Monday 12th May 2025

The above meeting was held in the Parish Hall at 7.30pm.

Chair Cllr Hargreaves, Cllr Cleave, Cllr Wingard, Cllr Stokes, Cllr Elliott, Cllr Tape, Cllr Whittle, Cllr Constantinou.

Apologies – Launcells Parish News, Parish Priest, Cllr Pollard, Cllr Allin

Also in attendance: The Clerk, Mrs J Gray.

10 members of the public were present.

The previous year’s minutes for the meeting held on Monday 13th May 2024 have been noted. It was unanimously resolved to approve the minutes. The Chair, Cllr Hargreaves, signed them as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

A warm welcome to you all and a big thank you for turning out and coming together for our Annual Parish Meeting. It is really good to see so many of you here.

As in previous years I would like to begin by recording my thanks on behalf of the parish to a number of people and groups for the part they have played and their contribution to the life of the parish during the year.

I want to put on record my thanks to all my fellow Councillors, who in their distinct ways have contributed so much during the year, mentioning especially my deputy Cllr Allin, who has stepped in when I have had to be absent. Thanks also to Cllr Whittle for his tireless work and his continuing efforts and time in representing Launcells Parish on the new Community Area Partnership and in keeping a careful watch over our finances. But each Councillor brings something different and they have all given of their time and experience and knowledge as well as frequently practical help to the benefit of the parish.

I would also add that the smooth running of our meetings and the execution of our decisions and initiatives would not happen but the diligence, patience and persistence of our Clerk, Julie Gray.

Further thanks must be recorded for our County Councillor Nicky Chopak, who has continued to try to make our voice heard and to get things done at Cornwall Council.

Thanks are also due to the parish vicar, who has worked hard marrying, burying and leading in spiritual matters.

Further thanks are also due to those who have seen through the ongoing improvement of the lighting of the bus shelter, the maintenance and planting of the planters, the mowing of the playing fields and those who have helped during the year with other tasks relating to the playing fields. There and our Parish Hall remain a great asset to the parish. The Parish Hall Committee and above all the Parish Hall Committee Treasurer, Caroline, deserve our thanks. Likewise Alison and her team of helpers are hugely appreciated for the excellent community lunches that bring us all together over the most delicious dishes and almost addictive deserts!

In addition, Mandy Pollard, who puts together the Parish Magazine and inputs to our website, should be recognised and thanked for her great contribution to the parish and its life.

There will be others to whom great thanks are due for their help and engagement in the life of the parish, who I may have omitted, but their continuing support and help is greatly appreciated.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have been fortunate perhaps this year that the political and financial storms, which have raged internationally, nationally and even sometimes reaching Cornwall, have not unduly rocked us here in Launcells. We have been able to work quietly and consistently to preserve and improve our parish with unity of purpose. There have been no great divisive issues during the year and I am grateful to my colleagues for their universally constructive approach to planning and other issues which we have discussed and resolved.

I think I reasonably assert once again that in our quiet way in work and play we in Launcells are a community living and looking ahead together with gratitude and confidence.

Cllr Chopak thanked the Councillors and parishioners for letting her know what needs to be done throughout the year.

Cornwall Council is in a state of flux, as after the elections there was no clear majority. There will be huge changes after the 27th May. The Council was left with £1.37m overdraft.

It is thought that the recycling bookings will be scrapped and people will be able to have another refuse bin if they wish.

Cllr Chopak thanked all those involved in the Community Area Partnership and the next meeting will involve an election for Chair and Vice-chair.

The Health & Wellbeing group has been very successful and it is the first to pioneer with a group such as this. This has enabled more consultants coming to Stratton rather than people having to drive to the consultant.

There were reports from local groups: the Badminton Group, The Dice and Dagger Gaming Club, the Yoga group, the Gym Club, The Parish News, the Parish Hall, the local Cybercrime Protection Unit and the Ukulele Band, who also performed a few songs. These reports will be placed on display on the Parish Council website, and available via email should anyone wish. Please contact the Clerk for more information.

The evening was rounded off with refreshments.

The meeting, which was preceded by the Annual General Parish Meeting, ended at 8.20pm.