Minutes of the Gislingham Annual Parish Meeting held at the Village Hall on Wednesday 14th May 2014

Present :- Cllr. C Pitt (Parish Council Chairman), Cllr J Fleming (Suffolk County Council), Cllr D Kearsley (Mid Suffolk District Council), Mr T Williams (Parish Clerk), and forty three members of the public. 1 INTRODUCTION

Cllr. Pitt confirmed minutes for the 2013 Annual Parish Meeting were available, adding there were no action points arising from them. He then introduced Jonathan Chown from Suffolk County Council who gave a presentation on Better Broad band for Suffolk. £40m+ over 15 years to bring Better Broadband to Suffolk. Suffolk investing £11.68m to match BDUK £11.68m, each Suffolk £1 leveraging £4 of total spend. Extends future-proof fibre-based broadband to ~85% of Suffolk premises by 2015. 100% coverage of at least 2Mbps by 201590% of premises will get broadband speed uplifts of 10Mbps or more. 84% of premises currently getting less than 2Mbps will be upgraded to fibre-based broadband Waveney Local Enterprise Zones to get 100% Superfast Broadband (24Mbps+) by end 2013. 30k premises delivered to date. From here, we will deliver another 10k premises per quarter. Totalling 100k premises passed under the current contract. Gives 85% fibre coverage across Suffolk, or 300k premises. But leaves 10-15% of Suffolk with speeds between 2Mbps and 24Mbps but not via fibre. So we want to push improvements further using further government (CSR) funding to reach 95% by 2017 and National funding to match the aspiration of 99% superfast coverage by 2018, possibly using fixed wireless. We run fibre to a new green street cabinet which is placed near the old one. The fibre comes from one of a few larger exchanges, bypassing your old smaller exchange. At the new cabinet, we use mains powered electronics, and then re-use the old copper lines between the cabinet and the end user premises. Once subscribed, your telephone still goes back to the exchange, but your broadband travels via the fibre back to one of the newly upgraded exchanges (or “Optical Head Ends”). Speeds currently limited due to the length of copper between Mellis exchange, and then the line between the Village Hall cabinet and the end user premises. Mellis exchange is ADSL, so 8Mbps at the exchange, dropping off over the copper as it comes to Gislingham. Fibre direct from Dickleburgh into the Gislingham Village Hall Street Cabinet. By running fibre to the cabinet, we eliminate the loss of signal between the cabinet and Mellis. The fibre gives 80Mbps at the cabinet, reducing the further you are from the cabinet. Unlike small rural exchanges where you may have only one supplier to choose from, the fibre network is wholesale and open to all communications providers, ensuring competition and choice for consumers. Choose your package from 100+ retail ISPs – bundles of services / business specialist services. Typically fibre costs around another £5-8 per month. Fibre products increasingly and more heavily regulated by Ofcom. What difference does it make? Stream HD TV via I-Player, Smart TVs etc., upload files rapidly (200Kbps vs 10Mbps!), use cloud backup / file access (eg Spotify, Dropbox etc), Home Video Conferencing / Skype, running VPN to access work networks from home, Gaming, Socialising, Telecare and Homework / Learning. It takes 650 seconds to download a 5GB HD Movie on a 60Mbps connection. With 2Mbps its 5.5 hours. Following the meeting, some residents provided telephone numbers to Jonathan for checking. Jonathan has asked if everyone please email these to broadband@suffolk.gov.uk for progressing. 2 PRESENTATION OF THE WATSON BOWL

Cllr Pitt explained to the meeting that the Watson Bowl was awarded on an annual basis by the Parish Council to the

person/persons who, in their opinion, had contributed most to the well-being of the Village. For reasons that would

become apparent he asked the Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr A Stanley to make the presentation. Cllr

Stanley stated the Watson Bowl for 2014 is presented to Mrs Jo Pitt for her time and energy used to enrich village

life in Gislingham and for her contribution to the wider community. She has a significant role in the production of

the Messenger magazine; she leads the team running the Youth Club; she is Treasurer of the Skatepark Association;

and is further involved with the younger people of the village through Cafe Church. She is not only a First Responder

on call but is the area organiser and successful fund raiser for that organisation. With her husband she provides

introductory bridge lessons that benefit the East Anglian Children’s Hospices. This award is in appreciation of her

commitment to village life in Gislingham. In accepting the award Jo thanked the Parish Council and all those who

work so hard in the organisations she is involved with.

3 SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

This year has been my first as County Councillor for Hartismere replacing Cllr Charles Michell last May. Priorities for most communities have been road maintenance, rural transport, broadband and connectivity, and maintaining the rural qualities of our small towns and villages. Contact me on: Jessica.fleming@suffolk.gov.uk Mobile: 07714-597980. The County Council - The council approved a reduced budget for the 2014/15 year while avoiding raising council tax. We will now continue the difficult work of finding further efficiencies while retaining services. Looking forward, key objectives are: continuing to ensure the Better Broadband programme provides timely rural connections, improving mobile phone service, promoting educational attainment with the aim of attracting and keeping excellent teachers in the County, and job creation. Roads - Kier May Gurney (KMG) took over County highways maintenance in October 2013 under the supervision of SCC Highways. Almost immediately winter flooding and potholes challenged the service. The County recognises that not all defect reports are promptly followed up and are looking at ways to improve performance and communication. Defects should be reported and tracked by the Parish Council: https://www.csduk.com/CSD/SCC/product.aspx?ProductID=PRHM01 Highways and Railways - The County agreed to support the proposed A14 bypass near Huntington but has opposed road tolling. The Highways Agency is currently consulting on the proposal – comment on it by June 15th http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/a14-cambridge-to-huntingdon-improvement-scheme/ Last year also saw funding committed for improved carriages on the main London line and a new freight link, the Ipswich Chord, completed in March to increase capacity on the Felixstowe route. Waste and Infrastructure - The waste incinerator at Great Blakenham will be tested shortly and open in autumn 2014. A planning application for commercial scale tomato growing has been lodged nearby which would use excess heat piped from the incinerator. Eye Gas Powered Power Station - The planning application for this project has been accepted by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). Comment and participate by registering as an interested party by 6th June: http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/projects/eastern/progress-power-station/?ipcsection=overview Internships & Apprenticeships - SCC continues to work with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and with local businesses to locate funding for apprenticeship and training scheme. Refer to: http://www.thesource.me.uk/jobsandcareers/unlock-your-future-with-an-apprenticeship/apprenticeships-vacancies-in-

