Minutes
Saxilby with Ingleby Annual Parish Meeting
19:00hrs Wednesday 28 May 2025
St Andrews Community Centre, William Street, Saxilby, LN1 2LP.
Present
• 29 electors
• Councillor Saunders, Chair of Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council
• Lydia Hopton, Clerk to Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council
• Zarina Belk, Assistant Clerk to Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council
Apologies
• Councillor Brockway (West Lindsey District Council Councillor and Lincolnshire County Council Councillor)
APM25/001 Welcome and Opening of Meeting
The Chair of Saxilby with Ingleby Parish Council opened the meeting and welcomed all those present. Residents were invited to share comments and ideas on improvements, activities, and events they would like to see within the parish.
APM25/002 Approve the notes from the 2024 Annual Parish Meeting as minutes
The notes of the 2024 Annual Parish Meeting were approved as a correct record. This was proposed by Peter Hewes, seconded by Ray Scott and resolved.
APM25/003 Local organisations and community groups to provide a verbal report on their activities
St Botolph’s Church
Revd Jane Foster-Smith provided a verbal report outlining the church’s continued support to the community through weddings, baptisms, funerals, and activities within the church hall. The volunteer team remained active and had introduced a bereavement café, currently operating twice yearly.
Reference was made to Remembrance events and VE Day commemorations, together with collaborative working alongside other community organisations. It was noted that improvements would be considered following some difficulties experienced with the Christmas lights arrangements. Ongoing maintenance of the Church building continued. Thanks were expressed to residents and volunteers for supporting community groups and helping the village to flourish.
Anglian Water
A written report from Anglian Water was read on behalf of the organisation by Nick Waller.
The report detailed progress on additional temporary Hybrid Submerged Aerated Filter (H-SAF) treatment units at the Water Recycling Centre to improve ammonia treatment resilience. It was noted that installation works would commence during May 2025 and were expected to complete by September 2025 to install three H-SAF units onsite. Further updates included plans for roadway improvements, additional site maintenance, and a proposed autumn site meeting with the parish council following completion of works.
Saxilby Cricket Club
James Willox, Chair of the Club, provided a verbal report.
The Club had successfully raised approximately £33,000 through fundraising and grants to install new cricket training nets, which had significantly improved facilities. The women’s team had won both leagues, whilst the men’s team had finished mid-table. The Club continued to run All Stars and Dynamos programmes for younger children and advised that a further fundraising project would shortly be launched.
Saxilby Nature Project
A written report from Saxilby Nature Project was read by Deborah Shepherd.
Activities over the previous year included woodland management works, creation of ephemeral ponds and “newt ponds”, planting of alder copses, installation of a third barn owl box, and construction of deer exclusion zones. The group continued to undertake moth-trapping sessions as part of biodiversity monitoring and welcomed greater community involvement in future activities.
Saxilby Public Recreation Ground
Peter Hewes, Chair, provided a verbal update.
The Recreation Ground continued to support sporting and community use, including putting in place leases and annual agreements with local clubs/organisations. Field maintenance arrangements were under review, with football and cricket clubs continuing to assist with mowing responsibilities.
Support was expressed for the proposed Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA).
Planned works include improvements to the car park, enhancement of biodiversity corridors, and rerouting of the footpath away from the vehicle entrance.
Football Update
It was reported that AFC Saxilby, based at Mill Lane, had reached the cup final at Sincil Bank during the season.
Saxilby AFC will field a wide range of teams during the forthcoming season, including men’s, youth, and girls’ teams, including the new Saxilby Lionesses Under-8s side.
Saxilby Sports Hub
Representatives of the Sports Hub provided a verbal report.
The Sports Hub has developed successfully through volunteer support and community involvement. Approximately £15,000 had been distributed during the first year to support local sports clubs and village maintenance projects.
Future plans included patio renovations and further field improvements. Appreciation was expressed to councillors, volunteers, and staff for their support and contributions.
Saxilby Scout and Guide Association
A written report from Saxilby Scout and Guide Association was read by Emma Bowden.
The report highlighted another busy year for all sections, continued fundraising through paper collections and marquee hire, and preparations for major roof replacement works at the Scout Headquarters. Activities included camps, water sports, remembrance events, Operation Goodwill collections, and participation in D-Day and VE Day commemorations.
