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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13 APRIL 2004 AT ALLHALLOWS PRIMARY SCHOOL, AVERY WAY, ALLHALLOWS AT 6.45 pm

PRESENT:

Cllr M Swaby, Chairman; Cllrs Mrs P Burrows, Mrs Y Forrest, J Luck and A Marsh; Cllr Mrs Maureen Stanney, Chairman, St Mary Hoo PC; Mrs Jill Todd, Editor, Villagers’ Life Magazine; 7 parishioners.


1 APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Rod Morrad, Vice Chairman; Cllr Mrs Joan Goddard, Cllrs Mrs Jan Bamber, Chris Buckwell and Phil Filmer, Medway Council.

2 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON 14 MAY 2003

The Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting 2003 having been read, it was proposed by Cllr Marsh, seconded by Cllr Mrs Stanney and agreed they were a true account of that meeting and were signed by the Chairman.

3 ACCOUNTS

The Financial Statement of the Parish Council’s Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 were received.

4 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The Chairman gave his report as follows:

In presenting my annual report, the logical start must be the announcement in December 2003 that the proposed “Cliffe” airport was finally eliminated from the Department for Transport’s future plans for the aviation industries’ development in the South East region of England.

We had to endure a further period of consultation but we did it with great fortitude. It gave us time to prepare even more detailed reasons for objecting to the proposal. We had in fact created a comprehensive and total objection to the proposal. Our Parish Council was complimented on many occasions by MP’s on our detailed reasons. At the end of the day the planners were duty bound to consider all written representations, to them nothing else mattered.

The blight, stress, anguish and turmoil that had been created by this monstrous proposal was finally concluded. Overall, the Department for Transport had received nation-wide half a million detailed reasons and letters of objection to the various proposals. A quarter of a million came from the Medway area. I lost count of the number of meetings attended and I know we had done our very best, as a parish council, to guide and advise our residents. We had endured almost 18 months of total upheaval that affected all our lives and was the greatest threat to the village since the Second World War. We could not have done more. I am very proud and privileged to say, that quite simply, “we won”.

But, we must not rest on our laurels. The area was first proposed as an airport in 1965 and again in 2002. Who knows in another 25 to 30 years what will happen. We must cement the foundations for future generations as I am quite sure that the area, being flat, will enter some planner’s mind again. We must strive to ensure that the area is totally protected.

I do not intend to alter my presentation format as there are many good positive aspects in the village.

I am very pleased to say that we supported quite substantially by way of financial contributions, to the computer installation in our school and a new roof on the Village Hall. The funding came from our Rural Liaison grant so the annual precept was not affected in any way.

Our local organisations have continued throughout the year and we endeavour to help and assist wherever possible: Medway Victim Support, Royal British Legion, Yantlett Rainbows, 1st Allhallows Brownies, Beavers, Cub Scouts, Guides. There is a Bingo club, Prayer and Share Friendship Club, Allhallows Youth Club, Short Mat Bowls Club and the Village Hall Committee. They all have an important input in making Allhallows an active and better place in which to live.

The Parish Council is most grateful to all the organisers and helpers of these organisations and offer our most sincere thanks for all your hard work.

Our bi-monthly parish magazine was re-launched in September 2003 with just St Mary Hoo (our neighbouring village) and Allhallows. The new name is “Villagers’ Life”. Our Editor Jill Todd has continued to prepare the magazine in a most professional manner. Both chairmen continue to believe that this magazine is a very important method of communication. It is well read by our residents and has many useful tips and a great deal of information. It is equally well received by our advertisers. Articles are always welcome so please help to keep the publication popular.

My sincere thanks to Jill and to Rod Morrad in vetting the contents and articles prior to publication. Sincere thanks also to Alan Marsh for assisting me in distributing the magazine to our door-to-door delivery team. The help of this team is most valuable and we are always grateful for their help.

During the year we organised and employed a village litter-picker – Mrs Kathy Colyer. Kathy covers parish owned areas and does general tidying – what a grand job she is doing. Our village looks really neat and tidy and we have received compliments for the way in which Kathy goes about her task. Well done and thank you Kathy.

