Parish Council Of Guston
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
Monday 19th July 2021 at Guston Village Hall
PRESENT: Parish Councilors: Mrs Tracey Creed (Chair), Mr. Keith Gowland, Mrs C Gurraj, Cllr. Oliver Richardson
Parish Clerk: Mrs Glynis Farthing.
ABSENT:
Cllr. Steve Manion
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
2
APOLOGIES:
Mrs D. Day, Mrs Sharon Kidd, Mr. Chris Valdus, Mrs Julie Gray, Cllr Martin Bates
The meeting began at 7.00pm
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
Minutes from 16/05/19. Proposed Cllr. Gowland, seconded Cllr. Creed
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of 16.05.2019 be accepted and signed by the Chairman
MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
None
WELCOME ADDRESS FROM CHAIRMAN
My last report was made just after the parish council election in May 2019 and at that time I thought it would be nice to introduce the parish council team and explain the role of the council for the year ahead. Little did I know that we would be faced with such unprecedented times and all the improvements that we had in the pipeline would be thrown to the side-line.
On a positive note, we co-opted Cllr Claire Gurraj, and I am sure I speak for all the councillors and our clerk when I say Claire is a pleasure to work with, always available to lend a hand in getting the job done. We did however lose Cllr Karen Husk, who helped on many village projects over the years and took leave of the council to concentrate more fully on her family farm. This leaves us currently with 3 vacancies within our team.
I would also like to thank Cllr Oliver Richardson and Cllr Steve Manion for the help and support that they have provided. Oliver, particularly for his contribution to our meetings and to Steve for always helping us with grant funding and highway issues. A thank you is also well overdue to Cllr Martin Bates who has without doubt taken a lead with the IBF turmoil these last months, his ears have taken a bashing at times due to the frustration being felt by this council, but he has maintained a firm position with the DfT and continues to try his best in keeping the pressure on and information flowing.
Finally, I cannot continue without also highlighting the contribution made by Cllr Geoff Lymer, now retired. Geoff although not directly linked to our parish has always provided guidance, sound advice and a cheeky wit when it was most needed. He has been a great support during the IBF saga and responded to many emails from worried residents.
Since October 2020 we have been aware of the development of the White Cliffs Business Park, Phase 3, purchased by the Department for Transport to facilitate an Inland Border Facility. This was terrible news for our parish and the residents within and continues to worry and affect us, especially those directly involved. The ever-changing goal posts and inconclusive information has proved stressful and tiresome. Developments like this have a negative impact on our parish council, as whilst the councillors are fighting to achieve best possible outcomes our focus is directed away from the smaller issues like lighting, village maintenance, grant funding and these are just as significant to our residents.
We need to push ahead in all areas, including sorting out the village noticeboards so they can finally be removed from our agenda.
The positive for me this year has been getting to know all the residents so much better, I continue to hear regularly from residents at St Martins Road, Cherry Tree Mews and Dover Road. It sometimes takes something significant to raise awareness of the parish council and to gain the attention our village deserves.
Tracey Creed BEM – Chairman.
Cllrs. responded by congratulating the Chair for all her hard work and commitment over a very difficult year. She has led by example and encouraged the community to pull together.
REPORTS;
- Guston Primary School
It has been a year like no other at Guston CEP school.
During the Lockdown of March 2020 to August 2020, we were open throughout. All staff were in full time with only those that were shielding at home. Our pupils of Key Workers attending, increased as the weeks progressed until we were running at almost maximum capacity under the guidelines published.
On the full re-opening of schools in September, we continued to run our Bubble system, with staggered start and finish times and breaks and lunchtime.
We have been supported very well by our school community, all being very cooperative with the measures we had in place to minimise the risk of infection. Unfortunately, we had to close two class bubbles, both in December 2020.
In Term 1 and 2 we prepared our pupils and families for the possibility of another lockdown. Children were ‘trained’ at school to access the remote learning platform attached to our Website. Sadly, this became a reality when schools were again closed to the majority of pupils, in January 2021.
In February, a school questionnaire sought the views of both children and parents on Remote Learning. Responses were as we expected; pupils struggled to work independently and parents often lacked the time to assist them due to their own work commitments.
In March, all pupils returned. Attendance was good and we focused heavily on pupil well-being for the first couple of weeks, and longer with specific pupils. We then identified gaps that had been missed in pupils learning and agreed priorities for different year groups moving forward.
In terms 5 & 6, we have had a number of challenges with pupils and staff having coughs and colds so attendance has been sporadic. However, we have been able to have Bubble sports days, with parents in attendance, a Y6 campout on the field, Y6 performance to parents (outside) and the Y6 leavers service is planned for Wednesday, again outdoors in front of parents.
It has been the most challenging of years to be in School Leadership but it has been a privilege to lead the school though this time with such an incredible school team. I would not have wanted to do it at any other school, with any other team and with any other school community!
Here’s to a more settled 2021/22!
Stay safe.
Mrs Deby Day – Headteacher
- Guston Village Hall Trust
Under the steerage of the new committee the village hall enjoyed a Grand Opening which was well attended and everyone was delighted with the transformation. Bookings began to come in and soon the hall was holding regular classes, including Yoga, Pilates, Belly-dancing, dog training and mother and baby classes, as well as hosting a wedding reception, numerous parties and at Christmas we had a Christingle and a spectacular Christmas wreath making event. The hall was full to overflowing An amazing start. Unfortunately the events of 2020 put a stop to everything and only now are things gradually re-starting as people take the first tentative steps to participating in social events once more. We were fortunate in receiving a Government grant to help off –set the loss of revenue and that was a hugely welcome life-line.
Before lockdown we were also able to secure a community grant from DDC which will be put towards a storage facility for the tables and chairs etc. Unfortunately the cost of these units has risen tremendously so we will have to find additional monies to put towards the purchase.
Thanks to Claire Gurraj, regular Covid regulations have been updated and risk assessments undertaken to ensure compliance.
Mrs Glynis Farthing -Treasurer – Guston Village Hall Trust
- Burgoyne Heights Pre-school
Apologies for being unable to attend the meeting this evening.
The pre – School wanted to say a big ‘Thank you’ to Guston Parish Council for the money you gave us for the garden, we also managed to obtain a small grant from Dover District Council and AVIVA. The work is under way, the shelter is up and new flooring is going down in the garden as I write this email.
Numbers are low for us from September 21, at present we have 40 children on the register, in September 21 we reduce to 17 children. We are doing a local deliver drop on the estate imminently and we have also emailed Broadless farm to see if they would allow us to put a banner up opposite the Duke of York’s Military School, also we have emailed Paul Sampson at Fort Burgoyne to see if we can put a banner up on the Barracks fence. We hope by January 22 our numbers should have increased.
Many thanks
Mrs Sharon Kidd
- Burgoyne Heights Community Group
No report
- The Land Trust
While Covid-19 resulted in the Fort being unable to build on the success of the Waking the Giant event in February 2020 a significant amount of work has taken place on site.
The Land Trust is now in third year of a £2.1million stabilisation programme on site. The key outcome of work so far is the vehicle bridge into the Fort has now got 25 years (at least) more life and an increased weight limit of 18tonnes mgw.
Contractors are presently on site to repair 50m section of ditch wall which is visible from the Dover Road layby. Teams are also in the process of completing repairs to stables on site and delivering access works in the West Wing with the goal of having the latter opened on a managed basis from early 2022.
The potential use of the Fort as a heritage skills academy in the future is beginning to be tested as part of the stabilisation project with students of the Folkestone campus of East Kent College undertaking repairs to sash windows.
2 casemates in the Fort are now licenced with Kent County Council for wedding ceremonies. Events are being managed by Diamond Circle Weddings with the first due to take place on 31 July 2021.
Owing to ongoing challenges with weddings, Diamond Circle have launched tour and refreshment events of the Fort and hope to deliver a Christmas event on site.
The Fort team is also in early discussion with the Royal British Legion regarding Dover Armed Forces Day potentially taking place at the Fort in 2022 over a 2 day period and we also hope to run events as part of Jubilee weekend.
The Trust has entered into a 10 year managing partner agreement with the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership to operationally manage land of the Fort together with community and school engagement. A team of 3 part-time staff will be employed from September 2021.
The regeneration of the Fort has also been progressing. A planning application for the use of 3 casemates within the Fort is awaiting validation by Dover District Council. This will enable office or workshop tenants to occupy the Fort with heating, ventilation and decoration included within the project. The application will also rationalise the use of the former officers stables on site as office accommodation for the Trust and White Cliffs Countryside Partnership.
Written submission was also made in response to the consultation to the draft Dover District Local Plan. The key focus of this was seeking to ensure policy supports regeneration of the Fort.
July 2021
For further information on the project, events, volunteering, or to receive newsletter updates please contact chrisvaldus@thelandtrust.org.uk 07825901358
Chris Valdus, Fort Burgoyne Heritage Project Manager, The Land Trust
- St. Martin Of Tours Church
Without a doubt 2020 was the most difficult year that most of us can remember within our lifetime.
I’m happy to report that the vestry repairs have been completed by Andy Gray (the local contractor and village resident) who also cleared the gutters around the church.
Our scheduled meeting was due to take place in March 2020 but national and international events overtook everything and it was agreed that this would be postponed until the situation improved. Sunday School was also postponed and sadly was unable to resume again during 2020 and to date has still been unable to restart.
Following government guidance the church closed for services.
Sadly we had to say goodbye to Rev Sean Sheffield as he took up his new position leading the Bewsborough Parish. We wish him and his family well. Everyone has expressed their gratitude to Sean for all his time and devotion to our small community.
Rev Melissa Carter and Rev Josias De Souza have continued to support us throughout the year as services went on-line. The rota has allowed us to make contributions and keep in touch with other churches.
Sadly, like many other communities we have been hit with death and severe illness. In July, Steve Baird died, which was a huge shock to our church family.
Anne Edwards became increasingly unwell throughout the year. She fought bravely against an illness that seemed to defy all treatment. She was stoic in her approach to her condition and remained optimistic. We were all devastated to lose Anne at the beginning of 2021. She will be an enormous loss to all who knew her. Our dear local publican and resident Roger Morris also passed away in the last week of December. Roger was a stalwart of the Guston community and will be hugely missed.. Two other local residents also died during the year and their ashes laid to rest in our churchyard – Terry Friend and Lesley McCann.
Our services resumed in September but without singing or normal communion. This has been a challenging period for us all as we navigate through the new guidance.
We are grateful to Rev Melissa, Rev Josias and Chris Scoble for presiding over services in these challenging times.
On a happier note it was delightful to celebrate the marriage of Janet Goddard and Tom Baldwin on 26th September. Janet and Tom have lived in Guston for many years and had a lovely ceremony with their family and friends, followed by a small reception in The Chance. We wish them many more years of happiness together.
Unfortunately there was no Harvest Service, no Patronal or Remembrance Services and no Christmas Day or Carol Services. Neither have there been any fundraising events /opportunities. Needless to say the lack of services and fundraising has severely impacted our balance sheet. The situation is not sustainable in the longer term and we must address this with some urgency. We continue to be indebted to Guston Parish Council for continuing to maintain the grass cutting of the churchyard for which the PCC are very grateful. The Gift Aid Scheme continues to prove an invaluable source of much needed additional revenue. However the Gift Aid is only helpful when we have an income stream!
On behalf of the Parochial Church Council.
Churchwarden: Glynis Farthing
- PCSO
No report
- Duke of York’s School
No report
- KCC- Annual Report
The last 12 months have been an exceptional year for the county council
In addition to the usual duties of the authority, we have had to contend with a Pandemic and also the Brexit transition. Either one or on their own would have made for challenging circumstances but with both together it really has been an exceptional year and I am pleased to say the county council has been up to the challenge.
The pandemic has seen a real change to the way we conduct our business with virtual meetings very much the norm. All aspects of county business have been able to migrate to these new ways of working.
One area in which I get much experience is home to schools transport appeals and we have been doing these either as virtual hearings or with the appropriate PPE using a covid secure venue in Maidstone.
The officers have been kept busy with delivering our key services and again PPE has been very much in demand.
The council has been in regular contact with partners especially health partners to respond to the pandemic. The leader was sending out regularly updates and these were forwarded to the parish council to ensure that the local Community was kept informed.
The county was very much at the forefront in delivering the symptomless testing programme and our director of Public health Mr Andrew Scott- Clark was a regular on local TV news casts.
As we move forward, I expect that KCC will again have a lead role in delivering services in our Community.
I also want to thank the parish council who have also been key stakeholders in the response to the pandemic.
All Cllrs raised the issue of unaccompanied asylum seeking children. KCC are raising this with the government and challenging the responsibility that is being placed on the county. At present Kent is receiving all of these individuals and it is a major problem for the County.
