Minutes December 2006

CLOUGH HALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 12th December 2006 at BUTT LANE COMMUNITY CENTRE at 7.30pm.
PRESENT:- COMMITTEE:- Graham Sutton, Chris Brough, Michael Moore,
John Gallacher, Correna Gallacher, Brian Collis.
GUEST SPEAKERS:- Rebecca Bryant - Jon Honeyset.
COUNCILLORS:- S Burgess, J Evans,
INVITED GUESTS:- Mr Rex Burns.
RESIDENTS: 46 TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 57APOLOGIES:-PC David Woodward, PCSO Colin Stepney, Kath Viles, Hazel & Peter Hammond, Tina Evans, Peter Hampson. Mike Reynolds.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 24th October 2006 were circulated and accepted as a true record. Proposed as a true record - J Gallacher - Seconded - M Moore.

WELCOME/INTRODUCTION and THANKS Chairman opened the Meeting and welcomed members to our Christmas Meeting.
Chairman thanked everyone who have helped and supported us since our Residents Group was formed and went on to thank the following individually:-

Laura Sutton and Helen Mottram for working so hard to put on the superb buffet tonight.
All members who have helped throughout the year with Leaflet distribution.
Guest Speakers who have provided interesting and informative talks throughout the year, Speakers join us in their own time and their attendance is very much appreciated.
Our Committee who have worked hard throughout the year and have been an enormous help.
The Police for the continued support they provide.
Local Councilors for their help and support during 2006.
Tony Mottram for his hard work with leaflet design and our two Web Sites.
Paul and Sue Fisher ‘SuPrint' for their great support with our leaflets.
Ian Tait (Head) and Marilyn Cannings (Deputy Head) Clough Hall School. Chairman pointed out that the relationship with the School is getting stronger; however, there is still a lot to be done. Our Chairman and Vice Chairman sit on the Schools CU Committee and we will continue to work with the School to facilitate joint projects such as the recent successful Tesco Trail Litter Pick. We shall also push for Residents participation in the Safer Routes to School project.
Finally, the biggest thank you goes to the Members for the excellent support and attendance throughout the Year.

Chairman also referred to the following :-
Christmas Carol Evening Tuesday 19th December 6.45pm on the Green outside The Clough, please come along and support.
Christmas Dinner at the Clough Wednesday 20/12/2006-one space available.
Lottery Bonus Ball Competition List of all winners available to view. To-date we have paid out in Total, Winnings of £943.50 and have generated £314.50 for our Funds.

GUEST SPEAKERS
Rebecca Bryant ( Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service )Rebecca provided a very interesting talk with advice in respect of Free fitting of Smoke Alarms and also advised that they would provide advice in respect of existing Smoke Alarms - Tel Number to contact is 01785 898300. In addition Rebecca also provided a PACK for ALL members which contains excellent advice in terms of:- Fire Prevention and a variety of leaflets to enable better Fire Safety Precautions within the Home.
Chairman thanked Rebecca for her excellent talk and for joining us tonight

Jon Honeyset ‘The History of Local Canals'gave an excellent presentation in respect of Local Canals .. the History attached to the creation of Canals was well presented and very informative.
Jon advised that the two most important Canals in our area were the Trent and Mersey and Macclesfield canals. The Trent & Mersey Canal was well engineered and there is very little loss of Water.
In respect of the local Cauldon Canal it was stated that this was very narrow and fragile, prone to leakage and requires lots of Maintenance.
The different types of Canals were also referred to - Narrow like the Cauldon, Broad Canals like the Shropshire Union.
Many interesting examples of Canals were featured in the Slide presentation and it was noted how important they were for the Coal Industry until the Mid 19th century when Rail started to provide competition. It was also made clear how important Thomas Telford was to Bridge Building in his era, there are many fine examples of his expertise in existence.
Harecastle Tunnel was also featured and we were advised that 4000 boats a year pass through the Harecastle.
It was stated that the Waterways Agency have had their budget cut by the Government by £7m. In our own area there have been recent examples of intimidation of people using boats through the canal at Kidsgrove. The way to improve the canal in our area could be by building waterside Accommodation, Shops and Safer Moorings. We should be proud of our area, Residents who feel strongly about this financial cut, should contact their local MP'S.
Chairman thanked Jon for his excellent talk and presentation which was very well received by all of our Members.

Chairman closed the Meeting, wished all Members a very Happy Christmas and New Year and declared the Buffet open.

Next Meeting is on the 16th January 2007 - Police Consultative Committee (7.15pm for 7.30pm start)