Centre Committee have tried to fund raise for equipment but not enough interest or money raised.
e) A resident asked how to get more people involved in the village and its activities. There are currently 2 vacancies for Parish Councillors. There are still 2 vacancies on Stickford Parish Council.
f) A resident asked if street lighting could be considered along the Cul De Sac and any other area around the village. This has been looked into before and at the time not enough residents wanted it. No action taken.
Approval of Minutes from 14th May 2024: all agreed to approve the Minutes and the Chairman signed them.
3. Annual Reports :
Chairman’s Yearly Report 2025
The Parish Council has continued to provide support to residents, village groups and assets. We have continued to report issues from trees to potholes and everything in between to the relevant authorities. We continue to provide grants to village groups.
The War Memorial Clock is again having issues. It is currently being investigated at no cost to the Parish Council to see what can be done, if anything.
The Parish mower and strimmer were put to use again last year, by the friends of St Helen’s to continue to cut the grass. Mower and strimmer have been serviced and used. If anyone would like to help then please give myself or Cllr Howlett a message and we can tell you how to go about it.
We will always discuss any issues/ideas in the village and encourage residents to either attend the Parish meetings or contact the Parish Clerk. ,
Finally, I thank the other councillors for their hard work this last year and of course the clerk for ensuring we continue to fulfil our duties as a council.
Regards
Lesley Reeson , Chairman, Stickford Parish Council
Page 2 of 7 Signature of Chairman …………………………………………. Dated …………………
Stickford Village Assets Check and Assessment of None Assets
War Memorial in good condition with some greening to side where trees are situated.
Bus Shelters x4 No issues.
Benches x3 in good condition but Hagnaby Road bench needs back bar replacing.
Noticeboards Hagnaby Rd/Top of Fen Road Hagnaby Rd is no longer used and needs removing, it is currently safe and secure with no damage. Wooden Fen Rd noticeboard is also safe and secure with no damage but needs removing.
New noticeboard is free from damage and secure.
Roads and pavements there is still a number of potholes on roads in the village. Continue to report on fix my street. Pavements are generally in good condition. Church Road closest to dead end has a build up of moss but people continue to walk on the road. Look again at organising removal of the moss.
Dykes and waterways. Several dykes are in serious need of clearing due to weeds and build up. Identify who owns and contact to clean and clear.
Trees none identified as dangerous. Continue to monitor.
Conducted by Lesley Reeson April 2025
Stickford Community Centre (SCC) Annual Report
1.Overview
The Stickford Community Centre (SCC) remains a vital hub for local groups, businesses, and community activities. It continues to support organizations such as Keals Club, Stickford Ladies Social Circle, Stickford Local History Group, St Helen’s Church, Relax and Craft, PureGrit PT, Stickford Parish Council, and Stickford Charities. The SCC Committee actively raises funds to maintain the facility. Additionally, two training agencies utilize the centre year-round.
In late 2024, two dance classes and an exercise class were introduced. While the dance classes closed due to insufficient attendance, the exercise class continues to thrive, with PureGrit PT adding an evening session. Furthermore, the SCC launched the Wellbeing Hub, which will continue until December when its future will be reviewed.
2. Financial Challenges and Funding Efforts
The SCC faces escalating costs, including rising utility and servicing expenses, unforeseen expenditures, and legal requirements such as a music license. To address financial sustainability:
• A comprehensive review of policies and procedures was completed.
• Hire costs were reassessed, leading to a 10%–28% price increase to align with competitors.
• A revised hire contract was distributed and signed.
• Risk assessments have been obtained from all users regarding their hall usage.
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The SCC has actively sought funding to support its operations:
• Grant applications were submitted to the East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) and the Parish Council to assist with newsletter funding.
• Monthly fundraising events, in addition to the regular bingo night, have been held since February.
• Contributions from the SELC Lottery and an Easyfundraising page continue to support financial goals.
• The Defib Team has generously donated funds from their events.
3. Compliance and Infrastructure Improvements
To comply with legal and safety standards, SCC made the following investments:
• A music license was purchased in October.
• A Fire Risk Assessment conducted in November identified necessary upgrades, including a fire alarm system, intumescent strips for the storeroom door, a secure entry system, and additional safety signage. Most recommendations have been completed, except for the alarm system, for which air horns were acquired as a temporary measure.
• Internet access was installed in December, enhancing user experience—especially for business clients.
• A Grade 5 Hygiene rating was achieved for the kitchen in April.
• An outdoor tap was installed in March for easier cleaning of the grounds.
4. Digital Presence and Community Engagement
In February, SCC commissioned a webpage on the Spilsby.info website to:
• Promote events and activities.
• Advertise hall availability.
• Publish the newsletter to reach a wider audience.
5. Secured Grant Funding for Future Enhancements
Funding has been approved from ELDC and the ELIF Grassroots Fund to finance upgrades, including:
• Fire-resistant fuse board with additional circuits for the fire alarm system.
• Installation of the fire alarm system in compliance with assessments.
• Roof and door replacements for the garage, enhancing storage space.
