THE GLEBE
Bought by fund raising throughout the area and in conjunction with the Parish Council,
the Glebe has been turned into a play and recreation area for the village children.
The project was started two years ago by the Glebe Action Group
when the Church, who were the owners, decided to put the land up for sale. After many fund raising events the figure was reached and the land purchased. Since then the land has been drained, planted and reseeded and an enclosed area of play equipment installed. The project was declared open on 30th April 2006
PLEASE NOTE: A dog exclusion operates for the Glebe
DOG EXCLUSION ORDER
There are 2 bench seats available for sale located in the Glebe for personal dedication
Each seat is for sale at £400 each. All enquiries please to Alison Fender on 01423 525406
This year has seen us trying very hard to come to a conclusion regarding improvements to the play area’s surface problems. This has resulted in a quotation being sought to install additional drains before relaying the surface with new matting – should it still prove necessary. This then will hopefully allow the area to be used all the year round. Unfortunately this work will involve the area being closed off for several weeks to allow for settlement AND more importantly being able to cover the cost of the work which may well be in the region of £10,000.00 or more.
Funds are set aside for the installation of a new piece of equipment known as ‘a birds nest’ but delay in installation has been necessary until such time as the ground is brought up to scratch.
Our safety inspection last year revealed the need to do some reparation on the surface of the play area which it is hoped to address during 2009 – subject to finance being available to cover the work.
Having thousands in the Glebe Account does not indicate a healthy picture when it is known that maintenance work, grass cutting and cost of equipment are major factors for expenditure.
Due to the very wet weather during 2008 grass cutting was limited because regular access on to the land would have been seriously damaging. Other work carried out during the year included the upgrading of the closure units and replacement gate posts on the Church Lane Access. Unfortunately the Otley Road gate is often left open so a closure unit is to be installed on this too.
Proposals are in hand to prepare Terms of Use for those occasions when we are asked if a fund raising event can be organised on the Glebe thus ensuring organisers are aware of the restrictions placed on its use.
The planting of a new hedge alongside the southern boundary was completed in February 2009 – this has caused consternation where householders have gates opening on to the Glebe. Whilst these gates are not exactly legal accesses we feel sure that we can agree a way forward regarding leaving access through the new planting. However, this can only happen after approval for the planting scheme has been received via the Enforcement Officer.
During the last year attendance at our meetings has been inconsistent – sometimes leaving us with just a quorum in attendance thus allowing for proposals to be approved and acted upon. Nominations for membership of the committee should only come from those who are willing to make a commitment, able to regularly attend meetings and contribute to the management of the Glebe.
My thanks to Alison who has been most helpful to us all as the Vice Chairperson and to Michael for managing our finances and keeping ahead of the game in relation to available grant funding.
During 2008 we welcomed our new Parish Council Vice Chairperson – Jack Stancombe – who is also the editor of the Parish Recorder and Webmaster.
Anne Holdsworth Chair
20.04.09