Cllr Mark Colyer, our Tree Warden, was co-opted to serve as a councillor during the year. As Tree Warden he is carrying out a truly magnificent service on behalf of our village and community. He has planted in excess of over 1,500 tree seedlings around the village and Cross Park. He has planted over 200 shrubs along Avery Way, together with 1,500 spring bulbs. He has pruned overgrown areas and felled 40 dead elms in Avery woods. Wood chips have been placed along the path in Avery Woods by Mark with the assistance of three young helpers. Mark is extremely conservation minded and we must all help and support him in future projects as these are the foundations we need to lay for the future protection for our village.

I say to you, Mark, on behalf of the Parish Council, our most sincere thanks for all your hard work and advice for the well being of our village.

My report would not be complete without mentioning our church. Wednesday 11th June 2003 was a grand day for the institution and induction of the Reverend Stephen Gwilt as the Rector of High Halstow with Allhallows and St Mary Hoo. The Institution was undertaken by the Bishop of Tonbridge, the Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle and the Induction by the Archdeacon of Rochester, the Venerable Peter Lock. I am sure Stephen has found a very sound and dedicated team in place in our church, All Saints, with Mrs Jean Lambourne and Mrs Margaret Eaton continuing with their splendid work as Chuchwardens. They are assisted by several colleagues who all work very hard for the community in Allhallows.

Remembrance Sunday was as always a truly moving ceremony, particularly with the Brownies and Guides taking part. I am always grateful for their very kind hospitality that is always shown to me.

The Village Hall Committee continues to work hard to raise much needed funds and the Parish Council has a project in the pipeline that will help in their endeavours. Thank you all for your very valuable contribution to the community. The Village Hall is the hub of village life.

For all the good and positive organisations in the village there is one massive minus – Law and Order. Not just unacceptable vandalism and anti-social behaviour, but serious crime. Without any shadow of a doubt Kent Police have been underperforming for several years on the Peninsula.

We were constantly advised “resources and priorities” being the reason, with Allhallows being very low on the agenda. After much letter writing, a recently appointed new Chief Constable of Kent and new Area Commander – Supt Stella Mercer – things appear to be changing. Already, we have had several meetings (actually being invited). There is a new positive approach to rural policing. We are currently in the middle of Operation Bantam, a high profile visible police presence on the Peninsula. I have been invited back to Rochester Police Station in May to supply a feedback of any improvements, etc.

The Parish Council, Medway Council and Kent Police are endeavouring to have a ‘ring-fenced’ community safety officer for two years. We are very keen to assist in this project.

In spite of all our problems, Trevor Bateup has been doing a grand job under extremely difficult circumstances. I know for a fact that Trevor has been receiving very little back up from Rochester. I hope that this is about to change. He has worked very hard, all voluntary and the parish owes him a great debt. Trevor, the Parish Council thanks you most sincerely for all your dedication to duty around this village.

What of the future? For our village we will endeavour to achieve Quality Parish Council status and hopefully with volunteers, create a Parish Plan and develop Cross Park. A public meeting has been called for Wednesday 21st April to see if we can get a community-based committee in place. Catherine Smith and Claire Moore, both of Medway Council have been very supportive of our parish in making a fresh application to develop Cross Park. The bid is in the region of £100,000. Nothing is certain but we await the answer on our application, possibly at the end of June 2004.

The Medway Rural Strategy Plan will be before Medway Council’s cabinet for approval prior to publication for full public consultation.

Our village will see some new housing, sometime in the future. Outline planning permission is in place for the old school playing field. The Parish Council has monitored the situation very closely. Cllr Rod Morrad and I attended the public inquiry for the Medway Local Plan to ensure all the rest of our green space was protected. This was achieved successfully.

By way of information, the future plans for Medway will be 16,000 homes by 2016. The various developments will be at Chatham Maritime, Rochester Riverside, Chatham, Gillingham Waterfront, Chattenden and Hoo village. Local infrastructure will be put in place to comply with quality of life, safety and security.

There will be 200,000 homes in the Thames Gateway. 21,000 will be developed at Ebbsfleet and 12,000 in Swale.

I must give special thanks to Ted and Susan Gable for all their support and interest shown in the Parish Council and to Ted our sincere thanks for being one of our distributors of the parish magazine.

My final tributes must be to my colleagues and to Roxana our Clerk.