• Asbestos removal.
• Upgrades to energy-efficient lighting.
• New noticeboards for improved advertising and engagement.
The funds will be available by June.
Page 4 of 7 Signature of Chairman …………………………………………. Dated …………………
6. Future Funding and Development Plans
To continue improving SCC, additional funding is sought for:
• Table trolleys to enhance safety when handling furniture.
• Building maintenance, including repointing exterior brickwork to prevent water ingress.
• Restoration and relocation of village noticeboards for better visibility.
• Developing a dedicated SCC website and promotional brochure.
• Expanding kitchen equipment to support food-based community events.
• Securing one-year funding for the newsletter.
7. Conclusion
The SCC continues to play a vital role in the community, expanding services and infrastructure to meet the needs of its users while navigating financial and operational challenges. With sustained fundraising efforts and grant support, the centre aims to maintain and enhance its offerings for the benefit of all.
Stickford Relief in Need Charity
This Charity provides financial help for residents of Stickford. For School Clothing vouchers, Birth Grants, Funeral Grants and grants for various organisations within the village. Christmas donations for retired residents, and single mothers.
It also provides assistance to residents, for example, repair bills, equipment for disabled people etc.
It also provides a free bus service for those residents without transport. And, those residents who can show a genuine need to use the service, even if they have their own transport as well. The bus is only available once a month. Boston on the second Wednesday of the month and Horncastle on the fourth Thursday of the next month and so on.
Anyone who would like to use the bus service, please contact any of the Trustees mentioned below.
Stickford Education Charity
The object of the charity is to give support for the following, any educational objectives, equipment, books, courses and experiences, for people of any age and resident in the Parish of Stickford. (including those normally resident but attending university or college elsewhere) and will be means tested if the Trustees in their discretion so require.
All applications for anything other than the School Clothing Vouchers, and using the bus service, should be made in writing to the Clerk of the Trustees, Mrs Katherine Bunting, at the old Vicarage, Church Road, Stickford, Boston. PE22 8EP, or by e mail to katherine.bunting@chattertons.com
Trustees
Pam Bryant 01205 480410 Wendy Morley 01205 480474 Helen 07932 717553
John Howlett 01205 481361 Rev Fran Jeffries 01790 752526
Page 5 of 7 Signature of Chairman …………………………………………. Dated …………………
4) ELDC Report :
The past year has culminated in a massive change in the district.
Grass Roots and levelling Up funding has enabled some large projects across the district, a new government has been elected, and now we have a new administration for the county council.
If that wasn’t enough, Local Government Reform is now in progress for Lincolnshire, starting with the election of a mayor for the county and a lengthy period of consultation in how that will actually work.
Many districts across the country are currently struggling financially, but fortunately, by investing in a money-saving partnership with neighbouring districts, East Lindsey finds itself in reasonable position for the forthcoming year in comparison with many.
The assortment of different energy projects currently being considered by government, all seem destined to pass through our district. I suppose everyone will have a view on these, but if they are all successful, it will completely change the landscape in our beautiful area.
I am halfway through my term as your district representative, I enjoy working with my parish councils and their residents and I look forward to another year. There will be much to do I am sure, and of course, I will assist in anyway possible.
Terry
Cllr Terry Taylor
ELDC Representative Halton Holegate Ward
5) LCC Report :
Following the recent election and new party taking power, there is no annual report available. As Councillor Wendy Bowkett leaves her position, she wishes to thank Stickford Parish Council and the residents of Stickford for their support over the past 8 years. Our thanks go to Councillor Bowkett for the interest and support she has given to Stickford during this time, especially for her efforts when the bad weather and stormy conditions were causing trouble to a lot of residents.
6.Residents’ Open Forum:
a) Speed control on A16. A resident requested that another request is put forward to LCC Highways for the speed limit to be lowered on the A16 through the village. It is very dangerous for pedestrians, disabled residents and horse riders to cross the main road using the middle island from the speed of the cars. There is not enough time to cross the road before traffic appears from around the bend & foliage travelling south from Keal Cotes in the direction of Boston.
Page 6 of 7 Signature of Chairman …………………………………………. Dated …………………
b) The badger situation is the same along Catchwater Bank. Resident will continue to monitor it.
c) The caravan situation on the airfield has not improved. 6 caravans are there now. This is technically not in our parish but effects residents of Stickford that live close by and travel across the airfield.
d) There is a caravan in a field along the Cul De Sac. Request for the Parish Council to query permission and change of use. Does it have right of way?
e) Post deliveries within the village are not happening every day to all residents. i.e post is not being delivered daily , but stored up for a few days. Royal Mail confirm that this is happening.
f) A resident has reported that the pavement along Church Road is in need of clearing and possibly cleaning.
g) A resident has requested that the Parish Council find out the protocol around restrictions on the terms of release from HMP and the impact to public safety.
The meeting was closed by the Chairman at 20.39pm
Date of the next Annual Meeting of the Parish to be 12th May 2026.
7. Date of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is 20th May 2025. 7.30pm
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