Annual Parish Meeting

The next Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Thursday 9th May 2013 in the Village Hall, starting at 8.00 pm.  Note - the Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting of all the local government electors for the Parish.  It is NOT a Meeting of the Parish Council.

Purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting  - All Parish and Town Councils throughout England are required by law to hold an annual parish meeting at this time each year.  The purpose of calling this meeting is so that the Council can explain what it has been doing over the last year and it enables the electors to have their say on anything which they consider is important to the people of the parish.  It also gives representatives of village organisations the opportunity to report on their activities over the previous year.

Who can attend the meeting? - Anyone may attend but only registered electors of Willingham Parish may speak and vote.

Will I be able to ask questions and make suggestions? - Yes, any registered elector may ask questions of the Council.  These will usually be answered by the Chairperson or by the Clerk or a designated Councillor.   An elector may also make suggestions and comment on anything pertinent to the people of Willingham.  This will be welcomed and is the whole purpose of the meeting

Who will chair the meeting? - If able, the Chairperson of the Parish Council will chair the meeting.  If the Chair is not able to attend, then the meeting will elect a chairperson from amongst those electors present.

Will Parish Councillors be there? - Usually they do attend and will speak if need be.  But the purpose of the meeting is to enable the ordinary electors to have their say.   Councillors will listen with interest and as electors themselves, also have the opportunity to raise questions and make comments if they wish.

Will notes be taken of the meeting? - Yes, a written record of the meeting will be taken and will be presented at a future meeting of Council for their consideration. 

How long will the meeting last? - As long as need be within reason.   It really depends on those present and the number of questions and the discussion that is raised.  Generally, the meeting will last no longer than 2 hours.

Will the Press be there? - A table will be provided for the local press as the Council do for all their public meetings.

The 2012 meeting was held in the Village Hall on 17th May.   The notes of the meeting are attached below for information, to be approved as Minutes at the 2013 Annual Parish Meeting. 

Reports were presented from several of our parish-based organisations, giving an insight into the many activities that go on in our village.