Illogan Parish Council
2025 – 2026 Annual Report
Chairman’s Report – Councillor Gary Cullimore
It’s been a honour to represent the Parish Councils as Chair this last year and a huge learning curve for me, I feel blessed that we have such experienced councillors and dedicated staff that have been able to give me advice when called upon. We have had new councillors join us this year and they have jumped straight in with enthusiasm and passion for the parish, my fellow councillors get no rewards for being councillors, but we all have the same aim, to work hard for the parish and the parishioners and to better our parish.
Last year we had some disappointment in the Fun Day being cancelled at the last minute due to the inclement weather conditions, the Events committee worked extremely hard on the preparations for the Fun Day but after the disappointment of the cancellation they got straight back and started to prepare for this years Fun Day and the many other events throughout the year.
The Last year wasn’t all disappointment the council has been working hard on the improvements for Illogan Park, and we now see ourselves in the final preparations before the work can start.
We have also been communicating with Cornwall Council about taking over some green spaces around the parish with the intent to make them more user friendly and cleaner and more appealing spaces for the parishioners to use.
Over the last few years we have seen our Christmas lights switch on grow bigger and bigger with huge attendances from the public so this year we may try something a little different to make the event even better than before. Keep an eye out on our facebook page, social media and in the upcoming Illogan reviews.
Our parish looks amazing and this is due to the absolutely brilliant volunteers, whether it’s weeding and planting on the roadside, taking care of our park, the litter picks or just picking up litter on their daily walk. Without your work the Parish wouldn’t look anywhere near as good as it does, so a massive thank you to you all.
This year saw the introduction of the Scarecrow and twelve days of the Cornish Christmas competitions, and from what I have been told everyone seemed to love them, so well done to everyone involved in making this happen, they certainly brought a smile to my face.
Thank you to my fellow councillors, volunteers, staff, and parishioners for your continued support and commitment to our community.
Cllr Gary Cullimore, Chairman of Illogan Parish Council.
Members of the Council at 31st March 2026.
Councillor Gary Cullimore was elected Chairman and Councillor Dave Crabtree Vice Chairman of the Council at the in May 2026.
ILLOGAN WARD
Gary Cullimore
07762 812158
cllr.g.cullimore@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Anne Edwards
07596 980904
cllr.a.edwards@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Graham Ford
07747 346481
cllr.g.ford@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Tara O’Donnell
07930 110033
cllr.t.odonnell@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Jean Pollock
01209 714275
c/o enquiries@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Suzanne Simmons
07984 552527
cllr.s.simmons@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Stefan Szoka
01209 214735
cllr.s.szoka@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
TEHIDY WARD
David Ekinsmyth
07811 114971
cllr.d.ekinsmyth@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Paul Holmes
01209 714275
c/o enquiries@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Lee Simmons
07971 171921
cllr.l.simmons@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
PARK BOTTOM WARD
Dave Crabtree
07803 165419
cllr.d.crabtree@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Jenna Simmons
07748 461842 cllr.j.simmons@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Maggie Thompson
01209 844754
cllr.m.thompson@illoganparishcouncil.gov.uk
Vacancy
Attendance at Full Council Meetings 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026
| Councillor | No. of Meetings Attended | Total Number of Meetings | Percentage of Meetings Attended | Notes |
| David Ekinsmyth | 13 | 14 | 93% | |
| Gary Cullimore | 14 | 14 | 100% | |
| Dave Crabtree | 14 | 14 | 100% | |
| Anne Edwards | 6 | 6 | 100% | Co-opted September 2025 |
| Graham Ford | 14 | 14 | 100% | |
| Lee Hodge | 4 | 14 | 29% | |
| Paul Holmes | 13 | 14 | 93% | |
| Sue Kemp | 4 | 4 | 100% | Resigned July 2025 |
| Tara O’Donnell | 10 | 14 | 71% | |
| Jean Pollock | 13 | 14 | 93% | |
| David Rule | 0 | 1 | 0% | Did not stand in May 2025 elections |
| Jenna Simmons | 8 | 13 | 62% | Elected May 2025 |
| Lee Simmons | 10 | 14 | 71% | |
| Sue Simmons | 13 | 13 | 100% | Elected May 2025 |
| Stefan Szoka | 11 | 14 | 79% | |
| Maggie Thompson | 8 | 10 | 80% | Co-opted June 2025 |
| Tim Wing | 0 | 1 | 0% | Did not stand in May 2025 elections |
Full Council Meeting Attendance (1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026)
Over the 2025–26 municipal year, Full Council attendance varied depending on election changes, co-options, and resignations during the year. Several councillors maintained a 100% attendance record, while others attended fewer meetings due to partial-year service or changes in role.
