Chair’s Welcome – Annual Parish Meeting 2025
Good evening, everyone,
Thank you for attending the 2025 Annual Parish Meeting for the Parish of Trowell. I’d like to begin by clarifying that this is not a meeting of the Parish Council, but rather a statutory meeting of the parish residents, held once a year as required by law.
As outlined in the public notice, this meeting provides an opportunity for residents to raise any matters concerning the parish of Trowell, particularly in relation to the activities of the Parish Council over the past year.
My name is Michelle Harvey, and I am the current Chair of the Parish Council. I’m pleased to welcome fellow parish councillors and residents who are in attendance this evening.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts, reflections, and any concerns you may wish to share.
Parish Council Overview
The Trowell Parish Council is currently made up of
eight councillors, with
three seats presently vacant. All but one of our current councillors are residents of the village, ensuring strong local representation and a deep understanding of community needs.
We hold
eleven Full Council meetings each year, which are generally well-attended by all members. In addition to these, the Council operates through
four standing committees, each comprising members of the Council:
- Human Resources Committee
- Finance and General Purposes Committee
- Parish Hall Committee
- Parish Hall & Grounds Committee
- Events Committee
Each of these committees meets
quarterly to focus on specific areas of council business, enabling more detailed discussion and effective decision-making.
Key Achievements
Over the past year, the Parish Council has been proud to support and deliver a wide range of events and initiatives that have brought the community together and enhanced village life.
- Community Events:
We’ve hosted monthly quiz nights, including a special joint event with Helen Church to raise funds for Tearfund.
A new monthly Community Hub hosted by Trowell Parish Council has been launched, offering residents a chance to socialise and enjoy a film together in a relaxed setting.
- Seasonal Celebrations:
In September, we held a highly successful Summer Fête, followed by a well-attended Halloween Disco and Haunted Room in October.
Our Annual Christmas Light Switch-On in December was once again a festive highlight.
In February, we hosted a cheerful Pancake Brunch, and most recently, we held our second Afternoon Tea Dance, which was warmly received.
- Commemorative Events:
On VE Day, councillors joined residents and pupils from Trowell School to commemorate those who fought for our country and freedom, in line with the national itinerary.
Councillors also represented the parish at Remembrance Day and Christmas services at St. Helen Church, as well as at Borough and County civic events.
- Community Support Initiatives:
Thanks to the efforts of Councillor Pringle, we secured a Bulk Waste Collection Day, which enabled residents to dispose of large items responsibly.
Councillors and the Clerk have actively participated in RCAN cluster meetings, learning about potential initiatives that could benefit the village.
As part of Village Hall Week in March, Trowell Parish Hall proudly hosted an RCAN regional event.
- Flooding and Drainage:
Councillors attended the Annual Borough Meeting, where we raised residents’ concerns about flooding issues, particularly those related to Boundary Brook.
We have also reported blocked gullies, which have since been cleared—an important step in helping to reduce the risk of future flooding.
- Environmental Maintenance:
Through collaboration with our Borough and County Councillors, we successfully arranged for the relevant agencies to clean and tidy the grass verges throughout the village, improving both safety and appearance.
- Speed Watch Scheme:
The Council has agreed to support the Community Speed Watch Scheme. If enough volunteers come forward, we will be able to borrow speed monitoring equipment from the police for a trial period.
Some councillors have already completed the necessary training, and we are actively encouraging more residents to get involved.
These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life in Trowell and ensuring residents’ voices are heard at all levels of local government.
Planning and Development
One of the Parish Council’s key responsibilities is to review planning applications submitted within our area and to provide informed feedback to the local planning authority. This includes expressing support, raising concerns, or lodging objections on behalf of our residents. Our aim is to ensure that all proposed developments are in keeping with the character and aesthetics of the village and that they support biodiversity and sustainable growth.
Over the past year, the Council has considered several planning applications, each assessed with careful attention to its potential impact on the community. Notably, the proposed development at
7 Nottingham Road was among the more significant applications reviewed. The Council provided detailed comments to ensure that the development aligns with the village’s character and residents’ expectations.
In addition to individual applications, the Parish Council also acts as a statutory consultee on broader local development plans. This allows us to contribute to shaping the long-term vision for our area, ensuring that future growth is both appropriate and beneficial to the community.
Finance Report
At this point, I formally hand over the Finance Report to the Clerk, who will present the financial summary for the year. The Clerk will provide an overview of income and expenditure, budget performance, and any key financial matters arising.
Parish Clerk’s Financial Report
Annual Parish Meeting – 2025
Good evening,
I am pleased to present the financial report for
Trowell Parish Council] for the financial year ending
31 March 2025.
- Overview
The Parish Council’s finances remain in a sound and stable position. We have continued to manage our budget responsibly, ensuring that public funds are used effectively to benefit the community.
- Income
The total income received during the financial year was
£121,968.68, which included:
- Precept: £87,675.00
- Other Income (bank interest, hall hire, etc.): £34,293.68
- Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year was
£127,023.86, allocated as follows:
- Parish Hall and Grounds: £28,843.93
- Finance and General Purposes: £24,503.35
- Staffing Costs: £73,676.58
- Reserves
At the end of the financial year, the Parish Council held reserves of
£28,418.27. In order to help keep the precept at a manageable level for residents, the Council made a conscious decision to reduce reserves this year. We plan to rebuild these reserves gradually over the coming financial year to ensure long-term financial resilience.
- Audit and Transparency
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with proper practices and are subject to internal and external audit. The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) will be available for public inspection as required by law.
