Annual Parish Meeting Minutes 19th May 2025
MINUTES OF THE ROPSLEY AND DISTRICT ANNUAL PARISH MEETING, HELD AT ROPSLEY HALL ON MONDAY 19TH MAY 2025
- WELCOME
The meeting commenced at 7.00pm.Councillor Ward chaired the meeting by virtue of his office as Chairman of Ropsley and District Parish Council.He welcomed those present, who included Parish Councillors Marshall, Hughes, Vaughan, and Louth, Councillor Trotter (SKDC), one member of the public and Andrew Jones, the Parish Clerk.
- APOLOGIES
There were no apologies for absences.
- MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 2024
Councillor Marshall proposed that the Clerk’s notes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 28th May 2024 be approved as a true record, which was seconded by Councillor Hughes.
- CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS
The Chairman remarked that there had been a number of projects that the Parish Council had completed this year. These included the Christmas Tree, Coronation Orchard, Bulb Planting, as well as The Newsletters and Annual Calendar Competition.
The Chairman also thanked all the volunteers for their hard work and contribution during the past year including
Nathan Coyle, Barry Buxton, and Heather and Roger Charles.
- PRESENTATION OF REPORTS BY VILLAGE ORGANSATIONS
Ropsley Hall
Karen Steptoe reported on behalf of the Village Hall.
The Village Hall continues to be well used with weekly/fortnightly/monthly activities as well as the Live & Local productions, private functions etc.
The first Ropsley Summer Festival was held to great success this year and we are continuing to fulfil our mission of “Bringing Leisure to Life”.
Finances are in a healthy position and hiring charges were increased during the year in line with inflation.
There were no Health and Safety issues this year.
The field continues to be in excellent order following another successful round of pitch improvement grants.
For 2025/26, we are looking for new committee members and project work supporters and also to review and update the Ropsley Hall website.
Ropsley Baboons
Apologies had been received from Ropsley Baboons, who had forwarded a written report as follows:
We have our first match on Sunday (18th) against Tolethorpe Park and we're looking forward to another successful season. Keeping village cricket going is a challenge for many small villages across the country these days and we rely on support from everyone in the parish, whether it be the PC, the Hall and Playing Feld committee or even Phil and Leanne down at the Green Man. Thank you to all who play their part.
Ropsley and District Churches
Councillor Ward reported that Reverend Anna Sorensen retired in September 24 which has left us with no vicar in the Parish or Benefice. This had led to a decrease in services held as there are more churches to cover for the temporary replacement – who is a retired vicar. At present there is a slim possibility of a new vicar in near future.
Various fundraising events have been organised as we still have to pay to Church Funds. Forthcoming ones are The Harvest Supper and a talk on George Boole.
It was also noted that the Church are looking for an organist to help at weddings and funerals.
- PERSONAL REPRESENTATIONS
There were no personal representations.
The Chairman thanked those present for their attendance and closed the meeting at 7.23pm.