Nobody will need telling that the dryness of the past year or so
was replaced by rain..a hefty 181.1mm total rainfall for April. This is
getting on for one third of the total rainfall for the previous twelve
months. Rainfall was recorded for 23 days, that is from 1000-1000 Summer
Time each day, and there were two significant totals; 31.6mm on 24th
and 30.1mm on 29th. The next wettest, 17.5mm on the 22nd had in itself
almost the total rainfall for the whole of March. Compare that with
April 2011 with a monthly rainfall total of just 12.8mm. The previous
wettest April I recorded here was in 2000, with about 152mm.

The record breaking warmth that graced the last week of March
was replaced at the very end of the month with a colder regime, and by
the night of the 2nd April, there was a minimum temperature of -3.3C.
Northerly airstreams are typical of our weather in April, bringing
chilly showery days and cold clear nights. I recorded some frost damage
to budding shrubs particularly after the month’s lowest reading of -3.7C
on 16th. The day with the warmest reading was Easter Sunday (8th) at
16.3C. March had seen twelve warmer highs.  The average temperature for
April was 7.4C, quite one degree lower than the reading for March, and
getting on for 4 1/2 degrees colder than April 2011. My temperature
readings are not complete enough to give a true comparison, but the
month came out colder than any for the last ten years at least.

Peter at Pottlelake(Photo Helene Buse)

AT 7.30PM.

Those present: Cllrs. D Loud, B Marshall, J Pearce, Ms C Miltenburg, P Rugg,

Mrs E Sweetland and R Wood, Dist Cllr I Chubb and C Cllr A Moulding, 1 member of the public and Mrs M Thomas (Clerk).

APOLOGIES

Apologies were received and accepted from Christopher Pole-Carew and PCSO Amanda Wooster who reported there have been two crimes reported since the last meeting. Break into a caravan at Shute Woods, enquiries are ongoing and report of fraud over the interned affecting a local resident, again enquiries ongoing. More padlocks are available and it was reported Cllr J Pearce still has some for sale.

CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR

Following the vacancy for a Parish Councillor being advertised one application has been received. Richard Orsman from Long Mynd, Whitford sent a written application. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr D Loud, seconded by Cllr W Marshall and unanimously agreed Mr Orsman should be co-opted to Shute Parish Council. The Clerk to take the relevant actions.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The circulated minutes of meeting held on 19^th January 2012were approved and duly signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Shute Garage It was reported a van is parked on the verge blocking visibility for other road users when entering the A35 from Shute This to be reported to the Highways Authority and police.

Regarding the broken fence at Whitford Bridge remedial work will be commissioned to SWH and carried out in due course.

As far as speed restrictions at Seaton Junction this has to be justified which will cost £3,000 and DCC will not finance this matter. The SLOW sign is felt to be is clear at present but the bollards have been replaced. Noted.

PARISH PLAN

Cllr R Wood reported copies of the final documents have been printed following a technical problem which meant the Parish Plan had to be re-printed. However, costs will still be within budget. A copy will be sent to EDDC before it can be officially adopted and then circulated. The committee of six were thanked for their continuous hard work over a period of two years.

The Chairman stated this took an enormous amount of work especially by Cllrs R Wood and Carol Miltenburg. He thanked all for their hard work.

CORRESPONDENCE

Wildscapes – Shute Churchyard Patricia Farrell writes if the Parish Council is in agreement an event at Shute Church to include a session looking out for bats. Fiona Richards from Exeter University has agreed to lead an evening session on 10^th May. The first part of the evening to involve a general look at the wildlife around the Churchyard starting at 7.45pm and the bat session to commence at approximately 8.15pm. It was agreed to support this event.

Chairman of EDDC – Peter Halse Councillor Halse would like to attend a meeting of Shute Parish Council to meet attendees, attend as an observer and to answer questions (to be supplied in advance) and asks for meetings dates. Agreed the next meeting to be held on April 19^th which will include the Annual Parish Meeting and May 24^th which will be the Annual General Meeting. The Clerk to inform Cllr Halse stating further meetings are to be arranged nearer the time.

