2022-03-31-accounts

WALLINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Registered Charity No 1038479 29[th] ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 21 June, 2022

AGENDA

Tuesday 21 June at 7.30 p.m.

1. Apologies

2. Adoption of minutes of the 28[th] AGM – 23 November 2021

3. Summary Reports

• Chairman’s

• Treasurer’s (in the absence of the Treasurer to be presented by the Chairman)

• Hall

• Communications

• Planning Issues

4. Formal adoption of reports

5. Election of Officers and Executive Committee members (2022-23)

6. Date of next year’s AGM – Tuesday 20 June 2023

Break for refreshments

7. Short introductory demonstration of defibrillator – Jane Favill

8. Open Forum with discussions and topics raised from the floor

Issue B, 27 Nov 21: issued for review and comment

WALLINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF THE 29th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

24[th] November 2021

Present: R. Kew (Chair), P Trott (Treasurer), R Hooper (Secretary), G Boulding, D Brockington-Hall, S Dixon, A Hackney, S Hatten, K Howell, C. Morgan, S.Morse, Councillor (Cllr) K. Trott,

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies: Cllr T Davies, D Kett

2. MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2019

The minutes for the previous Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in 2019 were accepted as a true and accurate record for that meeting.

3. SUMMARY REPORTS

Written reports covering Wallington Village Community Association (WVCA) finance and planning matters, together with a commentary from the Once In A While (OIAW) editorial team were provided as an Addendum to the last issue of OIAW. This agenda item provided each author with the opportunity to summarise the issues covered within the reports so that each report may be formally adopted. Other topics were covered during this agenda item, as follows:

(i) Planning

The Chair (Russell Kew (RK)) provided a summary of ongoing planning issues. RK commented that:

• the draft Local Plan excludes the proposed developments for Wallington;

• in respect of the application for houses to be built on the field at the junction of North Wallington and Standard Way ���������������:

the developers are clearly seeking to accelerate the planning process before the Local Plan is formally adopted. Both Hampshire County Council (HCC) Ecology and Natural England have registered their objections ahead of the decision date (17[th] December);

Page 1

Issue B, 27 Nov 21: issued for review and comment

RK will write to Fareham Borough Council (FBC) nearer to the decision date to restate the objections of WVCA and to highlight how little change has been made to the documents previously submitted by the developer; and

RK encouraged those residents that have not already commented to do so.

• in respect ����������������������������������������������������������the developers are at an early stage of planning and comments from WVCA (and others) have not yet been invited;

• in respect of the application for houses to ������������������������������there appeared to be no apparent movement since the last submission of plans (to which WVCA had already registered its objections); and

• in respect of the two extensions to the Industrial Estate (behind Suez and at the corner on the descent of Standard Way), WVCA have registered their objections �������������������������

RK continues to attend meetings hosted by the developers for Welborne and suggested that building is unlikely to start until late 2023, with the programme being phased so that work would start on the western side of the A32 (towards Wickham) with site drainage to the River Meon (rather than the River Wallington).

RK suggested that this delay would most likely increase pressure on FBC to meet interim targets through development of other sites, including the sites around Wallington, and that it was imperative the WVCA and residents remain vigilant.

(ii) Village Walk round

RK invited Graham Boulding (GB) to provide an overview of the recent village walk round.

GB explained that the walk-round included representatives from WVCA, HCC, the Environment Agency and FBC. During the walk round, those assembled addressed the following issues:

• the need for improved road marking, including: signage at the Delme roundabout to prevent HGVs from inadvertently choosing to transit through the village; yellow lines between Lowlands and the Delme roundabout; and additional 30 mph speed limit signs at the top end of Broadcut, and at the junction of Military and Draft Roads;

• the replacement of temporary emergency fencing installed near the five-arch bridge;

• the need for fencing to be installed between the village hall car park and the river;

• the trimming of willow trees (one opposite the White Horse, and a second near the post box and five arch bridge);

• maintenance of the council owned gardens in Waterside Gardens;

Page 2

Issue B, 27 Nov 21: issued for review and comment

• repair to the pothole on Standard Way;

• potential felling of tree that is leaning on the riverbank opposite 64 and 67, North Wallington; and

• riverbank slippage opposite Lowlands, Wallington Shore Road.

