Foxley PCC met recently at The Elms, courtesy of  Hugh & Linda Rose. The major topic was the Financial Report for 2002  prepared by John Harvey, Treasurer, & audited by  accountant David Carter of Mileham. It showed a steady financial position with all expenses met & dues to the Diocese paid, thanks to a small band of givers. The Fabric Fund, too, had grown, from regular gifts, some savings from the General Fund plus the very welcome contribution from Open Gardens Day.  However, as Mr Harvey reminded the meeting , the Five - Yearly Architectural Survey of the church  (paid for by the Diocese ) was due in April & it was certain that major works would be advisable in the fairly near future. We already knew that the chancel roof needed replacing & renovations were required to the nave windows. Hence extra funds would be essential, in addition to hoped - for grants.
A  letter with a bearing on this had recently been received from Bishop Graham detailing his active involvement  in an initiative by the Bishops of the Church of England as a whole to produce a policy statement on ways & means by which the maintenance of church buildings could be supported, always bearing in  mind their present & historical significance as centres of the community as well as a focus of the Christian faith. Bishop Graham's concern was very great because of Norfolk's exceptional inheritance of fine Mediaeval  churches & the burden they imposed on their parishioners.
As far as Foxley was concerned the recent Parish Appraisal  had shown a high measure of appreciation of the value of our church to the village which was most encouraging. Evidence of this was demonstrated in Mrs Monica Hatch's report on the progress of the Kneelers Scheme. There were now 10 people at work embroidering the designs produced especially for St Thomas' by Monica with Ann Murrell & much help from Robin Taylor & his computer. Other parishioners  were donating money to fund the materials.
Mrs. Margaret Keeler had  been appointed as the " named person " on the parish Child Protection Policy.
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting , which anyone in the parish may attend, will be held  on Wednesday, 2nd April at 7.30 pm in the church, with Canon Michael Paddison in the Chair.
Diana Harvey, PCC Secretary.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Congratulations to the Clerk from the Chairman on her recent marriage and expressions of appreciation of her work over the last two years.  It was regretted that she would be leaving the area and wished her happiness for the future.  Mrs Floering Blackman thanked Jenny on behalf of the parishioners.

No apologies for absence
Present: Mr Harvey (Chair), Mr Mears (Vice Chair), Mr Driver, Mrs Slattery, Mrs Waller, Mrs Floering Blackman (County Councillor), Mr Mallen (District Councillor) and 6 parishioners.

The minutes of the last meeting were adopted.

Matters arising
Grant to be applied for re a bus shelter.  Highways happy to grant a license.
Improvement noted in speed levels.  Chairman thanked everyone who had helped to achieve the change in policy.
Siting of  dog bins discussed (mandatory in 20mph areas).  Suggestions for bins- junction of The Street and the 1067 near the cross roads in West Foxley.  Provision will be involved in the Action Plan following the Appraisal and it is hoped that grant funding will be available.
Drainage Anglia Water inspected sewer in Street.  Clerk to ask for confirmation of action proposed.

Correspondence
Breckland Planning Decisions and New Working Arrangements - Changes outlined for a six month period  have been agreed on a permanent basis.
Anti Social Behaviour – Home Office orders intended to put an end to persistent and serious anti social behaviour (leaflet available).
Licensing Bill – Village Halls and Churches will be exempt from entertainment fees under the licensing regime.
NCC – Electoral Review of Boundaries 2003/04.  Materials available at County Hall, Public Libraries, NCC Website www.norfolk.gov.uk from March 14th 2003.
NHS – Self help support groups, statutory and voluntary agencies information available at libraries or www.heron.nhs.uk
Crimestoppers – Charity helping to solve crime – call is free and anonymous 0800 555111
Freedom of Information Act 2000- Foxley Council’s Parish Council Model Scheme accepted by Information Commissioner for perios 2003-2007
Planning – Decision for : Demolition of existing and rebuilding of a pair of semi detached cottages at Peran wisa, The Street

             15
Finance
Charities – it was suggested that donation to charity was not appropriate out of village finances and should be up to individuals.  Agreed.
Payment Approved – Renewal of Norfolk Rural Community council Subscription

Arrangements for Election of Parish Councillors
1st April – noon – last time for submission of application for Parish councillor
Forms available from Clerk 01362 637242 or Breckland 01362 695333
Postal votes are available to everyone
Last date for application for postal votes April 23rd 2003.  Ring Breckland for a form

AOB
Litter – it was reported that litter is bad on the A1067 layby, A1145, A1147.  Clerk to write to County Highways.
Potholes – Mrs Floering Blackman reported that there was a backlog but Highways will repair them as soon as possible.
 

Foxley Parish Council Elections May 1st 2003 

New Councillors are needed.  Please consider standing for councillor and helping to shape the future of your village.
Last date for applications – noon on April 1st 2003 at Breckland District Council Office.

New Clerk Needed
Due to the marriage and relocation of Jenny Streatfield the position will be vacant from May 2003.  If you are interested please ring Jenny on 01362 637442 or John Harvey on 01362 688650.