suffolk/ 4 MID SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

In just over two years Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have successfully created joint delivery teams that serve both Councils. At the heart of our approach has been a shared strategic view at both political and managerial level. This has allowed us to both confidently and openly engage with staff, Councillor’s and other partners, in co-shaping what the Councils look like without losing the necessary focus on the specific individual authority needs, changes to the Government’s funding and localism agendas. Through this engagement we have set, for each council, an overall vision, focused priorities around the Economy and Environment, Housing and our Communities, and expected outcomes to be delivered against. The aim of this briefing note is to provide an ‘at-a-glance’ guide for residents, Councillors, staff and other interested parties on the main achievements underpinning Mid Suffolk’s strategic priorities, during the last year. As such, it does not seek to be a comprehensive account but rather one which illustrates the progress made. Economy and Environment - Our priority is to “Lead and shape the local economy by promoting and helping to deliver sustainable economic growth which is balanced with respect for wildlife, heritage and the natural and built environment.” Economic Development and Tourism - The Council has taken over the project management of major growth schemes such as Chilton Leys, Stowmarket and Mill Lane Business Park, Stowmarket. This has had a significant impact on enabling these major projects to move from concept to application. Projects have been with significant

economic and employment outputs such as Great Blakenham Greenhouses and Progress Power, Eye. Town Centre Partnerships have been supported in Stowmarket, Sudbury and Hadleigh gaining £20,000 of direct funding for them from Central Government. We have also been working with Suffolk County Council and District partners on a bid for LEADER funding for Central Suffolk, up to £2m with branding of support for wool towns. The new heart of Suffolk web site launched showcasing what the two districts tourism offer for visitors. The new site is on an up to date platform, is more interactive and enables our Tourist Information Centre team to readily input data live time. This will ensure the districts tourism offer is as accessible as possible to visitors. We produced with Suffolk local authority partners the Suffolk Growth Strategy and Delivery Plan and a successful bid for Ipswich City deal, which both form integral parts of the Norfolk and Suffolk Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP) bid to government for £400m, over next six years. Community Led Planning, Heritage and Design - The Localism Act has seen parishes taking the opportunity to shape their environment. There are six stages in the process for finalising a Neighbourhood Plan; Mid Suffolk has one at stage 1 in Eye and four at stage 2 in Elmswell, Needham Market, Thurston and Mendlesham. Babergh and Mid Suffolk parishes were well represented at a recent Suffolk-wide Neighbourhood planning event held in Lavenham and there is growing interest in the community. Financial support was received from English Heritage to safeguard the future of a significant C16 chimney within an important Grade II* listed building at Debenham. The assistance has enabled the necessary repairs to be successfully completed and thereby secure a long-term future for the building. Development Management - It has been a busy year as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has been brought into full effect and this can be seen in appeal and other decisions. A number of Major applications have been considered during the year including: the first tranche of the Councils “Unity” homes redevelopment in Woolpit and Stowmarket, seventy bed care home at Cedars Park and Mendlesham Renewable Energy Project Spatial Planning Policy - A new joint Members strategic planning policy work group has been established as a task and finish group completing its work by the end of March (2014). Its two main functions are to oversee the agreement of a future programme of planning policy related work (and deliverables) and future arrangements for Member involvement in planning policy related work. The team has also led on the development of new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) systems for both districts. This is a very substantial area of new work involving a significant time frame and is required as a result of planning system changes that bring about new ways of planning and delivering a whole range of infrastructure provision in future. Licensing and Gambling - We have taken on the new function of Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 at very short notice from Central Government and absorbed the function, and supported local businesses during the transition. This new legislation brings in a new suitability based licensing assessment, new offences and tougher powers for police and Local Authority officers and aims to tackle metal theft. On-line registers are now complete for taxis – allowing the public and police to check whether a vehicle, driver or operator is licensed 24 hours a day 7 days a week whether in Babergh or Mid Suffolk. Solar PV Programme – saving money and protecting the environment - In line with our commitment to the environment and finding ways to help residents combat rising energy bills, the Council will shortly be launching a programme of installing solar panels, free of charge, to approximately 2,000 Council homes. We have already identified those homes where we expect solar PV can be installed, however a company will shortly be carrying out surveys to check each roof individually. The benefit to residents of solar PV is that their annual electricity bills could reduce by an average of £150 per year, depending upon usage of electricity during daylight hours. Food and Safety – The national Food Hygiene Rating System was adopted as of the beginning of April 2013. This system gives consumers access to the rating of food businesses and allows them to make decisions on where they shop and eat that includes food safety. Ratings can be found on the FSA website at: http://ratings.food.gov.uk/ this replaced the existing scores on the doors system. National pilot project on reducing fly-tipping – A county wide DEFRA funded national pilot on fly tipping is underway. It has included creating new resources for landowners, businesses and householders promoting the ‘duty of care’ legal responsibility, producing a YouTube video, organising, delivering and promoting two “weeks of action” involving county-wide joint operations with Police, Trading Standards, VOSA and HMRC targeting illegal waste carriers (72 vehicles stopped this year), and producing a Magistrates’ briefing document. A county-wide ‘summit’ event is being organised for April. Home Energy Efficiency – After securing further grant funding from central government, the Suffolk ‘Warm Homes Healthy People’ scheme http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/emergency-and-safety/community-safety/warm-homes-healthy-people-fund/ continued to run for a third year. Here eligible properties are supported for home energy efficiency