Unfortunately Cllr John Ashenden had to resign for personal reasons. John had served the parish with integrity and a great deal of hard work. Our thanks to him were recorded accordingly and we remain supportive at all times.

Make no mistake, we have had an immense workload this past year. Not once have we shirked our duty or have I heard a moan or a groan. In addition to all the airport meetings we created a Finance Committee and a Planning Committee. You have been represented at all meetings held for: Rural Liaison Committee, Kent Association of Parish Councils, Police Liaison Committee, Village Hall Management Committee, Council for the Protection of Rural England, Footpath Officer, all Medway meetings relating to transport, youth and the consultation on the Rural Strategy. Finally our Tree Warden Mark who in addition to his work around the village attends conservation and rural conservation meetings.

Councillors Mrs Yvonne Forrest, Mrs Joan Goddard, Mrs Pam Burrows, John Luck and Alan Marsh and my Vice-chairman, Rod Morrad. Thank you all for your support through very difficult and troubled times and your immense workload. I pay the most sincere of tributes to you al.

Our Clerk, Roxana Brammer has continued to support all councillors in an extremely professional manner with wisdom and calm assurance, which has been of great assistance to us all. Roxana is very correct on procedure, as it should be, and she has on several occasions given her time voluntarily. I thank her most sincerely for all her support and expertise and for making my role that little bit easier. Thank you Roxana.

Finally, I would like to say I have enjoyed my year as Chairman of Allhallows Parish Council. Another year of immense challenge but none the less a proud and privileged role. I have given the position my very best effort making difficult decisions all with the best interest of the residents of Allhallows in mind. I know I could not have done more for our village.

I conclude my report.

5 MEDWAY COUNCIL REPORT

The report from Cllrs Chris Buckwell and Phil Filmer was read:

The elections of May 2003 saw the election of new councillors to the Borough arid Parishes of Medway. In the new Peninsula Ward, my colleagues Jan Bamber and Phil Filmer were elected, together with myself. The geography of the new ward means that we now represent SIX parishes, and two of the three parish wards of Hoo St Werburgh parish; it is a vast area -indeed, my study of the ward maps of Kent & Medway indicates that we are probably the largest of all!

The year’s highlight could not be other than the news that the government, having proposed and shortlisted the “CIiffe” site, had decided not to proceed. We shall probably never know the full consequences to the lives of local residents which the blight has had. However, the battle was a great one, and we pay tribute to the work of your council, very much in the forefront of the campaign. Addressing the open-air meeting in the summer of 2002 on the school field is an occasion I shall never forget. The letters written by your chairman for the parish were outstanding. The campaign would not have been as it was had Cllr Joan Goddard not motivated and led the opposition; we owe her, Cllr Pam Burrows, and the small band of core activists a great debt. Joan’s recent account of the campaign in Peninsula Times is one for the archives! Let us hope that our villages do not ever again have to face such an absurd threat. It is our duty to secure the rural nature of our Peninsula for the generations to come.

Council tax has hit the headlines this year. Medway remains the lowest council tax area in Kent, yet the increase for the new year, 9.8%, has, understandably, not been without criticism. The coming municipal year will tell whether real savings can be made, and without services suffering. That is certainly our aim

My two colleagues have both served as Cabinet members this last year. For personal reasons I did not wish to continue in the Cabinet, particularly with my judicial work increasing. Jan has looked after Frontline Services, and Phil, Highways. In Jan’s area much work has been required with the Cleanaway contract. Recycling targets have been very well met On highways Phil has been closely involved in the A228 works, which we have been delighted to see progress. We shall continue to press for continuing improvements and upgrading along the length of the A228 to Grain.

Individuals’ issues of concern have been taken up by us, on a day-to-day basis. Your chairman is very active also in this respect. He and I probably speak two or three times a week on various matters. It does seem that to get action from public authorities these days is sometimes harder than ever, but we keep trying !

Policing has been a major concern, as in recent years. We have correctly felt under-resourced on the Peninsula. Again your chairman has been most active on this subject. I hardly dare to hope, but it does seem that we now have a Chief Constable in Kent who is really interested in grass-roots policing. The new Superintendent at Rochester has also been keen to show her interest in the rural areas. I believe that we are being taken note of now by the police. We know the particular concerns of decent law-abiding people in Allhallows, who deserve to have the support of the police, and, when necessary, their presence. In saying this I would wish to record thanks to the work Trevor has done over the years in Allhallows; he has made a difference, and we should all be thankful for his voluntary service.

