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MINUTES OF MEETINGS OF MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON AND STELLING MINNIS CHARITABLE TRUST

 

 

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THE FOLLOWING MINUTES ARE COPIES OF THOSE GIVEN TO STELLING MINNIS PARISH COUNCIL, AND ARE AVAILABLE TO ANYBODY WITH AN INTEREST.

 

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Minutes displayed in reverse Chronological Order - only last 2 years will be displayed. For earlier minutes please contact the Secretary click here to e-mail:

 

Jump to:     January 2010     April 2010       July 2010        October 2010

                   April 2011           July 2011        October 2011

 


 

MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

MINUTES OF MEETING 12th OCTOBER 2011
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL


Present – K Smyth, I Champion, R Griffin, M Hamilton, J Gifford, A Barchi, G Baldwin,
A Day

In attendance – C Gooch, R Green

1. Apologies – J Haffenden

2. Minutes of Meeting 13th July 2011 were agreed and signed by the chairman.

3. Matters Arising:
a) Intercom outside The Cottage – Planning permission never granted.
CG still ongoing and says prime example of creeping urbanisation. W Trower instructs
to be removed & CG to meet with Shepway District Council.

b) Information leaflets – IC says still ongoing

c) KCC Overhanging branches on Bossingham Road – pending CG to write to Highways

d) Planning Authority explanatory notes for Parish Council + Residents Guide – AD to
remind CG to produce a few more as it was possible that these would be updated soon.
Explanatory notes not yet received from CG as per minutes of last meeting for
Councillors to insert in Planning Applications.

4. Correspondence – None except for applications as below

5. Applications for the vacant Minnis Managers post -
This was discussed in detail and it was agreed that AD would draft letters to applicants
with KS’s assistance.
It was agreed unanimously that Mr S Chantler’s application be recommended to the
Owners, based on his vast experience and qualifications in similar roles. Whilst other
candidates applications to the Minnis were appreciated by all, it was felt that Mr Chantler’s
wealth of experience and commitment to the Minnis Plan and work parties would be more
beneficial at this time.
J Gifford gave notice that at some time in the near future, due to other commitments, he
wishes to resign as a Manager and the FOSM Trustee of Stelling Minnis Common.

6. Reports:
a) Secretary – report as per applications received above.

b) Grazing – electric fencing to come down from area behind Tarn Hows and be moved to area
opposite Coxsole Farm and then to come back to area behind Tarn Hows around Christmas.
The cattle were doing a good job of flattening the bracken in the North grazing section and
would be moved to the South section in November for two weeks and then over to the East side
of Bossingham Road in December.

c) Ponds/School Liaison – RG informed us that the main pond (Ivy House) was completely
overgrown and that he was happy to clear it himself with a digger (approx cost £120).
Split Lane pond was almost empty with irises growing. RG to cut down smaller branches
around it.
Coxsole pond was greatly improved and the Crassula Helmsii almost gone. Some irises would
be transplanted from Split Lane pond to soften the edges within the next two weeks.

d) Mowing – done. Some bales could have been sold but it was decided to honour the agreement
with the Horse/Donkey charity. The green opposite the shop was mown 3 times.
It was agreed to clear the area in front of Derry’s old house, subject to agreement with the new
owners.

e) Trees/Scrub/Bird Boxes/Owl Boxes/Surveys – GB to ask the owner of Nutshell (Wendy) if she
would be interested in taking on the dormice.

7. Press Release – IC to include ponds, dormice and rubbish burning in article for Parish Magazine.

8. A.O.B. - none

9. Date and time of next meeting – 11th January 2012 at 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Vill
age Hall



STELLING MINNIS CHARITABLE TRUST

MINUTES OF MEETING 12th OCOTBER 2011
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL


Present – I Champion, R Griffin, J Gifford, A Barchi, G Baldwin

In attendance – C Gooch, M Hamilton, K Smyth, A Day

1. Apologies – J Haffenden

2. Minutes of Meeting 13th July 2011 were agreed.

3. Treasurers Report:

Nat West Current Account £ 333.28

Nat West Business Account £3666.00

Yorkshire Building Soc. £10464.14

The issue of “Higher Level Stewardship” it was agreed to leave this until the next meeting.

4. Trustees approval of expenditure:

£120 (maximum) for hire of mini digger
£ 50 half share of subscription to BTCV
£ 28.80 reimburse IC for wedge-belts x 2
£ 50 (maximum) for fence battery

5. Any other business:
It was agreed to share the cost of the subscription to BTCV with FOSM.
It was agreed that AD go ahead with arranging internet banking with NatWest

6. Date and time of next meeting -11th January 2012 at 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall

 

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MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

 

MINUTES OF MEETING 13th JULY 2011 

AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL

 

 Present – K Smyth, I Champion, R Griffin, M Hamilton, J Gifford, A Barchi,

                 J Haffenden.

