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Minutes of Steering Group Meeting
Present: Martin Calvert (Chair), Adrian Coltman, Adam & Carol Bull, Joan & Mervyn Clayton, Trevor & Diane Kitto, Malcolm Robertson, Phil Meadley, Steve Jones-Blackett, Steve Tyndale-Biscoe, Jenny Page, Kay McDowell, Geoff Holden, David Miles, Liz Brightwell.
Paul Ellis, Naomi Watts-Kitto. 2. Minutes of the Meeting Held 9th October 2017 Agreed as a true record.
None.
Future Action Mornings Proposed dates and tasks (subject to change):
The Group tried to use the Allen Scythe in the field but it wasn't a success so we got a contractor in who was recommended by Urban Buzz. Martin agreed to sort out the invoice and payment. Lessons were learnt this year so next time the Group know to rake the field as soon as its cut, and also it needs to be planned better so it can be done in September. A small group worked in "Audrey's Meadow" with the Allan Scythe today. Hedging is planned for December/January time. Martin will agree the dates on when this can be done. The knotweed wasn't sprayed again, for the second time, so it will be done again in the Spring free of charge. There was a discussion concerning the state of the hawthorn at the top of the field. It doesn't cut very well as it is old. The Group are keen not to kill the hawthorn and it was suggested just cutting back one of two. Kay suggested that we leave it as it is and it doesn't have to be tidy. Joan mentioned that some of the hawthorn near Allerton Grange Way had died. Dave mentioned that we should hear about the funding for the information board to go in the field later this week. The Trustees met last week. The financial balances are looking healthy and Paul is working on splitting the money out so it is ring-fenced for specific projects. The Treasurer's policy is to have an operational reserve which includes an amount which could pay off any outstanding obligations in the event that the Group disbands. There is enough funds in case of a FunDay cancellation. Currently paid membership is 31. The Trustees contacted the owner of the adjoining field to ask if he wanted to sell the field. The answer was a definite no. There was also a discussion regarding the Lake Action Group. 20 trees will be felled in December based on the PAWS work. Notices have been put in the woods explaining why the work is being done and so far there have been very few comments. 9. Aviva Community Fund Voting Adam sent round the link and information on how to vote in the FGVW Update e-mail. Everyone has 10 vote each. Voting closes at 12 noon on 21st November. The Group currently has 568 votes so everyone was asked to vote and encourage others to do so. More publicity is required on social media. The Group will be at Oakwood Farmers Market on Saturday 18th November from 9am to 12.30pm. Trevor and Mervyn have built some bug hotels and there are also some bird houses to sell with the rest of the merchandise. Jenny offered to get some cinnamon tea lights for the holders in the run up to Christmas. Joan is looking for volunteers to cover an early and late shift. The Group also intend to do a pop-up stall in Chapel Allerton in December and also ask the Three Hulats if we can have a pop-up in their car park one weekend. The application was put in by the Lake Action Group. The funding is up to £13,000 split between 3 charities and FGVW is one of the three. It runs from January to 27 October 2018. Every time a Co-op member shops at the Co-op, 1% of what they spend on selected own brand products and services goes to the Co-op Local Community Fund (it also includes 5p plastic bag sales). It is recommended that members of the Group become Co-op members if they are not already. It was also agreed that all 3 groups should get together to boost funds as the money is split equally between all 3. David gave a very detailed explanation of the work that the LAG have been doing. He also shared a lot of reports and plans with the Group including:
David presented on:
David completed his presentation by asking for feedback form the Group. Martin thanked the LAG for the huge amount of time and effort that they had put into the project. The Group were very impressed with the amount of work and the professionalism shown by the LAG and were keen to show their appreciation. There were concerns raised over the group handling such large amounts of funding and working on such a large project with contractors especially regarding liability and insurance etc. David confirmed that the project will be managed by Leeds City Council and Wade's Charity who own the land. Martin also asked for a mission statement and objectives as to what we want to achieve and why we are doing this, to share with others. The LAG agreed that this could be completed quite quickly based on the amount of knowledge and information they now have. LAG agreed to comment on a vision statement already drafted and bring it back to the Group for comments and agreement. The Group also had a discussion on the plans from Groundwork on the silt traps and the alternatives to wood. The group has already got applied for and got permission from Leeds City Council for the silt traps. Geoff asked about the work already being done at the end of the lake. This is the Flood Risk Management Team clearing the overflow by removing silt. The piles of silt will be left to dry out and then removed. Geoff also asked for ideas on how he can engage the Brakenwoods community in helping with the woods. Martin fed in the comments from Naomi, as Trustee, in her absence. She suggested completing some small measures that could be done in the lake area while the much larger project is agreed and funded. LAG agreed that micro projects could be done once we have agreed the bigger picture so that we don't do work only for it to be undone at a later date.
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