Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7.30pm 23rd March 2023

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7.30pm 23rd March 2023

Present Jo Plimmer-Chair, Sarah Mardle -Secretary, Sarah Chambers-Treasurer, Julia Scarth, Doug Robinson, Dave Plimmer,

Apologies for absence Joanna Davey, Charlie Chambers

Minutes of last meeting held 7th February 2023 were agreed and signed and will be posted on the Wookey Hole website.

Treasurers report Current balance in the WHRF account: £1,539.64 £520 is being held for the Parish Council grant (Neighbourhood Plan) Leaving a balance of £1019.64 Sarah C reported that the WHRF insurance is currently with Zurich & this covers us for up to 12 community events per year with up to 500 people.

Mendip Hill Projects Tree Planting Grant Sarah C reported that the application for a grant had not been successful, but Mendip Hill Projects had said they would work with Sarah C & help her re-apply.

Jo has asked Somerset Community Foundation for information re developing new village communications & they have replied requesting a meeting. Jo & Sarah to report back at next meeting.

The ideas for how to attach the tree plaques will be discussed at the next meeting.

Working Groups WH Community Space working group - Jo will report back once the group has done first tasks (exploring options) and met up again.

Traffic in Village - A preliminary report was submitted to Somerset County Council last year but no feedback has been received. Marcel Haydn had said last year that SCC would put up some signs, but no further info has been received regarding this. All the data collected during the investigations will be kept by Sarah C in case there is any future interest.

Communications WH Whats On Sarah M has agreed to produce this

WH Website alternatives Jo is going to meet Somerset Community Foundation for advice & report back at next meeting.

Sarah M has had a rough quote from a local web designer to create a new village web site with links to all the other businesses & clubs in the area. Jo suggested we meet to discuss options after her meeting with Somerset Community group.

Future Events The annual Bring & Share supper - Dates to be suggested at next meeting

King Charles Coronation 06/05/23 It was suggested that we could send out flyer to ask villagers what they want to do. Concerns were raised that we haven't got enough time left to organise a village event. Sandy has volunteered to organise a childrens’ activity stall if required.

Sarah M to check with WH Inn to see if anything is organised there. Julia to check with Church, Jo P to check with Sandy & Jenny, Jo to check with Caves & Circus. The WH Club has nothing currently planned.

Tree planting Now postponed until November '23 - Jo to report back after meeting with Somerset Community Foundation.

Glencott Cream Tea August '23, Charlie to ask Graham if this is possible, also to coincide with a cricket match - 6th, 13th August or 3rd September.

Julia has spoken to WH Inn & has a rough idea about costs for having a village meal there at the end of the year. The pub can seat up to 60 people & a week day event would require a min spend of £2000, a Frid/Sat event minimum £3500. It was suggested that the cost of the food could be subsidised by WHRF e.g. £20 per person. To be discusses further at next meeting.

Local Planning Applications None

Somerset Emergency Community Contacts Julia attended a Teams meeting with Daisy from Somerset Emergency Community Contacts (Lisa Pool from parish Council also present). Ivor Tetley has volunteered to be the emergency community contact for Wookey Hole.

AOB Julia reported that conversations around creating an oral history of the village are taking place (Tess Lipin, Elizabeth Rennie, Rob Hale, Paul Fisher & Dave Hudsmith). Jo suggested this might connect with ideas put forward by Colin about the Bus Shelter’s potential as a natural and local heritage hub. Both could perhaps be included in a Heritage Lottery Funding bid.

Julia has, after 3 years of great service, stepped down as Chairperson of the WHRF. The committee thanked her for all her work. Jo Plimmer has now taken up the role.

Next meeting 7.30pm 17th April 2023 in WH Club

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7th February 2023

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7.30pm 7th February 2023

Present Julia Scarth-Chair, Sarah Mardle -Secretary, Doug Robinson, Joanna Davey, Jo Plimmer, Dave Plimmer,

Apologies for absence Sarah Chambers-Treasurer Charlie Chambers

Minutes of last meeting held 3rd November 2022 were agreed and signed and will be posted on the Wookey Hole website.

Treasurers report
Current balance in the WHRF account: £1,539.64
£520 is being held for the Parish Council grant (Neighbourhood Plan)  
Leaving a balance of £1019.64

Elizabeth Rennie’s donation to LWTST during covid
Elizabeth Rennie approved plans to donate 50% of this money to the Elim Church for the Food Bank at the Connect Centre & 50% to be held by WHRF to be used for whatever use they wanted to make of it.  The idea of using it towards the Coronation celebrations in the village on 06/05/2023 she thought would be fine. The Elim Church were very grateful for this donation.

New Venues for community groups
At the last Wookey Hole Residents Forum (WHRF) AGM last October, a number of people expressed concern at the loss of the community hall and showed an interest in exploring an alternative option.
As a result of this, the Wookey Hole Community Space working group was created by Jo Plimmer & the first meeting was held with 5 local residents on 26/01/23.
A number of venues were suggested & members of the working party are to investigate these further. They also agreed to draft a flyer / questionnaire for villagers and community to test the need and uses required.
They will meet again in March to discuss their findings.

WH Whats On
Jenny is standing down from producing the WH Whats On email. Sarah M said she would have a look at producing it until a new volunteer is found.

WH Website alternatives
Further investigations need to be done about how other villages websites work.
Jo suggested that she contact Somerset Community Group for advice.
Sarah to speak to WH Club secretary & their web designer to see how their web site is set up & what it's linked to.

Local Planning Applications
The Homestead Park planning refusal appeal lodged by the Caves has been dismissed by the Central Government Planning Inspector.

Tree walk 26/11/22 feedback
The event was a bit wet but a great success. Afterwards in the WH Club, the delicious cakes & lovely old village photos supplied by Dave Hudsmith were greatly enjoyed by all who attended.

The ideas for how to attach the plaques will be discussed at the next meeting.
 
Future Events
The annual Bring & Share supper could be re planned for March '23. Sarah M to ask the WH Club if it could be held there.
King Charles Coronation 06/05/23 WH Caves are closed that saturday so we could ask to use car park area for a village fete? Sarah M to ask WH club if they have anything planned, and if Sandy might consider coordinating an event. A couple of ideas included a cake and hat competition.
Tree planting that was due to take place in Feb '23 will now be postponed until November '23
Glencott Cream Tea August '23, Charlie to ask Graham if this is possible

Julia to find out more from the pub about costs, capacity and menu options for having a village meal there at the end of the year sometime.  

Traffic in Village
To discuss at next meeting

Mendip Hill Projects Tree Planting Grant
To discuss at next meeting

AOB
Les Cloutman has information about the TPO's in the village & will provide it to anyone wishing to take this up.

Julia to look at Webinar for Somerset Emergency Community Contacts on 14th March

Next meeting  7.30pm 9th March 2023 in WH Club

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7.30pm 3rd Nov 2022

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7.30pm 3rd Nov 2022

Present Julia Scarth-Chair, Sarah Mardle -Secretary, Sarah Chambers-Treasurer, Joanna Davey, Jo Plimmer, Dave Plimmer, Charlie Chambers

Apologies for absence Doug Robinson

Minutes of last meeting held 8th September 2022 were agreed and signed and will be posted on the Wookey Hole website.

Feedback on AGM There was a good turn out of residents, the feedback was positive & plenty stayed on to enjoy some Wookey Ale donated by Sam Mills, some local cheese donated by Mike Pullen & some wine provided by the WH Residents Forum.
No councillors attended & it was agreed that next time we make sure they are personally invited.

Treasurers report
Current balance in the WHRF account: £1,800.53
£520 is being held for the Parish Council grant (Neighbourhood Plan) and
£540.73 for Let’s Weather the Storm (LWTS)
Closing balance after the above taken off £739.80
Sarah C  checked with Roger re money from protest around the Pyrolysis Plant & all moneys had been transferred to WHRF account in 2013.
LWTS money - this was donated by Elizabeth Rennie towards food delivery during Covid.
It was agreed, subject to Elizabeth Rennie’s approval, that 50% of this money would be donated to the Elim Church for the Food Bank at the Connect Centre & 50% would be used for the Coronation celebrations in the village on 06/05/2023.

Community Hall Closure Marcel Hayden from the Parish Council has confirmed that due to the poor condition of the Community Hall, it is not financially viable for repair & future use.
Julia & Joanna had a meeting with Chris Goodchild from WH Caves to see if there was a room that could be used for the Cinema Club & the Ladies Club. Chris confirmed that this could possibly be done if a room was available but couldn't guarantee it.
WHRF agreed to request a working group to look at possible venues in the village, The WH Club was a popular choice.

Future Events
2.00 - 3.30pm 26th November - Village walk to see year 2000 commemorative trees.
An hour and a half walk led by Julia and Doug, followed by seasonal refreshments at the Club.
Event has been promoted by emails, posters and website. All those interested have been asked to register interest via whrf email in order to know numbers for teas and scones.

The commemorative tree plaques are being held by Julia until a suitable decision are made on how to attach them to the trees.

11.00am - 3.00pm 3rd December - Come help plant trees
It was agreed that this event be moved to February 2023.
Sarah C to approach Mendip Hill Project re £2000 tree planting grant, closing date 25/11/22

January 2023 Bring & Share Supper - possible venue The Club, to be discussed further at next meeting.

06/05/23 King Charles Coronation If hotel is closed could caves car park be used for village party? to be discussed at next meeting.

WH Village Web Site John Clarke is happy to run Weebily Web Site. Sam Mills of Wookey Ales created the Club website and might be interested.  Jo had mentioned asking young people that might have ideas.
Sarah M reported that the items listed on the web site were being viewed regularly.
Alternatives to be discussed at next meeting.

Planning Applications No new applications at present

Traffic in Village Paul Cannon has sent a preliminary report to Somerset County Council.
Marcel Hayden has confirmed that SCC will put some road signs up.

AOB Jo Plimmer to speak to Colin Babb about wild garden planting by bus shelter.

Next meeting  7.30pm 7th February 2023 in WH Club

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 8.00pm 8th Sept 2022

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 8.00pm 8th Sept 2022

Present Julia Scarth-Chair, Sarah Chambers-Treasurer, Doug Robinson, Joanna Davey, Jo Plimmer. Joined by Charlie Chambers after Treasurers Report.

Apologies for absence Sarah Mardle, Dave Plimmer
Welcome to Jo Plimmer (and in absence Dave Plimmer) who are interested in joining the committee.

Matter of note: news announced just prior to the meeting, that Queen Elizabeth II has died. The committee acknowledged our sadness on this historic day.

Minutes of last meeting held 1st August 2022
Error noted and amended: Paul Cannon (Parish Councillor) not Sarah Chamber, speaking to Caves about signage.
Amended minutes were agreed and signed and will be posted on the Wookey Hole website.

Traffic in village: Sarah C to pick this up mid-September.

Treasurers report
Sarah C reported that £428.17 has been received from the Wookey Hole 2000 account (Santander) which has now been closed. Julia Scarth and Katy Smith who  were on the WH2000 cttee managed to get the remaining funds transferred over.
Background for Jo P: Wookey Hole 2000 ran for 3 or 4 years and was the previous equivalent to WHRF but formed specifically to celebrate the Millenium.
Current balance in the WHRF account: £1,877.56
£520 is being held for the Parish Council grant (Neighbourhood Plan) and £540.73 for Let’s Weather the Storm (LWTS)
Closing balance after the above is £816.83
Sarah C will check if an amount has come in from moneys accrued through the protest around the Pyrolysis Plant. If not Sarah C will follow up with Roger and let Julia know.
LWTS money - this was donated by Elizabeth Rennie towards food delivery. Julia to follow up with Ivor and Elizabeth as to whether this should be held or returned.

Tree map and tree event plans (National Tree Planting Week)
Noted this has even more significance now with the passing of the Queen. 5 trees have survived, 2 have died. Dates confirmed for these public events as:
2.00 - 3.30pm 26th November - Village walk
Agreed plans as an hour and a half walk, led by Julia and Doug, followed by seasonal refreshments at the Club. Julia will check this with Club (Manny). Sarah C suggested ribbon tying - supported by committee. Sarah C will look into and purchase ribbons (biodegradable options).

Events to be promoted through poster and website (Joanna has drafted poster). Agreed to register interest via email in order to know numbers for teas and scones.

Jo asked about website - Sarah Mardle maintains currently.
Discussion around whether this might become an annual event, and how to mark the two ‘lost’ trees, and also what to do about the tree plaques. Julia and Jo to investigate with Forge in early October when Julia is back from holiday.

11.00am - 3.00pm 3rd December - Come help plant trees
Agreed plans to undertake planting with a lunch break and refreshments on offer. Charlie offered to make soup, Jo offered to make bread (or purchase if the baking doesn’t happen).

AGM Preparations
Date: 7.30pm 13th October in Community Hall
Joanna to create A5 flyer publicising AGM and how to join Forum. Committee to distribute flyers around village letterboxes to encourage attendance, as all noted new residents moving into the village who may not receive notice by email or see posters.
Agreed to offer additional incentive to attend by providing locally sourced refreshments.
Julia to ask Mike (Pullin) about provision of 2 kilos of cave aged cheddar.
Charlie to ask Sante wines (donation or sale or return).
Sarah Mardle to ask Wookey Ales about donation (donation or sale or return).

Committee positions: Chair and Secretary. Jo expressed cautious interest in volunteering as Chair, but would like to find out more about what this entails from Julia in October.

Community Hall Closure
Hall is closing at the end of October. Current groups are exploring other options; cinema club is homeless currently. To discuss further at next meeting.

AOB
Julia and Doug will be away 14th - 29th September.

Next meeting  7.30pm 13th October in Community Hall (AGM)

Village news and requests

Trees

Saturday 26th November 2022 at 2pm

A walk around village looking at the trees that were planted in 2000 and thinking about where to plant some more.  After the walk tea and home made cakes at the Club along with an opportunity to see some pictures and photos of Wookey Hole in times gone by.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you plan to attend.

The tree planting event that had been scheduled for 3rd December has been postponed until next year.  Once we’ve got a new date we’ll let you know.

Flower Arranging

Are there any ladies who would be interested in helping with flower arranging for St Mary Magdalene  Church, Wookey Hole. It would  entail being on the rota once or twice a year depending on how much time you could spare. We are a small friendly team and we do meet to decorate the church for Christmas , Easter , Patronal Festival and harvest. You don’t need to have any experience but we would be very happy to welcome and help anyone who would like to join us. Please contact Lyn 0749 671912 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Thanks Lyn

The Community Hall has closed What Next?

Very sadly, the Community Hall which has served the village well for the past decade has now closed.  Sincere thanks to Jenny and Alec Lewis and the Hall Committee who have put in much time and effort in managing this valuable village resource for all these years and also to the Caves who allowed and have supported its transformation from the Bowling Hut to the Community Hall.  An assessment of the amount it would cost financially to fix the building led to the conclusion that it was not financially viable.  Would you be interested in getting together with others in the Village to explore ideas of a new village space?  If so email Jo Plimmer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minutes of WHRF committee meeting held at The WH Club 7.30pm 1st August 2022

Present, Julia Scarth-Chair, Sarah Chambers-Treasurer, Sarah Mardle, Doug Robinson, Joanna Davey, Chloe Parish
Apologies for absence. Charlie Chambers

 

Minutes of last meeting held 10th March 2022 were agreed and signed and will be posted on the Wookey Hole website.

 

Treasurers report – Sarah C reported that the Bring & Share raised £127 minus £7 for the hall hire. The annual insurance fee of £96 has also been paid leaving a current balance of £1442.39. (£520 is being held for the Parish Council grant and £540.73 for LWTS) Closing balance for WHRF is £381.66
Julia will connect with Ivor re the £540.73 LWST money to see if this is to stay with the Forum, or not

 

Report Back on Bring & Share & Picnic
Both events went well & were enjoyed by all who attended

 

Future events
A local resident called Richard (who attended the bring & share) said he'd like to do a quiz evening, date to be confirmed.
A village picture, similar to the one taken in 2000, is being suggested for 2025
For The National Tree Planting Week 26/11/22 - 03/12/22 a walk to view the trees that were planted for the Millenium is planned for 26/11/22. Plus the following week on 03/12/22 new trees will be planted in & around the village. Posters will be created & an email sent out to villagers.
There have been 2 responses from villagers with suggestions for positions for the new trees & other options were suggested, e.g. Small tree by bus shelter, Glencot Triangle, next to allotment, Church grounds, replace any Millenium trees that didn't survive. Everyone agreed that fruit & nut trees would be a lovely idea.
Sarah M to send a map to Doug for him to confer with Julia & plot where the existing Millenium trees were planted & who the tree's were dedicated to.

 

Road working group
A meeting was held between Marcel Hayden & Toby from Somerset County Council, Marcel highlighted some of the points that the road working group has been dealing with. Toby requested another meeting to discuss the research that Sarah C & group had accumulated & to discuss next stage.
Sarah C to speak to Paul Cannon to see if he can ask WH Caves if they can provide "No Access to the Caves" signs to be put up in Easton & the top of Tynings Lane, directing the traffic away from the single track roads & onto the main roads.

 

Local Planning Applications
Mendip Council have refused an amended planning application for 50 houses on the Armchair field on Wookey Hole Road.
Mendip have also refused the amended planning application for Homestead park (in March 2022)

 

AGM Minutes To be agreed at next AGM meeting proposed for 13/10/22 7.30pm Community Hall.
Sarah M to see if she can find the poster from last years meeting & email it to Joanna to be updated for this year. The poster will then be put on the WH Village web site & emailed out to residents.

 

AOB – Chloe has requested to step down from the committee & everyone thanked her for her valued input over the past year.
Lyn Astle has spoken to the Parish Council about the benches that were donated to WH for the 1977 Silver Jubilee, one in School Hill near North Bank & the other in Milton Lane & the Parish Council have agreed to maintain them.

Next meeting
Planning meeting for AGM Thursday 29th September at 7.30

 

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