measures, heating system repairs or replacements etc. So far twenty properties have been surveyed with installation under way. Business Energy Efficiency – This scheme provides Energy Efficiency Advice and Audits small businesses in Mid Suffolk for energy and environmental efficiency and associated reduction in operating costs. Twenty-seven audits have been delivered so far. http://www.greensuffolk.org/at-work/advice/business-advisor/ . Suffolk Carbon Charter (www.greensuffolk.org/charter) - The Suffolk Carbon Charter is an accreditation recognising carbon reduction measures in Suffolk's small and medium businesses - i.e. those with fewer than 250 FTEs. It is an accessible and size-appropriate measure for businesses to assess and publicise their environmental management. The Charter was established jointly between Suffolk County Council and the Environment Agency. Nineteen businesses have been accredited in the period 1st April 2013 to date. Suffolk Carbon Leaders (www.greensuffolk.org/scl) - A new support programme started January 2014 designed especially for medium size businesses (50-250 employees). It provides up to 4 days of expert consultancy, cost-free, to help businesses assess energy use and identify savings. Support includes access to finance and accreditations, as well as project implementation. Suffolk Carbon Leaders is delivered by Carbon Smart under contract to Suffolk County Council. Three businesses have received support through this programme in the period 1st January 2014 to date. Waste Services – A new updated and more user friendly software system is being introduced in order to provide a more efficient service to our residents. This system will be more flexible, allow the team to record accurate collection data, missed collections, arrange for relevant reports to be produced and allow the contractor to re-organise rounds in order to make collections more efficient. In addition, a new upgraded telephone system, will allow callers to leave messages, especially at busy times, over weekends and in times of bad weather, and also for the waste team to leave pre-recorded messages so that residents can get real time information to inform them of varying situations. The system will also enable residents to leave messages for ‘call backs’ over a 24hr period which will mean doing this when convenient to them rather than during the strict office opening times. Residents can now use a Direct Debit payment system for garden service subscribers. Building Control – There has been new legislation to contend with as the Conservation of Fuel and Power requirements have been increased to ensure all new building work is energy efficient. We have prepared seminars for all of the architects and agents that we regularly work with and will be extending this to colleagues and Council Members. We continue to carry out Energy Performance surveys both internally for the council housing stock and private housing. Housing - Our priority is to “Ensure that there are enough good quality, environmentally efficient and cost effective homes with the appropriate tenures and in the right locations.” Flexible tenancy arrangements – The Localism Act allows Councils to move away from offering secure tenancies for the lifetime of the tenant and grant fixed term (or flexible tenancies) instead. The Housing Board set up a special “task and finish” group to consider this and it recommended to Strategy and Executive Committee’s to adopt a Flexible Tenancy Scheme for new tenants which will start in June 2014. It has set the minimum period of the tenancy at five years. However, it will exempt tenants who move into sheltered accommodation and those with disabilities. Changes to Succession Rights (for Secure Tenants) – The law now restricts the entitlement of an occupier to take over the deceased tenants’ home to spouses and civil partners. This is a marked change from the present rules. We are however, able to grant what are known as discretionary rights should we choose to do so. Officers canvassed opinion of our Tenant Bodies and the Housing Board and they have agreed three situations where it is reasonable to allow family members to succeed. This new succession policy will be introduced on 1 June 2014 along with a revised tenancy agreement for both Councils. These arrangements will be reviewed by the Housing Board after 12 months. Addressing Tenancy Fraud – The Councils have now approved their new Social Housing Fraud Policy and are working alongside other social landlords to share best practice on fraud prevention. A total of three cases have been investigated since January 2013 and one home has been brought back into use. Asset Management and viability assessments – A new Asset Management Group has developed key criteria against which to gauge the long term viability of property and assets (land, houses and garages). These include the construction of the home, the cost of returning it to the decent homes standard, its location and demand on the “housing list”. In November, the two Councils agreed to dispose of six properties, valued at a total of £890,000. This money will be available to re-invest in the Councils’ programme of housing development and acquisition. Cluttered homes pilot – Every year, Mid Suffolk is faced with the cost and the challenge of dealing with a small number of tenants who do not maintain their homes to an acceptable standard. We know that these issues are

complex and history tells us that it is unlikely to be successfully dealt with by housing staff alone. The Housing Board agreed to pilot a scheme with a specialist company, Stepping Stones, to find long term solution which avoid costly enforcement action and repair costs. Stepping Stones have supported six tenants across both districts and the initial assessment of the project is that it is having a very positive impact on this issue. Financial inclusion – The aims of the project are to ensure that some of our most vulnerable tenants affected by welfare reform together with those who may just need some basic advice receive the support they need to be able to deal with the financial issues they face. Work is underway to support tenants who have been affected by the introduction of under-occupation measures through Welfare Reform legislation. The introduction of the Financial Inclusion Project and appointment of a Tenancy Support Officer will provide dedicated financial advice and support to assist our tenants gain the skills and confidence needed to manage their finances. In addition, a new Rent Collection Policy which will take account of the changes introduced by the Welfare Reform measures is in the pipeline. Tenant Involvement – All tenants and leaseholders received the STAR survey at the beginning of February 2014. This is a satisfaction survey in which tenants can tell us how satisfied, or dissatisfied, they are with the Housing Services they receive. Communities - Our priority is to “Encourage and support individuals and communities to be self-sufficient, strong, healthy and safe.” Working with schools – In October 2013, as part of Local Democracy Week, we invited all the high schools in the districts to send some students to our offices. They observed a Planning Committee making a decision on a real case, then discussed the issues and how the decision was made by councillors. To summarise, there was an explanation of how to register to vote, the importance of voting, and how it is possible for young people to get involved at a local level. Shared Revenues Partnership (SRP) – We have continued to work closely with the team at Ipswich and Babergh to develop the partnership to ensure that we can answer customer’s queries as quickly as possible. We are also working with the teams including the Department of Work and Pensions, Jobcentre Plus to ensure we have a joined up approach to helping Benefit / Rents and Council Tax customers. The average time it takes to process a change of circumstances of customers claiming housing benefit and council tax has decreased to an average of 10.1 days for the period April to September 2013 from an average of 13 days in the equivalent period in 2012, thereby achieving the target of 11 days. Mid Suffolk website – We have continued to develop our website to make it easier for residents to be able to access our services at all times of night and day. New forms have been introduced to streamline the processes and make it easier for them to tell us what we need to know in order to answer the questions or progress their needs. We are still operating two different sites whilst services review their processes, but would hope to move to a single back end site within the next 12 months. Silver Sky workshop – At the end of November a workshop was held to consider the future housing needs of older people. Between 2010 and 2030 the number of people over sixty five is expected to increase by 50%, the number over eighty five is likely to rise by 80% and the number of people living with dementia will double. Initially prompted by discussions about our own sheltered housing the workshop brought nearly fifty people from different organisations and backgrounds together. A number of themes were developed in groups which will form part of a report on the day with proposals for developing ideas into action. Locality working – New locality roles have been developed in the Council to support Members in their community leadership roles and to work with members to support communities, to help us become more intelligence-led, to understand the issues facing our diverse communities, to ‘facilitate’ projects, to ‘help things happen’ at the local level, as long as they contribute to your strategic priorities, and to provide information that helps us to secure developer contributions through the planning system. Community Rights - The interest from communities in these new rights which were granted by the Localism Act has gathered pace over the last few months. Community Rights include supporting Communities to develop their own Neighbourhood Plans which allow communities to: choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built , have their say on what those new buildings should look like, grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead. It also includes giving communities new powers to certain local public or privately owned buildings or land for recognition as being an asset of community value. We have used the recent Parish Liaison meetings to outline these and the other Community rights and plan over the next few months to publicise and develop guides which will help to support Communities with this complex piece of legislation. Work to support schools – This will be delivered by the Suffolk Education Business Partnership, who are an organisation that work with schools and employers to offer supported work experience, employer ambassadors to

