Present:

Steve Holmes (Chairman)
Blossom Funnel
Jennifer Smith
Jenny Hutt
Alwyn Lindley
Pat Ogden
Grace Jones
John  Meikle
Alan Wedderkopp
Rob Kirby
Nick Taylor
John Dawson
Jean Allgrove
Alan Stoodley (Secretary)

Apologies:

Carol Hobson
Shaun Dale

Pervious Minutes:
The apologies were accepted and the previous minutes agreed.
The AGM minutes were also reviewed and agreed.

AGM:
The AGM was reviewed and it as agreed that it had been a success. It was very well attended which indicated that there is a role for the Association in the community and that its activities are appreciated. Its activities with regard moderating some emotive issues in the area were acknowledged and the value of it continuing to exist were universally agreed. There was however an issue regarding the ability of the Association to continue to exist unless a new Chairman could be found as Steve (after a prolonged, dedicated and much appreciated term of office has decided to stand down). This issue was discussed at length at the meeting and the outcome is detailed later in the next minute item.

Chairperson:
Following on from the above item the issue of a new Chairman for the Association was discussed at length. All present agreed that the demise of the Association would be a great loss as whilst it cannot change the world it does have a considerable influence on factors which affect the Associations area. Issues involving parking problems, planning issues the sensible use of Wilton Lands and many other items have been addressed with success regarding moderating the level of activities planned. Other activities have involved arranging local activities, quiz nights etc.

After considerable debate Blossom was forthcoming with an offer to take over as Chairperson. However she, quite resonabaly, suggested that Steve would be a very hard act to follow and that in the early stages she would need to ask for Steve’s help to bring her ‘up to speed’ with the requirements of the role. Steve stated that he would of course be happy to help in any way he could and it was accepted that the change over would need to be of a transitional nature. Beyond Steve’s help it was also accepted that the committee members would need to provide an enhanced ‘hands on’ approached to avoid the burden of the position being as great as it had been on Steve. This was universally accepted.

Blossom was thanked for acceding to the position of Chairperson and she was assured she would receive any assistance required.

Steve was again thanked for the considerable and untiring effort he has donated to the Association over a prolonged period.

In light of the above it was agreed that Debbie Westmancoat’s name should be removed from the signatories of the Association and that Blossom should become the ‘3rd’ signatory. Thanks were of course expressed to Debbie for her efforts.

Venture Services:
Subsequent to the above minutes the reason for the continued existence of the Association are highlighted by the fact that ‘Venture Developments’ arise. For example there is a proposal for the building of 5 x 3 Bed houses and 5 x 2 bed houses off Wilton Street for which there is no provision for parking, clearly there is scope to challenge this. From monitoring planning applications to monitoring stream pollution there is a clear need for an organization to act as a ‘safety net’.

Planning Issues:
There is a concern that has arised regarding the removal of a Beech tree at Burton House. It is thought that the tree should be protected. John Dawson has agreed to discuss with Paul Brian with a view to getting the tree protected.

Greenfest:
The Associations involvement with this inititive is somewhat unclear. It seems the activity will now take place more in the form of the provision of bird boxes, the planting of wild flowers and walks. The Association agreed to help in any way they could but would wait to see how the project evolves.

Carol Services:
Nick Taylor asked if the Association would kindly be prepared to be involved with this years Christmas Carol services.

The events are to take place on the 16th and the 23rd of December.

The ideal arrangements would be for the association to assist with refreshments on the event to take place on the 16th ( minced pies, mulled wine etc.). Alan Wedderkopp and Alan Stoodley offered to help with this.

On the 23rd readers were requested, Jenny Smith and Jenny Hutt offered to assist with this.

Arrangements to be further discussed with Nick Taylor nearer the date.

 

A.O.B.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00pm
 

Date of next meeting:  Date of next meeting 8th January 2008 7.30pm Wilton Church Hall