Present: Cllrs Fearn, Stubbings, Knight, Johnson, Jeffreys, Beamish, Williams and D Cllr Steer.
Apologies: Cllrs Hockings and G Janes.
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
Members of the Public: 1
Due to the extraordinary circumstances at present experienced by the Parish Council, the voting to appoint a new Chairman for the next twelve months was carried out at this meeting. The Clerk called for nominations and it was proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Stubbings, to nominate Cllr Fearn, to which he agreed. There being no other nominations, voting was all in favour. Cllr Fearn then took the chair.
He said he had recently visited Cllr Hockings in hospital and signs were that he might come home soon.
Cllr Fearn also reported the sad passing of Cllr Edmund Janes last week. Edmund had served on the Parish Council and in Harbertonford in many capacities for many years and he will be sadly missed. Condolences were sent to his wife, Cllr Gwen Janes. Everyone agreed that, as a mark of respect, voting for the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council would be held over for a month. A minute’s silence was then observed.
Last year’s minutes had been agreed and signed on 14 June 2005.
The Chairman then invited Mr Lawrence of Harbertonford to give a report on the Harbourne Shuttle. The new co-ordinator for private hire is Tracey Dance. The new reduced fare structure was in force, with information available at Harbertonford Post Office. They are always looking for new drivers. There was some suggestion from the Parish Council to increase the fares and this proposal will be passed on to the Shuttle committee. Mr Lawrence then left the meeting.
Harberton Parish Hall. Cllr Johnson gave a short report as Parish Council representative. A maintenance audit for disabled access is to be carried out. The Hall is showing a healthy profit and several events are booked for the 10th anniversary on 17 June.
Harbertonford Village Hall. A report had been received by the Clerk as follows: The Hall is in constant use, but the kitchen extension is no further forward as local builders are not interested in doing the work. Some redecoration has been carried out and the floor has been repolished.
Harbertonford Playground Group. Cllr Jeffreys reported. The lease had been signed last August. Fordstock was now supporting fund-raising for the play equipment. The balance in the bank is over £2,500 and various fund-raising events are planned. Sources for grants are currently very difficult to find.
South Hams District Council. D Cllr Steer gave a comprehensive report on the planning and housing sections particularly. Beacon status achieved by the Council. 350 homes are needed each year, but this total was difficult to fulfil.
Feoffees. D Cllr Steer reported two meetings held in March and September. Cheques had been paid out 50 x £25.00 with donations also made to both churches. The audit had cost £300.00.
Harbertonford Primary School. Cllr Beamish gave a report. The Headmistress, Mrs S Miller, had retired during the late autumn and, following the usual procedures to choose a new Head, Mrs J Ronson, the acting Headmistress, had now been appointed to the post. Numbers of pupils, having dropped below 50, were climbing again to around 70 and a new Class 1 teacher had been appointed. New arrangements for catering were also in hand.
Chairman. Cllr Fearn reported a year of mixed fortunes. The Harberton Flood Relief Scheme was now complete and the Parish Council loan now in place. Cllr Fearn, on behalf of Cllr Hockings, wished to thank all councillors in the past year, with which he concurred.
The meeting closed at 8.40pm.