deliver in schools, and a range of support and options around employability skills and opportunities for students. We invited all schools that provide 11 plus education to an event which was held on 3rd March in Hadleigh, including middle, upper, secondary, sixth form, private schools, special schools and pupil referral units. Other employment enabling work in development – We have started to develop a closer relationship with the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) to support their offer to unemployed people living in our districts. We are currently delivering a rolling programme of work experience opportunities for unemployed people, as well as working in partnership with them to deliver targeted training courses for people trying to access work in the childcare sector. We are about to pilot a training course that will support tenants to become self-employed, the course will be delivered by a local group called Menta, who specialise in this area who will then also be able to offer ongoing and continuous advice and support to the new businesses in the future. We have also introduced Realise Futures (who are a Community Interest Company specialising in careers advice and employment training and development) to a vulnerable parents unit in Great Cornard where they will be delivering family learning but this will also link to the national careers advice support and adult learning that they can offer. Parish Liaison Meetings – We have also held four Parish Liaison Meetings across the Districts where we discussed the financial challenges we face, the emerging ideas coming out from the transformation process and the Localism agenda. More than fifty Parish Councillors and elected Members attended the Mid Suffolk meetings. Safer Communities – External funding has been received to help us deliver a project called Tainted Love. Aimed at teenagers, Tainted Love raises awareness of teenage domestic violence within relationships. Initially, the project will be delivered to two schools in the district. Both Council Domestic Violence Forums have also taken part in the national White Ribbon Campaign, which raises awareness of domestic abuse against women. Troubled Families – Suffolk Family Focus is Suffolk’s answer to the governments ‘Troubled Families Programme’. Troubled families are those that have problems and cause problems to the community around them, putting high costs on the public sector. The aim of this programme is to ensure the children in these families have the chance of a better life, and at the same time bring down the cost to the taxpayer. The aim is to: Get children back into school Reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour Put adults on a path back to work Reduce the high costs these families place on the public sector each year We are now working as part of this programme to support a small number of families within the Mid Suffolk district as the evidence shows that a joined up way of working with colleagues from education, probation, police, youth offending and many other statutory services makes the approach to these issue much more effective. Lullaby Project – Two Lullaby Concerts by the City of London Sinfonia were delivered at the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts in Stowmarket during October 2013. These concerts were specifically targeted at under 7’s and their families, particularly aiming to reach people in dispersed rural communities and hard-to-reach areas. The concerts were enjoyed by 156 children and 158 adults. A total of nine workshops were held at Robins Children’s Centre / Bosmere Primary School (Needham Market), Stepping Stones – Stowmarket Opportunity Group and Wattisham Community Centre prior to the concerts. These sessions were attended by 54 children and 12 early years’ practitioners. Each setting has received a specially made sound book as a resource to help practitioners and parents sustain music-making with their young children beyond the project. Grant schemes – The Community grants issued to date during the current financial year have included Capital Grants in the sum of £152,000 and Minor Grants in the sum of £24,000. Some of the larger projects who have benefited from an offer of grant aid include: The refurbishment of outside/astro facility at Hartismere High School for community use A new community swimming pool in Debenham The refurbishment and enhancement of play area in Beyton New heating at Eye Town Hall The kitchen renovation at Norton Village Hall Strategic Housing (Affordable Housing Programme) – 47 affordable homes have been completed (as at Quarter 3) since the start of the financial year 2013/14. Delays in recruitment to the Strategic Housing Team in 2013 affected progress with some schemes in Mid Suffolk and available resources have been targeted to progressing the Unity project. Work on Mid Suffolk-owned housing sites are progressing at St Edmunds Road, Stowmarket (9 units), Oak Crescent, Eye (12 units) which is due to complete in April 14, Wilby (10 units), and Wyverstone (2 units). Other schemes are under development at Coddenham (2 schemes of 15 units in total),Stowmarket (28 units) , Affordable housing schemes completed to date are Felsham, Drinkstone, Needham Market, Harleston and the Steele's Road

regeneration scheme in Woolpit. Rural schemes with planning permission agreed - Rattlesden Passivhaus scheme. Tranche 1 of the Unity redevelopment programme will commence April 2014 in Haughley (8 units), Stowmarket (14 units) and Woolpit (25 units). Tranche 2 of the Unity redevelopment will be submitted for planning in June/July 2014. Car Parks – Customers of Mid Suffolk District Council car parks in Stowmarket, are now able to pay for their parking by phone, app or online, using their credit or debit card. The service, called RingGo, has been rolled out in six council run car parks for an 18-month trial period as an alternative way for customers to pay for their parking. The service is available in the following car parks: Bury Street, Stowmarket, Iliffe Way, Stowmarket, Ipswich Street, Stowmarket, Meadow Centre, Stowmarket, Milton Road, Stowmarket and Union Street, Stowmarket. Corporate - Customer Support – The CSD contract will end in June 2014. Plans are well in hand for joining the customer support teams for BDC and MSDC to ensure that the customer does not notice a drop in the service that we provide. The Contact Centre for both Councils will be working from the Corks Lane offices, whilst still maintaining a front facing service at Needham Market. Corporate Compliments, Comments & Complaints – A new system has now been in operation since 1 April 2013. This means that we have been able to see the overall situation for both Councils, and for the first time been able to centrally record and have access to the information for the Council’s, allowing services and Managers to use the information to amend service provision or procedures if necessary. Committees – A new Committee Structure serving both BDC and MSDC which included Joint Scrutiny arrangements, was introduced in April 2013. This comprehensive report provides information about all the work that has been going on at Mid Suffolk District Council over the past 12 months and I hope gives you some idea of the priorities and progress achieved. I would like to thank you for the support I get and hope the next 12 months, which will be difficult due to the financial restraints the council is having to deal with, will continue to provide the important front-line services expected from Mid Suffolk District Council. 5 PARISH COUNCIL REPORT