Councillors with perfect attendance (100%) include Gary Cullimore, Dave Crabtree, Graham Ford, Sue Simmons, Anne Edwards, and Sue Kemp (prior to resignation in July 2025). Their consistent participation reflects strong engagement during their periods of service.
A number of members also recorded high attendance levels above 90%, including David Ekinsmyth (93%), Paul Holmes (93%), and Jean Pollock (93%), all demonstrating strong regular involvement in council business.
Mid-range attendance included Stefan Szoka (79%), Maggie Thompson (80%, co-opted June 2025), Tara O’Donnell (71%), and Lee Simmons (71%), reflecting either partial-year service or occasional absences.
Jenna Simmons, elected in May 2025, attended 8 of 13 meetings (62%) during her first year in office, while Lee Hodge attended 4 of 14 meetings (29%).
Some members had limited or no attendance due to changes in electoral status. David Rule and Tim Wing each attended 0 meetings, as neither stood in the May 2025 elections.
Co-options and mid-year changes also affected totals: Anne Edwards joined in September 2025 and attended all 6 meetings held during her period of service, while Maggie Thompson, co-opted in June 2025, attended 8 of 10 meetings.
Overall, the figures reflect a council in transition during the year, with a mixture of longstanding members, newly elected councillors, and mid-year appointments all contributing to varying attendance patterns.
Planning Applications Update
(May 2025 – May 2026)
During the period from May 2025 to May 2026, Councillor Gary Cullimore served as Chairman of the Planning & Environmental Services Committee, with Councillor David Ekinsmyth acting as Vice Chairman.
Throughout 2025, the Parish Council was consulted on a total of 67 planning applications. Each application was carefully reviewed on its individual merits, while also taking into account the wider impact on the surrounding area. The Council continues to treat its planning responsibilities with a high level of care and diligence, ensuring decisions reflect the best interests of the local community.
Breakdown of applications received
The 67 applications covered a range of development types, including:
- 7 new development proposals
- 4 demolition and rebuild applications
- 18 extensions and alterations to existing properties
- 16 applications relating to tree works
- 2 certificates of lawful use
- 5 listed building consent applications
- 6 non-material amendments
- 9 other miscellaneous applications
Outcomes and decisions
In partnership with Cornwall Council, the Parish Council reached clear positions on the majority of applications:
- 53 applications were agreed
- 4 applications were not supported by the Council
- 8 applications were withdrawn and will not be progressed further
- 2 applications remain under consideration, with decisions still pending
Overall, the Council continues to engage actively and responsibly in the planning process, ensuring that each case is assessed thoroughly and transparently, with the interests of the local community placed at the forefront of decision-making.
Financial Information
Accounts Summary
| Cost Centre | Receipts | Payments | ||
| Budget | Actual | Budget | Actual | |
| Administration | £97,182.00 | £87,641.82 | ||
| Insurance | £3,290.00 | £3,921.57 | ||
| Illogan Review | £5,333.00 | £5,915.80 | ||
| Office | £5,334.00 | £6,021.64 | ||
| Grants and Donations | £2,000.00 | £1,500.00 | ||
| General Maintenance | £4,487.00 | £4,478.85 | ||
| Amenities | £26,615.00 | £24,208.47 | ||
| Manningham Wood | £9,086.00 | £12,942.95 | ||
| Rosemullion Park Maintenance | £2,595.00 | £2,280.94 | ||
| Events | £12,000.00 | £11,317.91 | ||
| Illogan Park | £54,100.00 | £39,946.37 | ||
| Capital Expenditure | £9,704.00 | £97,408.99 | ||
| Road Safety and Neighbourhood Plan | £5,000.00 | £275.30 | ||
| Income | £265,896.00 | £327,126.78 | ||
| Net Total | £265,896.00 | £327,126.78 | £236,726.00 | £297,860.61 |
| VAT | £0.00 | £49,829.62 | £0.00 | £35,175.63 |
| GROSS TOTAL | £265,896.00 | £376,956.40 | £236,726.00 | £333,036.24 |
Explanation of Accounts
Income
Precept – £230,216
The precept forms part of the Council’s annual budget and is the amount of council tax collected by Cornwall Council on behalf of Illogan Parish Council.
