Present:

Steve Holmes - Chairman
Jean Allgrove - Mayor
Alwyn Lindley
Bob Kirby
Andy Hall
Nick Graves
John Meikle
Terry Hall
Alan Weddercopp
Mr Michael Dare
Jeremy Brown - Liberal Democrat M.P. 
Alan Stoodley - Secretary
Carol Hobson

Apologies:

Gareth O'Rourke - Vice Chairman
Deborah Westmancoat Treasurer

The apologies were accepted and the minutes agreed other than the fact that Mr Dare had been omitted from the list of those attending the 
last meeting. The secretary apologised to Mr Dare for this oversight.

Planting at Haines Park:
The hedge planting day was deemed to have been a great success, some complaints had been received from local residences but these 
were in the vast minority and were dispelled on the day.

A photograph of the event is yet to appear in the County Gazette - Steve is chasing this issue.

It was unanimously agreed that Taunton Deane had finished off the initiative well by providing an attractive and protective finish to the project.

Parking on Wilton Lands.
The report from the consultative committee has suggested that there are 14 occasions when parking should be allowed on part of Wilton 
Lands during the forthcoming year. However when overloading occurs this will be at a charge, although it is anticipated that this will be 
only once in the year on the occasion of the Pro-Am golf event. 

The Association was advised that there were plans to increase the size of the car park by extending it over the existing toilet area. 

Toilet facilities will be provided within the at the golf club area.

The report from the consultative committee has not yet been accepted by Taunton Deane but will be discussed on a meeting to be held on 
the 17tth of February.

Steve agreed to attend this meeting and report back to the association in due course.

Community Audit.   
It was agreed that the community audit should be driven at the spring and summer events and that it should also be circulated with a 
forthcoming news letter.

The audit forms should also be provided in local gathering areas.

It was agreed that the cut off date for information gathering should be the summer event.

Spring and Summer Events.
Unfortunately Gareth who is driving these events was not available but in his absence it was agreed that the following would be a 
foundation for the activities to be provided at the event.

A 'lamb Chop' Event to be organised by Alwyn. Socks will be required for this - Carol to talk to Tesco with regard the possibility of a donation.

Various races ( Egg and spoon etc). - All to be involved as appropriate.

Bat the Rat or similar - Alan to deal.

The issue of insurance for the events was discussed and the meeting was advised that whilst the Association members have cover it is 
not possible for us to insure for other acts performing. 

Schools have some insurance for there representatives but acts such as the Samba Band were now an unlikely prospect due to the 
insurance implications.

Public liability insurance will be required for the events.

Nick to investigate the situation with regard The Barber Shop Quartet.

AOB.

Princess Margaret Planning Application.
No further progress pending another revised planning application.

Parking Middle Way and Churchill Way. 
The meeting was advised that the situation awaits an audit of parking arrangements to be carried out by Nigel Farrow's Somerset County 
Council Environment Team.

Vision For Taunton.    
It was confirmed that a Vision for Taunton presentation would be given by Chris Williams on 17th February at the Wilton Church Hall 
(7.30 pm) all were 
encouraged to attend. 

Some of the things thought worthy of discussion / consideration at the event were as follows:

The housing strategy for the future:
Job requirements and availability for Taunton:
The impact on the social support structure i.e. Schools, Doctors etc:
The transport infrastructure.

It was suggested that these and no doubt many other issues would be discussed at the presentation.

Queens Drive and Batts Park.
The replacement of the Wellingtonia at the top of Batts Park has not yet been resolved.

The meeting was however advised that deceased plum trees in Queens Drive have been removed and replaced.


There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.


Date of next meeting 8th March Wilton church Hall 8.00 pm.