2013 National Bus Pass Renewals In line with Government requirements all National Bus Passes issued in 2008 by DCC will expire on 31^st March 2013. DCC are therefore making preparations to replace approximately 170,000 Passes to eligible Devon residents. The process being new passes sent directly to registered addresses without the need to re-apply, a publicity and promotion campaign will start in April 2012 and they are asking pass holders with out of date pictures to contact DCC, eligibility under disability categories to be re-checked and first time passes being issued from the beginning of March 2012. For further information on the re-issue of the National Concessionary Bus Pass or any matters relating to concessionary travel Mark Wilson, Transport Co-ordination Service, DCC, tel 01392 383045 to be contacted.

Neighbourhood Plans EDDC write to advise on the current position regarding Neighbourhood Plans. On 6^th March the Development Management Committee, EDDC considered and agreed recommendations. This provides an overview of the process and further, more detailed information relating to the process for production of Neighbourhood Plans is available in Section 3 of the East Devon Local Plan. All Neighbourhood Plans must meet the criteria of being prepared and discussed in co-operation with the local planning authorities, housing numbers proposed must match or exceed the identified growth within the local planning authority’s local Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan cannot be formally adopted until the Local Plan has been formally adopted. EDDC are keen to support council’s wishing to produce plans but they have very little resources available although the will carry out their statutory requirements. They have received £20,000 from DCC and intend to use this to produce a standard template. They propose to hold consultations with Parish Councils later this year to discuss potential development sites and amendments to Built-up Area Boundaries.

C Cllr Andrew Moulding reported Neighbourhood Plans are only necessary if the Council wish to promote a particular issue, to promote a particular issue not to restrict it. The Parish Plan produced means a lot of the ground work is already done.

Shute Woods Fiona Nicholls, Operations Manager for W A Nicholls & Sons Ltd writes to give up-to-date contact details for Nicholls the owners of Shute Woods. The Clerk reported she has contacted them regarding the lighting of a beacon for the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the mess workers at Shute Woods have left the land belonging to the Hitchcock Trust in.

Hi-Line A request has been made by H-Line to be able to prune trees affecting electricity lines. Agreed.

H M Lord-Lieutenant of Devon – Invitation to a Special Service for The Diamond Jubilee Of Queen Elisabeth II at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 27^th May. Each parish council is asked to nominate someone to attend from within the community who is an “unsung hero” and who has shown similar traits of selflessness over a period of time during the last 60 years. Cllr Peter Rugg was nominated and unanimously agreed by those present.

DCC – New Resource and Funding Opportunity – There is a new Devon Community Directory at www.directory.devon.gov.uk which gives online access to thousands of services and community groups across Devon. It can be a resource but it relies upon members of the public and community groups populating the information.

DCC – Locality Funding. Devon County Councillors have £40,000 each available to support community projects. It is noted C Cllr A Moulding has already donated funds to Shute Parish Council re the road safety issues at Shute Pillars and at the War Memorial. He announced he will be carrying some funds over to the next year as in the next financial year funds will be reduced.

DALC – Business Rates. Following ongoing debate at national level regarding councils receiving a share of business rates DALC ask why would it be useful to receive a share of business rates and how would it be used. After discussion agreed within the parish of Shute the amount would be so little it felt no comment could be made.

Travellers in Shute Woods. Communications have been received, Cllr A Moulding gave a brief report. DCC highway team have now confirmed that all of the travellers camped at Shute Woods are on DCC land. Having therefore considered individual circumstances they have asked 6 individuals to vacate the encampment within 4-6 week period. DCC are also endeavouring to make contact with 2 new travellers on site and have formally asked them to contact the Liaison Service but they have not yet been in touch. When more information is gained an appropriate course of action will be decided upon. Depending on the outcome and assuming that all the travellers served with notice to comply to vacate the encampment the number of travellers on site will be reduced. The only 3 units agreed to tolerate to date for a longer period are the 2 originally tolerated and one further family unit that have been on site for over a year and who’s daughter attends the local school. Councillors agreed positive actions are now being taken but all travellers should move on. Cllr Moulding will still look into this matter.

