May 2026 Minutes
SUDBROOKE PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
TUESDAY 5 MAY 2026 – 7.30PM
SUDBROOKE VILLAGE HALL
Present:
● Cllr P. Heath – Chairman
● Mrs L. Clinkscales – Clerk & RFO
● Five residents
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1. Approval of the Notes of the Meeting Held on 6 May 2025
It was RESOLVED unanimously to approve the notes of the meeting held on 6 May 2025 as a true record.
The Chairman signed the minutes.
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2. Chairman’s Report
The Chairman reported a successful year for the Parish Council.
● The Council saw the retirement of Chris Myres, who served many Chairmen with dedication over many years. The Council extends its thanks and best wishes for her retirement.
● Louise Clinkscales was welcomed as the new Clerk, bringing valuable experience from Cherry Willingham Parish Council and providing a helpful review of Council procedures.
Neighbourhood Plan
● The review of the Neighbourhood Plan was completed to reflect government changes.
● Submission was delayed due to an administrative error but is now progressing and expected to be adopted this year.
Events
● A summer event could not be held; however, the Christmas Tree Lighting was highly successful.
● Free drinks, sweets, and mulled wine were provided, with donations covering event costs.
Projects
● A grant was secured for the Climbing Wall, Basketball Hoop, and Target Wall, now installed at the Village Hall grounds and already well used.
Council Membership
● The Council said farewell to Cllr Sandra Clayton and Cllr Bhikhu Mystry, thanking them for their service.
● Cllr Mike Alford was welcomed to the Parish Council.
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3. Responsible Finance Officer’s Report
2. Overview of the Financial Position
The Council’s finances remain stable and sustainable.
● Opening balance (1 April 2025): £69,449
● Closing balance (31 March 2026): £70,461.63
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3. Income Summary
Total income: £69,711.25
Main income sources:
● Precept: £35,700.00
● Grants (CIL, LCC, Lottery): £19,250.00
● Donations / Sponsorship: £116.55
● Bank interest: £551.62
● Other income (VAT return, LCC grass cutting, Sudbrooke News): £14,644.70
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4. Expenditure Summary
Total expenditure: £68,698.67
Key areas of spending included:
● Administration
● Grounds maintenance / village services
● Community events
● Repairs and maintenance
● Subscriptions and insurance
● Projects / capital expenditure
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5. Reserves
Total reserves at year end: £70,461.63
Breakdown:
● Current Account: £7,661.94
● Sportsfield Account: £4,096.60
● Northfield Park Account: £18,156.51
● Fox Covert Account: £2,254.48
● General Reserve: £22,865.25
● Earmarked Reserves: £15,426.85
○ Speed awareness signage
○ MUGA maintenance
○ Computer equipment
○ Parish elections
○ Millennium Stone lighting maintenance
○ Wood carving maintenance
○ Village Hall play equipment
○ New noticeboard
○ Cemetery fund
○ Conservation
○ Listed buildings maintenance
These reserves ensure the Council can meet unexpected costs and deliver planned projects.
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6. Internal Controls and Audit
● Internal audit conducted by Johnathan Kelly – no issues reported.
● AGAR will be completed and published in line with statutory requirements.
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7. Looking Ahead
The Council has set:
● Budget: £39,600.00
● Precept: £39,600.00
Planned priorities include:
● Replacement community noticeboard
● Grounds maintenance
● Administrative and governance requirements
● Internal training to reduce contractor costs
● Speed awareness
● Grants for small groups and community organisations
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8. Conclusion
The Council’s finances remain healthy, with a continued commitment to transparency and value for money.
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4. Reports from County and District Councillors
No councillors were in attendance and no reports were submitted.
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5. Reports from Local Organisations
5.1 Sudbrooke Village Hall – Report by Gill Rignall (Secretary)
● AGM held in March; officers re‑elected:
○ Chair: Mrs L. Hill
○ Vice Chair: Mrs E. Chapman
○ Bar Manager: Mr P. Rignall
○ Secretary: Mrs G. Rignall
○ Treasurer: Mr S. Hewson
○ Booking Secretary: Mrs S. King
○ Committee: Mrs T. Bowman, Mrs I. Everitt, Mrs L. Hutchinson
● Hall usage includes Preschool, Coffee Club, fitness groups, family events, and private hire.
● Quiz nights remain popular in winter; summer break in June–August.
● Bar continues to provide valuable revenue.
● Extensive drainage work completed in September; Parish Council contributed £1,000.
● Committee supported defibrillator training.
● Responsibility for the external noticeboard has been taken over from the Parish Council.
● Information available on the Parish website and Facebook page.
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5.2 Sudbrooke Coffee Club – Report by Gill Rignall
● Meets on the second Friday of each month at 10.30am.
● Attendance fluctuates but new members are always welcome.
● Activities include chat, raffle, seasonal treats, and occasional gift card stall.
● Open to residents of Sudbrooke and surrounding villages.
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6. Parishioners’ Comments
No matters were raised.
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Signed: ___________________________
P. Heath, Chairman
Dated: ___________________________