Wednesday 30th July 2025

Attendees: Magaret, Edward + Edward McCall, Laura Petchey*, Louisa Haine*, Matt Cannon*, Clive* & Gwynneth* Griffiths, Janet Carrod*, Maggie & Roger Haverson, Tracy & John Collacott, Theresa Bunting, Jayne* & Andy Davies, Andy & Simon* Cogan,  Sally & Chris  Jackson, Alan Gamble, Bill Pepper, Peter Rash, Peter Barnett (* = committee member)

• Introductions (if required) -

Welcome to the McCalls from #1

• Minutes from the last meeting -

No adjustments

2.5 Positions - no new interest in positions, Laura, Matt and Louisa to stay on till July 2026, but a new chair and secretary will need to be found next year as neither Laura or Louisa are staying on.

• AGM

• Chair Report -

[see attached at end of minutes]

• Treasurer Report -

£1000 pride of place grant came in and spent up for development of green space, £95 from the blind date with a book, insurance and £605 in bank + £50 cash. £500 ringfenced for defib leaving £155 to spend.

• 20MPH Consultation -

Checking on opinions, to determine if anonymity is required. Bill from WPC informing on the mixed reception of the 20 limit in Wicken, and consultation. Points out some weaknesses - average dropped somewhat though not to 20, Police unwilling to enforce 20mph limit offences. Questions on the total cost of consultation and implementation raised. Some positive support in favour of any measures to help make the roads safer. Suggestion made to re-use the same process as Wicken, and WPC for consultation. Matt C to liaise with highways to determine initial feasibility, Laura P to liaise with WPC re. them re-running their consultation process for Upware.

• Fundraising Update -

Blind Date with a Book was a great success, much fun had wrapping up books, and some very loyal customers making it financially worthwhile! Plans with Jayne in October to run a pub quiz.

• Defib maintenance options -

WPC still committed to taking on responsibility. URA committee liaising with WPC to ensure new service levels are acceptable. Matt C (in “guardian” role for our defib) updated on new BHF (British Heart Foundation) management platform with alerts for monthly checks and updates when it’s used. Paediatric pads obtained (for children under 8) - being added to defib - Thanks Matt C. Offer to help from Jayne D.

• Upware Open Space -

Grant spent, looking lovely!

 

• WPC Update -

Relatively quiet, neighbourhood plan is the big news. 18 page questionnaire sent to every house in the parish. Further funding was due late July/August - but this appears to have been put on hold. WPC committed to continuing the neighbourhood plan, dipping into ringfenced existing funds and other sources to pursue the creation of the plan. Reactions to 20mph, mixed bag, overall WPC feel an improvement. Work on new, large cycle path underway - starts around Drury Lane, ends in Soham, mixed bridleway. Wicken fete was a great success, though unfortunate that the hot weather necessitated cancellation of the dog show. 

8.5 - Peter from WPC - posited making more of the archaeological dig which occurred, and if efforts could be made to expose or preserve or present the dig and it’s findings better. Mixed reactions from village - Andy C to investigate funding possibilities. 

8.75 - Defib Transition - Some residents have concern over fundraising activity in the last year being in the name of the defib, and feel that ringfenced funds should be transferred to WPC. A vote was taken, and 7 were in favour of this, to 3 against, therefore the URA will aim to transfer these ringfenced funds to the WPC in future. WPC, Bill,  to find out and confirm whether their liability insurance will cover URA events on the green space.

• Highways/Water -

Resident action and documentation continues, in frequent contact with highways agency, who appear to be on the case and planning repairs. A Number of residents are having issue with the hedges overgrowing and limiting visibility - Chair raised the need for everyone report hedge issues to highways - as well as the fallen propped up tree. No noticeable issues on water.

• Outstanding actions -

Picnic - date set for 13th/14th September, for residents, friends and family [*NOTE - 14th September selected since the meeting]

• AOB -

BIll from WPC asks that everyone tries to make use of the Tiger bus, which is still very expensive to run per journey. Accepts common complaint that you cannot book a return journey or know that you can use it to get home! 

Temporary compound to be erected near EA car park, for refurbishment of the lock, major process including draining, extensive inspections, and more - duration approx 14 weeks, and restrictions at road over the lock - thanks Chris for getting info from initial surveyors.

WPC still organising objections to energy storage plant near Wicken (in response to resident interest in what’s happening with it)

Concerns raised over adequate provisions, e.g. sluice, in the event the lock is closed for refurb. Appears it should be fine.

• Date of Next Meeting:

15th October 2025 [

confirmed since meeting, at the 5 Miles]

Addendum - Chair Report

Chair Report for the Upware Residents Association - AGM – 2025

I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past year and celebrate all the hard work and efforts that have gone into making our community such a vibrant, welcoming place.

July 2024

We kicked off the year with a focused clean-up effort on the open space, getting it tidied up for all to enjoy. Unfortunately, the potholes were back with a vengeance, but we’re getting used to the annual battle!

September 2024

September brought one of the highlights of the year: the Upware Picnic. A fantastic day with Welly throwing, eggs, a raffle, and the “Guess the Bear’s Name” competition. A great time was had by all, with everyone coming together to celebrate our community.  A whopping £159 was raised.

October 2024

The Northern Lights gave us another stunning view, and the pumpkin display brought a wonderful sense of fun to the Halloween season. We were also delighted to see so many trick-or-treaters! Our continued efforts in bulb planting and work on the open space showed great progress.

November 2024

In November, we had a tree planting event and made noticeable progress in shaping up the open space, thanks to the rotovation work that had been done. The beetroot ‘littered roads’ proved a tasty talking point.

December 2024

As usual, the Christmas lights brought warmth and festivity to the cold winter months. It was a simple yet beautiful way to end the year.

January 2025

The new Fen skating was a memorable start to the new year, for better or for worse! It gave us plenty to talk about... We also saw the launch of the Tiger bus service, which is still running! However, January, wasn’t without its challenges, including a few unfortunate tree topplings along the way, promptly cleared up by community members. 

February 2025

In February, we came together for a litter pick, tackling the usual debris around the area. There was also a bit of excitement when some chickens decided to go on the run! And of course, we had a fabulous bingo event that brought plenty of fun and laughter.

March 2025

March brought with it another open space garden centre trip and tree planting day – thank you to everyone who helped bring the vision for our open space closer to reality. However, the Upware mini lockdown caused a bit of chaos, and we had a lengthy struggle with wifi issues and the night road works debacle. It was a bit of a mess, but we made it through!

May 2025

In May, we were unfortunately affected by a fire in a local field. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it was still a real shame for the community & local farmer.

June 2025

Wrapping Party and the BDWAB/Wicken Fete were both huge successes. Together, we raised £95. A dry month ended with a “jolly good water,” on the open space only for it to tip down a couple days later.

July 2025

As we enter July, we find ourselves grappling with a bit of mild water pressure PTSD, but we’re pushing through. Of course, the annual pothole season has already begun, but we remain hopeful that we can address these ongoing issues as the year progresses.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back, it’s been a year of highs and some pothole lows, the open space is looking better than ever, and community events have been fantastic. Whether you volunteered your time, donated supplies, or simply joined in on the events, everyone has made a difference. 

Let’s keep that spirit alive as we look ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Thank you.

Laura