Community and Recreation Meeting: 1st December 2025
Supporting Kesgrave’s community, recreation, and local wellbeing.
About this meeting
The meeting opened with a welcome from the Chair, and apologies for absence were received from Cllr Beecroft-Smith due to work commitments. No declarations of interest were made. The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and formally approved.
In the officer update, the Events & Estates Manager requested approval to purchase a new PA system for Council events. The Committee agreed this could be funded either by the Town Council or through a Councillor’s Enabling Grant.
No members of the public were in attendance.
Youth provision was discussed next. The Committee considered a proposal from 4YP regarding winter opening hours and agreed to the proposed change.
Updates were provided on several play area and open space matters. A revised Pump Track plan had been submitted to East Suffolk Council on 28 November. The full refurbishment of Grange Meadow Play Area had been completed, and discussions were underway regarding its transfer from East Suffolk Council to Kesgrave Town Council. Bulb planting had been successful, with 2,500 bulbs planted by Estate Operatives, Kesgrave Scouts, and local volunteers. Two new trees—an oak and a cherry—had been planted on Cedar Avenue. Regarding the MJH car park, the Committee agreed that options for line marking and additional parking spaces should be explored, along with potential bollard placement to improve safety near the entrance.
Room hire charges for the Millennium Jubilee Hall were reviewed. A proposal to increase the hourly rate by £1.50 was carried, with one objection noted. It was also agreed that charges should be reviewed annually.
A brief update was given on the Christmas Tree Light Switch-On event, which had been well attended and generated an increase of £206 in takings compared to 2024.
Litter-picking around the High School was discussed, although Cllr Ling was not present to update. A local litter picker had highlighted heavy littering in the area over the weekend.
The Committee agreed to proceed with replacing the defibrillator at the Church Hall car park, potentially using an enabling grant. It was also agreed that the purchase of a stab kit should be investigated. The Events & Estates Manager would follow this up.
Transport matters were noted with reference to bus meeting updates provided by Cllr Ogden.
Regarding the KTC vehicle, the Committee agreed that costs should be obtained for two electric vehicles and installation of an electric charging point at the Town Council office. This information should be brought back by 12 January 2026.
The Committee noted there were no specific press or media suggestions raised during the meeting.
Under urgent communications, the Chair requested a list of proposed event dates for 2026, which the Events & Estates Manager would prepare.
The next meeting was confirmed for 16 March 2026 at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber. No agenda items were proposed for that future meeting. The meeting closed at 7.56pm.
In the officer update, the Events & Estates Manager requested approval to purchase a new PA system for Council events. The Committee agreed this could be funded either by the Town Council or through a Councillor’s Enabling Grant.
No members of the public were in attendance.
Youth provision was discussed next. The Committee considered a proposal from 4YP regarding winter opening hours and agreed to the proposed change.
Updates were provided on several play area and open space matters. A revised Pump Track plan had been submitted to East Suffolk Council on 28 November. The full refurbishment of Grange Meadow Play Area had been completed, and discussions were underway regarding its transfer from East Suffolk Council to Kesgrave Town Council. Bulb planting had been successful, with 2,500 bulbs planted by Estate Operatives, Kesgrave Scouts, and local volunteers. Two new trees—an oak and a cherry—had been planted on Cedar Avenue. Regarding the MJH car park, the Committee agreed that options for line marking and additional parking spaces should be explored, along with potential bollard placement to improve safety near the entrance.
Room hire charges for the Millennium Jubilee Hall were reviewed. A proposal to increase the hourly rate by £1.50 was carried, with one objection noted. It was also agreed that charges should be reviewed annually.
A brief update was given on the Christmas Tree Light Switch-On event, which had been well attended and generated an increase of £206 in takings compared to 2024.
Litter-picking around the High School was discussed, although Cllr Ling was not present to update. A local litter picker had highlighted heavy littering in the area over the weekend.
The Committee agreed to proceed with replacing the defibrillator at the Church Hall car park, potentially using an enabling grant. It was also agreed that the purchase of a stab kit should be investigated. The Events & Estates Manager would follow this up.
Transport matters were noted with reference to bus meeting updates provided by Cllr Ogden.
Regarding the KTC vehicle, the Committee agreed that costs should be obtained for two electric vehicles and installation of an electric charging point at the Town Council office. This information should be brought back by 12 January 2026.
The Committee noted there were no specific press or media suggestions raised during the meeting.
Under urgent communications, the Chair requested a list of proposed event dates for 2026, which the Events & Estates Manager would prepare.
The next meeting was confirmed for 16 March 2026 at 7.15pm in the Council Chamber. No agenda items were proposed for that future meeting. The meeting closed at 7.56pm.