30th April 2025

In Attendance: Laura Petchey*, Louisa Haine*, Matt Cannon*, Clive Griffiths*, Janet Carrod*, Maggie Haverson, Roger Haverson, Tracy Collacott, John Collacott, Theresa Bunting, Jayne Davies*, Andy Cogan and Simon Cogan.

Apologies: Gwynneth Griffiths*.

• Introductions

• Minutes from the last meeting - minutes agreed.

• URA fundraising - 

Pub quiz / fundraising event to wait until October as evening events in the summer would not be able to start until after 8:30pm.

A Summer Picnic was suggested by Sally, which was a very popular idea. Help with organising greatly appreciated.

Upware residents association (URA) can have a stall for free at Wicken Fete and dog show (28/6/25) where we will be doing ‘Blind date with a book’. Prewrapped books with a description, or book donations would be greatly appreciated. Please drop donations to Laura Petchey at 5 Old School Lane (labelled parcel box). A book wrapping party will be held on Wednesday 4th June, 7:30pm (provisional date), location TBA, all welcome.

• Upware Open Space - 

Last of the grant money has been spent. A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the planning, building and maintenance of the Upware space.

Wicken parish council (WPC) mowing contractors missed a portion of the Upware open space along the fence, benches are now over grown. 

Action: Laura Petchey to contact Bill at WPC to chase the contractors about the missed areas of garden maintenance. 

Actions: All Upware residents are encouraged to let the URA and WPC know if they spot any maintenance issues. 

1. WPC Update -

Update from Andy Cogan - WPC have opposed the proposed solar battery storage facility. Wicken 20 mile hour zone appears well received in Wicken, WPC asked whether Upware would like this extended, which received mixed views from URA members. There will be a future discussion about this at the next URA meeting. WPC embarking on a neighbourhood plan, so views from upware residents are very much welcomed and encouraged. Delays on the Wicken to Soham bikepath due to wildlife.

• Defib maintenance options

WPC have agreed in principle to take over the maintenance of the Upware defibrilator. URA members present unanimously voted in agreement with the WPC assuming responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the Upware defibrillator. 

• Highways & Other Updates

Potholes have been filled. Any new potholes should be reported directly to highways. Any overgrown hedges obstructing the roads to be reported by residents directly to highways.

• Outstanding actions

All actions from last meeting were completed as needed. The URA thank the local shoot for their cooperation with signage. 

Actions: Laura to contact the non-emergency police if required next year for advice regarding regulating parking and keeping the road clear during ice skating.

• Committee positions

If anyone would like a position on the URA committee, please put their name forward prior to the next meeting.

• AOB

The Wicken newsletter is due out soon. If Upware residents have anything to contribute please do so by 10/5/25.

Defibrillator code was unable to be given out by 999 to a user over Christmas. This was due to 999 misplacing the code. URA members are unable to be given the code as 999 should be called in the event of the defib being needed. 

• Date of Next Meeting - AGM - 30th July 2025; 7:30pm at 5 Miles (small bar)