CHAPEL

Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council

Chairman’s Annual Report 2007-2008

Welcome to the 113^th Annual Parish meeting of Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council on the 23^rd April 2008.

I have pleasure in reporting that we have had a very busy, but productive year, with a lot of changes.

We have had three members of staff who have retired during the year; Frank and Keith out of our parks team and Sue one of our cleaning team. Wayne Elliott and Denis Theyer have joined the team in the Parks and Shirley Trickett has moved from the office to join the Town Hall cleaning team. Louise Grisdale is the new Assistant Clerk and both Louise and Wayne are undertaking an NVQ qualification.

After the last election we had two vacant seats which lead to the co-option of Liam M^cCarthy in the East ward and Diane Bayirli in the West ward.

The work carried out in and around the parish includes further refurbishment at the town hall, including decorating of the parish office, upgrading the computer system and refitting the kitchen in the main hall, as well as installation of tourist information racks and a P.A. system for use by hirers of the Town Hall. Grant funding from the National Lottery has been secured to assist with some of these projects. We have also formed new policies for attendance, capability, fire regulations, code of conduct and health and safety. A complaints and suggestions procedure has also been put in place.

We were successful in obtaining a grant from the Football Foundation to replace the goal posts in the Memorial Park. The play equipment at the Needham Recreation Ground has been re-painted. The flower troughs that have been planted and erected on the market place have been a joint project with the Chapel-en-le-Frith Regeneration Partnership. In Dove Holes litter bins have been installed by the play area. High Peak Borough Council have secured funding from the Big Lottery fund for the upgrading of play equipment at Sparrowpit on behalf of the Parish Council. In conjunction with High Peak Borough Council and the Chapel-en-le-Frith Regeneration Partnership, we have had several new road signs in the Conservation Area and are awaiting details of the proposed upgrading of the public toilets in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

We are sorry to lose Barren Clough to Chinley Buxworth and Brownside Parish Council due to a boundary change.

The Council is to make an application for Quality Status.

On a more personal note I would like to thank all councillors who have worked with me to achieve several goals:

Retaining Combs school for our children.

Working with the police for a “Safer Neighbourhood” Scheme and youth activities. Councillor Mrs A Young and myself being thanked for our help by the Chief Superintendent at his retirement occasion.
Congratulations to Councillor Norton for his appointment to the new standards board

Congratulations to Councillor Smith for his appointment as Chairman to the Chapel-en-le-Frith Regeneration Partnership.

Congratulations to our Ex-Councillor Mrs Dyson as D.A.L.C president on her visit to Buckingham Palace

Last but not least my sincere thanks to my Chaplain Derek Leech, my Vice Chairman Guy Martin, my Clerk Sue Stockdale and all the councillors and staff for their support, particularly during my recent family troubles.

Thank You

Stewart Young

Chairman’s Annual Report 2006 – 2007

Welcome to the 112^th Annual Parish Meeting of Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council on 25^th April 2007.

I have pleasure in reporting that we have had a very busy year with many things coming to fruition. We have almost completed the work on the Town Hall, with work being carried out on the electrical wiring, re-decoration following the installation of the new central heating system. The asbestos ceiling under the Annexe has also been removed. You will have noticed on your way in tonight the series of paintings depicting different parts of the Parish, which are the work of Neil Bennett. We have also had paintings donated by Enid Phillips and Kath Bancroft, for which we are very grateful and express our thanks to them. The refurbishment of the Library and Registrars Office is an asset to the town with full disabled access available.

We have undertaken a review of the administrative function of the Parish Council with a view to upgrading the service offered and I would like to thank all our Staff for their patience and understanding whilst this work has been in progress.

We have purchased a new tractor for maintaining our parks and open spaces. New play equipment has been installed in Combs assisted by a generous donation from the Combs Village Hall Trust and also in Dove Holes, who were fortunate to secure funding from the Aggregates Levy to assist with the costs.

100 trees were planted at Cemex Dove Holes Quarry to commemorate their centenary.