In attendance – C Gooch, William Trower

             

William Trower was welcomed to the meeting.

 

1.   Apologies – D Lowe, A Day, G Baldwin

    

2.   Minutes of Meeting 13th April 2011 were agreed and signed by the chairman.

      

3.   Matters Arising:

a) Intercom outside The Cottage – CG still ongoing. CG and WT confirmed that this has to     go.(11)

 b) Mike Hamilton was issued with Derry Lowe’s copy of the Minnis Management Plan

 c) Information leaflets – IC was working on them.(2) K.S. suggested that IC take up the offer of assistance from MH

 d) KCC – overhanging branches Bossingham Road. – CG and WT confirmed that further correspondence had been received, as damaged had been caused to three buses. CG talking direct to Tree Surgeon, Local Authority and Bus Company to resolve before double decked buses return to the route in September. CG   

 e) Historical Gate at Split Lane – CG NOTED that this had been cleaned and thanked MH and the rest of the Historic Society.

f) It was decided no further action, with regard to a plaque (the tree by the pub), would be taken at this time.

    

4.   Correspondence – Derry Lowe’s letter of resignation was received and passed onto CG        

      and WT for a formal response. K S to write a letter of thanks to Derry.

  

5.  The Planning Application for the driveway to Little Hatch was discussed. The Planning Authority seems to be imposing issues that will detract from the Character of the Minnis. The Planning Authority is still not complying with procedure in gaining assurance that “The position of adjoining owners” had been secured prior to accepting the application. It was agreed that CG would contact The Planning Authority again and that a set of explanatory notes would be given to the Parish Council to insert into each application received. CG

     

6.  WT confirmed that he would review “The position of adjoining owners” section of the New Residents Guide” If anyone has any comments on this please pass them to KS who will forward to WT.

 

7.   Reports:

      a) Secretary – Nothing to report

 b) Grazing - Cattle (6 Highland cows) now in Western enclosures. Sheep to be returned to either Reg. Baker area or Kevin Smythe area.

     c) Ponds, School Liaison – Nothing to report         

      d) Mowing – same as last year with possible topping in east section when bracken starts to grow.         

      e) Nesting Boxes / Surveys – JG informed all boxes had been cleaned/cleared out and many had  

          been occupied.

 

9.   Press Release – IC to do including advertisement for replacement Manager for Derry Lowe KS/IC

 

10. Any Other Business – Issue regarding AD and AB was discussed and WT and CG along with all    present confirmed that they had every confidence in both parties and wished them both to remain in their current positions.

In light of this issue it was agreed that all issues relating to actions or correspondence would first be passed through the Chair before forwarding to other members. All external correspondence is also to be approved by the Chair.

 

William Trower extended his thanks to the Managers, Trustees and FOSM for their outstanding work on behalf of the Owners and General Public who are able to take Air and Exercise in this exceptional part of Kent.

 

11. Date and time of next meeting – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall, 12th October 2011.

 

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MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

MINUTES OF MEETING 13th APRIL 2011
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL

 

 

Present – K Smyth, I Champion, G Baldwin, R Griffin, M Hamilton, J Gifford, A Barchi,
A Day.  In attendance – C Gooch

1. Apologies – J Haffenden, D Lowe

2. Minutes of Meeting 11th January 2011 were agreed and signed by the chairman.

3. Matters Arising:
a) Intercom outside The Cottage – CG still ongoing (10)
b) Mike Hamilton was confirmed as a new Manager of Stelling Minnis Common.
c) Information leaflets – IC was working on them.
d) KCC – overhanging branches Split Lane/Locks Garage area – no further action. AD
mentioned phone call from Mrs Sue Webb re broken tree – working party to clear.
e) Historical Gate at Split Lane – MH to wash

4. Correspondence – CG made aware of 2 large poly tunnels erected at land to rear/side of
St Bernadettes Cottage and possible water pipe and access arrangements across Minnis.
Managers made aware of Parish Council meeting to take place re edges of Minnis being
worn away. CG expressed view that owners were not in favour of kerb stones etc.
Mrs Janis Volkman has been given advice re insurance regarding public access to
village greens and possible injury by cattle.

5. Jo Niven memorial tree (Wild Service) – already planted.
Another Wild Service tree to be planted on the triangle outside the Rose & Crown with
posts around to protect. IC to ask David Niven whether he would like to be named for
funding this tree. It will be to celebrate the Wedding of William and Catherine.

6. Graham Carter email – CG stated that some boundary problems had been sorted and others not.

7. Road edges – The Managers had, in the past, built up areas of the Minnis driven on by cars but this
did not seem to have much effect and CG and Managers were not in favour of kerb stones being
installed.

8. Reports:
a) Secretary – possible further funding by ARCK – details given to KS.
b) Grazing - Cattle (5 Highland cows) to be returned to east side of Bossingham Road in
approximately 2 weeks.
Sheep to be moved very soon to new area.
c) Ponds, School Liason – AB has spoke to Bob Green who is in contact with John Gray re future
programmer with school children.
Crassula Helmsii at Coxsole does not appear to be returning.
d) Mowing – same as last year with possible topping in east section when bracken starts to grow.
e) Nesting Boxes / Surveys – JG informed all boxes had been cleaned/cleared out and many had
been occupied.

9. Press Release – IC to do

10. Any Other Business – FOSM to have table at the Annual Parish Meeting and KS to be in
attendance.

11. Date and time of next meeting – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall, 13th July 2011.
 

 

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MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

MINUTES OF MEETING 12th OCTOBER 2010
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL


Present – I Champion, J Gifford, G Baldwin, D Lowe, R Griffin. A Barchi, J Haffenden
In attendance – C Gooch, M Hamilton.

1. Apologies – Ann Day, Robert Green.
Mike Hamilton was introduced as the prospective member to be in attendance

2. Minutes of Meeting 13th July 2010 (Amended) were agreed and signed by the chairman.

3. Matters Arising:
a) Intercom outside The Cottage – CG has written to owners and confirmed that a licence
may be issued, subject to terms and cost. Awaiting response.
b) N Onslow had been written to regarding the ruts on the Minnis made by the East Kent
Hunt, but as yet no reply had been received. It was decided to write again in the autumn.
Mr & Mrs Murley have also been written to after them bringing up the subject of the ruts.
Awaiting response.

4. Correspondence – Matter regarding water easement (Graham Carter) was passed to the
owners.

5. Information Leaflets / Walk
Wording and points of interest notes required. Derry Lowe submitted the Hawkinge and
Paddlesworth leaflet as an example. Meeting arranged for walk and wording meeting on
Sunday the 31st October at 11.00 AM

6. Bracken Reduction - Dan Tuson provided a derogation order to enable Ivor Champion to carry out
a trial spray of “ASULOX” in his field and surround just off Curtis Lane. Results will most likely
show in the spring of 2011. More trials are required and trials of other methods such as cutting or
rolling to be carried out in the spring of 2011 in the Trial Area to the East of Bosingham Road.

7. Reports:
a) Secretary: nil return
b) Grazing: Sheep to be moved to area in front of Scarps Farm in late October early December.
Method of securing water bowser taps to be agreed.
c) Ponds, School Liason: Nil return.
d) Mowing: All works this year complete, one final invoice expected from Reg Baker for the last
cut in front of the Shop.
e) Two Dormice found with lots of reported sightings of others.

8. Press Release - Standard items plus information on “Bracken Reduction” to be reported.

10. Any Other Business - Charlie Gooch confirmed that he felt the Minnis was looking as good as he
could remember which confirms the “Plan” is working.

11. Date & time of next meeting – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall on 11th January 2011

 

 

STELLING MINNIS CHARITABLE TRUST

MINUTES OF MEETING 12TH OCTOBER 2010

AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL



Present - I Champion, J Gifford, G Baldwin, A Barchi, R Griffin, J Haffenden

1. Apologies: A Day

2. Minutes of meeting 13th July 2010 approved by the Chairman.

3. Treasurers report: Balances held as at today’s date:
NatWest Current account: £ 899.97
NatWest Reserve account: £3664.53
Yorkshire Building Soc: £7464.15

4. Trustees Approval of Expenditure;
a) BTCV £50.00
b) Jacksons Gate latches £23.16

5. List of Bank account details to be submitted for Audit annually and to include: -
Account Name (must be in the name of SMCT) Account number, sort code and signatories

6. AOB – Nil return

7. Date & time of next meeting – 7.30pm, 11th January 2011, Stelling Minnis Village Hall



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MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

MINUTES OF MEETING 13TH JULY 2010
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL



Present – K Smyth, I Champion, J Gifford, R Griffin, G Baldwin, D Lowe, A Barchi, A Day
In attendance – C Gooch & R Green

1. Apologies – J Haffenden, J Gifford

2. Minutes of Meeting 13th April 2010 were agreed and signed by the chairman.

3. Matters Arising:
a) Intercom outside The Cottage – CG not yet resolved
b) Caravan on Minnis close to shop – CG advised by AD that it has now been removed
c) N Onslow had been written to regarding the ruts on the Minnis made by the East Kent Hunt
but as yet no reply had been received. It was decided to write again in the autumn. Mr &
Mrs Murley have also been written to after them bringing up the subject of the ruts.

4. Correspondence – AD passed to the committee a request from the BCTV for a donation
towards the continuing education/courses for pond wardens. It was decided that it should be
recommended that the Charitable Trust pay £50 and FOSM be asked to pay £50. R Green said
that he had been on several of their educational courses.

5. Hay Turner – grant has now been obtained by FOSM and the new hay turner is in use. FOSM
are still awaiting an invoice.

6. White Cliffs grant for information leaflets – IC met with Kirk Alexander from the White Cliffs and
they have agreed to pay 50% of the cost of producing the leaflets. The bulk of the wording has been
agreed and it was suggested that a map should be included showing a walk (to be done by some of the
Managers) showing various points of interest.

7. Bracken reduction – some of the un-mown areas on the east side of Bossingham Road are worst. IC
had been in conversation with Kirk Alexander and it was decided that rolling would crush and
possibly destroy the heather and that spraying would be preferable. Under the Stewardship Scheme it
was thought that Dan Tuson would need to be contacted and his permission given. The use of Azulox
applied with a knapsack sprayer was the preferred course of action; R Green, who has the appropriate
license, would help out with this. IC to trial on his own ground and if too late to apply this year it
would be applied next year. It was discussed to possibly “top” a few extreme areas this year.

8. Reports:
a) Secretary/correspondence – nothing to report.
b) Grazing – cattle were moved yesterday.
c) Ponds/School Liaison – AB had nothing to report. RG had volunteered some dates and had met with the local school children with their teachers on the 18th and 27th May. The sessions were much enjoyed. RG was thanked by the Managers. The area around the ponds to be flailed later in the year due to growth around the banks. It was reported by RG that the ponds are now inhabited by lots of newts. Coxsole pond will need to be sprayed in the autumn against the return of Crassula Helmsii.

d) Mowing – KS reported that 330 bales were cleared last week off the Minnis and given to a local
horse charity. We were unable to bale approximately 20/50 worth of bales due to the delay in
baling then the rain. R Baker will complete the topping now the hay has been harvested.
e) Trees/Scrub/Bird & Owl Boxes/ Surveys – DL reported in July 3 dormice were in residence at the
moment and that they would checked again later in the year.

9. Press Release – IC to produce for parish magazine mentioning recent reports/success re ponds, newts,
grass snakes, dormice, the baling recently done and that the hay was donated to a horse charity.

10.Any Other Business – Derry Lowe’s possible future resignation from the Minnis Managers was
discussed due to her proposed move to Devon and thanks expressed for all her work/input. No action
was agreed with regard to Derry’s potential resignation at this time. Managers are actively attempting
to recruit a member from the Historical Society – this has already been approved by the Trustees.

11.Date & time of next meeting – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall on 12th October 2010


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MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

MINUTES OF MEETING 13TH APRIL 2010
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL


 

Present – I Champion, J Gifford, R Griffin, D Lowe, A Day
In attendance – C Gooch & R Green
Not present – G Baldwin

R Griffin chaired the meeting in K Smyth’s absence

1. Apologies – J Haffenden, K Smyth & A Barchi

2. Minutes of Meeting 19th January 2010 were agreed with slight amendment

3. Matters Arising:
a) Intercom outside The Cottage – CG not yet resolved, IC thought he saw movement
b) Caravan on Minnis close to shop – CG advised to take legal action by solicitors, CG to write
to Sara Fittle giving 2 weeks to remove said caravan

4. Correspondence – CG received correspondence from Mr & Mrs Murley re ruts on Minnis by
East Kent Hunt, CG to write to Nick Onslow

5. Hay Turner – needs repair, IC to apply for grant to replace with new, if unsuccessful will repair
existing

6. White Cliffs grant for information leaflets – they will help produce A3 folded leaflet, wording and
pictures from existing information boards on Minnis to be used for input – cost £1600. White Cliffs
may fund half the cost. Primary School keen to have some leaflets. Also to be locally available –
shop, pub, new residents information packs

7. Reports:
a) Secretary/correspondence – nothing to report
b) Grazing – sheep already moved close to Sheena’s and to be moved later close to Brocklebanks. Fewer cattle this year than last, to be moved as soon as the weather improves i.e. 2 weeks. To go first onto west side of Bossingham Road and then later to East side.
c) Ponds/School Liaison – RG not heard from school yet, he will contact and possibly line up for next month. Ivy House pond has frog spawn. Coxsole pond may need to be sprayed in the autumn against Crassula Helmsii
d) Mowing – nothing to report, will be the same as last year
e) Trees/Scrub/Bird & Owl Boxes/ Surveys – all new bird boxes occupied. IC not yet contacted re
Andy Osborne re stump grinding as only just out of hospital

8. Press Release – IC to produce for June magazine mentioning Neil Coombs of Kent Wildlife Trust
letter, also grazing, garden rubbish and bollards

9. Any Other Business – Restored gates to be erected soon – waiting for planning permission. CG
suggested inviting Ed Lewis to attend meetings/become Manager, he will contact

10.Date & time of next meetings – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall on
13th July 2010
12th October 2010


STELLING MINNIS CHARITABLE TRUST

MINUTES OF MEETING 13TH APRIL 2010
AT STELLING MINNIS VILLAGE HALL


 

Present – I Champion, J Gifford, R Griffin, D Lowe
Not present – G Baldwin

1. Apologies – J Haffenden, A Barchi

2. Minutes of meeting 19th January 2010 – unanimously agreed.

3. Treasurer’s Report – AD reported on balance of monies held at NatWest:
Current a/c £73.50, Reserve a/c £5663.00 and Yorkshire Building Society £7438.21.

4. Trustees Approval of Expenditure: none

5. Any other business – FOSM accounts produced year end 31.3.2009, balance held 1672.53

6. Date & time of next meetings – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall on
13th July 2010
12th October 2010


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MANAGERS OF STELLING MINNIS COMMON

MINUTES OF MEETING 19th JANUARY 2010
AT BECKETS, CURTIS LANE



Present – A Barchi, I Champion, J Gifford, R Griffin, J Haffenden, K Smyth, A Day
In attendance – C Gooch
Not present – R Green

1. Apologies – G Baldwin & D Lowe

2. Minutes of Meeting 27th October 2009 unanimously agreed & signed by K Smyth.

3. Matters Arising:
a) Intercom outside The Cottage – CG not yet resolved
b) Caravan on Minnis close to shop – CG not yet resolved

4. Correspondence – Kent BTCV letter handed to KS – agreed to maintain.

5. Historical gates – agreed with Historical Society to be resited to original agreed position.

6. Reports:
a) Secretary/correspondence – nothing further to report
b) Grazing – cows removed at present and to be put back in the spring, sheep to be moved tomorrow.
c) Ponds/School Liaison – nothing to report.
d) Mowing – program as per last year & stumps to be ground down.
e) Trees/Scrub/Bird & Owl Boxes/ Surveys – all new boxes installed and in position.

7. Press Release – KS to produce.

8. Any Other Business – AD requested on behalf of Parish Council that a formal response be given re any
preferred parking space on Minnis. Email reminder sent to CG for response.

9. Date & time of next meetings – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall on
13th April 2010
13th July 2010
12th October 2010


STELLING MINNIS CHARITABLE TRUST

MINUTES OF MEETING 19th JANUARY 2010
AT BECKETS, CURTIS LANE


1. Apologies – G Baldwin & D Lowe

2. Minutes of meeting 27th October 2009 – unanimously agreed.

3. Treasurer’s Report – AD reported on balance of monies held at NatWest:
Current a/c £811.48, Reserve a/c £5663.00 and Yorkshire Building Society £7438.21.
AD suggested and it was agreed to move approximately £4000 from Reserve a/c to
Yorkshire Building Society, after present expenses covered.

4. Trustees Approval of Expenditure:
a) Secretary remuneration – increased from £150 to £200 per annum with effect for 2010.
AD expressed thanks. £218.13 subsequently paid to AD to cover previous and various
expenses.
b) NFU annual insurance - £439.85 (approximately £50 cheaper than last year) JH asked
whether in view of grazing etc we were covered for public liability, IC assured him we
were.
c) S Gammon advert in parish magazine – AD raised query as to who should be paying
this £50 outstanding. It was agreed that an honorarium of £50 should be paid to
S Gammon and this amount could be used to pay for advert.
d) Hire of Village Hall – it was agreed to pay £30 to cover all meetings in 2010.
e) A Osborne – it was agreed that an amount of no more than £400 be agreed to cover
any invoices presented in the near future. Signed cheque held in abeyance.

5. Any other business - none

6. Date & time of next meetings – 7.30pm, Stelling Minnis Village Hall on
13th April 2010
13th July 2010
12th October 2010

 

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