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MINUTES of the Two Hundredth and One Committee meeting held at the Dodington Lodge Hotel on 24th June 2008 at 7-30p
Present: Mr Andrew Richardson Mr Ray Hatton
Mr Peter Wagstaffe Mr David Torrens
Mrs Kay Mitchell Mrs Kathryn Coddington
Mr Bob Sumner
1. Election of Chairman for the rest of the year:
Proposed by RH Seconded by PW all in favour.
Andrew Richardson is now the Trust Chairman.
AW then welcomed Mr Bob Sumner to his first meeting.
2. Election of Assistant Secretary (until secretary is back) PW
3. Apologies for Absence: Mr Ken Green Mrs Lindsay Green Mr Peter Brown
4. Minutes of Previous Meeting: AW proposed the minutes be accepted as a true record, seconded by PW, All agreed and the Chairman signed them.
5. Matters Arising: 13 KC said that we did not need to purchase a new copy of Publisher as she had got the old one working.
6. Correspondence: 1. NSDC will be covered under New Project, 2. David Furbur’s email that had been circulated and was discussed, his comments noted, 3.Peter Wild (Hibberts LLP) land solicitor a report was made by PW reading the latest mail a letter to the Land Registry. 4.Youth Offending Service. The letter was read out noting that they were able to offer to do some grass cutting which had been done, also the seats that they make that KG and AR had been to see it was agreed that we should purchase the Oak one @ £285.00 plus VAT plus small cost incurred to cover assembly materials, bolts etc. 5. British Waterways Invitation to meet Mr Evans Chief Executive of BW at the Dodington Lodge Hotel in July if we have something that we have a problem with? It was immediately said the charge that BW make on us for Berthing, KC said that she would like to go and took the correspondence with her to make the arrangements. 6. A letter that PW had sent to Whitchurch Better Welcome Committee showing our support for what they are trying to achieve.
7. Membership Report: 178 Members 5 Corporate Members this started a discussion about a membership drive which all were in favour of doing.
8. Treasurers Report: The treasurer presented her summary, which was accepted, and said she has sent the relevant paperwork to Companies House and that we have to make to the Charity Commission an abbreviated Trustees Annual Report. A Receipts and payment account. And a statement of assets and liabilities. The treasurer also raised do we need to be VAT registered with such a low turnover and all the extra work that it involved? All agreed it that we should become de-registered from the end of September. And that PW asks Hibberts LLP of an interim account immediately.
9. New Project: This was discussed fully because of the Land issue with Unitary Authority happening next April, it was agreed that we should again approach NSDC perhaps the estates manager believed to be Clive Tinsley, to get support on the land and to write to the Whitchurch SCC councillors and NSDC councillors plus a letter to John Hodnet Chairman of NSDC to ask for his support over the land. KM was very helpful with her knowledge of how the Council works on such matters. A disscution on the Valley followed and it was agreed that we need input from both Angling and Tourism, and nature groups, and that Mr Bill Young be invited to the next meeting to forward these plans. That we should have a reprint of the brochure together with display boards that KC said she would now order.
10. Arm Report: BS said that they had been clearing the end by the bridge together with painting the fence, Preparations for the boat rally 20th & 21st September are progressing well there are 14 boats booked in and 9 stalls this does not include a stall for the trust, it will be helpful if the committee could organise a rota to man the stall from 10am to 4pm each day. The new display boards should have arrived and the project group may need more advertising material? The new design of brass plaque has been approved and is being cast. The cost is £117.00. The VIP’s Julie Sharman of BW and the Chairman of NSDC will be attending the judging on Sunday morning. Owen Paterson the MP may be in America but will attend if he can. We have not had a reply from the Mayor or Tom Biggins. There will be a dog show and a fancy dress competition, and a raffle and any donations for prizes will be gratefully accepted, the provision of a bouncy castle is being investigated, the café will be open for refreshments and Mike Parsonage will be cooking bacon baps on the towpath. A large commemorative cast iron plaque is being organised to celebrate the opening of the canal to Sherryman’s Hill on 24th June 1808. A display in the Heritage Centre will be held during July and August to celebrate the opening and the rally.
11. Any Other Business: for next Meeting None. for your notes the name and address of Mr Bob Sumner 24 Blakemere Close Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 1PE Phone mobile only 07981289367
12. Date and Time of Next Meeting: 13th August 2008 7-30pm at the Dodington Lodge Hotel