(iii) River Clearance

RK thanked the twenty-two residents who had taken the time to assist with clean-up of the river. Those involved in the clean-up reported that there had been a significant improvement in the cleanliness of the river since the last clearance.

(iv)

Water Meadow

• RK commented that WVCA had recently written to Aberdeen Asset Management (the landowner) to establish the precise status of the Water Meadow and their plans for managing the land in line with their environmental policy. RK explained that by engaging with the landowner, WVCA were hopeful that a long-term joint plan may afford the village greater control over upkeep of the meadow.

(v)

Communications

Kate Howell (KH) reported that a strategy for improving village communications is being developed and that WVCA would welcome help from any interested residents. KH recognised that mail chimp has limitations, while some residents have not been able to receive emails[1] . KH further recognised that a means for sharing WVCA activity on Facebook with those residents that are not on Facebook would need to be identified.

(vi) Environment

RK thanked C Scott (CS) for his service to the WVCA (CS is stepping down from the Committee after many years of service) and particularly, for all the work that CS had carried out in helping to protect and improve the local environment.

RK highlighted the recent effort, carried out in concert with FBC, to plant wild-flower native enriched turf near the junction of Wallington Shore Road and East Hill Close.

RK agreed to meet with T Norris early in the new year to discuss environmental matters.

(vii) Social and Entertainment

RK commented that a Craft Fayre and Cheese and Wine Evening had recently taken place and that further events in the lead up to Christmas were planned.

(viii) Finance (Treasury)

• ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� financial standing.

1 KH invited those residents that had not been able to receive emails to provide their email addresses so that the breakdown in communications may be investigated.

Page 3

Issue B, 27 Nov 21: issued for review and comment

PT reported:

• that since �������������������������������������������������������������, the loss of income consequent of the pandemic (with expenses remaining the same) meant that the hall was effectively operating at a loss[2] for much of the last 18 months; and

• that despite the loss, the WVCA funds remain in reasonable condition with circa £200K set aside for emergencies or available to spend on projects beneficial to the Wallington community. PT invited residents to present ideas as to how WVCA funds may be spent for consideration by the Committee.

PT commented that the valuation of the village hall was circa £1.7M (for insurance purposes), which served to illustrate ������������������������������������������������

4. FORMAL ADOPTION OF REPORTS

Each report was formally adopted with no objections from those assembled.

5. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

RK reported that twelve nominations, all seconded, had been received for the post of Officers and Executive Committee Members. The Officers and Executive Committee Members were duly elected with no objections from those assembled.

RK asked for more residents to come forward to join the working committees, with a particular regard to the environmental committee.

6. OPEN FORUM

Following a presentation from Ms C Harnott (CH) covering the difficulties faced by the local swan and duck populations, RK invited those assembled to ask questions of the Chair:

• Q1. Would the committee consider requesting quotes from specialist planning and highway consultants to assist with �������������������������������������������applications?

• A1. RK replied that timing was the key issue, and that the committee would give due consideration to paying for specialist advice once the need and obvious benefits become apparent.

• Q2. Would the committee consider improving access to the Water Meadow and making the meadow far more of a village amenity area?

• A2. RK replied that since the WVCA is not the landowner, it cannot do anything without the �����������������������������������������for our attempts to engage with the landowner.

• Q3. To CH, why are there now more swans in the river?

• A3. CH replied that our long-term resident pair of swans had been ousted and that a new pair were yet to establish themselves.

2 The loss has been partially offset through Government grants.

Page 4

Issue B, 27 Nov 21: issued for review and comment

• Q4. Who owns the riverbank? Access to the meadow is slippery and would benefit from some maintenance.

• A4. RK replied that as per answer ���������������������������������������������������� permission.

• Q5. Can anything be done to prevent speeding along Wallington Shore Road and throughout the village?

• A5. RK undertook to discuss this issue at the next committee meeting and to identify measures that could be taken and by whom.