The Parish council has run at full strength of 9 councillors for the whole year, a record since I have been a member of the Council. We are always seeking new ways to engage with the community and the Council Help Desk run on a monthly basis alongside the book sale has proved to be a popular way for the public to raise concerns that might be answered immediately but in every case will be addressed. The Parish Council website is now well established has proved to be popular with many “hits” being recorded. It is a very useful way for the Council to communicate quickly and directly with the public and I have to thank Alan Stanley and Terry Williams for all the effort they have invested in making the site so successful. We have worked hard at addressing issues raised by the Parish Plan and have been working our way through the Action Plan. Speedwatch has continued to be coordinated by Robert Smyth and we are always looking for additional volunteers so if you think speeding is an issue and you have an hour you can give up, please let Robert or me know. We also have access to a flashing sign showing drivers’ speed but regrettably only for 2 weeks in every 6. The new street lights have been installed. They are more efficient, using less electricity, more reliable and have the capacity to be turned off when there is little requirement and we have Geoff Laurence to thank for his initiative in organizing that programme. As we mentioned last year we are fully in support of the construction of a Skatepark for the youth of the village and we have made a substantial grant to assist the fundraising for this important village facility. The other programme of work we are taking on is to clean and refurbish the village war memorial before in the important year marking the start of the Great War. Before I finish, I would like to point out that next year is election year so if you think the council could be improved – and I am sure that it could – please consider standing for election. You will get no pay for your efforts but you will be able to help shape the sustainment and development of our fine village. You will hear a financial report from the Parish Clerk as the next item but I just want to say that the precept for 2014/2015 been retained at a similar level as for 2013/2014. Personally I would like to thank all of the Councillors in the Parish Council who put in many hours manning the help desk, calculating our budget, looking after street lights, the adventure playground etc. They all pull their weight and work hard; it is appreciated. Finally, I should publicly like to record the thanks of the Parish Council to out clerk, Terry Williams, who works tirelessly to complete all of the council tasks punctually and effectively. He is fundamental to the workings of the Council and we are extremely grateful to him for his knowledge, advice and guidance.

6 PARISH COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL REPORT

The balance in hand at the start of the financial year 2013/2014 was £27582.90. This year income totalled £36128.32 and expenditure £42857.29, which after accounting for an un-cleared cheque of £171.00 leaves a balance in hand of £20853.93(see figures below). The high level of income and expenditure was caused by taking out a loan for £17975 to pay towards the new street lights and the payment to Mid Suffolk District Council for the project. The precept for 2014/2015 has been set at £15289, a decrease of 1.1% on 2013/2014. The Parish Council are also taking advantage of the discretionary grant of £571 awarded by Mid Suffolk District Council on behalf of the Government. This grant is given to cover the increase in precept due to the Government changing the levels at which Council Tax benefit can be claimed. The bulk of budgeted expenditure for 2014/2015 will be staff wages, street lighting maintenance, grass cutting and repayment of the loan taken out to purchase new street lights. Earmarked reserves have been set aside for replacement playground equipment, elections, allotments, sports club, youth activities and sports facilities. I am pleased to report that the Internal and External Auditors formally approved the Parish Council’s accounts for 2012/2013. BANK RECONCILLIATION 31ST MARCH 2014

CURRENT ACCOUNT 1125.38 B/F FROM 2012/2013 27582.90

DEPOSIT ACCOUNT 19899.55 INCOME 36128.32

UNCLEARED CHEQUE -171.00 TOTAL 63711.22

LESS EXPENDITURE 42857.29

TOTAL 20853.93 TOTAL 20853.93

7 SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM REPORT

In the last year there have been 10 crimes reported to the police. These relate to 4 x Theft, 1 x Burglary, 1 x Criminal Damage, 1 x Possession of Drugs, 1 x Driving with Excess Alcohol and 2 x cannot provide information for. This is a decrease from 12 crimes reported for the previous 12 months. Crime Prevention Event In the middle of May there will be a crime prevention weekend being hosted by PCSO 3240 Faulkner. This will include visits to a number of parishes over the course of a weekend, whereby members of the public can come along to have their property marked for free. There will also be the opportunity to purchase crime prevention products and officers will be offering general advice. These will be held as follows. Saturday 17th May - Walsham Village Hall – 10am – 12pm, Gislingham Village Hall – 2pm – 4pm, Sunday 18th May - Rickinghall Village Hall – 10am – 12pm and Palgrave Community Centre – 1pm – 3pm Suffolk PCC Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore has announced that the policing part of the council tax will be frozen in Suffolk for the second year. Last year the PCC fulfilled his election pledge and froze the precept during his first year of office, making this the second year there has been no increase in the amount Suffolk residents pay for policing in the county. 8 REPORTS FROM VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS

Gislingham Silver Band

Gislingham Silver Band is proud to be Suffolk’s longest established village brass band and continues its fine tradition

of playing music in support of community events. The band meets every Tuesday evening in our band room in Mill

Street, Gislingham - the Training Band between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and the main band from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

2013 was another busy year for the band with a total of 17 engagements including concerts, church services, fetes,

garden parties, RBL Remembrance day parades and the Eye Mayor’s parade. We are one of the few bands left in

Suffolk who still undertake marches. During the year our band room was used for rehearsals by the Gislingham

Variety Club and the Jubilee Choir. We are currently in the process of having plans drawn up to replace the band hut

as the floor is in a poor state and we have no proper toilet facilities. At our AGM in January Ron Wright handed over

the baton to our new musical director Adrian Waite. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome to join the band.

Loan instruments are often available and individual tuition may be possible. There are no subscriptions for band

membership. The band has a full diary of engagements for 2014.