EDDC Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations – Parish and Town Awards 17^th May. To mark the Queen’s Jubilee Year an awards evening will be held with 3 awards being made, Community Award, Youth Award and Future Project Award and entries are requested. Agreed to enter the Community Award – Umborne Hall

Network Rail – Railway Communications System. Network Rail plan to roll out a nationwide Railway Communications System across the entire rail network. This new radio system will allow direct and continuous communication between train drivers and signallers which will improve safety, reliability and punctuality on the rail network. Implementing the new system involves the siting of a number of communication masts trackside and an additional mast, an antenna mounted on a 5m pole, will be required at Seaton Junction. Noted.

Yarcombe Welcoming Pack. An envelope consisting of a parish information leaflet, a walking guide and a card from the Church has been received as requested. It is also noted the Parish Magazine is usually placed in the envelope. After discussion Councillors felt this is a good idea and for it to be discussed further at the next meeting.

Website Ahoy – A letter has been received stating they are unable to find a website for Shute Parish Council and offer their surfaces to provide a good looking and good value website. After discussion it was thought this may be a possibility and further thought to be given to the matter.

HIGHWAY MATTERS

Reported a pothole on the bend at Shute Pillars. The Clerk to report.

Reported pictures of a car transporter lorry parked on the A35 have been received. The Clerk reported these have been forwarded to the EDDC Enforcement Officer and police.

Reported 100yds from the top of Colhayne Lane towards the garage a manhole cover has sunk also reported at the end of Wilmington Straight hedges are overgrown and a dead tree To be reported to the Highway Agency.

QUEENS JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Cllr Mrs Sweetland reported she is progressing with organising a wedding dress exhibition to raise funds. A meeting was held at Shute School when a committee was formed to organise an event on Monday 4^th June with celebrations in the afternoon for the children and an evening get together for the adults.

PUBLIC FORUM

Mr Brian Gardner thanked the Parish Council for their £1,000 donation and now toilet facilities have been installed in the Church. Further funds still have to be raised to re-pay their reserved.

It was reported cars are being driven onto Whitford Green making it a mess. After discussion agreed for the entrance to be temporarily blocked to vehicles.

C Cllr Andrew Moulding reported there has been a positive report from Ofsted for Shute Primary School. Noted a letter of congratulations has already been sent from the Parish Council. DCC has agreed to allocate funding of £104,000 to Shute School for replacement doors and windows.

Noted the Community Council of Devon has additional funding for community buildings. Details already circulated.

PLANNING

Planning Applications

11/2512/FUL Old Post Office, Shute. Construction of lean-to extension on front elevation (Amended Plans). Agreed to approve although concern still remains regarding the water run-off onto the highway.

12/0157/LBC The Forge, Shute. Installation of satellite dish on barn (retrospective). Agreed to support.

Correspondence

Enforcement Case – 12/0065, Bank at Lyme Bay Winery. David Cocker writes he has investigated the matter which concerns the hedge in the field next to the winery. The bank has permission under the application 11/1879/FUL . Regarding the bank next to junction and building being used for breaking cars following an initial assessment it has been decided that it warrants further investigation.

Shute Garage. Bob Capon, Senior Technical Officer writes enforcement matters at this site are being dealt with and although parking of the car transporter on the verge adjacent to the A35 on 13^th January is of some concern for action to be taken from a planning enforcement point of view they would need to be provided with evidence that a breach of control is occurring on a regular basis. It is also confirmed EDDC have delegated authority to serve an enforcement notice in respect of the non-compliance with various conditions on planning permission 09/0995/FUL.

FINANCE

Cheques to be paid

East Devon District Council, Parish Council Election fees £186.18

*Devon County Council, 2 tonnes of rocksalt £256.40

* Delivery to be checked prior to payment

Payment proposed by Cllr R Wood, seconded by Cllr Carol Miltenburg and agreed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The question arose of the price for Parish Maps. Agreed for it to remain at £7.50.

DATE TIME & PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

The next Parish Council meeting together with the Annual Parish Meeting to take place on 19^th April with the Annual Parish Council Meeting on May 24^th, both at Umborne Hall

There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 9.15pm

Join the Wildscapes team for a wander around your churchyard (Shute) and discover how it provides a sanctuary for wildlife.

Shute Church:

Tuesday 12th June 2012.

Meet by the church gate at 7.45pm.

To be followed by a bat hunt with Fiona Reynolds.