This figure is calculated by estimating the Council’s planned expenditure for the year and deducting anticipated income from other sources. The remaining balance is the amount required to fund the Council’s services, facilities, activities, and ongoing improvements across the parish.
A proportion of these funds is also held in reserve to support future planned projects and provide financial resilience for unforeseen circumstances.
Other Income Received
- £22,393.83 Interest earned from the Public Sector Deposit Fund.
- £17,300.00 Community Capacity Grant funding a feasibility study for three sites being devolved from Cornwall Council.
- £3,000.00 Grant funding towards the replacement bus shelter at Roscroggan Road, Tolvaddon.
- £2,367.00 Cornwall Council grant towards footpath maintenance.
- £3,837.50 Community Room hire income.
- £43,464.93 Section 106 (S106) funding.
- £4,547.52 Other receipts, including football and rugby facility hire fees and photocopying income.
Expenditure
Administration Costs:
- Employee salaries, tax, and National Insurance contributions
- Internet services
- Stationery and office consumables
- Photocopier lease
- Postage
- Audit and legal fees
- Publications
- Subscriptions to advisory bodies
- Officer and councillor training
- Insurance premiums
- Travel expenses
- Health and safety costs
- Bank charges
- Website, information technology, and communication systems
Illogan Park Expenditure:
- Expenditure at Illogan Park included:
- Grounds maintenance
- Routine inspections
- Tree works
- Utilities
- Cleaning of public conveniences
- Repairs and maintenance
- Security
- Legionella checks
Amenities Expenditure:
- Litter control
- General maintenance, including water charges for Mary’s Well
- Bus shelter cleaning and maintenance
- Footpath maintenance
- Maintenance work in Rosemullion Park
- Manningham Wood management and maintenance
- Verge trimming
- Community events including:
- Litter picks
- Illogan Fun Day
- Illogan Remembrance Parade
- Christmas Lights Switch-On events
Capital Expenditure:
- During the year, the Council invested in several projects and improvements, including:
- A new bus shelter at Roscroggan Road
- A feasibility study for three devolved Cornwall Council sites (fully grant funded)
- Replacement Christmas lights damaged through vandalism
- Additional play equipment and benches for Illogan Park
- New chairs with arms for the Community Room to improve accessibility and inclusivity
- Creation of a dedicated bin storage area
Road Safety Expenditure:
- Expenditure was incurred on repairs to the Mobile Speed Activated Signs (MSAS) following vandalism damage.
Grants and Donations
- Only two local organisations applied for grants during the year despite the Council actively advertising the availability of funding.
Community Grants: Investing in Local Wellbeing
Supporting local organisations is a key part of the Council’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents across the Parish. One of the ways this is achieved is through the provision of community grants.
The Council’s Grant Award Policy ensures that every application is assessed fairly and consistently. It is designed to make certain that grant funding delivers value for money, remains within the legal powers of the Council, and that the overall process is open, transparent, and accountable.
During the 2025–2026 financial year, the Council was pleased to provide support to a number of valued community groups:
Illogan Sparnon Silver Band – £500 towards the purchase of music stands
Illogan Parish Fair – £500 towards new signage
The Old School Centre – £500 towards replacing the heating system
These contributions reflect the Council’s ongoing dedication to strengthening community initiatives and supporting projects that benefit residents across the Parish.
Overview of the Year
May 2025
Elections – The May 2025 local elections marked an important moment for communities across Cornwall, including Illogan Parish. While some parish councils held contested elections, Illogan’s seats were filled uncontested, reflecting continued commitment from local residents willing to serve their community.
The following councillors were elected to the following wards:
Illogan Ward – Gary Cullimore, Graham Ford, Lee Hodge, Susan Kemp, Tara O’Donnell, Jean Pollok, Sue Simmons, Stefan Szoka.
Park Bottom Ward – Dave Crabtree, Jenna Simmons.
Tehidy Ward – David Ekinsmyth, Paul Holmes, Lee Simmons.
These elections remind us that local democracy matters. Whether through standing for office, attending meetings, or sharing views, community involvement remains key to shaping the future of Illogan Parish.
Annual Parish and Annual Council Meetings held. Cllr Gary Cullimore was elected Chairman and Cllr Dave Crabtree was appointed Vice Chairman of the Council.
Inclusive multiplay and swing seat, balance trail and sensory panels were installed in Illogan Park play area.
June 2025
Councillor Maggie Thompson was co-opted during the Full Council meeting.
July 2025
Scarecrow – We entered the first Illogan Parish Fair Scarecrow Competition with two scarecrow councillors erected outside the council office.
Susan Kemp resigned as a Councillor.
August 2025
Manningham Wood Improvements – an additional tarmac path was installed to connect the two existing routes, creating a continuous fully tarmacked pathway through the woods. This has made the area easier to navigate and more accessible for everyone to enjoy, whether walking, using a wheelchair, or pushing a pram.
Illogan Fun Day – sadly, due to the change in weather and the latest forecast, we had to make the very difficult decision to cancel Fun Day.
September 2025
Councillor Anne Edwards was co-opted during the Full Council meeting.
October 2025
Autumn Litter Pick – Illogan Parish Council successfully hosted its annual Autumn Litter Pick to promote a cleaner and greener community. The event saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, community groups, and council members, all coming together to enhance the environment within the parish.
November 2025
Remembrance Parade – The Illogan community came together on Sunday 10th November for the Illogan Remembrance Parade to pay their respects to the fallen.
Wreath Making Workshop – the first wreath making was held in Illogan Parish Council Community Office. The workshop was organised by the Community Events Committee and the Light Up Illogan Working Group. 31 attended and made beautifully festive wreaths. A great evening was enjoyed by all.
The workshop had received really positive feedback.
Advent Window Workshops – Two advent workshops were held in St Illogan Church and Illogan Parish Council Community Office. There were a variety of crafts available for attendees including stained glass effect windows, colouring, and origami etc.
Illogan Christmas Lights Switch On – Father Christmas guided the Camborne Youth Band and the children from Illogan School as they carried their lanterns through the streets of Illogan to gather outside the Robartes Arms. The lanterns, crafted by the pupils of Illogan School, were truly stunning. The Christmas lights were illuminated, the choir performed, and the band entertained. Attendees enjoyed the evening dancing to the fantastic Ritzy Belles.
December 2025
Tolvaddon Christmas Lights Switch On – The annual Christmas Lights Switch-On Event took place in Tolvaddon. We were incredibly fortunate to have Santa and Rudolph join us, arriving in a fire engine with its blue lights flashing. Santa took a moment from his hectic schedule to chat with the children in the grotto and delight them with a special gift. Illogan Sparnon Silver Band, Ronnie Chaffe and Vox Dance provided entertainment for the guests.
Tolvaddon Fire Service generously offered free tea and coffee.
12 Days of Cornish Christmas – for the first time, the Cornish 12 Days of Christmas were displayed throughout the parish. The displays were organised by the Community Events Committee and the Light Up Illogan Working Group. Members of the public embraced the initiative with creativity, producing a range of fantastic displays that remained in place throughout the festive season and were promoted for visitors to enjoy.
January 2026
Charlotte started working for the Council as the Assistant to the Clerk.
Christmas tree planted in Illogan Park – Our Christmas tree for 2026 is officially in place! Big thanks to the kind donor and our wonderful garden volunteers for donating their time to get it planted. We look forward to watching it grow!
March 2026
Spring Litter Pick – Illogan Parish Council successfully hosted its annual Spring Litter Pick to promote a cleaner and greener community. The event saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, community groups, and council members, all coming together to enhance the environment within the parish.
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