Attendance and Apologise. Mr P Hounsell, Chairman of Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council, chaired the meeting. 3 members of the parish council were present, 2 members of the public and 2 representatives from the local police. Apologises were received from M/s Midworth and Messrs Dalling, Fowler and Graham

Minutes of meeting held on 14 April 2004. The minutes were circulated at the meeting, and subject to Minute No 5 being amended by the words "but there was a waiting list" being added after "the Bridge Club was still looking for new members", were approved as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

Matters arising. There were no matters arising.

Report by the Chairman of Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council. Copies of the report had been circulated and it was accepted as read (copy attached).

Report by local police representatives. PC Hicks advised that his move to the area was no longer on secondment covering for PC Simmons, and that he had been appointed to the beat on a permanent basis. Whilst his beat area was a large area, he would endeavour to make regular visits and invited members of the public to flag him down if they needed to speak to him. Reference was made to earlier discussions in the Parish Council about police surgeries when the conclusion had been reached that it was preferable to display notices with contact numbers and give a list of contact numbers in the Parish Magazine. He indicated that he was willing to hold surgeries if there was a demand, and it was also agreed to give him a list of regular bookings of the village hall should he wish to make contact with those groups.

Senior Citizens. Dennis Hallas reported that this group continued to meet at the Baptist Church Hall with a membership of about 30. It was an opportunity for a social get-together. Outings and events were organised and the group continued to welcome new members.

Bridge Club. Mrs Holt reported that this group continued to be successful. Membership had been extended although new applications onto the waiting list were welcomed. Members much appreciated the improved cleanliness of the hall.

St John’s. Peter Hounsell reported that the PCC had raised sufficient funds to repair the remaining 16^th century windows. The next stage was to find funding to renew the electrics in the church.

Classic Cars. Joe Holt reported that this annual event would be held on Sunday 4 September on the playing fields. Given the large number of people expected to attend the organisers were still looking for helpers with "back stage" activities.

Baptist Church. Dennis Hallas reported that the plans for the new manse had now been approved and they were hoping to start work shortly. Hopefully they would soon have a full-time minister living and working in the village.

Primary School. George Downie presented a report on behalf of the Head Teacher. The school was grateful for the successful efforts in having barbed wire removed from the footpath to the village playing fields, and would be happy to arrange for parents to spread bark chippings purchased by the Council to improve footing. The school supported the Parish Council’s view that new housing on the Little Wilcox site should be conditional on a footpath on that side of Station Road. A basketball club for the 12-16 age group was now operating from the MUGA on Thursday evenings. They continued to receive welcome sponsorship from local business and in turn gave support to local firms whenever possible. The school took part in a number of local events, and thanked villagers for supporting the school to keep it viable. Subject to various approvals they wished to use part of a legacy to replace the public bench next to the school.

Flower Show. George Downie reported that the flower show had been successfully revived and with the good weather had made a small profit. He thanked all who had taken part, including the volunteers, and advised that the event this year would be held on Saturday 20 August.

Playgroup. A report was read on behalf of M/s Midworth. The group had had a successful year with increased numbers. The OFSTED inspection had ended with a provision of "good quality overall" with many areas regarded as very good. The need to improve opportunities to use information technology had been addressed by the donation of a computer and the purchase with the aid of a grant from the Parish Council of educational software. The main continuing concern remained one of financial viability and the need to add children to the register given that a number were leaving in the summer. The group continued to receive sustainability grants from SCC.

Uncertain Future of MUGA. This item had been included on the agenda at the request of the Parish Council. Joe Holt was able to report that at the last meeting of the Hall Committee it had been confirmed that the school had now started on Thursday evenings a basketball group with an adult coach. Apart from that and day use by the school, it appeared that the only regular formal user was from a group of ladies who played tennis on Saturday mornings. It appeared unlikely that the police would be able to take forward any of the initiatives about football/skateboarding. The MUGA remained unlocked and was available for informal use. There was no immediate prospect of the Hall establishing a MUGA Committee to promote and manage its use because of a lack of volunteers. Concern was expressed about the provision for long term maintenance given the lack of income generation.

Any other business. The Village Hall Committee had discussed the provision of a litter bin between the MUGA and the Hall, but whilst it appeared that a suitable one could be made available TDBC would not come down the to the Hall to empty it and the contents would need to be left in a bag in Village Road on refuse collection day. The Baptist Church intended to replace a seat on the playing fields donated in memory of a parish minister. The Hall Committee had been able to secure the services of a volunteer to re-paint the seats on the playing field and the war memorial railings. The hall itself was due to be re-painted inside and externally.