My activities this year on the Council have included being a member of the Kent & Medway Fire and Rescue Authority, the Lower Medway Drainage Board, and the Kent Local Flood Defence Board. I have served on both planning committees for Medway, on the Standards Committee, and as chairmen of Rural Liaison. In the latter capacity we monitor reports on the A228 works, and take up issues generally concerning the rural iron. We recently held the first open meeting, with guest speakers attending; it was well supported.

Having served for 12 years as a member of your Parish Council, I recognise the important work done at parish level. I was sorry that John Ashenden was unable to continue, but was pleased that Cllr Collier was co-opted. All three of us thank your chairman and clerk for keeping us briefed on your activities throughout the year, and are grateful to Cllr Marsh for ensuring our regular copies of the parish magazine.

With best wishes,

Christopher Buckwell
for the Peninsula Ward members

6 REPORTS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

a 1st ALLHALLOWS BROWNIES

Last year 6 girls were invited to go with the Cliffe Brownies to Pack House near Dartford. The holiday was well enjoyed. Thinking Day is held on 22 February and there was a service at St Francis, Strood for all Brownies in the area. The Allhallows unit represented Australia and Mexico. At the moment the girls are working on their Gardening Badge. They have had a talk by Mark Colyer and have experienced success in growing cress from seed.

There are 15 girls on the register and I feel we are going from strength to strength. The girls recently voted among several excursions and they decided on a skating trip. Finally I would like to give my thanks to the Parish Council for their support.

Chris Jackson
Brown Owl

b PARISH CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS

Rector’s Report

Whenever I think about a report my mind goes back to my school days and the ubiquitous “could do better” or “needs to apply himself more”. I hated reports! Of course they are not allowed to say that sort of thing any moRe in case anyone feels bad about themselves. But reports don’t have to be bad news or even dull, The apostle Paul writing to the Church in Rome says “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because your faith is being reported all over the world”. Now that is a report! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our faith was reported all over the world? And yet it is was because of the good report we received about the church here that Julie and I felt that this was the place that the Lord was calling us to. Having got here we have not been disappointed. It has been a real joy for us to be able to have the privi­lege of ministering amongst you and worshipping with you. There have been many highlights for me personally and most of those have had to do with the wonderful welcome and warmth we have found amongst you. I have been greatly encouraged to the way in which you have responded to the difficult task of meeting our financial responsibilities. There is still some way to go but I thank each of you that have given sacrificially and faithfully. 1 thank God for the patience you have shown when things have not happened in the way you might have expected, it is always difficult when a new minis­ter comes in and makes changes to the way you have been used to doing things. I have been blessed by the Lord in his appointment of a P.C.C. with vision and a desire to see God’s work go forward and I trust that he will con­tinue to use us all in the furthering of his kingdom. During difficult and no doubt sometimes frustrating interregnum the church not only maintained it­self but went forward with faith and that is something to be celebrated. Can we do better? Of course we can, with the Lords help and the guidance of his Spirit we can achieve anything that is in accordance to his will. And I look forward with confidence to the coming year at how we will achieve great things for God. We are not a defeated people we are a victorious people and we need to live as a victorious people, a people of his choice. At this year’s Annual Parish Church Meeting, I hope to present to you a plan forward for the church that will help us begin to be the kind of Church that we want to be and the kind of church Christ wants us to be.

Your servant in Christ Jesus

Rev Stephen Gwilt

Churchwardens’ Report

At the beginning of the year we were still in the interregnum, but looking forward to having our own minister again. Stephen Gwilt and his family looked at our parish in January 2003 and arrived here in June 2003. We welcomed Stephen, Julie, Elizabeth and Hannah into our midst with the induction service at St  Margaret‘s Church. This was followed by a reception in high Halstow Village Hall. WE thank god for Stephen’s appointment as Rector of our parish and look forward to this new phase in the life of our church with Stephen at the helm. Services continue to be at 11 am on Sundays. All are welcome. For enquiries on baptisms, weddings or funerals contact Stephen or the Churchwardens.

