The proceedings were dominated by discussion of the sale of the parish rectory, which was eventually agreed by a narrow margin. Nearly 40 ratepayers attended.
The proposition passed with 16 in favour, 13 against and 5 abstaining. A second motion allowing the constables and douzaine to pursue the sale was also agreed.
‘I was surprised that there were so many people against it,’ said constable Paul Connolly. ‘The rectory is in a poor state of repair.’
Karen Fooks, dean of the douzaine, added: ‘I do understand that the churchgoers are worried. I fully understand that. But I was very relieved it went through because I do think it’s the right thing for the parish in the long run.’
‘And this is only the very first step,’ said Mr Connolly.
‘The first stage we needed to do was get permission to sell it, which we’ve now got. Then we’ll look at proposals after that, which will include whether or not we build another property, whether or not we buy another property, whether or not we provide storage for the church. There’s a lot of things to consider.’
Those opposed to the proposition focused on the other parish rectories on the market around the island which appeared to be struggling to sell, and also the inclusion of the outbuildings around the main house in the proposed sale.
The importance of such buildings for the running of community events like the summer parish Revel, as well as the storage of related equipment such as chairs and tables, was stressed.
There was also a desire for more clarity around how the sale would go ahead and plans for the funds raised, and criticisms were levelled around what some considered to be insufficient notice that the vote was taking place, particularly for the deanery.
Those in favour of the sale focused on the age of the buildings and ongoing deterioration, particularly with regard to the high cost of maintaining them, which Ms Fooks said had amounted to more than £217,000 over the past 10 years.
She also shared that the parish had approached three estate agents on the matter, all of whom advised selling, and that the question of use of funds post-sale would return to another parish meeting.
Parish elections saw Ian Whattam and Susanne Gallie voted in as douzeniers, and Mr Connolly re-elected as a constable, taking on the junior position this time while his fellow constable John Gillson moved into the senior role. All were elected unopposed.