St Marys Parochial Church Council

The PCC met 5 times during the year, as well as attending a Joint Benefice PCC Meeting in July. Members of the congregation and the clergy maintain a regular church presence at the monthly book sale and coffee morning, as well as other village events. Reverend Julia Lall has just completed her first year as priest in charge of South Hartismere Benefice. In July, the primary school held the annual Leaver’s Service in the church, and the Year 6 pupils were each presented with a Bible from the PCC. On 20th July Jean Archdeacon was licensed as a Reader at the Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. The Flower Festival was held over the August Bank Holiday week-end, with a preview evening on the Friday evening. The theme for 2013 was ‘The Rhythm of Life’, and the flower displays were stunning. Special thanks go to all those who worked hard to make it such a success. In September, members of the church took part in the annual Suffolk Historic Churches Cycle Ride – some riding and some church sitting. This year the Harvest Songs of Praise in October was another special occasion in the life of the church, when Rita Goring was presented with a Long Service Award presented by the Rural Dean, Father Michael Thompson after stepping down as Churchwarden after 25 years. On 9th November a charity Soup Lunch was held at Milestones in aid of the Children’s Society. A short service of remembrance, led by Jean Archdeacon, was held at the War Memorial in the churchyard on Remembrance Sunday, 10th November. December was a busy month, beginning with a Christmas Songs of Praise. On 14th December the Gislingham singers put on ‘Make way for Christmas: ‘The Gift’ followed by Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. We were pleased to be joined by singers and musicians from other churches in the Benefice. We welcomed in the New Year with the customary ‘Ringing in of the New Year’ peal on New Year’s Eve, and prayers led by Revd Dr Alan Harding Regular events in the life of the Church include Morning Prayer on Tuesday mornings, and Home Group on Thursday mornings. The monthly Good Cause continues to support of a number of charities. Good links with the school continue to be developed, with a visit at Easter 2013 by the GenR8 team. There is regular input from the Foundation Governors, Chris Pitt and Tom Brooke, and Revd Dr Alan Harding continues to give his support. Revd Julia Lall has attended meetings with the Head teacher and Foundation Governors, led the school’s Harvest and Christmas services in the church, and takes a monthly assembly in the school. Peter and Kay Lucas have continued to act as wedding coordinators for the benefice, and meet all the couples to help them prepare for their weddings, and liaise with the churches involved. Brian Richardson has again organised a varied and interesting programme of guest speakers for ‘Areopagus’ – a benefice wide bi-monthly social gathering held at the White Horse Public House, Stoke Ash and open to all. Kay Lucas remains as the tower captain and continues to develop a strong team that ring at all our services. A Quarter Peal was rung at the joint PCCs Service to welcome our new Incumbent, Reverend Julia Lall. During the year there were 3 Baptisms, 3 Funerals and 1 Burial of Ashes The average Sunday attendance was: 8.30 – BCP Holy Communion, 14, 10.30 - Parish Communion, 30 Adults, 2 children (23 Communicants) and 6.00 - Songs of Praise 27 The attendance at the Easter Sunday Eucharist was 33 (29 communicants) adults, and the attendance at the Christmas Eve Christingle Service was 131 adults and 64 children. The school’s services have been attended by an average of 90 children and 60 adults, and the Remembrance Service was attended by 39 adults and 1 child. Jean Archdeacon Lay Reader together with Gill Banham, Ann Cottee and other members of the Benefice assist with monthly communion services at Yaxley House and The Limes.

This year the focus of within the benefice has been on Prayer with the development of regular pattern of Morning and Evening Prayer across the benefice. A Prayer Breakfast was held for the first time with the aim of strengthening links between the parishes. A new Standing Committee was set up in July with a representative from each parish to develop a strategic action plan for the benefice. We remember Revd Canon Frank Scuffham who gave so much to the benefice who sadly died in October. The church continues to be kept open daily from 10am and 4pm, and is always welcoming, clean and beautifully decorated. Friends of St. Marys

2013 was another successful year for the ‘Friends’ with a number of fund raising activities organised. On the first Saturday of the month we continue with our second hand book sale. Whilst it is not a huge money making venture it is very satisfying to see it being enjoyed as a place to meet with friends over a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a delicious homemade cake. Thanks to all those who bake such delights and all those who help on the day. Peter Neale organised two quizzes during the year that, as always, were very popular and well supported. We had a very enjoyable evening with Charlie Haylock on the 4th May with the Friends providing refreshments and the profit from the evening going to the P.C.C. The Music Festival over the weekend of 7th to 9th June was, unfortunately, poorly attended. On the Friday evening we had a Folk evening organised by Gwyn Thomas, on the Saturday the Barking Flats entertained us whilst on the Sunday afternoon the Gislingham Jubilee Singers performed. All three concerts were excellent and very much enjoyed by the audiences. The Music Festival was run to coincide with the Art Exhibition organised on behalf of the Village Hall Committee. Jean and William Kemp ran their popular plant stall on both the Saturday and Sunday. Refreshments were organised and run by the PCC. in the marquee outside the village hall. On Saturday 29th June a team, led by Chris Catton, ran the barbecue at the Summer Fair in the school grounds. During the course of the afternoon Chris, Marilyn Catton, Arthur Kitson, William Kemp, Jackie Campbell and Gill Banham cooked and served 140 hot dogs and 140 beef burgers! The proceeds from the event were evenly distributed between the Friends, the Friends of Gislingham School, the Village Hall, the WI and the Playgroup. The annual Flower Festival was over the August Bank holiday weekend with a preview evening on Saturday 24th and the festival open on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th. The preview evening was a pleasant way to thank the flower arrangers and the sponsors for their support. The theme was ‘The Rhythm of Life’ and, as always, we had fantastic displays showing a huge degree of originality and creativity. The Friends are indebted to Helen Neale for all her hard work in organising the festival. Thanks also to Eddie Prior for running a ‘Kasbah’ with donated jewellery and scarves that proved very popular and raised a great deal of money. The Grand Draw, organised by Peter Neale, was also very profitable. The Friends paid for patches of plaster work in both the nave and the chancel to be repaired and that, along with the base of the ringing chamber, to be lime washed. We received a couple of payments from the Six Bells Inn from the glass recycling scheme. We are very grateful to Carolyn and Harry for their continued support. The PCC had a comprehensive tree survey carried out of the churchyard in September that revealed a large amount of work was required to make the trees safe. The Friends agreed to pay for the work and this was carried out early in 2014. Additionally the Friends paid the Suffolk Probation service (Community Payback) to carry out three maintenance sessions in the churchyard. The churchyard now looks a very cared for environment. Thanks to Peter Neale who organised a Grand Christmas Draw. We are grateful to those people who provided the prizes. We are very grateful to all those people who pay an annual subscription to the Friends and everyone who has supported the various fund raising events during the year. Many thanks to the committee for all the hard work, commitment and enjoyment they have provided in 2013. All the funds raised are essential for the maintenance, repair, renovation and improvement of our splendid grade one listed medieval church and its environs. Gislingham United Charities

