1932 to 1938 Parish Council minutes extracts

The following entries from the Parish Council Meetings (Record Office Ref.EG98/B1/1) all relate to issues concerning the Beach or Shore:-

17^th Sept.1932- There was concern about cycling on the right of way on the shore & a notice stating ‘’Cycling not allowed’’ was proposed; also the erection of a stile or footgate to prevent cycling.

23^rd Sept. 1932- The Shore  Committee  proposed a sketch plan for dressing shelters & 2 lavatories.

8^th Oct. 1932- The Chairman’s redraft of Mr. T. Bloomfield’s suggestion on the Committee for a range of 5 cubicle shelters for men & boys & 5 cubicles for women & girls was handed round & discussed. Mr. A.W. Stollery was preparing a model which he would submit as soon as he could finish. In discussion the suggestion of an experimental temporary building or canvas erection for next season was considerably favoured. The position proposed by Mr.A.W. Stollery & Mr. Button at high water mark near the Whin Stubs was thought most suitable. At the request of the meeting Mr. Booth undertook to call the swimmers together for their views on the suggested arrangements. A letter from Capt. Heath was read by the Chairman. He wished to preserve the pleasant freedom on the shore & not oblige all bathers to use the provided shelters. Any objectional behaviour would be dealt with by the police.

20thApril 1933- The Chairman reported that the rector intended to erect a notice on the shore prohibiting cars, other than those of his shore tenants, driving over the beach.

7^th May 1934- Mr.T. Waller complained of havoc caused at times by visitors & proposed that police authorities be requested to give more adequate supervision. The clerk read a statutory notice from the rector announcing the intention of the ecclesiastical commissioners to sell about 6 acres of glebe land including the riverside cliff ( bought by Cobbolds)

16^th July 1934- It seems little can be done to prevent cycling on the shore path as the rector’s tenants use it as a roadway for motors to their huts

6^th Nov. 1934- Frequent obstruction of the path by cars, anchors & other gear.

4^th Dec. 1934- A letter from the rector:- I have now received permission to lease the foreshore rights to the parish council. Suggested that the revenues accruing may allow of some  simple accommodation for bathers on small piece of wasteland which will go with  the foreshore. Mr. Stow suggested fixing chains as shore moorings to avoid anchors.

26^th Jan. 1935- Procedure to secure an effective lease was too costly.

2^nd July 1935- Parking On The Shore- Frequent obstruction by cars parked before the Maybush lawn was discussed & Capt. Heath undertook to consult Mr. Turner & arrange with him the necessary steps to prevent the practice.

3^rd Sept. 1935-The clerk reported the rector’s agreement to let sites for up to 15 seats adjoining the shore footpath at 1/= per annum payable 1^st Oct each year. Resolved to write to Messrs. Cobbolds asking that notice ‘No Parking Here’ be fixed to their frontage.

(To prevent parking in front of the Maybush lawn)

1^st March 1938-The recent serious damage by storm to the beach & the public path were discussed at length. It was reported that the great improvements made last season chiefly by Mr.A.W. Stollery had been entirely destroyed & much damage & denudation done to the shore, the banks & the path.

The following entries relate to issues concerning the Electricity Supply:-

14^th Dec. 1932- Electric cable is to reach us at School Corner underground from Newbourne.

Major Glossop stated that having had to renew his batteries before the arrival of the public supply he would not be taking it.

19^th March 1934-Electricity Authority had promised to place 2 experimental street lights.

15^th April 1937- Street Lighting. Estimates were received from Ipswich Corporation Electric Supply quoting £38 for installing 3 lamps & £62 for 7 lamps; running costs per 150watt lamp per winter quarter £1/3s/9d., 100watt 15s 10d. Maintenance estimate not over 10s per annum per lamp. The cost appeared unexpectedly high & the matter could not be proceeded with.

The following entry relates to the Allotments:-

5^th March 1935- At present 19 allotments exist viz:- 14 of ¼ acre, 2 of ½ acre, 2 of ¾ acre & 1 of 1acre. All voluntary at about 7s 6d per ¼ acre rent. No knowledge of any unsatisfied demand for allotments.

This item from T.H. Waller’s Account Book-1863 Allotments recorded 15 in total. Income £17

The following entries relate to Clubs:-

3^rd Dec. 1935- Club Affair- The fact that the Reading & Recreation Club was failing to function was discussed at some length

23^rd Aug.1938- Men’s Club- the treasurer of the club urged the winding up of club affairs. The club had been moribund since the 1934/5 season.

This item from T.H. Waller’s Account Book- 1864 Coal & Clothing Club- Receipts £55/13/4. Payments to Bloxsome (draper) £12/7/6. 1865- Receipts £57/5/3 Payments to Mr.H.P.Cross (coal) £17/6/6.

The following entries relate to the Provision of  Public Open Space:-

5^th Jan. 1937- A letter from the county planning officer stated he was now in a position to go into the matter & asked if the council had in mind any particular piece of land for this purpose. The field at the corner of Church Rd. & Cliff Rd. was proposed & unanimously recommended. To be discussed with the planning officer.

11^th Jan. 1937- On motion of Mr. Haig & seconded by Mr. Woodley, the Broom Walk adjacent to the Village Hall was by 18 votes to 5 considered most suitable; with the Church field as 2^nd choice.

15^th April 1937- A plan for a suggested reservation of public open space was received from the county planning officer, comprising 49 acres lying between the church room plot & the public footpath across the field, the property of J. H. Waller, was discussed.  It was decided, on motion of Mr. Nunn & Miss Waller, that without further enquiry as to the  cost & available financial assistance, the scheme should lapse.

The following entry relates to The Fairway Committee:-

19^th April 1938- Mr. Nunn reported a satisfactory first meeting at which it was decided that commercial mooring owners pay 2s 6d each per annum. Private owners to be asked 2s 6d. This should produce about £8 of which the Board of Trade fee was £5. Any surplus to be applied  to buoying the “Horse”, chains for the foreshore moorings &  maintenance of beacons by pilots.