Churchyard ecology

Churchyards provide a sanctuary for wildlife, with little disturbance from people and a range of different mini-habitats. Mature trees along churchyard boundaries have a ‘woodland fringe’ feel, providing nesting and shelter for birds such as Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrests and Chiff-chaffs. Most churchyards have veteran Yew trees, often many centuries old, cherished originally as a source of timber for making bows (fig.1). Their berries provide important winter food for Blackbirds and Thrushes, with the poisonous seed passing through the bird to no ill effect! Yew seeds are hard to germinate unless partially digested by a bird first. In severe winters flocks of Redwings and Mistle Thrushes congregate in the Yews, feeding on berries and sheltering in the dense canopy.

Fig.1

Untidy corners may be the nesting sites for some of our shy woodland species, such as Blackcaps which nest in tangles of bramble scrub. Brambles are the food plant for the caterpillars of Peacock and Tortoiseshell butterflies, whilst Speckled Wood and other butterflies will feed on over- ripe blackberries (fig. 2).

Fig.2

Grassy areas in churchyards are often particularly species-rich, the grassland being a remnant of the original fields before the churchyard was set up. These grassy areas have remained unfertilised and little disturbed which results in a good diversity of plant species. Many churchyards in East Devon support populations of Pyramidal and Bee orchids- species which are becoming rarer in the surrounding countryside. The grassland habitats may show characteristics of chalk grassland due in part to the alkaline stone used for headstones, and ornamental stone chippings surfacing the graves. Ox-eye daisies and Knapweed brighten the churchyard during the summer months, attracting moths and butterflies. Where the grass is allowed to grow longer the seed heads attract Goldfinches and other seed feeders (fig.3).

Fig.3

Headstones form mini-vertical cliffs, providing habitat for lichens and mosses. About 700 species of lichens are found in churchyards, one third of the UK list. Some rare lichens are now only found in churchyards: Churchyard Lecanographa, a form of Lecanographa grumulosa, is confined to plaster walls on ancient churches in southern England. Species of lichen vary according to the pH of the stone, but all are slow growing and can’t easily move from site to site. Lichens can be used as indicators of air quality, with some species being susceptible to changes in chemicals in the air (such as ammonia from farming or sulphur dioxide from industry).

Fig.4

Bright orange lichen,Caloplaca (fig.4,) often grow where birds have been roosting as this species thrives where there is a high level of guano (bird faeces). Lichens result from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga.

Old stone walls often mark the boundary of churchyards, and have their own distinctive flora. Ferns flourish on the shady aspect, one of the most beautiful being Maidenhair Spleenwort (fig.5). This delicate little fern thrusts fine roots between the stones. Velvety brown patches on the back of the fronds release fine spores into the air.

Fig.5 

Fig.6

Dainty Ivy-leaved Toadflax drapes walls with miniature ivy- like leaves (fig.6) and produces purple ‘snap dragon’ flowers throughout most of the year.

Cracks and crevices within the walls provide shelter for toads and harmless slow- worms.

Female Glow-worms (the larvae of the beetle Lampyris noctiluca) hide between fallen stones and gravel, emerging once darkness has fallen to emit a greenish light from their abdomen, in the hope of detecting a mate.

Fig.7 

Ornamental marble chippings on graves provide a niche for English Stonecrop (fig.7), a plant which is found on dry, rocky, slopes. This plant is not found in alkaline (limestone) habitats- marble is often slightly acidic.

Churchyards provide excellent hunting grounds for bats, old chapels and churches provide undisturbed, summer roosting sites. Of 17 native species of bats, 8 species are known to use churches for roosting, including less common species such as Greater and Lesser Horseshoe and Natterer’s bat. Churchyards are dark, quiet, places to hunt; with a lack of chemical spraying encouraging good insect populations.

Churchyards provide an oasis for wildlife within an intensively managed landscape. They provide a corridor between patches of habitat and a last refuge for some of our rarest species. We should cherish our ‘Living Churchyards’.

Pat Farrell, East Devon AONB

Further reading:

http://www.thebls.org.uk/content/churchyard.html

http://www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/uploads/Fact%20Sheet%2014%20-%20Bats.pdf

http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/conservation/Living_landscapes/Cornwall_Living_churchyards_wildlife_lichens

Hi all
A number of you may have already seen the short 12 min intro film to old film footage we at the AONB team sourced from a number of individuals across East Devon, like Mary Thomas. In return for digitising the film from contributors, we were able to keep snippets of footage for use on the web

(follow the links from our work to back to the future from the eastdevonaonb.org.uk homepage) and to create this outstanding 40 minute film to show.

The full version has train derailment at Seaton junction and much Colyton footage.

Before getting poorly, I had booked the April 19 date with Sidmouth Manor Pavilion, see the link above but details also in the April Marshwood Vale (as shown to Peter Rugg). There will be more showings once I get better but I can certainly recommend the film …bring friends as there is choice of matinee or evening performance.

In due course we hope that local groups will be able to book their own showing of the film. Thanks to Andy Price and Lympstone film society’s Brian Mather, this film will still be shown on April 19…wish I was there too!

Best wishes

Kimmo

Monday June 4th  2.00pm  Shute School – The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration for all the family with games, music, bouncy castle, stalls, may-pole dancing, picnic ( bring your own food and drink).

Saturday June 9th  6.00pm – Umborne Hall – “The Umborne Ug” – an annual 10k run, 2.5k fun run and 5 mile walk (5.00pm) followed by an evening BBQ.

Saturday 30th June  2.00pm  Penventon, Shute ( home of the Goslings) “Steam Up”

cream teas, rides on Tony’s miniature steam train, stalls and family fun.

Sunday 2nd September 3.00pm “Duck Dash and Raft Races”

Saturday 13th October 7.30pm “Harvest Supper”

No excuse now – get the dates in your diaries!

Starting from the hall, Woody’s 8 was a low key, informal multi-terrain run/walk of around 8 miles. It consisted of mainly footpaths and tracks, with some short road sections. With an easy route to follow, it took you around Shute woods and returns back with the finish at the hall – all of this designed by Geoff Woodward.

A route card was  issued on arrival. All the tricky sections were  clearly marked on the course. There was also be a help-yourself water stop on the route (thanks Steve) and refreshments and a BBQ (sausage egg & bacon baps) available at the finish (thanks Eleanor, Liz and the gang)

Photo Helene Buse

March 2011 had  surprised us all with remarkable dryness
(23.1mm on 6 rain days) and a record high maximum temperature of 19.5C
on 25th. Now 2012 has gone several stages further with a total rainfall
of 19.9 mm with recordable falls again on just six days. But the spell
of warmth from 24-30th gave a whole week of higher maxima than the
figure reached last year. The sequence is, starting on March 24th: 20.0;
20.8; 21.5; 21.0; 23.3; 21.0 & 19.8C. The average daytime high for the month
topped 15C. This figure is probably the average level for the end of
April. I recorded seven air frosts, the severest of these occuring on
the 19th at -3.2C and 18th a close second at -3.0C.

After a heavy rainfall  of 11.9mm on 3rd. and  a couple of
damp days either side of it, the February monthly total had been
surpassed. But from the 5th onwards a mere 4.5mm was accumulated.
February and March together have totalled just 35.2mm; a figure similar
to the combined totals of March and April 2011–35.9mm. The twelve month
total from April 2011 to March 2012 is less than 600mm. This I would
guess is about 2/3rds. of the normal we would expect in these parts.

The weather charts have revealed some similarity to the
patterns seen in the severely cold December 2010. Thankfully the
strenghtening power of the sunshine at this time of year prevented a
repeat of this. But think back to the beginning of February this year
for another comparison. High pressure is becoming much more prevalent in
the winter months these days.

Peter at Pottlelake

AT 7.30PM.

Those present: Cllrs. D Loud, B Marshall, J Pearce, P Rugg, Mrs E Sweetland, and R Wood, PCSO Amanda Wooster and Mrs M Thomas (Clerk).

APOLOGIES

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllrs Ms C Miltenburg,

Dist Cllr I Chubb and C Cllr A Moulding.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The circulated minutes of meeting held on 15^th December 2011were approved and duly signed as correct.

POLICE REPORT

PCSO Amanda Wooster reported she now also works in the police control room and her time is limited to attend meetings. At the previous meeting it was reported crime figures were up by 66% for Devon & Cornwall but this is not the case, figures are down. Robberies have increased but not in this area, figures for Axminster show a decrease in crime by 7.4%. For the Shute area the total crimes for 2010/2011 were 14 and 2011/2012 the figure was 12 which included 4 incidents at Shute Woods and 3 crimes at business premises which shows the general public are generally not affected. She also reported she has padlocks which when tampered with make a 10 decibel whistle for £7.00, any one interested to contact the Clerk.

A short question and answer session followed and PCSO Amanda Wooster was thanked for attending the meeting and she left the room.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

EDDC – Shaping the Future EDDC Cllr wood apologised but did not send a reply within the time limit.

PARISH PLAN

A copy of the draft plan has been circulated amongst Councillors which is a final copy with 65 minor amendments to be made and it was agreed a stapled document rather than a ring bound document would be preferable. The committee also suggest a document should be delivered to each household rather than a shortened version, it has to have the approval of the parish council prior to a presentation to the community and other public bodies. It is also proposed the late Gail Nunan should have her work acknowledged. Cllr Marshall proposed a £20 donation should be given to Seaton Hospital League of Friends in her memory.

It was proposed by Cllr J Pearce and seconded by Cllr D Loud Shute Parish Council approve the Parish Plan together with the suggestions the Parish Plan Committee make. Cllr Rick Wood in conjunction with other members of the committee and the Clerk to organise the presentation at Whitford Hall.

CORRESPONDENCE

Tony Gosling – Auditing the Accounts. Mr Gosling writes he thanks the Council for their payment of £20 and feels his work does not justify payment and will therefore donate the money to the Church Flower Fund. Noted.

Devon County Winter Road Gritting. A letter has been received from Mr Andrew Fleetwood outlining the difficulties cuts in winter road gritting imposed by Devon County Council will affect the community he lives in (Bridford, near Exeter) and other communities in Devon. He asks would the parish council support a petition to reinstate the original gritting network, are there any other special circumstances in the parish that DCC should have taken into account in conduction their impact assessment and would the parish council support a formal complaint to DCC over the way that these changes have been implemented.

After lengthy discussion it was agreed to support a petition and a formal complaint.

Shute Garage. A letter has been received reporting that on 13^th January at 7.40am a car transported was perked opposite the Dalwood/Stockland road on the A35 south bound unloading cars with no warning signs or flashing lights. Agreed this should be reported to the police and EDDC Enforcement Officer.

EDDC Waste Management. An e-mail has been received reporting the Waste Management Team have produced free of charge a Power Point Presentation of the Waste and Recycling Services that are available to the general public. Agreed to forward this to all councillors.

HIGHWAY MATTERS

Reported cars are speeding at Seaton Junction to an unsafe limit. Agreed to follow up the question of repainting the SLOW sign and speed limit from the previous meeting.

Snow Warden/salt. Reported Mr Sweetland, the appointed Snow Warden has received his training and the salt/grit should be delivered soon.

Shute Woods – Travellers. Reported the number of caravans parked at Shute Woods has increased intimidating the general public when using the unclassified road. After discussion agreed the Clerk to write to Kilmington and Dalwood Parish Council questioning how this matter can be taken forward as the caravans are not in the Parish of Shute and offering any support.

QUEEN’S JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

Cllr Mrs Sweetland reported she is progressing with organising a wedding dress exhibition to raise funds and asks for venues for car boot sales. It was agreed a meeting needs to be organised to take this forward. The Clerk to contact Shute Primary School with the view of holding a meeting at the school on either 15^th or 16^th February.

PUBLIC FORUM

No matters were brought forward.

EAST DEVON LOCAL PLAN

As reported at the previous meeting the new proposed Local Plan has been received for consultation. Any comments Councillors wish to make to be forwarded to the Clerk prior to 27^th January in order comments to be returned.

PLANNING

Planning Applications

11/2512/FUL Old Post Office, Shute. Construction of lean-to extension on front elevation. Following a site meeting comments returned support although concerns raised over surface water entering the highway.

11/2813/COU The Lyme Bay Winery, Seaton Junction, Axminster. Change of use of land, construction of industrial building for winery and storage/warehousing, associated works including car parking and alterations to access (revisions to 11/1879/FUL to alter siting of building). Following consulting councillors the work being carried out in the field. Agreed to reply a bank has been erected across the field and land should be re-instated to its original state and tidied especially in an AONB.

The Chairman reported he feel there are still matters outstanding and it was agreed a meeting to be arranged to check previous planning applications and conditions.

PARISH PRECEPT

Copies of the accounts up to 31^st December 2011 together with projected figures up to 31^st March 2012 were circulated. (Appendixed to the minutes). After much discussion when the Clerk explained there is no cap to the limit of increase this year but the precept will be capped in future years it was proposed by Cllr D Loud, seconded by Cllr W Marshall and agreed by the majority for the precept to remain as the previous year at £4,000.

FINANCE

Cheques to be paid

Scott Rowe Solicitors, annual storage costs £10.00

Arthur Hitchcock Trust, 50% of insurance £134.09

Payment proposed by Cllr R Wood, seconded by Cllr J Pearce and agreed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Reported the wooden fence at Whitford Bridge (Musbury side 50 yds on left). This to be reported to DCC.

Reported prior to Christmas the Church circulated a card giving details of services over the Christmas period and it was suggested a letter of congratulations on the initiative should be sent. Agreed.

DATE TIME & PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

The next Parish Council meetings to take place on 8th  March 2012 at Whitford Village Hall at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed at 9.15pm

The Theme Night at Umborne Hall was on Saturday March 17th at 7.30pm. The theme this year was “It’s a question of Sport” as it is Olympic Year. 60 “good sports” turned up to enjoy a friendly, sporty atmosphere. The soups and lasagnes were all home made ( our thanks to the cooks) and the 3 flavours of ice cream rounded off the 3 course meal.

The raffle was organised by Tony and Antonia and raised an amazing £145 – our thanks to them. In total about £500 was raised for the hall funds so well done one and all.

The prizes for the best dressed sports people went to Sumo wrestler Rodney and the Ockenden mountain climbers.

A lot of people thought our Scottish caber tosser John and our welsh Grand Slam winner Taff were also very worthy of a mention. Mary was gracious enough to admit publicly that England deserved to beat Ireland at rugby.

The 75 questions table quiz – mostly on sport but also with a Eurovision round for all those not-so-sporty people – was won by the Bowman, Reynolds and Woodward family table with a hugely impressive score of 69. The music round prepared by Andy used technology more associated with the early 20th Century but was fun.

Rob organised the darts competition which everyone had a go at. This was won by Richard Stenning with an impressive score of 140, although Rob didn’t put that score up on the board in case it put people off from having further throws!

Many thanks to you all for coming along and joining in our unique community atmosphere.

(photo Helene Buse)
This month was a tale of two halves with a unity theme
with regard to rainfall.

The cold spell that started gently at the end of January
intensified in the first days of February to give a minimum reading of
-9.9C on the night of the 4th. Conditions eased for a day or two around
the 6th  with one frost-free night before further cold nights occurred,
particularly  on the 11th and 12th. Thereafter, things became much
milder, although another cold night under still conditions in a
northerly flow brought -5.7C on the morning of the 20th.  Highs during
daytime only once dropped below 10C from the 14th onward, and two days,
23rd and 29th reached 15.3C, nearly 60F in ‘old money’. This was the
highest value recorded in February since the 12th in 2008. Overall, the
month averaged over two degrees colder than last year’s very mild figure
which was above 7C, and the total of fourteen air frosts was the highest
figure for many years.

The rainfall total of just 15.3mm falling on just six
‘rain days’ was probably about one quarter of what we would normally
expect.  This was the driest month since last April, but more
significantly, continues a sequence of below average monthly totals that
has continued without interruption since this time last year.  The
nearest approach to this February  total in recent years was in 2005,
with  18.9mm.

The three months which constitute ‘Winter’ proved the mildest for four years, with a mean temperature of just about 6C.  2007-8  came out at 6.3C. 32 Air Frosts occurred against 28 in the same previous winter. However, the total rainfall of 152.1mm with 48 Rain Days is far
lower than anything that I have recorded, certainly since 2003-4.

Peter at Pottlelake