�����

It was suggested that village residents are in many cases the culprits vis-à-vis speeding; it was further suggested that residents may wish to take photographs when speeding and/or dangerous driving is observed.

7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

(i) Wallington Festival 2022

RK invited D Brockington-Hall (DBH) to present to the meeting �������������������������� Wallington Festival.

DBH explained:

• that plans for the 2019 Festival, predicated on using village roads in place of the Water Meadow had upset a small number of residents, and that, consequently, the festival had not taken place;

• that the WVCA were anxious to avoid unnecessarily upsetting residents and would consult with those affected to find ways in which their concerns might be alleviated;

• that plans for the 2022 Festival will require a small number of roads to be closed for one day with activities centred around the three village public houses; and

• that decisions would need to be taken quickly so that the necessary arrangements with all stakeholders could be made.

Comments from the floor were overwhelmingly supportive that such an event should take place, particularly, given the disruption caused by the pandemic. A straw poll carried out by DBH of those in attendance showed 38 in favour with only two opposed. An opinion that it would be grossly unfair for the event not to go ahead were a small number of residents to object was expressed by several of those in attendance.

DBH undertook to publish plans for the 2022 Festival and begin consultations at the earliest opportunity.

(ii) Car Parking Fareham High Street

• Councillor K Trott (KT) stated that residents have until Friday 26[th] November to object ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� is restricted to free of charge for up to 40 minutes.

Page 5

Issue B, 27 Nov 21: issued for review and comment

8. ��������������������ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The next AGM will be held on the 14[th] June 2022.

Page 6

Wallington Village Association

AGM - 2022

Chairmans Report:

I am pleased that following the last two years of covid interruption the AGM is returning to its normal June slot. The period of this report is shorter than normal and covers the main items the WVCA has been involved in since November 2021. My thanks go to the executive team of the WVCA and the editorial team of the Once In A While (OIAW) magazine all of whom give up significant amounts of their time to support our community.

It was with great sadness we heard of the death of Jim Hall one of our most influential Chairmen who led the team that raised the funds and built the village Hall.

Panning :

The planning items effecting the village are covered separately from this report

Walkround :

Following the last village walkround with the Officers from Fareham, Hampshire, Environmental Agency, and our elected representatives in October, progress has been made on the removal of a potentially dangerous tree on the river bank opposite 64-67 North Wallington. After much lobbying, together with the tenacity of our local councillor the tree is due to be removed by Hampshire County Council on the 15/6/22. This will require some parking to be suspended so that the road can remain open while the work is undertaken.

Another walk around the village is planned for late June 2022 and items needing the attention of the authorities will again be discussed.

HGVs entering the village in error has been discussed and the Hampshire councillor has visited to discuss the issue, clearing signage obscured by overhanging vegetation may help drivers. If anyone witnesses a HGV stuck in the village we encourage them to photograph the vehicle and record the date and time and forward the information to the Secretary’s WVCA contact email address.

The results of last year’s wild flower turf laying on Wallington Shore are showing great potential this spring.

Village Hall :

The bookings for the hall continue to increase and the revenue we earn continues to grow and we hope in the coming months we will reach pre covid levels

The defibrillator has been serviced and moved to the outside of the village hall. At the AGM a short introductory demonstration of how to use it will be given by an expert.

My thanks go to the hall committee for all the work they undertake to make the village hall such a great success.

Events :

It was great to see the return of the village carols in December 2021

The summer fete is planned to be held on Saturday 9 July in a different format to the past, there will be stalls in the Village Hall and on the Car Park, the WI will provide tea and cakes.

The pubs will be the centre of entertainment with the White Horse and Cobb and Penn playing music and providing food etc. For this and other events to continue and be a success we desperately need volunteers both to help organise and / or on the day.

Souvenir Wallington Mugs to celebrate the Queens Platinum jubilee have been purchased for member households of the WVCA. The WVCA will provide some financial support to those holding street events in the village.

A village writing competition has been launched (see latest edition OIAW) for 2022 and a total prize money of £250 for the three age groups.

Environmental :

Water Meadow

Following the WVCAs letter to Aberdeen Asset Management who manage the land on behalf of Standard Life, an encouraging meeting was held in February when the future management of the site was discussed. I am awaiting an update from Aberdeen Asset Management ahead of the AGM, the content of which I hope to share with attendees at the meeting.

Natural Flood Management

We recently met with the Environmental Agency who are again looking at Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes further up the Wallington River and its catchment areas. They are working closely with Natural England and some local land owners. We continue a watching brief and will update any developments through OIAW.

AGM - 2022

Planning report

The Fareham Local Plan is with the planning Inspector and the public consultation is now complete. We await the decision of the Inspector, which we hope will occur by the end of September 2022. The plan shows where Fareham Borough Council is prepared to see development and those areas that should remain undeveloped.

Two different developers have applied for outline planning to build on the Horses field (29 housing units) , Pinks Hill (120 housing units) and Gauntlets Field (24 houses). The planners have deferred a decision awaiting the outcome of the Local Plan. It is critical to Wallington that the Local Plan is approved by the inspector. Should the Local Plan fail, then I fear, the developers will push extremely hard for the developments and we will have a difficult fight ahead.

Russell Kew

Wallington Village Community Association

Financial Statements

for the year ending

31 March 2022

Saturday, 30 April 2022

Wallington Village Community Association

Accou nts for the year to 31 March 2022

1. Re ceipts & Payments Account

	Income	Year ending 31 March 2022 £ £	Year ending 31 March 2022 £ £	Year ending 31 March 2021 £ £	Year ending 31 March 2021 £ £
Income Receipts Hiring of Hall Gift Aid Tax refund Fete Membership & Adverts Social Activities Environmental projects Bus Local Government Grants
		38,914.63 0.00 0.00 2,023.40 929.42 0.00 0.00 2,667.00		14,361.21 335.50 0.00 1,828.80 309.60 0.00 0.00 21,160.72
		44,534.45		37,995.83
Fundraising income Donations Annual Draw
		4.90 0.00		0.00 0.00
		4.90		0.00
Investment income Interest & dividends
		2,487.74		1,641.35
			2,487.74		1,641.35
TOTAL RECEIPTS			47,027.09		39,637.18
Payments Hall running costs & insurance Fete Social Activities Water meadow Environmental projects Administration Once In A While Bus Allotment
		31,352.61 0.00 2,094.55 0.00 2,575.27 940.94 2,886.00 0.00 0.00		37,627.88 0.00 940.75 0.00 268.95 1,927.99 3,028.00 0.00 512.82
TOTAL PAYMENTS			39,849.37		44,306.39
Grossincome/expenditure for the year			7,177.72		(4,669.21)
Capital Released from FP Equity Fund		0.00		0.00
Net payments/receipts for the year			7,177.72		(4,669.21)
Cash& Bank balances at 31 March 2021			97,202.48		101,871.69
Cash& Bank balances at 31 March 2022			104,380.20		97,202.48

Page 1

Saturday, 30 April 2022

Wallington Village Community Association

Accounts for the year to 31 March 2022

2. Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 March 2022

			Year ending 31 March 2022 £ £	Year ending 31 March 2022 £ £	Year ending 31 March 2021 £ £	Year ending 31 March 2021 £ £
Assets NOTES Monetary Assets Bank & Cash Balances Ecology Building Society United Trust Bank Account United Trust Bank 1 yr Bond Lloyds Current Account Lloyds No 2 Account Cash Account
			10,984.58 47,448.95 21,324.34 24,569.30 23.60 29.43		10,875.82 46,997.71 21,324.24 18,220.99 73.63 58.00
				104,380.20		97,550.39
	Investments IFSL/CAF Equity growth fund (Valuation 31 Dec 2021)
				116,396.07		109,423.86
	Total Monetary Assets			220,776.27		206,974.25
	Non-Monetary Assets Buildings - Valuation 23 October 2020 Fixtures & fittings Brought forward, reduced by 10% Additions & replacements
				1,568,905.00		1,568,905.00
			78,265.08 0.00		86,961.20 0.00
			78,265.08			86,961.20
	Prepayments and receivables
	Gift aid to be recovered (Est)		355.00		-
				355.00		0.00
	Total Non Monetary Assets			1,647,525.08		1,655,866.20
Tot	al Assets			1,868,301.35		1,862,840.45
	al Assets
Liabilities
	Prior Years liabilities outstanding New liabilities 2021/2022		0.00 0.00		0.00 0.00
Tot	al Liabilities			0.00		0.00
3.	Analysis of Funds Hall Rebuild (add £5000pa) Hall Maintenance Water Meadow (add £1200pa) General Reserve	Restricted Unrestricted Total 5,131.80 124,868.20 130,000.00 0.00 20,000.00 20,000.00 2,363.18 29,839.76 32,202.94 0.00 38,573.33 38,573.33				Total 125,000.00 20,000.00 31,002.94 30,971.31
Total Funds		7,494.98 213,281.29 220,776.27				206,974.25

Saturday, 30 April 2022

Page 2

Treasurer’s Report 2021/22

1. Gross income/expenditure

The financial statements for this year show gross income over expenditure for the year of £7,177 compared to gross deficit of £4,669 last year. Primarily due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the village hall was closed for the early part of the year and reduced capacities for events were imposed for much of the rest of the year. This has resulted in income still being below pre-COVID years but much improved over 2020/21 when the hall had been closed for around nine months. Management oversight of the hall has been continuing and professional cleaner has continued to be employed throughout the year.

2. Income

Overall income for the year was £47,027 an improvement on last year’s £39,637. Hall activities are picking up, resulting in higher income. Income has also been bolstered by a further government grant of £2,667. Last year grants totalled £21,161.

• •Our main source of funds, the hall, improved significantly to £38,915 from last year’s figure of only 14,361.

• •Interest and dividends received have increased compared to last year, despite current low interest rates. Interest rates are now beginning to show an upward trend in recent months. We maintain over £68,700 of long term investments in accounts with the United Trust Bank and £10,985 with the Ecology Building Society. These investments were reviewed by the Finance Sub-Committee in February.

3. Payments

Payments for the year have reduced to £39,849 over the 2021 figure of £44,306. No major new work has been embarked upon in the year and running costs have consequently been reduced.

4. Cash reserves

• •At 31 March 2022, monies held in bank accounts, fixed interest accounts and cash amounted to £104,380

• •A further £116,396 is held in the IFSL/CAF Equity Growth Fund an increase on last year’s total of £109,423. This is due to the improvement in share values over time.

• •Overall, total monetary assets available to the Association are £220,776.

5. Treasurer’s summary – allocation of reserves

Hall rebuild fund:

• •Income from the hall is normally a large percentage of total income so the reserves held to cover potential loss of revenue, currently stands at £130,000 and has been increased by £5,000 each year in line with the Reserves Policy.

• •We have set this sum aside to help with rebuild costs of a new hall, in particular to cover the costs of any improvements the association can make to a new hall in light of technological advances. It will also be sufficient to enable the Association to continue with its other activities for more than two years without having the income from hiring the hall.

• •This ‘post’ pandemic year has again shown the value of setting aside a significant sum to cover losses. The government grant this year of £2,667, has again contributed to the Association not actually having to call on its reserves.

Hall maintenance fund:

• •The hall maintenance reserves have been set aside in order to cover any larger items of expenditure that would be required to keep the existing hall in an “as new” condition. Funds have been used for this purpose during this financial year allowing us to employ a specialist deep cleaner every month, but the nominal £20,000 remains to ensure further work can be undertaken in future.

• •No new work projects have been undertaken during this financial year.

Water Meadow fund:

• •The water meadow reserve has again been increased by £1,200 this year in line with the Reserves Policy to £32,203. These funds are set aside by the trustees to ensure funds are available to cover any costs that might be incurred in protecting the meadow. This could include legal costs incurred in fighting a potential development of the meadow.

Although some of the funds have been designated for particular purposes by the trustees, most of the funds available to the Association are unrestricted reserves. A total of £213,281 can be re-designated at the agreement of the trustees to cover any requirement the WVCA may have.

The WVCA continues to be in a good position with regard to the level of reserves it holds and is well placed to cope with unforeseen costs or loss of income as has been suffered during this exceptional year.

6. Independent Examination of the Accounts

An examination of the accounts, including these statements, has been undertaken by an independent examiner. Her report is attached to the AGM Agenda.

Peter Trott Treasurer WVCA

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Report to the trustees of: Wallington Village Community Association On the accounts for the year ended: 31 March 2022 Charity no: 1038479

I report to the trustees on the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 March 2022, set out on pages 1 and 2.

Respective responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination that gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or

• the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

• the accounts did not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a “true and fair” view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in the report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Date: 16 May 2022

Name: Clare Weeks

Relevant professional

qualification or body: BA(Hons) FCA – Institute of Chartered Accountants (England and Wales)

Address: 18 Drift Road Fareham PO16 8SY

WVCA Hall Sub-Committee AGM Report 2022

Following the huge disruption caused by Covid in 2020/21 we again re-opened our Hall at the end of April 2021. However, at Christmas 2021 we once again had another short term closure due to the Omicron Virus.

Many regular Hirers have returned, we lost a few, but we have even attracted some new Users.

The net result for the income year ending March 2022 was about 33% down on pre-covid figures.

Current indications are good with our Hall already being used almost every day.

Our Aim

To maintain the Hall in “as new” condition.

Update

By the time you read this we will have a Defibrillator in situ on the outside wall by the entrance to the Hall which will be available 24/7. A 999 phone call will provide the code to unlock it for quick access.

Covid

The Covid threat remains and we continue to ask Hall Users to take appropriate care.

Hall Bookings

Our Village Hall raises revenue to pay for the running costs and maintenance etc with the surplus going to WVCA Village funds. With energy costs rising sharply please help us to keep the Hall costs down where you can.

The biggest Users of our Hall are Dance, Yoga, Pilates and Zumba Classes, and Band Practice etc.

Hall Hire Costs

We have made some small increases to the Hall Hire rates this year, the new rates are published in the latest OIAW Magazine and on the web site.

Outside Flower Beds

Thank you to Silvia Stanley and her team of volunteers who maintain the attractive flower beds around our Hall.

Hall Manager

Thank you to our Hall Manager, Geoff, who keeps the wheels well oiled day and night 7 days a week. Geoff deals with the many and varied challenges and tasks to present our Hall in top condition. He also personally looks after the garden on the end of the building in Broadcut.

Chris Morgan (Chair) Sue Morse Graham Boulding

April 2022

Communications

Our aim as a Communications team is to ensure as many of our residents as possible know about "what's what" in the village. Mailchimp remains a source of communication however we know this doesn't always get read by every recipient. If you'd like to support the Communications team and have ideas for enhancing the village Communications, please let me know.

Kate Howell

‘Once in a While’ – Steve Taylor

Starting with the bottom line… The total cost of the magazine last year was £2,886 for 1310 copies (2 editions with 430 copies each, plus a Christmas run of 450). This makes for a unit cost of £2.20. By comparison, the cost in 2020 was £3,028 with a unit cost of £2.35. Costs continue to be off-set slightly by advertising revenue, but the balance between adverts and actual content continues to be good.

In terms of this actual content, it is gratifying to see that the village clubs and societies who regularly contribute their reports have, on the whole, returned to normal operation. These reports are such a big part of the ‘OIAW’ and, like all other contributions, are much appreciated. As stated in our last report, more contributions and feedback from our readers would be appreciated. Last year, we dealt — amicably, I hasten to add — with one complaint and one correction. Not bad, you might say, but it is too easy to assume that ‘no news is good news’. So, please give us your feedback, good or bad.

In terms of reader engagement, this year we have decided to have a ‘Village Writing Competition’, with prizes generously provided by WVCA. Entrants must write an original story, of no more than 500 words, answering the question “Where does Dennis go?’. Dennis, for the uninitiated, is the semi-official village cat. There are 2 prizes of £100, for under 12s and 12-16s, plus a prize of £50 for over 16s. Closing date is September 19th, and it is hoped that all village writers will participate.

Given that part of the magazine’s remit is to be a ‘forum for village debate’, another idea we have had is a ‘Have your say’ page. The idea is that two contributors, each with an opposing opinion on an issue affecting the village e.g. planning, write a short article expressing their views. This could be a viable alternative to the oft-requested letters page, where the fact that we publish only ‘Once in a While’ makes ‘right of reply’ an issue. Whether or not we adopt this idea, please remember that all contributions will be considered, providing they abide by our abiding rule of no party politics or personal attacks. Also, submission is no guarantee of inclusion — due to space available or balance in that particular issue — and all submissions may be edited.

Talking of contributions, thanks again to Cherry Harnett, who supplies so many of our wonderful photos, and to all the street reps, for delivering the magazine around the village.

In conclusion, we feel that the ‘OIAW’ continues to be a quality publication, both in feel and content, as well as being good value for money. But, at the risk of repeating ourselves, it is your magazine, so please contribute, give feedback and, hopefully, enjoy reading the magazine. Please send all feedback and contributions — including Writing Competition entries — to [e-mail] or by post to Steve Taylor, 86 North Wallington, Fareham, PO16 8TJ.

Website – Arthur Hackney

The website had undergone a major facelift during 2020 thanks to Mark Hobbs, who oversees the site and carries out any changes that cannot be dealt with locally. This should have been a prelude to a major review and update of the contents, much of which had become time-expired.

Regrettably the review in 2021 did not happen to the extent which had been considered desirable although important updates, at least, did keep pace with events – especially with respect to COVID related safety advice on the Village Hall page.

The Social Events page has been blank throughout much of the last two years, of course, but with conditions becoming more relaxed the situation is expected to change. As in the case of the previous reporting period, the absence of much in the way of environmental work was reflected in a very quiet Environment News page, one exception being the call-up notification for the annual river clear-out, but other activities that have taken place have always been well reported in the Once in a While.

The various Portals (News, Events and Environment) do enable us to upload content, if required, very quickly. WVCA responses or observations about contentious planning matters, for example, apart from being flagged up in the magazine, should be visible on the website as a matter of course. It is this sort of shortcoming that the review is intended to address, and it may lead to a change in the IT platform with, perhaps, an alternative Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Finally, if you are an organizer of a hall user group and there are items that you would like to see on the website or alterations to your information currently shown on it then please let me know.

Facebook

The Wallington Village Residents Page continues to be popular, having now grown to 455 members. For those villagers who have chosen to embrace social media, it has been put to a multitude of uses over the past year. From highlighting planning matters and alerting residents to upcoming roadworks, advertising village events and recruiting volunteers, to simply posting photos of our wonderful wildlife or selling a pair of curtains, the page is there for our residents to use as they wish.

As mentioned in last year’s report, the admins were at that time obliged to gently remind users of the page’s code of conduct. This is merely a few simple rules, designed to keep the page a friendly and respectful forum. Pleased to report, there has been no further need to issue such a reminder — not always the case with similar pages elsewhere! — which reflects well on all who use the page.

Our thanks to page admins Kate Howell, Sarah Hatten and Tara Brockington-Hill and page moderator, Suzy Jones, for their continuing work overseeing the Facebook page, as well as all of those users who make it such an informative and entertaining part of village life.

AGM - 2022

Planning report

The Fareham Local Plan is with the planning Inspector and the public consultation is now complete. We await the decision of the Inspector, which we hope will occur by the end of September 2022. The plan shows where Fareham Borough Council is prepared to see development and those areas that should remain undeveloped.

Two different developers have applied for outline planning to build on the Horses field (29 housing units) , Pinks Hill (120 housing units) and Gauntlets Field (24 houses). The planners have deferred a decision awaiting the outcome of the Local Plan. It is critical to Wallington that the Local Plan is approved by the inspector. Should the Local Plan fail, then I fear, the developers will push extremely hard for the developments and we will have a difficult fight ahead.

Russell Kew

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