Saxilby Voluntary Car Scheme
A verbal report was provided by Deborah Lang.
The Scheme had undertaken approximately 300 journeys covering over 4,000 miles to assist residents attending medical appointments, including trips to Nottingham, Boston, and Leicester. Additional volunteer drivers are sought to support growing demand.
Haven Equestrian
Kim Argyle advised that the riding school had reopened following an earlier closure and had been appointed to support disabled riding provision within Lincolnshire.
“Come and Try” days had been arranged, and several former pupils had returned. Teams were also competing nationally and internationally.
Saxilby Tennis Club
Sue Whitley provided a verbal update.
Membership had increased significantly, particularly amongst junior members. The Club celebrated its 100th anniversary during the year and had recently signed a lease which will support future grant applications and facility improvements.
The club expected to participate in more than 20 leagues during the following year and planned to restart coaching sessions.
Saxilby U3A
Roger Sellers provided a verbal report.
The organisation had now operated for fifteen years and remained part of a wider national network supporting learning and activities for older residents.
Village Hall Café
A resident highlighted the monthly café held at the Village Hall on the first Saturday of each month, noting the success of fundraising efforts for local charities.
APM25/004 District and County Councillor Update on activities
Councillor Lee of West Lindsey District Council provided a verbal update.
Reference was made to the strength of volunteering and community spirit within Saxilby.
It was noted that changes to local government structures were anticipated in the coming years following government proposals.
An update was provided regarding the former RAF Scampton site and future food waste collection arrangements expected to commence by 2028.
APM25/005 Parish Council Chair’s Update on Council Activities
The Chair presented a summary of the Council’s achievements during 2024/25.
Neighbourhood Development Plan
The review of the Neighbourhood Development Plan had been submitted to West Lindsey District Council for independent examination ahead of a referendum.
The Lincoln Cycle Path connection between the A57 and Mill Lane was completed by Lincolnshire County Council following sustained lobbying efforts by the parish council.
Community Facilities and Amenities
The Council had agreed to continue managing St Andrews Community Centre under a long-term lease. Improvements completed during the year included replacement of fire doors, replacement of window units to uPVC, and refurbishment of upstairs toilet facilities
The Centre had hosted over 600 external bookings and continued to support numerous community organisations and Warm Welcome sessions.
Additional improvements around the parish included installation of a new bench, litter bin, and flower bed at Church Lane/Church Road, additional seating within the play area, and installation of a new bus shelter opposite the Co-op – the first on the Gainsborough route.
Climate and Biodiversity
Projects completed included:
• Installation of a clothes recycling bin on Ingleby View Estate
• Rainwater harvesting at Mill Lane
• Loft insulation works at St Andrews Community Centre
• Establishment of a community hedgehog conservation group
Green Spaces and Street Scene
Works undertaken at Westcroft Green included:
• Tree management and hedge restoration works
• Planting of replacement saplings
• Improvements to the stone pathway
Heritage and Environmental Assets
Community fish artwork and benches had been installed in Saxilby Waterfront. The repainting of the Saxilby Footbridge by West Lindsey District Council was also acknowledged.
Public Engagement and Participation
The Council had undertaken:
• Public consultations relating to the NDP review
• A public meeting with Lincolnshire Police regarding antisocial behaviour
• Councillor drop-in sessions and coffee mornings
• Expanded volunteering opportunities
• Community events including the Family Fun Day and D-Day 80 commemorations
The Chair also outlined future priorities for 2025, including:
• Westcroft Green consultation and improvements
• Progression of the MUGA project
• Biodiversity surveys on council land
• Reduced mowing trials to support biodiversity
• Return of Community Speedwatch
• Exploring opportunities for allotments and a dog exercise park
Thanks were extended to councillors, council staff, caretakers, grounds staff, volunteers, and community groups for their contributions throughout the year.
APM25/006 Questions from Electors
No further questions were raised by electors present.
The meeting closed at 21:00hrs.
Please note that the Annual Parish Meeting is a meeting of the local electorate and is not a meeting of the parish council.