Annual Parish Meetings

A parish meeting is a meeting made up of the local government electors in a particular parish and is held to discuss 'parish affairs' which have no statutory definition. 

Parish affairs can be any item or topic that relates or affects to the parish of Thurston. It is an ideal forum for the parish council to engage with local residents.  It is also the ideal forum for residents of Thurston to voice their views and concerns.

The public have a statutory right to attend the parish meeting but only the government electors at a parish meeting have the right to vote at the meeting.

The Annual Parish Meeting 2024 took place on Thursday 18 April 2024 commencing at 7.30pm in the Cavendish Hall, Church Road.

A copy of the draft minutes which details all of the reports submitted by organisations present as well as those not in attendance can be downloaded by using this link

All Parish Councils in England are required by law to hold an Annual Parish Meeting between March 1 and June 30 each year and must not start before 6 o'clock in the evening or be held in premises licences for the sale of alcohol. The meeting allows the Parish Council and local Community Organisations to explain what they have been doing over the past year and what plans they might have for the coming year.    It is also the forum for electors to have their say on anything which they consider is important to the people of the parish.  

Anyone may attend but only registered electors may ask questions. An elector may also make suggestions and comment on anything pertinent to the people of Thurston - this will be welcomed and it is the whole purpose of the meeting.  Normally the Chairperson of the Parish Council will chair the meeting otherwise the meeting will elect a Chairperson from amongst those electors present.  

It is also usual for Parish Councillors to attend and speak as necessary but the purpose of the meeting is to enable the electors to have their say. Councillors will listen and as electors themselves, also have the opportunity to raise questions and make comments if they wish.

Public notice of the meeting must be given at least seven clear days beforehand and must specify the time and place of the intended meeting, the business to be transacted at the meeting; and be signed by the person or persons convening the meeting.

The Chairman of the parish council, if present, must preside at a parish meeting and if he is absent the Vice-Chairman must if present preside. If none of the above are present the parish meeting must appoint a person to take the chair of that meeting.

Copies of the minutes of past Annual Parish Meetings are available to view by clicking below.

For a copy of the Annual Report as submitted by the Chairman of the Parish Council please also click on the relevant folders below.