7.30pm Duke of York Thursday 19th November
Notes on AGM held on Thursday 19th November 2009. Present: Debbie Welch, David Gordon, Roger Cripps, Marcus Jubb, Teresa Taylor (Shepton Pre-School),Mary Clarke. Apologies received from Anne Gullo, Hazel and Chris Powell, Andy Roberts, Keith Rolandson, Barrie Bentley.
1.The Chairman, Debbie Welch, summarised the achievements by the group over the last year. The Stage 2 grant application was submitted at the beginning of October, and is now being processed by Groundworks, the organisation dealing with the actual application. We hope to hear the outcome before Christmas. Work has continued in preparing the site, and as this has proceded , the plans have been modified in the light of findings from the ecological surveys and soil sampling.
We require further soil samples to be taken, and this will enable the final location of various areas to be decided. We are also getting a clearer idea of how the site will finally be managed. The article in the Web parish magazine, generated a lot of interest. We hope also to get support from other groups involved in the Parish Plan.
In order to publicise the project, and interest in the environment, Debbie is to organise a talk from Beth Jarret of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, about creating wildlife friendly habitats in domestic gardens and areas such as Cowleaze.
Debbie thanked all the volunteers, and all the local individuals and groups who have contributed to our work in the past year. We are all looking forward to next year having less paperwork and more action on the site.
2. The Treasurer,Roger Cripps, submittes the audited accounts for the year. These show a small cash holding after the payment for some basic goods and services. A fuller breakdown of figures can be obtained directly from Roger.
3. The Stage 2 Lottery grant application is submitted, and awaiting a decision. When this is know we will have another meeting to discuss the way forward.
4. The committee were unanimously re-elected and is as follows;
Chairman; Debbie Welch,
Vice Chair; David Gordon,
Treasurer; Roger Cripps,
Secretary; Mary Clarke
Committee: Marcus Jubb, Barrie Bentley,Jules Compton.
5.It was decided that the Plan of Works should be revised, so that all activities will be co-ordinated, and the priorities for the next couple of months decided. This will be discussed on site on Sunday 29th November in an additional working party/planning meeting.
Meanwhile immediate actions to include making log piles safe near seating area, clearing banks of stream and making access to secluded grassy areas possible for water voles. Roger has been almost single handed in clearing scrub, brambles etc from the site of proposed fencing, and also mowing the paths. A last cutting of grass on the site would be useful before winter, if this can be arranged.
Mary H Clarke, 20th November 2009