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EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
Playing Fields Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday 23
rd
APRIL 2026, 7.00pm at The Lambe School,
Gaston Street, East Bergholt

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION No members of the public in attendance

1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Present. Councillors M. Hockley (chair), J. Miller, N. Roberts, Lyn Matthews,
J. Price, G. Woodcock, R. Elmer

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE None

2. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None

3. MINUTES
Recommended approval by J .Miller, seconded G, Woodcock, unanimously
approved.

4. MATTERS ARISING
Councillor Matthews wanted to know more about the padel courts as she was
absent from the previous meeting.
She stated there is a 50% drop off regarding female participation in sports.
Could we consider a netball area ?
Councillor Miller pointed out that the tennis courts (parish owned) can be used.
However, is there a demand ? remember, the PC ‘facilitates, not organises !

Councillor Roberts asked what progress with the bore hole project ?
Ideas should come through the Sports Council.
Councillor Hockley said there maybe funding available through sports bodies.
There are 2 options , one cheap, one expensive.

Councillor Roberts said he would like to see a Sports Council Priorities List for
2026/27.
Councillor Miller said that together with John Hambrook and Michael Hockley,
she is producing a relevant chart for the sports council.
Councillor Price categorically stated that no bore hole will be allowed on any
‘Constable hall land!’
Councillor Roberts said that the bore hole must be a priority with climate
change and the world getting dryer !

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Councillor Hockley said that G & K Tree surgeons confirmed “no action
required” on the ‘Notcutt’s tree’.

Councillor Price asked if there was a ‘Gateway procedure’ associated with the
new Solar System at the Sports Pavilion, together with a maintenance manual.
Councillor Woodcock said the latter is covered but not the former.
Councillor Hockley will clarify this, together with the Octopus tariffs, when
meeting Lanman Solar later in the week.

5. SPORTS COUNCIL, PAVILION AND CAR PARK UPDATES.

Councillor Hockley reported the Sports Pavilion has (for the first time in many
years) a had a ‘deep clean’.
This included the carpets, floors, changing rooms, corridors and toilets. It was
all paid for by the sports clubs through the Sports Council. The result is
outstanding 1

(Councillor Roberts informed the committee that the Bowls Club has a
‘cleaning rota’ shared amongst club members).

Councillor Hockley announced that the area surrounding the new cricket net
facilities, is to be grassed, thus improving the appearance.
He went on to report a suggestion that the area adjacent to the bowls club
could be considered for parking members cars.
Councillor Elmer said that any parking requires a hard surface, and grass
would not be suitable.
Councillor Roberts exclaimed that this was one of many ‘ad hoc’ ideas, and
went on “What happened to the ‘interested parties meetings’ ?”
Councillor Hockley suggested that there may be new options in the autumn
and reconsider a meeting then.

Councillor Hockley reported that cricket and football clubs were concerned at
the deteriorating ‘trench’ that runs the perimeter of the sports field as a result
of the recent tennis improvements.
This should be rectified by the tennis club.
The committee will wait for any response from the tennis club.

Annual contracts for the groundsmen were approved, proposed by Councillor
Matthews and seconded by Councillor Elmer. Passed unanimously.

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The ground condition is still very good despite the March rain and the April
drought. reseeding postponed until weather conditions are compatible.
Playgrounds are looking in good shape.
Councillor Woodcock reported the new boule pitch surface was completed by
volunteers at East End playing fields and recommended councillors should
visit and enjoy a game !

The Bowls club request for £7,220 for new specialised equipment for bowls
green surface was discussed. The grant application request was proposed for
approval by Councillor Hockley and seconded by Councillor Woodcock, 5 for,
2 abstentions. This will now be on the SPF agenda for final approval.

ANY FUTHER COMMUNICATIONS .
None.

Meeting closed at 8,05pm.

NEXT MEETING.
Thursday July 23rd 2026