The Council secured funding from the Heritage Economic Regeneration fund to provide new windows, traditionally made, in keeping with the original building, at the shop, owned by the Council, next to the Town Hall. Money has also been secured through the Chapel-en-le-Frith Regeneration Partnership and Central Area Forum to enable sets and flags to be laid at the rear of the Kings Arms Hotel, flags and a handrail at the Town End Post Office and the tidying up of Hayfield Road East and West, all these making the Parish a better place.

I have been to a number of functions on your behalf this year. The year started on a low point with the funeral of a sitting Councillor, Norman Prime, he will be sadly missed by us all. This led to a by-election in East Ward, where we have had the pleasure of welcoming Brian Brookfield as a new Councillor. There have been enjoyable events, the Mayors Civic Service and Grand Ball, Peak Forest Carnival, judging and leading Chapel-en-le-Frith Carnival. Judging the allotment contest together with the junior photo competition. Attending the Proms in the Park with the Fairey Band under the conductor Garry Cutt and the unveiling of a plaque at Chapel South Station to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the train crash which sadly claimed two lives. The event made national television.

Finally, I would like to thank all members for their time and dedication spent attending meetings and the Outside Bodies, on which they sit, together with Rev Derek Leech for his attendance throughout the year, especially at the Well Dressing blessing, Christmas tree lighting event and Remembrance Sunday.

I would like to extend best wishes to those Councillors who will not be continuing after the elections on 3^rd May.

Councillor Stewart Young

Chairman

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT 2006

Welcome to the 111^th Annual Parish Meeting of the Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council. I very much regret that I cannot be with you as my 70^th Birthday treat is to travel to New York by sea on the Queen Mary and tonight I am mid Atlantic.

I have asked the Vice Chairman to take this meeting for me.

Since our last Annual Meeting we have said goodbye to Angus Wolfendale and welcomed Richard Clarey as a Parish Councillor and wish him well.

Norman Prime has been ill and in hospital for a good part of the year and sadly passed away at the weekend. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time and I am sure that you will join with me in extending sincere condolences.

We again welcomed “Proms in the Park” and were honoured to have the Fairey Band. Fortunately we again had good weather which helps to make such days so pleasurable.

I was pleased to be asked to lead the Carnival Procession on Carnival Day and along with fellow Parish Councillors to be involved with the judging. I do hope that the Carnival will be supported as well this year.

We have continued the improvements to the Town Hall which started with new heating. In the past year we have completed the electrical upgrade including up-lighters in the Main Hall. As a precaution we have also had Asbestos and Water Surveys undertaken and have completed a Disabled Toilet at first floor. The outside door leading to the Library and the Parish Office opens automatically for the benefit of the physically impaired. Redecoration has commenced in the Annexe and will continue throughout. On the front staircase we have commissioned paintings from Neil Bennett.

In the Annexe we have received a further painting from Enid Phillips.

In Staffing we have undertaken a Best Value Review of the Office Staff and systems, and have considered the introduction of new office opening hours.

Restoration of Martinside Cross is on our Agenda and we have completed, with help from the Peak District National Park, the reinstatement of stone troughs at the Bennett Well, Sparrowpit. In the lee of Bennett Edge, the well initially provided drinking water for the village and latterly for animals. Water in the well originates from a spring on Peaslows and flows, via the Black Brook west to the River Mersey and the Irish Sea. Sparrowpit village is a watershed. Water from the rear of the cottages flows east to the River Noe in the Hope Valley and via the River Humber to the North Sea. The well, like other local landmarks, is named after the Bennett family who were notable non-conformists some 300 years ago when John Wesley and John Bennett became founder members of the Methodist Church. John Bennett’s descendants built the nearby Bennetston Hall. In Dove Holes we have allocated £1000 to support regeneration work there. In early March, I attended the official opening of the new Post Office sited in the old schoolroom beneath the Methodist Church.

