Extracts from the meeting on Thursday 24 February 2005 at 7.30 in the village hall.
Present: Mr J Harvey, Mr N Mears,  Mrs R Waller, Mr Adrian Westfield, Mr Gordon Bambridge DC, the Clerk and 12 members of the public. Apologies: Mrs Floering Blackman CC
Matters arising: AWA -Received an inadequate letter from them. A strong letter would be sent from PC & the DC.
Village Signs - the clerk had obtained quotes from several sources costing around £1700 to £3000 + VAT. Suggested we keep looking for alternative options.
Quality Status - the Chairman thought it advisable to seek status, when and if more councillors and a clerk were found, willing to take on the extra training. V Difficult..
Highways: They were trying their best to keep matters under control but there were times when they need to be contacted on specific requests i.e. tree cutting. Mr Bambridge reported that a new “refuse removal team” , SERCO were taking over in April and their contract allows for them to be paid on results. Please be aware of litter so that we can measure the effect of the new contractors. Mr Bambridge wishes to know progress by mid April. Breckland are seeking to actively prosecute fly tippers. A close eye will be kept on litter but the creation  of a volunteer Village Team might help to instil some pride and responsibility into the village as a whole. Several people volunteered their services. More volunteers needed. Ring the clerk, Meg White.
Dogs fouling  footpaths etc. Owners are reminded that a £50 fine is in force and Breckland will prosecute owners. The Dog Warden can come out to photograph wayward owners if necessary.
Mud on roads and paths were discussed; Chairman had dealt with one on Themelthorpe Road and Mr Davis would remind his men to clear up.
Homewatch sign -Hopefully would be replaced in better weather.
Village Hall -No further progress with legal matters but grant applications are completed and planning permissions obtained. Mrs Ruth Waller kindly agreed to sit on VHC as the Parish Council Representative.
Open Forum  and the rest of the meeting was taken by Vice Chairman, as the Chair had to leave.
Fairly animated discussion regarding piece on Radio Norfolk on new houses for Foxley. It was felt that whilst some houses were needed in Foxley, a large amount would swamp the infrastructure, such as it is. Mr Howell will be making an application in the future to build 50 houses, 20 of which would be low cost housing.
Planning Applications: Village Hall - planning permission accepted for extension
Mr P Davis - Moor Farm - renovation of buildings;  Church Farm Barns - renovation; - Moor Farm - swimming pool, etc. Comments were made regarding the size of swimming pool and its prominence near road - it is outside the village envelope. The complex at Moor Farm has gone from a farm with holiday cottages to a holiday complex near a farm. Will it grow larger?
Will the pool be only for the use of tenants or is other use intended. Extra people means more water into the already stretched sewerage system.
Report on Bus Shelter:  Wood costing approx. £330 was needed to repair shelter. It was proposed by Mrs Waller, seconded by Mr Westfield that the bus shelter be repaired.
Vice Chair offered to do the work with help from volunteers.
Finance: The financial report was circularised, explained and accepted.
Date of next meeting: 12 May 2005 when the Annual Parish Meeting, Annual Parish Council Meeting and the 1st Council Meeting of the new year will take place at 7.30pm in Village Hall.  The meeting closed at 9.25 pm 
 

REEPHAM & DISTRICT ROTARY

The club has paid for 47 Aquaboxes (23 Aquabox 30s and 24 standard
humanitarian aid Aquaboxes).  We are very grateful to members of the
community who have kindly supplied materials with which to fill these said boxes.  They have also contributed towards a large stock of materials, which will enable us to fill many more as they become available through our supply chain.

A very big special thanks to Reepham High School, Taverham Hall School, Great Witchingham and Weston Longville District W.I. and Weston pack Girl guides who all raised funds to help with the project.  A tremendous effort from them all.

Ken Ewing

Standing in for our speaker who was unable to attend our meeting on March 14th, Jennifer, one of our members, gave a very interesting and informative talk on silver.
 Jennifer had worked with a Silversmith for many years and she brought several unusual small items of silver which she had collected, and passed various ones round for us to guess what they were used for .e.g. a glove stretcher and a small silver spoon with tiny holes in, used years ago for straining tea leaves from teacups. (This was before the usual teas strainer we use today.)
She spoke about Georgian and Victorian silver pieces, and explained the marks on the silver objects;  the Lion, Crown, etc.
 Jennifer then looked at the items each member had brought along, and told us in most cases where it was made and in which year!   A very enjoyable talk indeed.
 Tea, coffee and biscuits were served. The raffle was won by Margaret Pointer. Exhibition - 1st Ruth, 2nd Sheila.
 
At the April meeting (Monday 11th in Sparham's Old School Room at 7.30pm) our speaker's subject is Laughter with Humorous Verse and we are asked to bring a Joke and our hyacinth bulbs. New members always welcome.  Margaret Peachment