This is, in legal terms, a quite separate body from the Parish Council, but it is invariably the Parish Council that arranges it (simply because it is unlikely that anyone else will do so). Its decisions are not binding on the council, though a wise Parish Council will normally want to take heed of what is said at the meeting.

The Annual Parish Meeting is a legacy from the Middle Ages, when local Parish Councils did not exist, and all local decision making was carried out by meetings of the whole community.

The Annual Parish Meeting is open to all electors of Forrabury & Minster Parish, who have the right not only to attend but also to speak on any matter of local interest.  This is in contrast to a Parish Council meeting, where electors who are not Councillors have no automatic right to speak (although Forrabury & Minster parish council does have a set time before any Parish Council meeting when electors can raise matters of concern to them).

What is the purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting?

The purpose of the meeting is to give the Parish Council, and other local organisations an opportunity to let local residents know what they have been doing over the past year. The meeting is also an opportunity for electors to have a say on anything they consider valuable to the people of the Parish.

Who will chair the meeting?

The Chairman of the Parish Council will chair the meeting or in his/her absence the Vice Chairman.

Will Parish Councillors be at the meeting?

All Parish Councillors will be invited to attend and Committee Chairs will also present the updates current projects the committees are driving forward. Councillors will also have an opportunity to raise questions and make comments if they wish. However, the purpose of the meeting is to enable the electors to find out what is going on in their parish and to have their say.

Who can attend the meeting?

The Annual Parish Meeting is for all electors of the Parish. It is not a meeting of the Parish Council. Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting however, only registered electors of the parish may speak and vote during the meeting.

Will I be able to ask questions and make suggestions?

Any registered elector may ask a question of the Council which will usually be answered by the Chair, the Clerk or the Council, or a designated Councillor. An elector may also make a suggestion and comment on anything pertinent to the residents of the Parish. This will be welcomed and is the whole purpose of the meeting.

Will notes of the meeting be taken?

A written record of the meeting will be taken and presented at the next Annual Parish meeting for approval.

Annual Parish Meeting Documents