March 2026
MINUTES OF MEETING OF HOGSTHORPE PLAYING FIELDS COMMITTEE
HELD ON Thursday 5th March 2026
1. Present: Cllrs E Smith, Matthew West & Annie Maynard (Clerk) and one member of the public.
2. Apologies: Mrs J Ainsworth and Mr Greg Ainsworth
3. Declarations: To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011
None
4. Minutes of the meeting: The Minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 8th January 2026 were approved and signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.
5. Finance: Hogsthorpe memorial recreation and playing field account January & February 2026
Balance as at 4th March 2026 for account ending 0860 £2134.00
It was NOTED that as the bank have not yet given access to their online system to the Proper Officer, the detailed breakdown will be reported to the next meeting of this committee.
6. Car Boot report & Car Boot signs
It was NOTED that the Chair is to order three direction signs, one for each end of the village, and one at Three Ways. The Chair will also make posters advertising the car boot sale, and distribute them to local shops, the Village Hall, etc.
As of 29 March 2026 the price of a table at the car boot will be £5.00, as resolved at the meeting of this committee held in November 2025. Cllr Smith has already given stall holders a letter informing them about the price increase.
The Chair will apply for a Booker’s cash and carry card in order to keep down the cost of buying supplies for the car boot, and their receipts will be itemised in line with HMRC regulations.
7. Playpark Report from Sovereign
The Playpark report was overall very good, there were three items that need to be replaced at a cost of £1963.90, and the Committee agreed that this was too expensive. The Chair will get alternative quotes for the repairs and report back to a future meeting.
8. Maintenance – progress update on any matters outstanding
It was AGREED by the Committee that the trees at the rear of the changing rooms need to be cut back as some of the branches are hitting the roof of the changing room, and some are rotting. The Chair has approached MES Rural and they have said that the cost will be approximately £400, and that will include tidying the trees near the pathway, and near the CCTV, as currently the lens is obscured.
9. Report update from inspection and PAT testing, lighting progress update
Mr Ainsworth sent a message to the Chair stating that the electrician will be attending this month and that the new lights will be installed at that visit; and the PAT test will be completed on completion of the work.
10. Next Meeting – 5:00pm Wednesday 08 April 2026, Hogsthorpe Village Hall.
This meeting was concluded at 17:17