The investment income increased by 1.5% during 2013 to £15,276.76. The overall investment portfolio increased by 2.5% to £403375.00. Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2013 are available for inspection. The total of grants and awards made by the Trustees in 2013 was £7441.07 of which 85.58% (£6367.84) was for educational

purposes. We are pleased to announce that over the last year we have also been able to make grants to Gislingham Playgroup, Gislingham Variety Club (Junior Section) & The Gislingham Jubilee Singers amongst others. We were pleased to welcome Arthur Kitson to the board of Trustees. We would like to thank Geoff Mason for his short term serving as Chairman. He reluctantly has had to resign as Chairman early due to ill health but remains a Trustee. We look forward to the Skatepark Association completing their fundraising for the project and being able to begin the construction of the Skatepark itself. Arthur Kitson is heading plans with Suffolk Wildlife Trust to create a small woodland on the western boundary of the Meadow (The Big Tree Project) and a wildflower meadow on the north side. Gislingham Playgroup Gislingham Playgroup is now in its third year in our new building. We are now into our summer term and currently have 34 children on register, filling sessions some days and our afternoon sessions are now becoming busy. We currently have 4 members of staff, 3 holding a Level 3 qualification and the 4th waiting to receive her Level 3 certificate. This term, we are looking forward to some lovely weather to spend more time in our garden. With the help of the Gardening Club, our garden is flourishing with bright coloured flowers and vegetables beginning to grow for us to eat. This term we are planning a trip to Banham Zoo with the help of proceeds from our fundraising coin tubes. We are also having a sponsored toddle around the Charity Meadow next month to raise money for new equipment. We have recently purchased a Smartboard giving the children the opportunity to mark-make, play interactive educational games and find resources for chosen topics. We continue to have a very good relationship with the Primary school making transition into school for the children as smoothly as possible. Once a week, we use the school hall for physical activities and also the library to read their story sacks. The children starting school next September regularly join the reception class on a Friday morning giving them the chance to meet their new teacher and experience classroom life. We held our Christmas sing-along in the school hall last December which was a great success. This year we have participated in yoga sessions, which the children thoroughly enjoyed, taken by one of our kind parents. We have covered topics such as mini-beasts, shapes, winter, transport and families around the world and we are currently looking at the fire, police and ambulance services. We would like to thank all our parents for their support and also Gislingham United Charities for their continued support. Gislingham Allotments and Garden Association

All allotments have been rented out and there is a short waiting list. Spring 2013 was a cold time and there were

occasions when the GAGA plotholders wondered if anything would be planted at all during 2013. However the cold

spring gave way to a warm and dry summer and the allotments flourished. So much so that there was a record turn-

out for the Garden and Produce show held in the Village Hall at the end of August. The Garden and Produce will be

held again this year in the Village Hall on 30th August. The fine frost-free weather has enabled the allotment holders

to do some early planting and the site is looking very good with plenty of crops being sown. The Association will be

represented at the Gislingham Fair again this summer.

The Messenger

The Messenger has enjoyed another successful year as it grows in stature noticeably reflected in increased involvement and contributions from our readership, continued support from our regular advertisers all of which has resulted in the magazine now running to 56 pages per edition complete with full colour front cover – a clear and positive indication that the Messenger is widely valued and appreciated as a community communication medium. The Messenger has expanded with some success its editorial coverage through the introduction of new features including restaurant reviews, ‘agony aunt’, a crossword, advice on health and well-being, a new regular recipe column and an invitation to local photographers to submit work deemed worthy of publication – this has been

particularly well supported with some very attractive shots featured in recent editions. Further editorial initiatives are planned during 2014. We are pleased our efforts to feature subjects appealing to our younger readership has proved fruitful with regular contributions now from both Gislingham and Mellis schools, notably the widely appreciated font covers for the Christmas and Easter editions along with junior sporting achievements. The readership of the magazine grows and with some 780 copies printed per edition. We estimate a copy is now read by an average of three people including many from outside our normal circulation area giving us (and our advertisers) an audience of over 2000 readers. Readership opportunities were further expanded during the year with the Messenger being made available in digital format on the Gislingham village website. All of this would not be possible without the considerable efforts of the Messenger team – all of whom are volunteers. I would particularly like to thank our distributors who ensure doorstep delivery throughout the year to every home in our circulation area. Our advertisers whose continued support ensures we are financially self-supporting and not least my fellow members on the Messenger management team. We look to the future with great confidence as the Messenger grows in strength, versatility and we hope with ever widening appeal to our readership. Gislingham Primary School

It has been another busy year for the school. As ever, the principle focus has been on raising levels of attainment and achievement and ensuring that the children are as well prepared for their progress through the school and onto Hartismere as they possibly can be. Last year’s SATS results were better than we hoped for, and it is to be hoped that this year’s Year 6 will rise to the challenge of emulating last year’s cohort as they undertake their SATS this week. Over the course of the year there have been many successful events including the Music evening, school plays and sporting triumphs. The art displays never cease to amaze and if you get the chance, I do urge you to have a look at what is regularly created. The last year or so has been difficult for anyone involved in education in Suffolk, with the poor Ofsted reviews of the Local Educational Authority and a lowly position in the national league tables. Finances across education are tight, and moral generally low. So it is pleasing to be able to report that the Gislingham & Palgrave Federation continues to buck the trend. Not only are our results good, but we have a comparatively health budget at both schools. So much so that we are in the process of building a fifth class room. The plan is to extend the library into an extra classroom allowing the Year 6’s to be taught as a separate group. This will also mean that we can take on an additional teacher. The intention is that building will commence over half term and be complete by July, and will be a significant asset in helping raise standards. This year we have also been successful in achieving a National Lottery Grant of £10,000 towards the cost of a minibus. In any particular term, the cost of hiring coaches for small groups of students and staff is a drain on resources. By having a minibus in place we are able to take advantage of cost savings for specific trips, sports events, and enabling the children of the two schools greater freedom to work together. I am delighted to report that the minibus is now here, and already in use. However, as you will appreciate with anything educationally related there is a mountain of risk assessments, health and safety, procedures and insurances that have to be put in place, and whilst the school can use the minibus, we cannot yet make it available to other village organisations. However, once we are able to do so, specified village organisations in Gislingham and Palgrave will be able to use it, although alas it will not be available for private hire. However, I am hugely indebted to Nikki Earl, our School Business Manager, who worked so hard to get the Lottery funding, without which we could not have achieved this. Last year, I reported to you that the Governing body had been shortlisted for the National Governor Association Governing Body Award. I reported that we would be going to the House of Commons the week after last year’s Parish AGM for the Awards Ceremony. I am pleased to be able to tell you that the outstanding efforts of our Governing Body were recognised and we were placed first equal with a school in Bristol. I am absolutely delighted that the hard work and dedication of the Governors, and their commitment to both schools in the Federation was so recognised.

