By Geoff Fisher Russell Betts, who attended Reepham Town Council meetings for many years as a member of the public, passed away on 20 November at the age of 95. He was previously a trustee of the Bircham Centre and contributed much to the Reepham community over his long life.
The council offers its condolences to Russell’s wife June, to whom he was married for 71 years, and to his wider family.
Precept increase
The town council’s budget was circulated to councillors prior to its meeting on Wednesday 6 December. The council is aware that many people are under pressure financially due to inflation and the increasing cost of mortgages and rents.
Funding of the town council is by way of the precept, which is raised through Council Tax. Despite the high rate of inflation, the precept increase has been kept as low as possible and represents a £2.10 per year increase for a Band D property.
Donation from music festival
As trustee of the Stimpson’s Piece Charity, Reepham Town Council is responsible to the Charity Commission for the management of the Stimpson’s Piece grounds and pavilion.
Helped by a donation of £800 from the Reepham Festival, new signage and 70 new chairs have been purchased. The trustee would like to thank the organisers of the music festival for their generosity.
Defibrillator at Stimpson’s Piece
Although there is a defibrillator at the Co-op on Station Road, there has been concern for some time that there is no defibrillator at Stimpson’s Piece. The town clerk has applied for a grant for 50/50 match funding and was successful.
However, the defibrillator requires an electricity supply to keep its batteries charged. The clerk has therefore written to the local groups that use the recreation ground to ask for a contribution towards the installation costs.
Hall for hire
Stimpson’s Piece pavilion is available to hire for community activities, children’s parties, etc. However, this is a community hall, not a gymnasium, so hire for ball games, which are liable to cause damage to the ceiling tiles or the walls, is not permitted.
The trustees recently met with a representative of the high school and were informed that the school is keen to increase community use of its sports facilities. Anyone who wishes to organise activities, such as dodgeball, should contact the school.
It is hoped that the hall will be redecorated soon under the community payback scheme. Please contact the town clerk if you are interested in hiring the hall for your event.
The town council is also keen to hear from anyone who would be willing to volunteer to help with the running, care or maintenance of the building, children’s play area or grounds.
Town council vacancies
Reepham Town Council currently has nine councillors and three vacancies. The council is able to co-opt those who reside in Reepham or have business interests in the town to its ranks and is keen to hear from anyone who may be interested in helping to look after Reepham.
Councillors are unpaid but are supported by a part-time town clerk and a part-time finance officer, both of whom have extensive experience in their roles.
There is more information on the town council website. If you would like to know more, without any obligation, please contact the town clerk by email or telephone 01603 873355.
Council meetings
Members of the public are entitled to attend monthly town council meetings and have their say on any agenda item, so why not come along and gain a better understanding of the council’s work?
Meetings are normally held at 7.30 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham.
Geoff Fisher