With help from Europe the Chapel Regeneration Partnership continued its attempts to create a Greenway along the route of the old Peak Forest Tramway. A length of the old Tramway was improved at Whitehough but the proposed Greenway continues to Charley Lane at present although it may ultimately join the Hayfield Road close to Federal Mogul.

To improve our public image we have erected a new road sign in Manchester Road just before the turning for Combs which thanks our visitors. In Combs village there is now a new Notice Board by the Beehive. We have also erected new Boards in Dove Holes funded by the Dove Holes Village Group.

Our ceremonies of Remembrance were well attended. The first was to celebrate 60 years of peace following the end of the Second World War when I and the local British Legion laid wreaths. The second was on Remembrance Sunday and we have agreed to arrange future ceremonies at the request of the local branch of the British Legion in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

We have been looking at our footpath problems with the help of the County Council and the Peak Park Ranger Service and have met the County Council to discuss local highway problems.

Our tractor for the Park and other open areas has had a good use and we are trading it in for a new one. A grant has been obtained from the Football Foundation for a new set of junior goal posts for our football field in Dove Holes.

We continue to be represented on a host of outside bodies including a new one to look at youth issues, but we have declined – as have some other local Councils – to become involved in the Area Forums favoured by the Borough Council as we have so many other contacts with other local authorities at both Officer and Member level.

The Heritage Film made by our High School won an award within the East Midlands. It features Norman Prime recalling his Chapel memories amongst others. Helen Pakpahan who has worked for some years from our Offices in her regeneration role now has a broader role within the Borough and some of her work – May Day, “What’s On” guide has been assumed by the Parish Council.

Parish Grants have helped Chapel Amenity Society, Chapel Cricket Club, Chapel Girl Guides, Chapel High School, Dove Holes Band, Dove Holes Community Association, Dove Holes Cricket Club, Dove Holes Parish Church, Chapel Over 60’s Club, Proms in the Park and High Peak Hospicecare.

We can keep in touch with you all through our Newsletter, the delivery of which is somewhat sketchy and through our website:

www.chapel-en-le-frithparishcouncil.gov.uk

F.PETER HARRISON

Chairman of the Parish Council

2004-2006.

CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT 2005

Welcome to the 110th Annual Parish Meeting of the Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council. The first such Meeting was in 1895 when the powers of Parish Councils were somewhat different from today. We now have, as a potential Quality Council, great opportunities for a wider remit at local level and we look forward to these new opportunities.

The Town Hall was not in our ownership in the 19th Century and we are so glad that local benefactors were able to donate it to us. We have been improving its heating system in recent months and will soon have completed our improved facilities for disabled and carried out improvements to the lighting system after which we shall then redecorate to ensure that our building is fit for the 21st Century. You may have noticed new paintings presented by Enid Phillips in the Annexe and two by Mr. Jeffcock now hung at the end of the corridor leading to our Parish Office and the Library. Thanks to their widows we have been able to preserve some of the work undertaken by their talented husbands.

Since our last Annual Parish Meeting we have co-opted Angus Wolfendale as a Parish Councillor and have honoured Ann Young for her 25 years of service to the Parish Council by asking the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire to present to her an inscribed parchment confirming her status as an Honorary Townsman. Each Chairman of the Parish Council appoints a Chaplain for the year and in May 2004 we welcomed Rev. Derrick Leach to his first meeting.

At the beginning of the municipal year we welcomed home Mr. Bradley Wiggins, a cyclist, who had done particularly well in the Athens Olympic Games gaining three medals, a Gold, a Silver and a Bronze. Mr. Wiggins was one of our residents at the time of the Games. A Welcome Home message was displayed on the Market Place railings.

We welcomed to the Memorial Park in Chapel-en-le-Frith the first ever High Peak Youth Arts Festival which was well attended by our young people and by young folk from all over High Peak.

I was pleased to be asked to lead the Carnival Procession on Carnival Day and with other fellow Parish Councillors to be involved in the Judging on that day. I do hope that this year’s Carnival will be equally successful and that more local people will become involved in decoration of their homes and local lampposts. Entries for the best dressed windows in Business Premises were of a very high standard.

