Ilmington

Since quite a number of comments or complaints had been received about the new arrangements for winter gritting in 2003/04, a letter had been sent to the county operations manager.

Coun Hawkins had spread the spoil from the ditch round the playing field; the Upper Green had been cut and was now looking good; and the Downs House overhanging willow had been partially trimmed, but not enough. Mr Yarwood should be asked to speak to Mr Deutsch about it.

The chairman reported that the car park area of the playing field had been messed up with the last delivery of sand. Planings had been put down, but this was not good enough. A digger was needed to remove the sand and put down hardcore. A layer of chippings was really needed. It was agreed that this should be left to the next meeting so that coun David Sabin could be consulted.

Coun Danny Wilkins reported on fly-tipping of hedge and tree trimmings on the chipping dump. The chairman had informed the district council about this.

VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE: The chairman, Derek Chapman, opened the meeting by reporting that the problem of the water leak was still not resolved, and that the services of a qualified plumber were required. It had been agreed to increase the letting charges, but to keep them in line with other halls in the area. He also reported that a successful Christmas bazaar not only brought in revenue but it acted as an occasion to bring the village together. A working committee would be formed to arrange the bazaar to be held on December 6. Mr Chapman thanked the volunteers who organised and ran the tombola at the August Bank Holiday fete.

The treasurer, Ray Christie, reported that the accounts showed a cash balance of £1,818.

There was only one nomination for chairman, Rob Hawkins, and he was elected unopposed. The remaining officers were re-appointed en bloc.

The hall still enjoyed a full diary of bookings.

ILMINGTON FETE: The chairman, Alan Wright, opened the annual meeting by thanking all the committee members and especially the sponsors, without whom it would not be possible to run the fete. He said that the fete was run principally for the clubs, and the committee needed their support.

Next year plenty of entertainment stalls were needed, but not so many white elephant or car boot stalls. Any clubs from surrounding villages would be welcome to run a stall.

The treasurer, Mike Tremellen, reported that the gate receipts were nearly 50 per cent up on last year. The current total balance in the bank was £6,022; £170 would go to a cancer charity of the Rector's choosing, as this was his ransom money raised by the Vikings. Ilmington charities and Shipston Home Carers would each receive £100, and if there was any money over it could go towards the purchase of a defibrillator for the village.

A vote of thanks was given to Mike Tremellen for his hard work. The president, Peter Gardner, who was indisposed, sent his apologies and thanked the chairman and all the committee for a splendid year's work.

The flower show was the best for a long time, and one very satisfying aspect was the increased entries from the village, both newcomers and long time residents.

The committee was then re-elected en bloc.

DEFIBRILLATOR: The next stage to obtain a defibrillator for Ilmington will be tomorrow. After the last enthusiastic meeting the next meeting starting at 7.30pm will be addressed by a member of the Warwickshire Ambulance Service, which would oversee any plan. Villagers are urged to attend the meeting.