Thank you to Mike Swaby Chairman of Allhallows Parish Council for attending the Remembrance Day service in November and also the Brownies and Guides. All laid wreaths and the brownies and Guides provided the refreshments after the service. This was at the Village Hall and was much appreciated by all. Thank you too for those who gave when members of the church sang Christmas Carols around the village in December. £91.00 was raised for the Cerebral Palsy Centre at Cliffe Woods.

Our Social Committee is in the process of planning several social events for the coming year, do look out for posters advertising the events and come along if you are able. “Nearly New” continues and is on Mondays at 1 pm during term time. Donations of good quality clothes are always welcome. Church keeps 20% of profit, the rest is given to the person supplying clothes. Do pay a visit – lots of bargains are to be had.

The Parish Council again gave us a donation towards the cost of our gardener. They also helped us by trimming the yew trees and cutting down a bush which had grown far too big. This was done by Mark Colyer. We thank the Parish Council for their help and support.

Our financial position at the beginning of the year was not good. This has now improved due to increased giving by church members. We are a joint parish with two listed church buildings to maintain. This plus running costs and the Rector’s salary cost a considerable amount and the cost has to be paid by our joint congregations.

The quinquennial repairs have now been completed except for the drainage system, which could not be corrected by pushing through with rods, it would need the path digging up. This will have to be done at a later date. The main structure of All Saints church is in good condition but two fine cracks on either side of the altar have been found and will be monitored. Repairs to the stained glass windows are in hand. The contract for grass cutting has been renewed with Medway Council and to comply with Health and Safety rules a ramp will be placed in the church porch to make access easier for the disabled.

Joan Lambourne and Margaret Eaton
Churchwardens

c ALL SAINTS CHURCH FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Friendship club now meets on the second Wednesday of each month. We have 11 regular members but numbers do fluctuate a bit due to people’s circumstances. New members are always welcome.

We always enjoy lunch together. This is either at somebody’s home or at a local pub or restaurant. This past year we have enjoyed outings to Rochester with lunch at the Refectory Rooms followed by a look around the cathedral. For our Christmas meal we went to the Sans Pareil pub. We also visited the Red Dog at High Halstow and enjoyed a very pleasant lunch there.

At Easter time Sheila Marchant visited us and gave a talk and in October we sang our favourite hymns at Connie Beckett’s.

We held two fund raising lunches at All Saints Church raising a total of £122.06. From this we donated £65.00 to Demelza House Children’s Hospice and also purchased a Blower Vac and extension lead for the church.

Our next fund raising event will be on 14th April at All Saints Church which will be a Bring and Buy/Cake Stall etc plus refreshments. This will be from 1 - 3 pm. Please come if you are able. Proceeds will go to church funds.

The monthly meetings are very much enjoyed by all that attend. It’s good to meet and share friendship together.

Joan Lambourne

d SHORT MAT BOWLS

The group is now reduced to 8 members only and because of this we have had to withdraw from the Medway League. More players come from the town than from the village and we need more members.

Shirley Melly

7 VILLAGERS’ LIFE MAGAZINE

Editor Jill Todd reported the magazine was going from strength to strength, despite the decision to pull out by Stoke Parish Council. She thanked various regular contributors, including Karen Belsey and Dr Rigby. She tried to include articles of interest, but more input was always welcome.

8 OTHER BUSINESS

a Bourne Leisure

One parishioner said she had enjoyed Bourne Leisure’s facilities, even though the cost had been £150 last year, but all membership had now been withdrawn. The Chairman said that villagers had not been well protected when Bourne Leisure had bought the park. One of the conditions of the sale agreement had been that villagers of Allhallows were entitled to buy a permit but the regulations kept being changed. Cllr Colyer commented he had just obtained his pass and had experienced no problems.

5 REGIONAL PARK - PRESENTATION BY MARTIN HALL, MEDWAY COUNCIL

The Chairman introduced Martin Hall, Greenspaces Officer with Medway Council. Mr Hall gave an illustrated talk on a suggested Regional Park that would cover the Hoo Peninsula.

The Chairman thanked Mr Hall for his presentation and those present for their attendance and closed the meeting.

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