Agenda Playing Fields meeting, December 2023
5 December 2023
Document Date
13/09/2023
Created by
Parish Clerk
Category
Meetings
Document Date
13/09/2023
Created by
Parish Clerk
Category
Meetings
WOLLASTON PARISH COUNCIL
PLAYING FIELD & PARKS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON Wednesday 13 September 2023, 7pm
At The Clubhouse London Road, Wollaston
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT
Messrs Green, Jones, Milroy (Vice Chair), Mitchell, Perry, Savage (Chair), Silsby and Mrs S. Grant (Clerk)
PUBLIC PRESENT
None
APOLOGIES
Messrs Cotter, Hodson
MINUTES
The minutes of the last meeting from 5h July 2023 were agreed unanimously and signed as a correct record.
FINANCES
Finances to end of August 2023 had been circulated. No issue – Clerk to investigate charges for emptying smaller recycle bins as not received. Mr Silsby confirmed no further fuel required for tractor this season.
PLAY EQUIPMENT AND ADULT GYM INSPECTION/MAINTENANCE
Mr Savage confirmed he had inspected the equipment and handed the inspection sheets to the Clerk. No issues apart from the Kangaroo at St Mary’s has a slight wobble – request for Pete the Carpenter to repair. Clerk chased Playground supplier on 13/09 for new toddler swings which were due into stock w/c 11/09/23. Still out of stock. The annual audit was carried out on the play equipment at the Pyghtles with only minor issues (cost covered by S106 monies).
POCKET PARK
No issues. Mr Savage & Mr Talbutt have kindly stained the benches with a second coat. Scott Bader Security are currently opening the gates early morning and Mr Savage is locking at dusk.
SPORTS ASSOCIATION REPORT
Cricket is coming to an end of a successful season. The first team are currently sitting 8th out of 10 and need to win this Saturday’s game to avoid relegation. The second team are promoted and 1 point from top, they could win Division 3 if they win on Saturday. The third team require 2 points to confirm promotion. Youth Cricket – successful presentation evening held last Friday well supported with approx. 100 children – 20 of which were girls. The under 11’s did well in the league, but unfortunately lost in the cup final at Finedon. Under 13’s finished 3rd in the league and won cup final at Rushden. Under 15’s did well and were predominately a young side with players who will hopefully progress into men’s cricket. Positive feedback on the grounds & wicket were received from other clubs and the Committee & Groundsmen were thanked for all their hard work. Overseas player returns back to Australia next Tuesday and has been a great asset to the Club. Mr Perry has been approached by Northamptonshire Sport to hold a couple of festivals at the Playing Fields and Mr Perry will share the dates with the committee. Winter league /nets to be held over the winter season.
Football – Update from Mr Cotter for Youth. Numbers are good with approximately 160 regular children attending from under U7’s to U14’s (13 teams in total). Youth have taken control of the top pitch (marking etc). Mr Cotter to provide update on the Wildcats Group (girls football held at Wollaston School). Steady start to the men’s football (60 players) with good social side and assistance from players to help committee. Vets (over 35yrs) – 45 players signed on with good feedthrough from the men’s, first game won.
Parking issues continue particularly with crossover cricket/football season in April/May & August/September. Parking lines to encourage people to park better were discussed – Mr Cotter to advise at next meeting. Overflow parking discussed, but neighbouring areas not deemed suitable. Mr Perry confirmed that during busy periods the gates were opened to allow approximately 20 cars to park within the field.
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PURCHASES REQUIRED
Weed & Feed /fertilizer at a cost of approximately £1,000. Mr Silsby to contact Mr Greg Wilcox to obtain advice as to whether this is feasible now or in the Spring and obtain a quote.
Tree Maintenance – Mr Savage currently arranging, cost will be approximately £1,000/£1500.
Toddler Swings to be fitted shortly with bolts to prevent vandalism at a cost of £345 plus VAT
FIELD MAINTENANCE/MATTERS RELATING TO THE FIELD
Mr Silsby advised major issue with rabbit holes within past couple of weeks. Mr Green to look into via Ferret control. Clerk to send Mr Jonathan Rollins a thank you letter for volunteering his time at the Playing Field strimming back vegetation.
Tennis Courts all cleaned and new net installed, currently being used regularly. Bund completed successfully.
No reports of vandalism although it was reported that the Tyres in the gateway had been moved back thus they are not preventing people from parking in the gateway.
Clerk received a request from a resident to scatter late Father’s ashes on the playing field – unanimously agreed – Clerk to relay back.
VAT ISSUE
It was confirmed that the Parish Council cannot claim back VAT on behalf of the Cricket Club. Various avenues explored including charging the Cricket Club rent or providing a Grant. Mr Silsby to speak to Mr Shelton for advice. Clerk to establish the average VAT cost per year as potentially the amount is not huge. How do other Clubs manage this issue – Clerk to look at similar clubs to establish.
CRICKET CLUB INSURANCE
The Parish Council finally received the Insurance Break in payment from January 2022. The amount owing to the Cricket Club is £12,379.82 (minus the outstanding invoice No 0031 for the Cricket Club proportion towards insurance premium of £557.73) Total £11,822.09. Mr Silsby to provide Bank details for Clerk to pay on 22/09/23.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Wednesday 11th October 2023 at 7pm at the Hill Club, 122 High Street, Wollaston.
There being no further business the Chair thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.25pm.
Signed ……………………………………………………………..
Date ……………………………………………………………….
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