ASHMORE PARISH COUNCIL
Annual Parish Council meeting
held at Ashmore Village Hall on
Thursday 28th May 2026 at 7.30pm
Present:- Chairman Richard Coplan (RC)
Councillors:- Colin Elford (CE), Angie Newnham (AN), Philippa Kelway-Bamber (PKB), John Ball (JB)
Apologies:- James Grazebrook (JB), Gilly Forge (GF) and County Councillor Jane Somper (JS)
There were eight members of the public
2026.47 Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 15th May 2025 were agreed as a true record and duly signed.
2026.48 Election of Officers Proposed / Seconded
Chairman Richard Coplan PKB / AN
Vice Chairman Philippa Kelway Bamber RC / JB
Tree Officer Gilly Forge PKB / RC
Planning Angie Newnham RC / PKB
Airfield James Grazebrook RC / JB
Defibrillator Richard Coplan AN / CE
Telephone Box Richard Coplan AN / CE
Footpaths Colin Elford RC / JB
Pond John Ball RC . AN
Playground John Ball RC / CE
Representatives
a. Pond Constantine Lyndsey RC / JB
b. Playground Paul Whetham RC / JB
2026.48
Chairman’s Report (2025-2026)
Finance
We told Dorset Council that our precept for 2025/2026 should be £6,000, an increase of £2,000, half of the increase will be ring-fenced towards building a playground replacement fund and the remaining £1,000 will be for general reserves.
Planning
In 2025/2026 there were ten planning applications, nine of these were approved and one amendment application is awaiting a decision.
Over the last year there have been numerous applications for tree pruning in the conservation area, following the requirement that residents must ask permission from the council to do such work.
There have also been eight applications for tree felling, which were approved by the council.
As usual, it is hoped that when one tree comes down, another can be planted somewhere suitable to take its place.
There have not been any TPO’s issued in the last year.
It has been a good year for the trees by the pond, despite the very hot year last year, which is encouraging news.
Latest applications are to fell a birch tree at Glebe House, and to fell two hollies at the Old School House.
And there has been an application to fell the ash tree in the church yard.
Filly Loo
The Filly Loo was held in 2025 on 20th June and was a great success.
Pond
Constantine Lyndsey continues to keep this in excellent order by both manually reducing the amount of weed and by the timely addition of chemicals that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria.
At present he is being helped in this endeavour by the ducks who appear to be eating the weeds!
The sump that filters the run-off water from the road was cleaned last Autumn which also helps to keep the water clear.
Playground
Paul Whetham continues to keep the grounds in good order with regular mowing. This winter he and Steve renovated the ageing tractor to ensure this work could continue to be done cost effectively.
Last year’s RoSPA report highlighted problems with the bolts on some of the swings. John Ball and I dealt with this.
This year’s report is satisfactory but makes clear that the woodwork will need replacing on some of the structures in a few years and justifies the council’s decision to increase the precept to cover this.
20mph Speed Limit Application
Applying for a 20mph speed limit within Ashmore, has been a key initiative this past year. Much of the process requires consultation with Dorset Council and demonstrating that there is local support for this change. I am delighted to report that Dorset Council have approved our application in principle, and we expect this to go to public consultation in the autumn.
Preservation of Road Signs
During the year we held a fund-raising campaign to cover the cost of replacing the historic fingerpost sign on the corner of Woodley Lane. Thanks to all who contributed and thanks to Tim Beer who carried out the work. Also, thanks to Barnaby Hunter who firstly put me in touch with Tim and secondly for coordinating the restoration of the 1950’s sign outside Hares Farm Bungalow. Thaks to all involved including, Barnaby, Steve Green, Michael Moody and Carl Wills.
Thanks
As in previous years I am grateful for the help and support I have received during the year from parish councillors and our Dorset Councillor, Jane Somper. I am grateful also for the work councillors and representatives do for their responsibilities.
Again, our Clerk, Vivian Hitchmough, has been a great help to me and I am very grateful to her for all she does.
2026.49 Finance - annual return and draft accounts for the year to 31.3.2026
The draft accounts had been prepared and the internal audit had been completed. The Chairman signed the Annual Return and the Governance Statement and the information will be published on the web site. The certificate of exemption will be forwarded by the Clerk to the external auditors.
The notice of public rights will be published on the website and a copy on the Notice Board.
2026.50 Agree risk assessment
The Chairman reported no new assets had been acquired with no greater risk
2026.51 The Chairman closed the meeting at 7.45pm