The Agenda and Minutes finally published, here’s our summary of the Kempsey Parish Council meeting for March – Featuring: Daffodils, Defibrillators, and a Dash of Drama
Present and Politely Accounted For:
Chairman Waller wrangled a full cast: Cllrs Stevens, Gardener, Plummer, Clamp, Cooke, Biddle, and White all showed up, notebooks in hand and pens (mostly) clicked on. Cllr Anstey sent apologies – apparently something more fun came up.
Public Question Time:
Four brave villagers took the floor. Sadly, what was said is under lock and GDPR key – but rest assured, eyebrows were raised and nods were given.
Council Chatter:
Finance Corner:
- We’ve got money, we’ve got spreadsheets, and now we’ve got… a BACS trial! The future is automated (if the permissions ever get sorted).
- Asset Register reviewed – turns out, we do own more than just a few picnic tables and a noticeboard.
- CPR/Defib training is being booked. Fingers crossed no one needs it mid-meeting.
Environment: A Wild Plummer Appears
- Rocky Bridges need more than duct tape and hope – a replacement plan is brewing (preferably one that doesn’t float off during floods).
- Bus Shelter Saga continues. Taylor Wimpey may still deliver… just not the cash version we asked for.
- VAS Sign may go solar – because what says “progress” more than a speed warning powered by the sun?
Love Kempsey (Working Party gets a glow-up)
- New name. New energy. Same daffodils – and yes, they’re flourishing.
- Plans include community picnics, crocus bulbs, new planters, and possibly some white gates (because why not?).
- A new village sign might cost £1K – bargain, if it survives the British weather.
Planning, Commons & Infrastructure Bits:
- Pump Track / Skatepark is still in the pipe – possibly to be powered by dreams and mud.
- Stonehall Common got a trim. Ashmoor needs a hydrological consult (we hear they’re not cheap).
- Planning Application finally submitted! Will it be validated? Stay tuned.
Community Update: Bake It ’Til You Make It
- The Youth Hub is happening. With real funding and actual plans – well done, Cathy Garner!
- Talk of a Community Café brewing at Plovers Rise. Local bakers are sharpening their spatulas.
- Digital inclusion is booming, with teens on laptops and older folks getting tech-savvy.
- Food Bank still keeping bellies full – Kempsey hearts stay warm.
Staffing Shenanigans:
- Two staff off sick – big get-well vibes sent.
- The Deputy Clerk passed probation and got a pension – cheers to that!
- Lengthsman and Maintenance Technician agreements signed, sealed, and soon to be delivered (with a touch of legal finesse).
Dates for the Diary:
- Annual Parish Meeting: Monday 19 May, with guest speaker roulette in full swing.
- Summer Fête: Saturday 21 June – there will be stalls, smiles, and probably sunburn.
- Meeting Start Times: Summer meetings to stay at 7pm. Bring snacks.
And that’s your Kempsey Parish Council update –
Serving village life with a side of spreadsheets, flowerbeds, and good intentions.
