May 2022

MINUTES OF THE ROPSLEY AND DISTRICT ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, HELD AT ROPSLEY HALL ON MONDAY 9 MAY 2022

 

1. WELCOME

The meeting commenced at 6.30pm.  Councillor Buckley chaired the meeting by virtue of his office as Chairman of Ropsley and District Parish Council.  He welcomed those present, who included Parish Councillors Gosbee, Leslie, Marshall, Reeves, Rowbotham and Sentance, four members of the public and Mrs Gascoigne the Parish Clerk. 

 

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Councillor Porter.

 

3. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 2021

Councillor Reeves proposed that the minutes be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.  The minutes were duly approved by those present and signed by the Chairman.

 

4. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS

The Chairman remarked that the Parish Council had been given a precept of £12.5k, and had made grants to Ropsley Baboons Cricket Club and Ropsley Hall.  The Council received a grant from SKDC which was used to fund the village gates, for which he thanked Councillors Marshall, Gosbee and Sentance for their efforts in sourcing and installing the gates.  Councillor Marshall organised a calendar competition, which raised £830.  The Jubilee was approaching, at which the new village sign would be unveiled, and the villages were looking forward to the Best Kept Village competition.  The Chair thanked all those who helped to keep the villages tidy, including Nathan Coyle, Barry Buxton, Heather and Roger Charles, and Councillor Rowbotham for maintaining the defibrillators.

 

5. PRESENTATION OF REPORTS BY VILLAGE ORGANSATIONS 

Ropsley Baboons 

Apologies had been received from Ropsley Baboons, who had forwarded a written report on their activities for the year, including work on the playing surface and nets, and thanks to the local community for their support of the club.

 

Ropsley Primary School

A representative from Ropsley Primary School reported that there were 112 pupils on roll compared to the usual 105 due to a bulge year in 2019.  The school had moved to online learning during Covid, for which members of the community had provided equipment to those families who did not have their own.  The school had stayed open for key worker and vulnerable children, and the school had worked with the Women’s Institute to provide food parcels for vulnerable people in the community. The school had received a Good rating following its Ofsted inspection in February, and was complimented on the children’s behaviour, relationships, teaching and ambitious leadership.  The school was full in September and was looking forward to a return to normal life including residential trips, swimming, and sports day.  

 

Ropsley and District Churches

A representative from Ropsley and District Churches reported that churches had reopened for worship in May following closure during the pandemic.  Churches had tried different ways to engage during Covid, including Zoom, outdoor services, candlelight carols, and a firepit for Easter.  A parent and toddler group had been introduced at the Rectory, and there was a children’s corner in the Church.  The Churches were grateful for the support of villagers, the Green Man and the Parish Council.  There would be a flower festival as part of the Jubilee celebrations and a Church Fete on 17 September, as well as a Remembrance Concert on the Friday before Remembrance Sunday.  There would also be a Santa Special at Robert Holland’s railway in December.  The Reverend Sorenson would continue with pastoral activities and there were plans for new facilities including a toilet and water supply for tea and coffee. All were welcome to attend the Churches’ AGM to give their views.

 

Ropsley Hall

A representative of Ropsley Hall reported that it was now fully open following Covid closures, and activities and events were expanding, including yoga, Zumba, keep fit, Wednesday coffee mornings and parties.  The aim was now to increase usage during the day.  A portable stage and round tables for weddings had been purchased, and the defibrillator was now fitted.  There had been some problems with the underfloor heating which the builder had agreed to rectify if they continued in the winter.  A jumble sale had been held which raised a few hundred pounds, and the grand opening of the new building would take place on 21 May, with a seniors’ lunch followed by the official opening.  He thanked the team of volunteers and everyone who supported the facilities, and Ropsley Farms for their help in maintaining the outdoor areas.

 

6. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIONS

There were no personal representations.

The Chairman thanked those present for their attendance and closed the meeting at 6.55pm.