Minutes of the Committee Meeting (via Zoom) 20 January 2021

Abbey Park Community Association Committee (via Zoom)

Present:- Simon Middlecote (Chair) , Ruth Kerry, Sue Andrew, Lesley Morris, Chris Holmes, Councillor Penny Gowland, County Councillor Liz Plant.
Apologies: Rani Joshi, Catherine Bailey

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last meeting of the Association held on 24th November 2020 were noted.

BANK ACCOUNT AND FINANCE
The current bank balance is £687.22.

CONSTITUTION OF THE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
It was agreed that Ruth and Chris would prepare a draft constitution for consideration at the next meeting. A statement about safeguarding would also be prepared.

ORCHARD
Rushcliffe had agreed in principle to a community orchard being planted on the field. There was now a need to develop the proposals and consult the community. Lesley was preparing an application to the Bramley Fund for a grant towards some trees. It was thought that a “friendship” bench was needed
It was agreed
1. Simon would contact Rushcliffe to press the case for a bench on the park.
2. That a working party of Simon, Sue and Lesley would meet to discuss how to progress the orchard project and report back to the next meeting

ROADS
A request was made to have some signs put up saying “slow down 30mph” on the estate.
It was agreed Councillor Liz Plant would follow this up with the County Council.

VERGE MAINTENANCE AND ENCLOSURE OF VERGES BY RESIDENTS
The proposed stopping up order on Waltham had highlighted greater awareness and understanding of possible enclosures. It was felt there was a case to be made for public consultation to ensure the green spaces are protected in future and the need to highlight what is special about the estate.
It was agreed that this information should be put on the Facebook group page to highlight what was special.

SEED BANK
It had been suggested that a seed bank be set up on the estate.
It was agreed that Sue would speak to Tracy about establishing this.

COMMUNITY FUND
Ideas were requested for items which may be funded through the Community Fund. Hi-vis vests for the litter pickers group, poppies for lamp posts for remembrance day and printing of a leaflet to all residents advertising the website and gaining a database of those people unable to access the web or social media.

WEBSITE
The website was now up and running and there had been 1369 sessions since it started.
It was agreed that details of the Book Club be put on the website.

SOCIAL EVENTS
The advent calendar windows display trail had been successful.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm.