Annual Parish Meeting (May 2025)

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Official notice of the Annual Parish Meeting to be held on Wednesday 28^th May 2025 at 7.00pm

Venue – Church Cottage, Main Street, Wheldrake

(to be followed by the Annual Parish Council Meeting)

Please see below the business to be transacted.

J. White

Chairman to the Council

Friday 16^th May 2025

AGENDA

APM25/01 Welcome

APM25/02 Minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on the 29^th May 2024 as a true and accurate record.

APM25/03 Chairmans Report

Wheldrake Parish Council Chairman to provide a report on Parish Council activities across 2024/25.

APM25/04 Resident questions about the report

APM25/05 Public Forum

Electors present at the meeting to raise any comments or issues.

APM25/06 Closure of Annual Parish Meeting

Draft Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 28^th May 2025 at 7.00pm.

Venue: Church Cottage, Main Street, Wheldrake

Present: Cllr White (Chairman) and the Clerk.

Ten members of the public.   

The meeting opened at 6.59pm

MINUTES

APM25/01     Welcome

                        Cllr White welcomed everyone to the meeting.

APM25/02     Minutes

                        To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on the 29^th May 2024 as a true and accurate record.

                        Resolution: To approve the minutes as a true and accurate record.

APM25/03     Chairmans Report

Chair’s Report – May 2025 (Councillor Jane White)

I was appointed to the post of Chair of Wheldrake Parish Council in December of 2024, and as such, I am relatively new to the post. Moreover, I am still learning the nuances and idiosyncrasies of Parish Council business. In April of this year (2025)  I attended the Yorkshire Local Councils Association online training on Chairing skills.  I found the sessions particularly useful  in terms of giving me a better perspective regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Chair, but I still have a lot to learn.

I am very pleased with the progress the Parish Council has made since the appointment of Jessica Bedford to the role of Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer.  Jessica has been an invaluable asset in the running of Parish Council business. Her knowledge and experience have ensured that council interests and activities are kept on the right track. Jess was instrumental in expediting the appropriate claim of VAT leading to over £10,000 returning to council funds. I am sure that Councillors would join me in saying a big thank you to Jess for all her hard work and commitment in overseeing the smooth running of the council.

The Parish Council was delighted to appoint a new member in June 2024 Councillor Matt Reed. Since joining the Council, Councillor Reed attended the Annual General Meeting of the Wheldrake Recreation Association on 27th March 2025, representing the Parish Council. The Parish Council is keen to develop a closer relationship with the WRA to ensure all village assets are used to their full potential and for the benefit of every member of the Wheldrake community. The Council will continue to foster those intentions.

A free Defibrillator and CPR training session, open to all residents, was held in White Rose Cottage on 6th February 2025. The session was well attended and positive feedback was received.  A donation was made to the Air Ambulance service in appreciation of the free training. Thank you to Councillor Emma Elsey-Jeffrey for organising the session.

I am pleased to report that the installation of the wildflower planting scheme is beginning to get underway. Thanks to Councillor Bev Southern for initiating this scheme. The wildflower turf has been ordered with sixty square metres ready for planting. Councillor Southern will be liaising with Councillor James Myers to arrange installation.

I would like to extend my thanks to Councillor Paul Batchelor who has given up his own time to co-ordinate the Parish Council’s Community Speed Watch initiative. The Parish Council has played a significant role in initiating traffic calming measures throughout the Parish of Wheldrake. The initiative has attracted a healthy number of volunteers who will continue with their activities until the end of May 2025.  Many thanks to Councillor Batchelor and his cohort of volunteers who have helped to make the case for the installation of Vehicle Activated Speed signs. The City of York Council are satisfied with the proposed locations for the VAS signs on both Main Street and Church Lane.

The inspection of the Play Park took place this month. It was noted that the site is in a clean and tidy condition although, there is some evidence of equipment wear and tear/damage. Rectification works are planned, funded by the Parish Council.

The Council’s finances remain strong. All financial statements are available to view on the Parish Council website.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all Council members to the positive impact you continue to make to community life through your input and contribution to our current Council initiatives. I am confident, that, with your support and commitment, we will continue to strive to make our community a great place to live. Thanks to you all.

APM25/04     Resident questions about the report

None

APM25/05     Public Forum

                        Electors present at the meeting to raise any comments or issues.

                        Residents raised the following concerns:

• Wheldrake Recreation Association (WRA), including poor publicity of a

past AGM, deterring attendance. It was noted that since a new charity was established around 5–6 years ago, many have avoided becoming trustees due to liability concerns, and there is a perception of dominance by a single group.

Concerns were also raised about the inability to book private parties due to the bar remaining open to the public, leading some residents to use other venues. The Parish Council’s role as holding trustee was mentioned.

Cllr Matt Reed confirmed that he is aware of the concerns.

• Disappointment at the low attendance from residents.
• S106 contributions from recent developments. The Parish Council was

asked to request and publish relevant information for the village. It was noted that contact has already been made with City of York Council (CYC).

• Extending the 30mph speed limit further towards Elvington, as vehicles

are entering the current zone too quickly.

APM25/06     Closure of Annual Parish Meeting

The meeting closed at 7.18pm

Signed ………………………………………...