Present: Cllrs Fearn, Knight, Janes, Steer, Hoddinott, Hookway, Hockings, Williams, Beamish, Jeffreys, Johnson and District Cllr Robert Steer.
Apologies: County Cllr Geoff Date
Speaker: Mr Jeff Beer JP
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
Members of the Public: 0
The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and then invited
Mr Jeff Beer JP to speak. Mr Beer introduced himself and explained that he had come to speak about being a magistrate and what it entailed. Mr Beer explained that anyone could be a magistrate from the ages 18 to 70yrs and either gender. Before taking one’s seat there would be extensive training, which is kept up to date as laws change. There are 140 magistrates in South Devon and always sit in threes. He went on to explain their duties and the various cases which might come before them. A magistrate is always guided by the Court Clerk on matters of law, but the sentencing is carried out by the magistrates themselves. After a number of questions and answers Mr. Beer left the meeting.
The Chairman then called for the Annual Reports.
Harbourne Shuttle: Report sent in by Mr Lawrence as follows:- The Shuttle is doing well in the mornings, on Friday nights and also private hire. The purchase of a second hand minibus was considered, but the idea rejected. Instead bodywork will be carried out on existing bus. Drivers are always wanted.
Harbertonford Village Hall: Report from Sue Groom as follows:- Another busy year. The new Hall extension opened on 01/11/08 with District Cllr Steer ‘cutting the tape’. Modern facilities now available. Various loans have been obtained and fund-raising is in full swing to cover costs. Bookings are encouraging. There are still areas for improvement.
Harberton Parish Hall: Cllr Williams reported:- The Hall continues in a healthy financial state, despite a decrease in bookings. Shortmat bowls and badminton continue to flourish with various other events also staged. Maintenance items are to be attended to. Some changes to the Committee this year and a huge thank you to all the volunteers. For the coming year a kitchen update is the main project to meet the current requirements.
Harbertonford Primary School: Reported by Cllr. Beamish:- The school is in good heart with 80-85 children on the roll. Mrs Ronson continues as Head Teacher with a very positive atmosphere in the school. There is a new teacher, Mrs Mathis. Also an additional part-time secretary. Two year 5 children have been to Plymouth University as part of G8T Maths workshop. PTFA is busy and there are many after-school clubs.
Harbertonford Playground: Reported by Cllr. Jeffreys:- Another very successful year. New information sign installed thanks to SHDC. An audit in October identified a few minor areas for attention. £3,000.00 granted by SHDC towards improvements. Also £8,400.00 for equipment from Investing in Devon. For financial support from the Parish Council & County Cllr Date, thanks were given. Also particular thanks to the committee. More parents needed to join us.
Feoffees: Cllr Steer reported:- This year two meetings were held. 44 people had received £35.00 each + a £50.00 gift. Donations also made to both churches. Mr Lund continues as Secretary with Mr Anning as Chairman.
South Hams District Council: District Councillor Robert Steer reported:- Congratulations to Harbertonford Primary School for such a glowing OFSTED report. The Boundary Committee for England were wasting too much money and time on their proposals.
Devon County Council: County Councillor Geoff Date sent his apologies.
Chairman’s Report: The Pedestrian Crossing interactive signs were due to be installed end Mar/Apr 09, but had not arrived yet.
Special thanks yet again to John Maddox for auditing the Parish Council books.
This year we are able to keep our Precept the same as last year as councillors acknowledged the impact of the recession.
Thanks to John Culf for the grass cutting in Harberton and for also acting as our Tree Warden.
The Parish Council will continue to support the Harbertonford Allotment Society as much as possible.
The Chairman was pleased to note that we continue with a full complement 12 councillors, to whom thanks was given for their support and attendance throughout the year.
Thanks also given to County Councillor Geoff Date and District Councillor Robert Steer for their support and attendance.
Last, but not least, thanks to the Clerk, Mrs D Crann for her efforts though the year.
The meeting closed at 8.40pm.