RIVER YEALM & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Registered Charity No 262929.
Held on, Wednesday 27th September 2006
At Colston Gate, Newton Ferrers.
Present: Robin Hogg Chairman (RH)
Janet Martin (JM)
Rod Carter (RC)
Eric Rodmell
1. Apologies: Alan Lomax and Christopher Bradley
2. Minutes of the Meeting 12th July were approved.
3. Chairman’s Report.
a. Community Housing. The Chairman briefed the Committee on progress made by the Community Housing Working Group (CHWG). A similar briefing would be given to the NNPC on 28th September. The Second of the “Work-in-Progress Reports” by the CHWG and minutes of their last Working Group Meeting had been published on the NNPC Website under “Community Housing”. It was hoped that, following the NNPC Meeting on the 28th September, a set of important decisions could lead to some real progress being made.
b. Video Record of the two villages. RH had agreed with Jeremy Brown that he would start to undertake an initial “Edit” of the material during the week of 2nd October.
c. The RYDA Village Directory. Christopher Powlett, the Editor of the next edition, had asked a number of questions of the Committee. In general discussion it was reiterated that:-
· The format for the new edition would be A4. It was felt generally that, though C5 might be easier to handle, the A4 version was widely popular since it was the same size as conventional Directories with which it tended to be pigeon-holed. This format also allowed a larger font size, making it easier to read for those with poor eyesight.
· The Cover. It was felt that the present cover suffered from a number of drawbacks :
* The area covered by the back page, showing the local Postcodes, was very useful but should be extended to include Membland, Butts Park and Collaton and, if practicable, should be further extended to include Battisborough and Puslinch.
* The front cover could do with some re-design, mainly in terms of the font size for the various entries. The Chairman (RH) undertook to explore various available maps, maybe published by the Post Office or other Agencies, to see whether a better format with clearer print could be acquired. It was thought that the outlying areas, Battisborough, Puslinch etc could be included as an “insert” on the main village map.
* Advertising. The Yellow Pages are now repeated in many forms, the Parish and Community Web Sites, the Parish Magazine, Signpost and elsewhere but had always been a form of ‘Free Advertising’ in the Directory. It was agreed that this should continue to be at no cost to those seeking to be included.
* The Print Run. It had been decided at the previous Committee Meeting that we should aim for a print run of 650 copies. This would consist of 400 copies for free distribution to members of the RYDA and 250 copies for sale at £5.00 per copy through the usual outlets. The Editor would be asked to let the Committee know the actual costs of such a print run once the format, cover design and other matters had been agreed.
* The Contents. In a discussion that covered privacy issues and similar matters it was decided that e.mail addresses would not be included and that amendments would never be circulated on the Village Website but restricted to the Parish Magazine only. This had a circulation of 800 copies monthly. The Editor had asked whether there should be a standard form of address; either Christian Names or Initials. It was agreed unanimously that entries should be in whatever format was put forward by the entrant. The Chairman informed the Committee that the Editor was in discussion with the Rev Tim Deacon and others to ensure that there were no obsolete entries in the next edition.
* Publication Date. It was decided that, in accordance with previous practice, publication should be timed to coincide with next year’s AGM ; Thursday 19th April 2007
d. Village Benches. The Chairman had written to the Chairman of the NNPC proposing a rolling programme to provide benches around the perimeter of Noss Green as funds allowed. The aim would be to create more of a “Village Green Effect” and to provide seating for those using what was at present little more than a small field. The Green was owned by the SHDC. The Parish Council agreed with this approach and an example of a maintenance-free park bench made of “Enviropol” recycled material from Glasdon costing £375.26 was discussed. Decisions of when and how many to purchase would be left to the next meeting.
4. Treasurer’s & Membership Secretary’s Report. In the absence of the Treasurer, the Chairman delivered a statement as follows:-
“Finances are healthy thanks to the subscription arrears recently collected. 120 letters had been sent out and there had been 90 successful replies bringing in just under £700 with more trickling in after four months. The Membership still stands at ~380 and we are acquiring a couple of new members a month.
The HSBC Current Account balance at 31st August stood at £885
The Deposit Account with the Charities Aid Foundation stood at £1350.”
RYDA Harbour Clean-Up Costs. The Chairman had, as agreed at the last meeting, written to the Chairman of both the NNPC and the RYHA, asking for support for the Harbour clean-up once more in 2007. Both had replied in favour with the RYHA donating £75 towards the Clean-Up in 2006.
5. Planning Report. All members had seen the latest list of applications for planning permission. There was a discussion in Committee and agreement with RC’s recommendations and the actions taken on the Committee’s behalf.
6. Any other Business. There was some discussion of “Boat Insurance for Mooring Holders” following a recent collision in the river. All agreed that some form of at least Third Party Insurance should be a requirement for all mooring holders. The Chairman had written to the Chairman of the RYHA to this effect.
7. Date of Next Meeting. It was agreed that the next meeting would take place at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 22nd November, 2006 at Church Cottage, Newton Ferrers thanks to the kind invitation of RC.
The Meeting closed at 2015 with thanks to Janet Martin for her hospitality.
Approved Robin Hogg, Chairman.