enhancing our community meeting notes
	MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE STEERING GROUP ON SATURDAY 10 MAY 2008 AT 10.00 AM IN THE VILLAGE HALL PRESENT: Alex Kirby, (AK) Chair, David Cockburn (DC), Janet Cockburn (JC), John Mallen (JM), Marietta Menzies (Minute Secretary). APOLOGIES: Jayne Bown, James Lilwall, Graham Swain. IN ATTENDANCE: 1 local resident AK opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING The Minutes of the last meeting were taken as read and agreed. WORK STREAM UPDATES Village Hall Access and Car Park It was reported that there had been good attendance (approx. 50 villagers) at the meeting on 11 March 2008 re the village hall proposals. Feedback was received from about 22 villagers. AK apologised for not collating the feedback information yet, but because of the commitments of the sub-group members they haven’t been able to meet recently. From the feedback she could report that options 2 and 3, which are either for the site between the basketball court and the bowling-green, or on the current car park. AK will write the report this weekend and précis it for the Reeve’s Tale. DC reported that the Village Hall now has regular bookings for most evenings. Children’s Play Area JC reported on the meeting she had with GS about funding for the play area. There are 2 organisations - Open Spaces and Awards for All that can be approached. To apply to Biffa required a £100 membership fee. For safety reasons some of the equipment will have to be sent away for repair. The cost of providing a safe surface and erecting the equipment is approx. £17,000. JC is keen to, at least, put up the slide as soon as possible and wait until more funds become available to erect the tower. It is estimated at £4,000 to put up the slide if the professionals do it, but the feeling of the meeting was that some of it we could do ourselves. The safety surface material costs £20 per square metre and is necessary around each piece of new equipment, so can be done separately and it was estimated that we would have to raise £3,000 to put up the slide. JM offered to speak to Roger Atawell for help and advice and suggested Breckland Council is approached to see what we are doing and what we need. JC mentioned that she believed there was another village willing to have the equipment but she felt strongly that we should retain the slide at least. It was agreed that an ad should go into the Reeve’s Tale seeking help with the erection of the play area equipment and generally for more help to undertake the work of Project Bawdeswell. Activities Sub-Group (BAG) JC reported that they had had a good Easter break, with average attendance each day of about 15. The group is now preparing for half term and will be open for four afternoons with various activities planned. During the summer holidays they plan to be open for the month of August. The Church Seekers Club will be run for one week at end of July and they do not want to clash. During August they are hoping to have different events for specific age groups. JC went on to report that at the fete committee it had been suggested that BAG become one of the participating groups and therefore receive a share of the profits but the sub-group has to discuss this possibility. JC also reported that the Family Quiz Night had raised £200 and the Mothers and Toddlers Café on a Friday morning is also making a profit and buying toys for their group which has meant another cupboard has been built to store their equipment. Playing Field In JL’s absence there was no report. Heath and Environment The Heath Trust is not taking ownership of the Parish Councils 2 acres as proposed because they are also held in a trust, which has different objectives from the Heath Trust. This makes it difficult to amalgamate them but the Heath Trust will continue to administer the 2 acres. FUNDING Finding someone to undertake this important role is a continuing problem and a suggestion was made that perhaps we have to employ a professional. JM said he feels we need an accountant or financially aware person. JM will speak to his contact at Swanton Morley and AK suggested that we could speak to the woman who did it for Foulsham. JC will also ask Rosaline for a recommendation. BUSINESS PLAN AK reported that nothing has been done. AK is preparing a draft one page Business Plan and JC is going to prepare a more detailed one. They will meet on 2 June to compare. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Fete – it was agreed that there will be a display showing our current position. DC proposed that a separate sheet be prepared of Actions to be undertaken. MM will do. Next Meeting To be held in the Village Hall at 10.00 am on Saturday 14 June 2008 at 10.00 am.