Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting of Harberton Parish Council held on Tuesday 13 May 2008 held at Harberton Parish Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs Fearn, Knight, Hill, Janes, Jeffries, Johnson, Hookway, Beamish and Hoddinott

Apologies: Cllrs Steer, Hockings and County Cllr Geoff Date.

Also Present: District Cllr Robert Steer.

Clerk: Mrs D Crann.

The Chairman resigned and the Clerk called for nominations for Chairman. It was proposed by Cllr. Hill, seconded by Cllr Knight to nominate Cllr Fearn, he accepted the nomination. There being no other nominations, voting was all in favour. The Vice Chairman then resigned and the Chairman called for nominations for Vice Chairman. It was proposed by Cllr Johnson, seconded by Cllr. Jeffries to nominate Cllr Knight. He accepted the nomination. There being no other nominations, voting was all in favour.

The Chairman then read out a report prepared by Harbertonford Village Hall itemising the work involved with the new extension now in progress, including securing the funding for the project. They mentioned the fact that the Parish Council had been unable to secure a loan to lend on, but the Hall Committee had been able to get a loan from the Charity Bank.

The Chairman then read out the report for the Feoffees prepared by Cllr Steer. There had been two meetings during the past year. There are fewer people qualifying for grants each year. 45 recipients of £30.00 each last year. One-off donations are also available for special hardship cases. These should be brought to their attention. Mr C Lund continues to act as Treasurer and Secretary.

SHDC D Cllr Robert Steer then gave a report. There had been a new Chairman elected, Cllr Cane from Brixton, who would welcome an invitation to meet Councillors at one of our meetings. The Sherford Project was now progressing.

There were no reports from Harberton Parish Hall or Harbourne Shuttle this year.

Harbertonford Primary School. Cllrs Beamish and Janes jointly spoke. There were now about 84 pupils and the school was progressing well. Unfortunately one of the teachers was leaving.

Harbertonford Playground. Cllr Jeffries then gave her report. Two more pieces of equipment had now been installed with just two more to go. Also, two benches and a picnic table will be installed thanks to donations from villagers and South Hams Radio Trust. A sign is also being donated by SHDC. Thanks also go to the Parish Council and County Cllr Date for grants.

The Chairman’s Report followed. Police reports are received each month from South Brent which is now our point of contact.

The new computer is now working well.

Harbertonford Village Hall. The Parish Council had hoped to support the improvements with a loan, but finally we were not allowed to borrow money to lend on. However the Hall Committee managed to secure a loan from elsewhere.

Harbertonford Primary School. Continuing problems with vandalism at the swimming pool spoil it for others.

The Pedestrian Crossing continues to be a problem.

Special thanks to John Maddox of Harberton for once again auditing the books.

HPFA. Thanks yet again to John Culf for the grass cutting. Mower repairs are also channelled through the Parish Council.

The Parish Council is now up to full strength with 12 Councillors.

County Cllr Date reports regularly and District Cllr Steer also attends meetings regularly. In Harbertonford, the Parish Council will continue to support the Allotment Society (HAS), but finding a suitable site is a problem. Also, in Harberton, opinions had been sought regarding a Bottle Bank in the Playing Field car park, but there was little support. Guest speakers have attended, including District Cllr John Tucker, Leader of SHDC and Mr Malcolm Elliott, SHDC Area West Planning Officer.

The Chairman extended his thanks for the support of Councillors who attend meetings and site meetings regularly and report various items to DCC Highways when necessary.

He closed his remarks by thanking the Clerk, Mrs D Crann for her continuing support of Councillors and perseverance in working with the introduction of computerisation. The meeting closed at 8.00.pm.