At the last Annual Meeting mention was made of improvements to the Memorial Park’s facilities for our Parks team. These have been completed now with the extension to the premises which has also allowed the Chapel Park Bowling Club to have additional space which they have now improved for their use as Lessees of the Bowling Green.

The Parish Council has been pleased to replace the play equipment at Combs in partnership with the Village Hall Trust. Combs will also soon enjoy a new Notice Board outside The Beehive, a facility already enjoyed by Sparrowpit and Whitehough. Grit bins have been provided in Whitehough and in Eccles Road, Beresford Avenue and the Brooklands/Netherfield Road areas. Three new benches and two new litter bins have also been provided.

We continue to make grants to a number of outside bodies. This year has been one in which we have been able to help Buxworth F.C., Chapel A.F.C., Churches Together, Dove Holes Band,

Dove Holes Cricket Club, Dove Holes Community Association, Chapel Girls’ Brigade, High Peak Hospicecare, Mobile Physiotherapy Service and the Youth Arts Festival. In addition we have made grants to all those Churches in the Parish which maintain Burial Grounds.

We are currently, through the Regeneration Partnership, considering proposals for restoration of part of the Peak Forest Tramway as a Greenway for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This development was included in the Local Plan prepared in 1992 which was the subject then of a Public Inquiry. As the Parish Council own part of the Tramway we await further developments with interest. The linear pathway from Long Lane to Thornbrook Road is in poor condition and we have called for its improvement by High Peak and have agreed the work which they will be undertaking.

The last year has seen many more improvements to both of the Conservation Areas in Chapel-en-le-Frith following grants made through the Regeneration Partnership. We have welcomed the new Town End Conservation Area. We are represented on the Partnership by myself and Councillor Mike Smith and a heavy programme of work has been approved. We are pleased to provide accommodation in the Town Hall for Helen Pakpahan who is responsible to the Partnership for ensuring progress of its work.

A Dove Holes Village Plan has now been completed and our two Dove Holes members are busy ensuring that the Plan now produces improvements to the village. Match funding for hanging baskets and a new mower has been provided. The Council has allocated money in the next financial year for use specifically in Dove Holes.

In the Barren Clough area we have continued to maintain “Penny’s Garden” and to offer support and encouragement to our Allotment holders. In Whitehough we were again pleased to continue maintenance of the area surrounding the Village Cross and to provide a Christmas Tree. Trees were also provided in Sparrowpit Combs and Dove Holes as well as the Market Place. Our Chaplain officiated at the short Service held in the Market Place on the lighting of the tree. The old Cross at Martinside is currently under investigation and efforts are being made to secure its restoration.

I have been pleased to attend on behalf of the Parish at a number of events in the year. These have included the Civic Service for the Mayor of High Peak, the Service of nine lessons and carols arranged by the Parish Church at which I was accompanied by several fellow Parish Councillors who also read lessons, and the Ceremony of the Blessing of the Wells. I have also attended the Remembrance Day parade at the War Memorial and the Service for Remembrance at Town End Methodist Church and the launch of the film made by some of the students of Chapel High School about life here in the Parish.

We have introduced a quarterly newsletter and now have a period of time set aside as Open Forum at our Council Meetings. Our website goes from strength to strength as we seek to find better ways of informing you of the work we are doing. We continue to have representatives on a number of outside organisations and we hope to hear from some of them later.

May I take this opportunity to thank my colleague Councillors, the Staff - in particular - Sue Stockdale, our Clerk, for the magnificent way in which she fulfils her role as our Advisor, Mentor, and Friend.

We have responsibility for a number of Charities and reports from them will follow. A new fund has been established with the help of a local benefactor to ensure that our young people are not denied access to the new Leisure Centre because they cannot afford it.

Thank you for your patience. I commend my Annual Report to you.

F. PETER HARRISON,

Chairman of the Council.

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THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

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