- Looking Ahead
We continue to plan carefully for the year ahead. The Council remains committed to transparency, value for money, and delivering services that meet the needs of our residents.
If anyone has any questions regarding the financial report, I would be happy to answer them.
Thank you. I will now hand your back to the Chair.
Community Engagement
As a Council, we recognise that strong and consistent community engagement is vital to our work. We remain committed to keeping residents informed and involved through a variety of communication channels.
In addition to traditional methods such as leaflets and noticeboards, we also maintain a dedicated Council webpage. Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing some technical issues with the site, but we are working to resolve these and aim to have it fully operational again as soon as possible.
We are also gradually expanding our presence on social media. Our Facebook page has seen increased activity, and we are exploring the potential of other platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. These platforms offer valuable opportunities to connect with a broader and more diverse audience, particularly younger residents.
Challenges Faced
This year has brought a number of challenges for the Council.
Unfortunately, we experienced the resignation of four councillors, and we are currently working to fill the remaining three vacancies. We encourage any interested residents to consider joining and supporting the work of the Council.
We have also been subject to vexatious correspondence from individuals outside the village, some of whom have used social media to spread misinformation and make disparaging remarks about the Council and its members. This has been disheartening, but we remain committed to transparency and respectful dialogue.
Regrettably, there have also been incidents of vandalism and antisocial behaviour directed towards staff, visitors, and regular hall hirers at the Parish Hall. These incidents were reported to the police, and following discussions, we were able to take appropriate action. A formal notice regarding antisocial behaviour and a potential ban from Trowell Parish Council facilities was issued to at least one identified individual.
Additionally, we have noticed an increase in the presence of nitrous oxide canisters scattered around the village, which is a concerning trend. We are monitoring the situation and will continue to work with local authorities to address it.
Lastly, in October, our Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer, Jane, suffered a heart attack. This was a worrying time for us all. Thankfully, after a short period of recovery and a phased return to work, Jane is now back to full strength. We are incredibly grateful for her resilience and dedication.
looking Ahead
As we look to the future, the Council is actively developing a three-year plan to guide our priorities and improvements across the parish. Key projects currently under consideration include:
- Playpark Improvements – Enhancing facilities to ensure they remain safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for all children.
- Emergency Blood Kits – Exploring the provision of life-saving equipment for community use.
- Parish Hall Enhancements – Continuing to improve the hall to better serve our residents and hirers.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Points – Investigating the feasibility of installing EV points to support sustainable transport.
Community engagement remains a central focus. We are excited to host a number of events in the coming months, including:
- Summer Fete
- Brass Band Concert
- Halloween Event
- Christmas Lights Switch-On
Looking further ahead, 2026 will mark the
75th Anniversary of Trowell being awarded the title of Festival Village in 1951. While no events have been confirmed yet, we are confident that the Events Committee will develop a comprehensive and celebratory programme to mark this significant milestone.
Get Involved in Your Community
If you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor, volunteering in the community, or joining the Speed watch scheme, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the Clerk via email at
clerk@trowell.org.uk or visit the Parish Office in person.
If you have any concerns regarding planning or development in the parish, you are encouraged to contact the Clerk, attend a Parish Council meeting, or report your concerns directly through the Borough Council’s online portal.
If you witness any antisocial behaviour or a crime, please report it by calling
101 for non-emergencies, or
999 in an emergency.
Thanks, and Acknowledgements
Before I conclude, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere thanks to those who have contributed so much to our community over the past year.
Firstly, thank you to all the Parish Councillors of Trowell for your time, commitment, and the hard work you dedicate to the various committees. Your efforts are truly appreciated.
A heartfelt thank you to our caretakers, Alister, Stewart and Cai, for their tireless work in keeping the Parish Hall clean, safe, and well-maintained.
We are also grateful to our Borough Councillors, Don Pringle and Lydia Ball, for their continued support, and to our County Councillors, Dr. John Doddy and Maggie McGrath. A warm welcome to our new County Councillor, Jan Goold — we look forward to working with you.
To all our volunteers, thank you for your generosity and dedication. Special thanks to Barratts Transport, Judd Whyle, Russell Walters, and Trowell Garden Centre for your support during last year’s Summer Fete — your contributions made a real difference.
We also extend our gratitude to the Police and Fire Service for the vital work you do in keeping our community safe.
And finally, a big thank you to Bob Abrahall for his help in cutting back the grass verges along Ilkeston Road — your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Parish Clerk
As I bring this report to a close, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to someone who is truly the backbone of our Parish Council — our Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer,
Jane.
Jane works with unwavering dedication, often far beyond her contracted hours, ensuring that the Council runs smoothly and that the Parish Hall is managed with care and professionalism. Her tireless efforts behind the scenes often go unseen, but they are absolutely vital to everything we do.
Jane’s passion for her role, her love for the village, and her commitment to its residents shine through in every task she undertakes. Whether it’s supporting councillors, managing staff, overseeing finances, or coordinating community events, Jane approaches it all with grace, efficiency, and a genuine desire to make Trowell the best it can be.
The success of the Parish Hall today — its welcoming atmosphere, its smooth operations, and its growing popularity — is a direct reflection of Jane’s hard work and vision. She is not only respected but truly valued by everyone who has the pleasure of working with her.
Jane goes above and beyond in every sense. Her knowledge, guidance, and calm presence are a constant source of strength for the Council. Quite simply, without her, we would be lost.
Thank you, Jane, for your outstanding service, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment to our community. We are incredibly lucky to have you.
