No teacher had been found to replaced the departing teacher of class 2. The role is full for the next academic year. It is hoped to keep four small classes rather than three larger ones. Cllr Pearson thought this would encourage parents to return their children to the school as smaller classes were more popular. Cllr Fitch commented on the 'short-term thinking' of some parents.

The accounts had been presented to the committee. Preparations for the fair were well in hand. There had been a long discussion about the maintenance of the village hall; quotes were being sought to replace the fascias. A working party is to clear the shed. Cllr Lambert reported that PC Davies is concerned about not being told the fair is going on past 5 pm. Cllr Lambert

said this was an oversight by the committee. After discussing a request from a fair committee it was agreed that a clay pigeon shoot would not be suitable for fair day. Cllr Robinson is to be asked to repair one of the picnic seats from The Hythe and the lode is to be cleared of rubbish to made it easier for boats. Clerk to reply to a letter from the Village Hall committee saying that the road around Fair Green is to be closed on fair day stating that the PC have no objection.

Councillors were shown the pages of the proposed Reach book that had been prepared. Cllr Pearson said Grahame Miller was to be congratulated on his hard work. Grahame had written commenting on the lack of interest he had received from the majority of villagers. It was agreed that the book be delayed until after the original deadline of Reach fair day and that Cllr Pearson and Mr Moseley offer their help.

Brian Hicks (the young people's issues coordinator) and Colin Thomas (the community education manager) from ECDC are coming to the April meeting to discuss young people's local needs.

Cllr Pearson (commenting on the minutes of February) asked that a weight restriction be put on the bridge (near Swan Lake). As Clerk had already written to Highways about the large lorries problem it was decided to wait for a response before making this an issue.

Steven Hill of Highways Dept, CCC, had been informed about the flooding in The Hythe.

Cllr Lambert had contacted Mark Jardine of Playscheme (who provided the play equipment on the playing field) about the bark. Mr Jardine is to check on this shortly.

It was agreed to donate £30 to the Swaffham Prior summer play scheme.

James Paice, MP had written about his opposition to the government threat to abolish parish councils. It was agreed to reply with a statement that Reach PC support his views.

It was agreed to ask Dennis Badcock to maintain the grass and hedges in the cemetery.