Cllr. Steve Manion
Kent County Councillor
- DDC- Annual Report
This has without a doubt been a memorable year for all the wrong reasons. Firstly, we experienced a continuation of the lockdown which meant that conversations and meetings could only be conducted via social media. Second, we entered the New Year with the end of the EU Transition bringing chaos to the roads and the Port of Dover. Finally, we ended the financial year with a revamp of the rubbish collection system, which was unfortunately brought in too soon and resulted in a temporary breakdown of the collection schedule for many residents.
All these events provided the District Council and you with a considerable number of challenges and it is a credit to this ward that so many of you rose to the challenge and worked extremely hard to assist those most vulnerable within our society to weather the consequences of lockdown. DDC also rose to the challenge providing care and support to those most vulnerable through the network provided by Community Hub and through the Community Grant Award Scheme to enable businesses in the area to weather the financial storm. Brexit brought its own unique challenges over the Christmas period but, thanks to the contingency measures planned and introduced by the joint approach of KCC, DDC and Kent Police the traffic congestion around Dover brought back under control within a matter of two to three days. The situation with the bins resulted in numerous discussions with DDC and Veolia just before the May Day Bank Holiday. Therefore, Veolia moved additional resources into the area and managed to get the new system back on track. There remain some pockets in outlying areas where waste is being missed but these are being picked up and becoming fewer in number.
As a parish council you also faced a year of unique challenges namely around the proposals for the Dover Fast Track, Internal Border Facility and the street lighting in Burgoyne Heights. These have resulted in us all having to spend some considerable time liaising with residents, keeping them advised of the ongoing position and relaying their concerns back to the authorities. This has not been easy and has been fairly tense at times but I like to think that we have continued to work professionally and harmoniously together despite the pressures we experienced. All three of these issues continue to occupy our time as we go in to the new council year but I feel confident that, as a team, we can continue to work effectively together to provide the best possible results for our community.
Finally, on election back in December 2019 I set up an issues register so that I could track and keep on top of the problems raised by parish councils and individual residents within the ward. Since then the number of requests for help we have received has just topped 100. Of that 13 have come from Guston of which 6 remain unresolved and these centre around rubbish, street lighting, the IFB and DFT. I hope that together we can work to reduce this number considerably over the forthcoming year and both Ollie and I would like to thank you for the guidance and support you have given us during our time as your councillors.
Cllrs. Martin Bates/Oliver Richardson
Dover District Councillors
Cllrs thanked both KCC and DDC Cllrs for all their support and hard work.
- Representative of the Burgoyne Heights Community
No report
COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
Annual KALC Report for 2020/21
As always representing Guston Parish Council on KALC and other outside bodies is always a pleasure and a privilege.
2020/21 has been an unusual year due to Covid 19 and the inevitable issues that came with it. It has brought out the best and to a degree the worst in people.
In our sector many Parish and Town Councils have done much to help and safeguard their more vulnerable residents from its effects.
St. Margaret’s Parish Council managed to turn a negative into a positive by recruiting three new Parish Councillors out of it!!
KALC’s own activities have been restricted and new ways of operating have ensued with staff working from home which makes communication more time consuming. Its’ Executive and other Committees/Advisory Groups have met as reasonably as necessary through ZOOM and on Outside Bodies through Microsoft Teams with varying results not always as productive as in more normal times.
Training and L&D has been successfully done with ‘distance learning’ which has brought new opportunities for a bigger range of subjects some done on a ‘bite size’ basis. Some of these methods may well continue as things become more normal.
The Area Committee has also still functioned with Meetings on ZOOM although we are going back to ‘face to face’ Meetings as from Wednesday and will be meeting in Guston Village Hall for the foreseeable future. We have had a change of Area Secretary with Glynis Farthing taking on the ‘role’ in these unusual and changing times.
Cllr. Keith Gowland – Chair, Dover Area KALC Committee
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The 2019/20 year started with a balance of £81,543 and finished with a balance of £47,256.
The 2020/21 year started with a balance of £47,256 and finished with a balance of £60,811
Our 2019/2020 audit was successfully under taken; the accounts were passed and submitted to the external auditor. These were approved with no issues raised.
The 2020/2021 internal audit, took place on 1st June 2021. The completed accounts were accepted and approved at the June meeting of the Parish Council.
Monthly bank reconciliations continue to be available for review on the parish website. The accounts and related documents are available for inspection. In future all accounts will be published on the Parish website.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING –May 2022, date to be agreed and published on the Parish website.
This meeting closed at 7.33pm
CHAIRMAN:
DATE: