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2023-03-31-accounts

WALLINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION Registered Charity No 1038479 30[th] ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 20 June, 2023

AGENDA

Tuesday 20 June 2023 at 7.30 p.m.

1. Apologies

2. Adoption of minutes of the 29[th] AGM – 21 June, 2022

3. Summary Reports

4. Formal adoption of reports

5. Minor amendments to the WVCA constitution

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

7. Election of Officers and Executive Committee members (2023-24)

8. Date of next year’s AGM – Tuesday 18 June 2024

Break for refreshments

9. Fiona Gray, Buckland Development, short presentation on Welborne Garden Village

AGM 2022

WALLINGTON VILLAGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Registered Charity No 1038479

MINUTES OF 29[TH] ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

21 JUNE 2022

Present : R. Kew (Chair); D. Kett (Secretary); C. Morgan and S. Morse (Hall); G. Boulding and S. Dixon (Walkround); R. Hooper (Planning); S. Hatten (Membership and Street Reps); David Brokington-Hill (summer event); K. Howell (Communications); Cllr K. Trott and 34 members.

Apologies: P. Trott (Treasurer)

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.35pm .

1. Minutes of 2021 AGM:

Proposed Graham Boulding and seconded Katrina Trott that the minutes should be adopted. Carried that they were an accurate record of that meeting.

There were no matters arising from those minutes.

2. Summary of Reports:

Written reports from the Chairman, the Treasurer, Hall Sub-committee, Events, Environment (Water Meadow and Natural Flood Management), Communications, Planning Issues were submitted to the meeting.

Before the reports were presented, the Chairman paid tribute to the late Jim Hall who had played such an instrumental role in the establishment of the WVCA and the building of the hall.

The Chairman then summarised the reports for the benefit of the meeting:

2.2 Finance 2021-2022

1

AGM 2022

2.4 Communications

2.4.1 Once in a While

A detailed costs breakdown of Once in a While had been submitted by Steve Taylor who once again appealed for feedback on the various editions of the magazine.

2.4.2 Website

Arthur Hackney’s written report indicated that a review of the website is likely to be undertaken which might result in an alternative Internet Service Provider (ISP).

2.4.3 Facebook

The Wallington Village Residents Page of Facebook remains popular with 455 members. There has not been any need to remind users of the few rules designed to keep it friendly and respectful.

2.4.4 Mailchimp

Kate Howell reminded the meeting of the need for more volunteers to help with communications – she was aware of the issues with Mailchimp and asked if anyone one present wished to sign up to receive such communications.

Kate Howell asked for volunteers and interest in a New Year event for 2022/23.

2.7 Planning Issues

The chairman agreed that WVCA funds should be used to get advice from planning consultants where the need arose.

2

AGM 2022

The Boundary Commission was undertaking a review of Fareham’s electoral wards and was proposing a new ward for Fareham Town. Wallington is likely to be put with Downend.

From the floor:

There were no other matters arising from the reports and it was proposed by M. Blyth and seconded by P. Lamprell that the reports should be adopted. Carried unanimously.

3. Election of Officers and Committee Members:

The list of nominees was put to the meeting and there being 11 nominees for 13 vacancies there was no need for an election. K. Trott proposed and C. Harnett seconded that the list of nominees be accepted. Carried unanimously.

OFFICERS NAME PROPOSED SECONDED Chairman Russell Kew P. Evans D. Mancuso Hon Secretary David Kett J. Ellis B. Taylor Hon Treasurer Peter Trott P. Durant M. Durant

COMMITTEE

Graham Boulding D. Crosby S. Lukas David Brockington-Hill T. Brockington-Hill S. Welch Sally Dixon S. Lloyd A. Taylor Sarah Hatten M. Williams M. Young Ron Hooper J. Ellis M. Weeks Kate Howell A. Baker P. Howell Chris Morgan B. Millerchimp P. Phelan Sue Morse C. Potter M. Van der Heijden

4. Date of next year’s AGM

Next year’s AGM will be held on Tuesday 20 June 2023 at 7.30 p.m.

There being no other business the Chairman closed the formal part of the meeting at 8.05 p.m.

3

AGM 2022

OPEN FORUM

Began at 8.35 p.m.

The meeting thanked those involved.

DEFIBRILLATOR

Jane Flavill gave a short introductory talk on the defibrillator:

This part of the meeting ended at 8.55 p.m.

4

Chairman’s Report

June 2023

My deep thanks go to the Executive Committee, the Once In A While team and members of the committees and street reps for their work throughout what has proven to be an eventful and challenging year.

I start with again offering our condolences to the family of Sue Morse who sadly passed away in April. Sue was a very active member of the WVCA for over 10 years, initially joining the Fete Committee and then spreading her wings into organising various events – both social and environmental. She had close links with Santa’s elves and arranged that Santa would visit Wallington. Sue led the annual walkround with councillors and officers from FBC, Hampshire Highways, and the Environment Agency. Latterly she also played an active role on the Hall Committee. Sue was a great organiser and had great charm. We will miss her wise advice and I suspect we will regularly reflect on what Sue would have done. She is greatly missed.

Planning Matters:

During the year there have been several major planning applications. With the hard work of the WVCA planning group we have successfully challenged the developers’ plans and each application has been rejected by the FBC planning committee. A separate report detailing with the work of the planning committee appears elsewhere. I wish to record my thanks to all those in the Village who responded to our flyer and submitted comments on the proposed development off Pinks Hill.

The Welborne Development has finally received planning permission and in recent months work has commenced on the groundworks for the early phases of the project. I am pleased to inform you that Fiona Gray, Project Director at Buckland Developments has agreed to come and give us an update at our AGM.

The FBC Strategic Plan has finally received approval and has been adopted by the Council. Importantly, the green spaces around Wallington Village have been identified as not being suitable for development. I hope this will reduce or remove the risk of spurious applications from developers which we have suffered from over the years.

Events:

The Association has been active throughout the year supporting street events during the Queens Jubilee celebration and more recently supporting street parties and a village hall event for the Coronation of King Charles.

Other WVCA events over the last year have included Wine tasting, Christmas Carols, Craft Fairs, regular Lunch Clubs, writing competitions, scare crow kits and competition.

My thanks go to the small team who work tirelessly to organise these events. We are keen to put on larger events in the village, but we desperately need more volunteers to make this happen. If you are interested in helping this or any other committee, you will be well received. We understand the pressures of modern living and recognise that your time maybe limited, let us know what you can do and we would love to welcome you.

There are various events coming up, from a murder mystery to wine tasting.

Volunteers contact – sarah.hatten@sky.com

Environment:

Starting with the River Wallington, the Environmental Agency are supporting an organisation called the East Hampshire Catchment Partnership and have provided them with access to equipment to record the quality of water within the local rivers. The WVCA has been approached and asked to record information over a few months to try and establish a base line for river quality. Two members have attended a training session and we hope to start regular recording over the next few months. I believe this is important as this information will provide a base line from which any future changes can then be monitored. Given the Welborne development and the reduced farming in the immediate catchment, it will be useful to repeat the exercise in years to come to establish if there has been any improvement or degradation to the water quality.

After a major spring storm, we lost the Willow Tree which stood opposite the Cob and Pen. Our councillors and residents were quick off the mark and following consultation between Fareham’s Tree preservation officer and Hampshire Highways, the tree will be replaced this Autumn with a Pyrus Chanticleer an ornamental pear, which flowers in the spring and offers good autumn colour. Our thanks go to the councils for their quick positive response.

The annual walkround continues and is led by Graham Boulding. This year it is planned to take place on 30 June. We are thankful to the members and officers of the local authorities and agencies who take part. We recognise the current financial constraints but hope to work together to improve the local environment.

The future of the Water Meadows grinds on at a very slow pace. We recently received some proposed plans from the Aberdeen Asset Management’s environmental advisors and these look very promising. We are awaiting a date to meet their team and understand the time frame and conditions attached to its use.

Village Hall:

The village hall continues to thrive – bookings and revenue have returned to pre covid levels. My thanks go to Geoff and the members of the Hall committee who work really hard to make the venue such a success.

Bookings include WVCA events, events run by villagers linked to the WVCA and also outside bodies. Bookings can be made online.

Other Matters:

Both village pubs continue which is great news for the community. In recent months we have seen a change of ownership of the White Horse and we wish the new landlords Kelly & Darren every success for the future.

Once In A While:

With Steve and Arthur leading for most of the year we are delighted to welcome Jennie Slee to the team which will hopefully spread the load and allow the excellent communication to continue. Residents are encouraged to put forward articles which might be of interest to other villagers.

Wallington Facebook and Mailchimp

Kate Howell monitors our Facebook Page and issues numerous bulletins on Mailchimp.

Wallington Village Community Association

Financial Statements

for the year ending

31 March 2023

Friday, 28 April 2023

Wallington Village Community Association

Accou nts for the year to 31 March 2023

Accounts for the year to 31 March 2023
1. Receipts & Payments Account
Income
Year ending
31 March 2023
£
£		 Year ending
31 March 2022
£
£
Income Receipts
Hiring of Hall
Gift Aid Tax refund
Membership Subs
Adverts (+ membership-’22)
Social Activities
Local Government Grants
Environmental projects
Allotment
51812.19
443.53
2106.65
0.00
998.00
0.00
0.00
189.05		 38,914.63
0.00
2,023.40
929.42
2,667.00
0.00
55,549.42 44,534.45
Fundraising income
Donations
Annual Draw
0.00
0.00		 4.90
0.00
0.00 4.90
Investment income
Interest & dividends
4,085.88 2,487.74
4,085.88 2,487.74
TOTAL RECEIPTS 59,635.30 47,027.09
Payments
Hall running costs & insurance
Social Activities
Water meadow
Environmental projects
Administration
Once In A While
Allotment
36809.57
4006.17
0.00
388.40
3089.50
3083.00
1431.95		 31,352.61
2,094.55
0.00
2,575.27
940.94
2,886.00
0.00
TOTAL PAYMENTS 48,808.59 39,849.37
Grossincome/expenditure for the year 10,826.71 7,177.72
Capital Released from FP Equity Fund 0.00 0.00
Net payments/receipts for the year 10,826.71 7,177.72
Cash& Bank balances at 31 March 2022 104,380.20 97,202.48
Cash& Bank balances at 31 March 2023 115,206.91 104,380.20

Page 1

Friday, 28 April 2023

Wallington Village Community Association

Accounts for the year to 31 March 2023

2. Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31 March 2023

Year ending
31 March 2023
£
£		 Year ending
31 March 2023
£
£		 Year ending
31 March 2022
£
£		 Year ending
31 March 2022
£
£
Assets
NOTES
Monetary Assets
Bank & Cash Balances
Ecology Building Society
United Trust Bank Account
United Trust Bank 3 yr Bond
Lloyds Current Account
Lloyds No 2 Account
Cash Account
11,121.44
48,094.78
21,537.58
33,315.58
789.45
348.08		 10,984.58
47,448.95
21,324.34
24,569.30
23.60
29.43
115,206.91 104,380.20
Investments
IFSL/CAF Equity growth fund
(Valuation 31 Mar 2023)
116,823.81 116,396.07
Total Monetary Assets 232,030.72 220,776.27
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
70,438.57
0.00		 78,265.08
0.00
70,438.57 78,265.08
Prepayments and receivables
Gift aid to be recovered (Est) 275.00 355.00
275.00 355.00
Total Non Monetary Assets 1,639,618.57 1,647,525.08
Tot al Assets 1,871,649.29 1,868,301.35
al Assets
Liabilities
Prior Years liabilities outstanding
New liabilities 2022/2023		 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
129,868.20
135,000.00
0.00
20,000.00
20,000.00
2,363.18
31,039.76
33,402.94
0.00
43,627.78
43,627.78		 Total
130,000.00
20,000.00
32,202.94
38,573.33
Total Funds 7,494.98
224,535.74
232,030.72		 220,776.27

Friday, 28 April 2023

Page 2

Treasurer’s Report 2022/23

1. Gross income/expenditure

The financial statements for this year show gross income over expenditure for the year of £10,827 compared to £7,177 last year. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, village hall income has recovered well and is returning to something like pre-pandemic levels. 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 £59,635 a further improvement over last year’s £47,027. Hall activities are improving, resulting in higher income. No further government grants have been received. Last year grants totalled £2,667.

3. Payments

Payments for the year have increased to £48,809 over the 2022 figure of £39,849. The increase is in part due an increased level of social activities post pandemic, including; craft fairs, wine tasting, grants for Jubilee street parties, some repainting of the external woodwork, and the purchase of Jubilee mugs for villagers.

4. Cash reserves

5. Treasurer’s summary – allocation of reserves

Hall rebuild fund:

Hall maintenance fund:

Water Meadow fund:

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 £224,536 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 2023 Charity no: 1038479

I report to the trustees on the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 31 March 2023, 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:

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: 29 May 2023

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 2023

Tribute to Sue Morse

Sue was a member of the Hall sub-committee from 2020 until her death. She was a friend to many and made a considerable contribution to all aspects of life in Wallington Village. We were greatly privileged to benefit from her wise counsel and remarkable ability to support and encourage those around her, she will be missed but never forgotten.

Our Aim

To maintain the Hall in “as new condition”.

Update

Following our enforced closures during Covid, some groups have left altogether and some reduced their bookings. However, we have also benefited from some new groups joining. Financially the income, year ending April 2023, has increased by 33% on the previous year.

The Village is very fortunate to have its own Village Hall which is now in its 28th year. The Hall brings in a healthy income from the proceeds of hiring. However, as we all are aware, costs are rising. We have installed an automated lighting system for all the toilets, resulting in no switches, which now means that they will never be left on when not needed. We do, of course, rely heavily on Hall Users to carefully consider energy costs when using heating and lighting.

A new WHAT'S ON AT Wallington Village Hall insert is included with the Once in a While magazine. Many thanks to Jenny Slee for this very helpful and informative list of activities and contacts.

A new Scrabble Group, run by Maralyn (WI), started on 9th May and runs monthly on Tuesdays from 10.00am-12.00 noon. All are welcome.

Hall Hire Costs

Being mindful of the financial challenges to our Hall Hirers, and faced with rising costs ourselves, we have tried hard to strike a balance with only small price increases. Rates of Hire are published in the Once In A While magazine and on the Website.

Outside Flower Beds

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

Hall Manager

Thanks to our Hall Manager, Geoff, who oversees all the many challenges that running the Hall brings. He is responsible for ensuring high standards of cleaning and housekeeping throughout the building, working with outside contractors and liaising with Hirers and meeting their individual needs. He manages the Hallmaster booking /invoicing system etc. Finally, he also deals with the many enquiries for those interested in Hiring the Hall for the first time.

Chris Morgan (chair), Graham Boulding and Sally Dixon

Communications Report 2022-23

Facebook and Mailchimp

Aims

One of the aims of the WVCA is to ensure everything we do is communicated fully to the members so that all of our work can be of benefit to those who live in the village. It has been challenging to always get this right, and we are looking for additional support on the Communications team to help us with the administration that goes into our Communications channels. If you are Facebook Savvy or can spare an hour here or there to help with the village emails, please do let me know.

Two main channels of communication are the Facebook page and group, and the village email-mail chimp. We recognise that not everyone wishes to use social media and an aim of the comms team is to ensure both platforms receive the same communications.

Facebook

There are two ways to interact with us on Facebook. The village Facebook page "Wallington Village Community Association" has 538 people following it. We also have a group where residents can discuss local issues; "Wallington Village residents" . This group has 520 people, not all of them regular posters. A real benefit of this platform is that we can hear what matters to people in the village, from the arrival of the cygnets to someone offering their car to take a teenager to a prom...it is a lovely place where community matters are discussed. I am supported in the administration of the Facebook page by Tara BrockingtonHill, Alice Tilley, Suzy Jones and Sarah Hatten. Our primary rule in the group is kindness and we are fortunate that breaching of this is rare, however the few breaches of the rules that we have had have not been tolerated.

If you are on Facebook but have not yet found us, please search us out. If you would like to sign up to Facebook to widen your community involvement, please do speak to us and we can show you the ropes.

Mailchimp

Mailchimp is the name of the platform used to send village-wide emails. This platform reaches 365 residents and has provided crucial updates over the recent years. If you are not yet receiving our emails, please do drop me a line and I will add you to our mailing list. You are able to unsubscribe at any time. Mailchimp is the platform that required slightly more time dedicated to it and we are currently looking for a second person to support me with sending of emails. You don't need to have prior knowledge of the Mailchimp platform however some technical knowhow would be helpful! If you could spare an hour or so a month, please do let me know.

Kate Howel

ONCE IN A WHILE and WEBSITE REPORT 2022/23

First and foremost, the editorial team would like to thank all our regular contributors, whose reports not only fill our pages but reassure us that, post pandemic, the social life of the village is more or less back to normal. As a picture is worth a thousand words, countless thanks to Cherry for providing us with photographs throughout the year. Thanks, too, to all who entered our Village Writing Competition which, if I may inject a gentle reminder, is being repeated this year. We are also indebted to our printers, Stanbury Chameleon, for their excellent service and support throughout the production process. Lastly, I would like to thank Jenni Slee, for agreeing to join the editorial team. Her experience and expertise is already

proving to be a welcome addition, with the added bonus that she manages to keep Arthur and myself ‘on topic’ at our meetings…

‘OIAW’

A year in review .

Traditionally, both the content and publication cycle of the magazine has followed the established cycle of village events. Carols round the village, the annual fete on the Water Meadow, the Horticultural Show, the Harvest Festival, the Village Forum and, of course, the ever-popular AGM were all covered, as well as the WVCA’s monthly social events held in the Hall. But keeping all of this activity going is difficult, and many of these events have fallen by the wayside. While it may be hoped that some events might make a return and, as said above, we can be reassured that our village groups are once again going strong, it is clear that the social life of the village is not what it was and, consequently, the content of the magazine has changed. Nevertheless, we feel that the three editions produced since the last AGM have been strong, continuing to inform and entertain in equal measure. We’ve covered and, where possible, promoted all public village events, as well as touch upon happenings further afield, such as the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Our quest to commission more content from readers continues — all submissions will be considered for publication — and we were pleased to see the response to the Village Writing Competition, conceived by your humble editor and generously supported by the WVCA. As is said at every AGM, if you have any ideas for the magazine, please get in touch with the team. However, please do bear in mind that receipt is no guarantee of inclusion, that pieces may be edited/corrected and that we do not entertain party politics or personal attacks.

The bottom line

In 2022/23, the total production cost for the three editions of the magazine was £3,083, with print runs of 430 (Spring), 420 (Summer) and 520 (Christmas). As is traditional, the Christmas edition once again had a 100% distribution throughout the village. This equates to a unit cost of £2.25 per copy, which compares to a unit cost of £2.20 for the same period last year. Production costs are offset slightly by advertising revenue. We write to our regular advertisers every February, inviting them to renew, but are always aware that a careful balance must be struck between adverts and content if the overall feel of the magazine is to be maintained. Our advertising rates are modest, but are looked at periodically to ensure that they are reasonably commercial. Given that rates have not changed since 2016 and the prospect that printing costs may be on the increase, it is possible that another such review will be required in the near future.

Looking ahead

Now that the ‘What?’ and the ‘How much?’ have been dealt with, we come to what is, potentially, the more difficult question namely, the ‘Why?’ Although we think that the ‘OIAW’ is a quality publication which is pretty good value for money, does it still have a place in 2023 and beyond? Is it widely enjoyed? Would it be missed? Could the time and money it takes to produce be better spent? Needless to say, the world of print media is vastly different to where it was forty years ago — when the ‘OIAW’ was first produced — and we would be failing in our role if we were not to ask these questions. Looking at the Village Residents Facebook page it is clear that some in the village are not familiar with the magazine to any great extent — indeed, there are a few unaware of its existence — despite the aforementioned 100% Christmas distribution. Increasingly, people are looking to social media for their news and information, and it would be naive to think that the ‘OIAW’ is immune to such trends. Similarly, as an aside how many people look at the WVCA website for information, rather than the Residents Facebook page? If the WVCA is to have an effective communications strategy going forward, these questions need to be addressed.

We are all familiar with the phrase ‘No news is good news’, but, from the viewpoint of the editorial team, it may be dangerous to assume that this also applies to feedback from readers. It is always nice to receive a compliment on a recent issue, but having a more organised picture of our impact would be an invaluable exercise. To this end, we are currently working on the idea of including a feedback form in the 2023 Christmas edition. Of course, villagers don’t have to wait that long if they have something to say to us. Good or bad, we’d like to know.

I’d like to conclude with my personal view of the magazine and its future. Although I’m a relative newcomer to Wallington, and working on the magazine has, and continues to have, its technical challenges from a personal standpoint, I have grown to be very proud of the ‘OIAW”. Getting to know and work with Arthur Hackney has been extremely enjoyable, rewarding and, quite frankly, a lot of fun. Although Arthur, I contend, does the lion’s share of the practical stuff, we manage to produce a professional piece of work on a more or less semi-regular schedule. Going forward, I’d like to once again welcome Jenni Slee to the team — thanks in advance… Thinking of the future, I think my recent experience with the Village Writing Competition (yes, another small plug) may offer an example of how ‘hybrid’ communications can work. I first promoted the competition on the Residents Facebook page early in the year and continued to do so at regular intervals. We mentioned the competition in the Spring and Summer editions of the ‘OIAW”. It would have been good, at this point, to say that I also produced a flyer to promote the thing, but sadly, I never quite got round to it. The point I’m trying to make is that if you want to be effective, you have to use all of the means available to you. It’s not a question of ‘either/or’, but ‘all’. In conclusion, my hope is that the print version of the magazine can continue to survive — and thrive — as part of the WVCA’s communications arsenal.

Steve Taylor Editor

Website

There were no significant changes to the website during the reporting year, the last facelift having taken place in 2020. Concerns arose during the year, however, about dwindling electronic storage space, prompting consideration of moving to a different IT platform. In the event, thanks to Mark Hobbs, extra capacity was spirited up and we are confident that the various amendments being considered should not lack the necessary resources to support them.

We can upload content very quickly if required through several Portals (News, Events and Environment). This can be done without having to go through Mark who oversees the site and carries out any changes that cannot be dealt with locally. WVCA responses or observations about significant planning matters, for example, apart from being flagged up in the magazine, should be available to read on the website as a matter of course.

It is true to say, however, that the Portal facility has not been used as much as it could have been over the last few years – especially in the case of News Flashes. This is an issue which should be addressed to tie in with the need recognised in the OIAW Report above to keep our information channels proactive. There is a lot of useful material on the website, but it can be indigestible without the balance of live data - and active encouragement to look at it.

The challenge will be to make the website an attractive and supportive partner for the magazine.

Arthur Hackney

Planning Matters Report

We went into the year beginning 6[th] April 2022 with some historical planning issues already on the table and a new one as the year ended. Two of these related to housing and two to employment.

Dealing with the housing cases first, the outline application in respect of ‘Land east of North Wallington’, which we usually refer to as The Horses’ Field, had first been submitted in August 2019 although it had its origins as a site identified in FBC’s 2008 Local Development Framework (LDF). This was for up to 29 dwellings on behalf of Foreman Homes. The FBC reference is P/19/0894/OA.

WVCA had consistently opposed the use of this location for several reasons – including its exposed position next to a steeply-graded road heavily-used by Industrial traffic and within sight and earshot of an eight-lane motorway. Its position was also relatively isolated in terms of easy (or safe) access to the Village generally – especially on foot – a problem glossed over by the developers through a proposed flip-flop road system for a hundred yards, this being their solution for the difficulty of fitting a walkway in an impossibly narrow road. This application was also the first one in the Village for which a Nitrate Mitigation Credit had been presented.

The case became the subject of an Inspector’s Enquiry following an appeal by the developer for failure to determine within the prescribed time. We had been very apprehensive about the possible outcome of the case so were pleased that the appeal was rejected. Not a fully reassuring result, though, given that in rejecting the prospective developer’s proposals it was on grounds that the Inspector thought could not easily be resolved – notably in relation to the flip-flop road idea for the problematical site access and its risk of possible pedestrian/traffic conflicts – rather than about all the other negative indicators.

Pinks Hill Application

The larger and arguably more significant case concerned the outline planning application to build up to 109 dwellings on land adjoining Pinks Hill and was lodged on 10[th] March 2022 on behalf of the Vistry Group. The FBC reference is P/22/0363/OA. Like the Horses’ Field case our detailed objections to the allocation of this totally unsuitable site for housing date back to the LDF proposals of 2007 and later to the 2017 Local Plan overtures.

We were so concerned about the likely effects and knock-on consequences in the event of the application being approved that the Executive felt it necessary to issue an information sheet to all houses in the Village. It is gratifying to be able to record that many of our fellow residents responded to the alert and about 150 letters of objection were sent in to FBC. Without that level of support, it is unlikely that the case against the application would have succeeded. WVCA also made a written deputation to the Planning Committee and, as in the case of the previous matter, we were grateful for the support of The Fareham Society. We also record our thanks to SUEZ for their deputation in opposing the application.

The application was refused, and decision notice issued on 17[th] March 2023.

There were a large number of sound reasons for opposing the application and it is not necessary to repeat the list here, but it should be emphasised that there was no preoccupation with the loss of green space above very real concerns about road safety and quality of life of residents – both present and future.

The proposed new Employment Sites

These two sites proposed in the Local Plan are basically situated either side of the SUEZ installation. They are listed in the Plan as E4b and E4d. The Winter 2021 edition of the Once in a While carried a large article of our review and WVCA submission in respect of the plan.

The developments are likely to be less invasive than would be the case with the Pinks Hill matter but several of the negative indicators, particularly to do with road safety, are no less relevant. As we now know, however, the Government Inspector charged with examining the Local Plan has deemed it to be ‘sound’ and so continued opposition to the inclusion of these sites would appear to be toothless.

A larger concern waiting in the wings because of the ratification of the Local Plan is probably the likely effect of the proposed Strategic Growth Area at Downend and the possible service junction which may be wished on the motorway approach road.

Planning Subgroup

WVCA SOCIAL AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORT

It is with much sadness that as I produce this report, I have to say that many of the events listed below were organised by our dear friend Sue Morse who is no longer with us and is deeply missed. She was instrumental in the original plans for the Murder Mystery Night to be held in September, so it would be fabulous if this could be well attended in her memory – let’s make her proud.

Sue also booked many plays, film club, wine tasting etc and played a huge part in obtaining our marketing materials etc for Santa and the like.

Thanks also go to Vicky who co-ordinates the children’s Christmas party and many others who book cheese and wine tasting, etc. We must not forget Sally Dixon and Sonya Lloyd who are always by my side with organising craft fayres, coronation parties etc., together with the loyal ex fete team who are always ready to help set up and clear events away - you know who you are and are deeply in our debt.

As always, anyone in the village wishing to be part of the WVCA Social Group please contact me - Sarah Hatten (sarah.hatten@sky.com). Also, if you have any suggestions for future events please let me know - thank you

EVENTS HELD 2022

EVENTS HELD IN 2023

FUTURE EVENTS FOR 2023

Swing/Jazz or Quiz night to be confirmed
Autumn craft Fayre date to be confirmed
23.9.23 Murder Mystery night in the hall, bring own drinks and nibbles
29.10.23 Halloween Pumpkin display
3.12.23 Children’s Christmas party
9.12.23 Black tie Christmas Party in the hall with buffet supper
17.12.23 Carols round the village, date to be confirmed
Dec 23 Santa and sleigh tour the village date to be confirmed.

Sarah Hatten

MOTION TO MAKE

MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

WVCA AGM

The meeting agrees to the following minor changes to the constitution:

Please note para 1 Section U of the constitution (Alterations to the Constitution) states that:

…..the Constitution may be altered by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the members present and voting at a general meeting. The notice of the general meeting must include notice of the resolution, setting out the terms of the alteration proposed.

NOMINATIONS FOR WVCA EXECUTIVE 2023-24

The following completed nomination forms were received:

OFFICERS NAME PROPOSED SECONDED Chairman Russell Kew J. Ellis S. Kett Secretary David Kett E. Hooper S. Hodnett Treasurer Peter Trott S. Lloyd A. Taylor COMMITTEE Graham Boulding G. Thorne C. Thorne Sally Dixon A. Taylor J. Walker Sarah Hatten S. Lloyd D. Brockington-Hill Ron Hooper C. Weeks M. Weeks Kate Howell A. Baker K. Baker Chris Morgan J. Phelan A. Marney

There being a maximum number of 13 members of the executive committee and 9 nominations, the AGM will be required to approve the above list.