This has meant that our profile has been significantly raised not just in Suffolk, but across the Country. It means that when we recruit we receive a significant number of applications. By example, I am involved with a school near Lowestoft which is recruiting for three vacancies. They received one possible application. We received five for our vacancy! It has also meant that the Governors have been very active in supporting schools across Suffolk. Our reputation and the success of our Federation has meant that numerous schools have wanted to learn from us. We held a very successful Federation evening in February at the school with over 50 visitors from across the County. As a consequence, we have been approached by several schools wanting to join our partnership. We are currently trialling a proto-partnership with Bardwell CEVCP School, with our Headteacher acting as Part-Time Interim Head at Bardwell as well as his role with our schools. This has also meant that we have been able to successfully develop the leadership skills of the senior staff in both schools, meaning that the management and leadership in both schools remains strong even when Mr Berry is not on the premises. The days of single village schools are passing swiftly, and it is no longer possible for a school of 50 or 60 pupils to survive on its own. We have been a partnership and Federation for a number of years and have seen the numbers at Gislingham rise from 80 to over a 100 children in the last four years, and at Palgrave from 44 to 58. This has meant greater opportunity for the children and staff, improving standards and greater financial security. However, we cannot stand still. We continue to look to grow the Federation, seeking likeminded schools to share our philosophy and ethos and to ensure that there will be village schools for a long time to come. Meanwhile, I am pleased to be able to report that the school remains strong, vibrant (and solvent), and that we continue to strive to raise the levels of achievement and attainment, and despite what County Admissions say, we will continue to welcome new children to the school. Gislingham Village Hall During 2013 we were awarded Section 106 monies by Mid Suffolk County Council to be used towards maintaining the Village Hall. These funds were spent by refurbishing the Gents, Ladies and Disabled toilets. Other major items of expenditure during the year included fitting new doors to the fire exit adjacent to the stage and servicing both the heating and water systems. The latter culminated in having to purchase a replacement solar panel. Our fund raising activities continued to be an overall success during the year with Quiz Nights and Jumble Sales being well attended, as was the annual Charity Auction. We also tried a Disco Dance, which everybody seemed to enjoy. Due to poor attendance in 2012 we did not hold the planned Cheese and Wine Evening or the Christmas Bazaar. We welcomed Richard Adams as a Trustee during 2013. As is usual I would like to place on record my appreciation of the amount time given and of the work done by the Trustees of the Village Hall Management Committee. Gislingham Jubilee Singers The Jubilee Singers have had a good year, with members leaving and joining but, on balance, there has been an

increase in numbers and good attendance at the regular Monday evening rehearsals. Summer rehearsals were held

in the church (thanks to the Church Council). However, as the evenings grew colder the group moved to the Silver

Band Hut, with the hire charge kindly covered by The Gislingham United Charities. The group exist to enjoy singing

together, but have occasionally performed in public. Over the last year we have performed; In the church, as part of

the Gislingham Music weekend, the church again for the Flower Festival and The Limes in Mellis, with a selection of

Christmas songs for the residents. And lastly our most recent performance was a concert in the village hall on Friday

2nd May 2014, a fund raiser for 3 charities; Ronald McDonald House Charities, First Responders and Macmillan. The

evening was a great success, the singers and the audience of 60 plus thoroughly enjoying themselves and raising

over £180 for the three charities. The group rehearsals will start again at the end of May 2014. New members are

always welcome; there are no auditions, just a desire to sing in a group.

Gislingham Wives Group

Gislingham Wives" is a group of ladies who meet once a month in the upstairs room at the White Horse, Stoke Ash.

We enjoy a range of activities, with each member taking a turn to organise something. Sometimes we have a

speaker, sometimes we just have a social evening having a chat over a drink, and at other times we have a trip out,

such as a meal, or bowling. In the past year we have enjoyed several speakers, talking about subjects as diverse as

boomerangs, to being head housekeeper at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane, gardening, and the work of

the Fisherman's Mission - being treated to a sea shanty song in the process! In addition we went on a historic walk

around Bury St. Edmunds, paying particular attention to "famous and infamous" ladies in history connected with the

town. In July we visited "Coco Mamas" chocolate shop in Eye and had to force ourselves to taste the chocolate! We

also had a very interesting evening with a belly dancer and learnt a few moves. Our Christmas meal last year was

held at "Auberge", which was excellent, and this year we are looking forward to our meal at the "Fox and Goose" in

Fressingfield.

Gislingham Youth Club

The Youth Club has had some difficulties and some successes this year. For the most part the difficulties with personalities who were causing problems for the leaders has been resolved and we have a very friendly group of members now. We are still taking in new members and have had club nights and special interest sessions. A visiting vet from an animal charity looked at all of the members pets, cooking classes were provided along with football training and rugby skills. We have one or two film evenings and one or two pizza nights per term and have special nights for the season eg Easter time egg blowing and decoration. We have a junior leader with us at the moment who helps to supervise and is working towards her Duke of Edinburgh award. Some of the members have responded to a request from a senior member of the village for help with dog walking and some of the members will be attending the Summer Fair with sashes on to offer assistance in a similar way to the Olympics games makers. Although our numbers are down a bit we are continuing to survive financially and feel we are still offering a service and allowing children to meet in a safe environment and develop as good members of the community. Eye Community First Responders

The group has grown and we now have a second person from Gislingham who is responding on Wednesdays and sometimes Thursdays so that we now have very local cover for 3 or 4 days of the week. With the rest of the Eye team we continue to provide cover for the majority of the time but when the Gislingham team is not on call assistance would need to come from Hoxne so would not be as speedy. Our calls this year have included working with the Air Ambulance team several times as well as paramedics and ambulance crews and we have continued to give talks and displays to various groups and even gave a short display at the Gislingham Summer Fair in 2013. We continue to seek new members so that we can provide a 7 day presence for Gislingham and our close neighbours and have been fortunate over the last year to have received financial support from the public and some of the parish councils where we serve.

Cllr Pitt, in closing the meeting thanked all those present for attending and the Clerk and his wife for organising the

meeting.