Minutes of May 2007
Minutes ... May 2007CLOUGH HALL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Minutes of meeting held on Tuesday 8th May 2007 at Butt Lane Community Centre at 7.30
Committee: - G Sutton, BCollis, M Moore, T Dale, C Brammer, K Viles, J Gallacher, C Gallacher.
Guest Speakers: - PC D Woodward, Jane Finnemore, and Peter Kent Baguley.
Residents: - 29
Apologies: - Mr & Mrs C Brough, Tina Evans, Mike Reynolds, Silvia Burgess Mr & Mrs F Gibson.
Total Attendance: - 40
Chairman opened the meeting and thanked Members and Guests for their attendance
Chairman thanked Speakers for joining us this evening.
Chairman spoke of any other business, before handing over to the Speakers.
• Thanked members for help in distribution of leaflets
• Westmorland Surgery – next meeting 16th May at 17.00 hours Butt Lane Community Centre
• 20th April – an incident in the wood behind Clough Hall Road, where youths were lighting fires; Graham contacted police, youths re-gathered in front of the Park gates between 0100 – 0130 hours. Work had been carried out in the woods previously, by the council, (trees chopped and not moved), allowing youths to gather. Graham e-mailed Steve Middlehurst, followed up by Jane Finnemore. Steve Middlehurst informed Graham, the tree officer would be starting work on the area this week and hoping to get the wood moved.
• Litter Pick – Sunday 14th May at 1000 hours – Graham hoped for a good response for the Residents.
• £200.00 grant from Borough Council (via Community Chest from Kidsgrove Town Council) has been received – Graham thanked John MacMillan.
• Quiz Night – Arranged for 4th July at 8.00 p.m. at Kidsgrove Cricket Club. Cost £3.00 per ticket, to include refreshments. Proceeds to Douglas McMillan.
• Smart Water – Graham had meeting with Inspector Jarvie. Staffordshire Police have not adopted Smart System yet, but Graham to keep in contact with Inspector Jarvie for the future.
Graham introduced PC Dave Woodward
Dave has got packs of ‘Property Marking’ scheme for residents, marking pens, UV Lamp, etc, also Priority Action Group have donated shed alarms, personal attack alarm – anyone requiring any of this equipment complete form (left with Graham). Dave distributed leaflets giving the Stafford telephone number for Community Police (not to be used to report incidents). At the February meeting there was concern over Kidsgrove Police Station opening times. It was confirmed by Dave that the offices were ‘staffed’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and it was open Monday – Friday 0900 – 1700 hours – closed for lunch 1300 – 1400 hours. Dave explained the difference between a Special constable and a PCSO.
Graham introduced Jane Finnemore – Waste Management & Recycling Officer – Newcastle Borough Council
Jane gave an interesting and informative talk, explaining the various methods on offer regarding waste disposal, i.e., wheelie bin, garden waste, blue box, and what we should or should not put into each container.
We should only put items into the ‘wheelie bin’ that can’t be re-cycled, which are then taken to the incinerator. Jane, has, in the past taken residents to see the recycling process, and offers any Residents the chance of paying a visit in the future – for more information – speak to Graham.
Residents asked if items, i.e., aluminum baking cases, plastic bottles, off-cuts of timber, cardboard, shredded paper could be put into wheelie bins, etc – Jane provided answers to these questions.
This week is National Compost week and we should all be aware about caring about the environment.
The Home Composting Service provided is still expanding and at the present time 5000 use the service.
A question was asked, “what happens to the compost” – This is now called ‘soil improver’ and it is spread on local fields to help with drainage, on crop growing land.
A very interesting and enjoyable talk by Jane and you can see she really ‘thrives’ on this topic.
Graham introduced Peter Kent Baguley – Fairtrades
Peter gave an insight into Fairtrade. Foundation 1992. Established by CAFOD (Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft, New Consumer and World Development Movement).
Stoke on Trent began process of becoming a Fairtrade City on 10th October 2002, now there are 250 Towns throughout the UK, providing Faretrade Products.
The first Faretrade product in the UK was a ‘Green & Blacks Maya Gold organic chocolate bar’ – there are now more than 2,500 Fairtrade products that carry the mark in the UK, on offer through supermarkets, the co-op and Marks & Spencer.
A variety of products, including chocolate, coffee and tea bags, were on display.
The aim of Faretrade is ‘Guarantees a better deal for Third World Producers’ and Peter asked to try and do something, by, looking for fare trade logo’s on goods, when shopping.
Chairman thanked all speakers and closed the meeting
Date of next meeting: 19th June
Speakers: Retirement Planning ( UK ) - Alan Whitby.
Grindeys Solicitors - Margaret Jones.
May 2007