AT THE meeting of Priest Hutton Parish Council, the first discussion focused on a family of feral and semi-feral cats found wandering in the village in June.

The two adults had, with support from Cats’ Protection, been neutered, received veterinary treatment and been returned to the village. Of their four kittens, only one had survived, it had also been neutered and rehoused.

In common with other Animal Welfare Charities, Cats’ Protection support a humane programme of Trap, Neuter, Return which is in line with the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.

Neither they nor any other animal welfare charity seemed to have capacity to take in feral cats. Cats’ Protection Lancaster and Morecambe would like to inform farmers and others who may use un-neutered cats to keep down vermin, of their free service of Trap, Neuter, Return. This will help keep the numbers of cats down and minimise unnecessary suffering, in line with the law. Cats’ Protection is trying to find an alternative home for the couple of cats.

They need to be kept together on a smallholding or in a working stable or similar. If anyone knows of a suitable place, they should telephone Cats’ Protection on 01524-850112. 
Meanwhile, it was mentioned that the Priest Hutton Flood Action Group (PHFLAG) had made good progress, albeit a lot slower than originally thought. The survey to establish the causes of flooding in parts of the village was now underway. A site meeting, including a thorough walk around the village with several members of PHFLAG, and Jacobs (the Manchester firm commissioned to do the survey) was completed in early August. Jacobs had been sent copies of all photographs and videos of the flooding. When the council receive the full report, villagers would be invited to an open meeting to discuss the findings. Other works that were finally nearing completion were the new storm culverts outside the houses on Hutton View at the top of Upp Hall Lane.

Treasurer Phil Horsfield presented a comprehensive report on finances. The predicted closing balance at the end the year 2019/20 would be £2,853. 
It was agreed to donate £500 towards the St Mary’s Church remodelling fund and £500 towards the cost of the new war memorial (out of the 2020/21 budget). It was also decided to remove the three benches from the two nature reserves in the village as they were being damaged by grazing sheep. The next parish meeting, which will be the annual meeting, would be held on January 21 (7.30pm) at the memorial hall.

THE first meeting of the autumn programme triggered a marked change in the weather for members of Borwick and Priest Hutton Gardeners’ Club in September. The drop in temperature, coupled with the dry conditions, resulted in a sudden and rapid change in leaf colour across the area. This is the time when it becomes clear whether the advice of earlier presentations about extending colour and interest into the late season has been fully understood and implemented. 
Making a return appearance at the meeting, historian and photographer Maurice Steele shared his knowledge of National Trust properties and gardens through his audio-visual presentation of his own superb photographs and dialogue, supported by appropriate background music. Selecting locations throughout the country, Maurice used buildings, gardens, landscapes and past occupants to illustrate the work of the trust in securing our heritage since its inception in 1895 and the purchase of its first property, Alfriston Clergy House for £10. Ignoring Cumbria, where the impact of the trust is well-known, the subjects criss-crossed England to show the rich diversity of trust activity and included both wildlife and wild-flowers along the way. The animated discussion among those present was a clear indication of the enjoyment flowing from the presentation. 
Whatever the temperature outside, the tea is always as warm as the welcome. So why not join members at the memorial hall on October 22 (7.30pm), when Brian Gomm will give a talk entitled In the Steps of an Edwardian Plant Hunter.