Minutes July 2011

KIRKBY STEPHEN TOWN FORUM
Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 18 July 2011

Present: Joan Johnstone, Ann Sandell, Jackie Scarr, Glenys Lumley, Becky Day,
                Libby Bateman, Shelia Haughey, Andrea Hines, Pat Godwin

1. Appointment of Chairman
Joan Johnstone agreed to take the Chair for this meeting.
Ann Sandell took the minutes in Mike Walker’s absence.
Welcome to Becky Day and Pat Godwin.

2. Apologies for absence
Mike Walker, Debbie Hylton, Tina Galloway, Jackie Semple, Elizabeth Hall

3. Eden Credit Union
Introducing Pat Godwin from Alston and congratulations on her recent election as an Eden District Councillor.  Pat explained and answered questions on the proposed Eden Credit Union highlighting the advantages to not only those that may have need of small competitive loans of up to £1,000 and the benefits to investments of up to £10,000.  A leaflet has been sent out to all households and further information will be available at Local Links or see www.edencreditunion.org.uk  At this stage pledges are needed from would be savers, borrowers and volunteers.

4. Minutes of the Meeting held on 9 May 2011
Correction, Libby Batemen and Debbie Hylton were to action the August shop scheme. Libby highlighted Debbie’s role in bringing this about, see below.  Otherwise, agreed to be a true record.

5. Matters Arising
a. The new town maps have been displayed including an extra one for the station.  There is a problem with the locking mechanism on the second display case at Christian Head car park where local information should be displayed.               AS
b. The Silver Band donation has been made.
c. No action yet on the Geology guide but there is progress on a new ‘Clouds’ walk leaflet which includes geology information.           LB
d. The Temperance Hall is being purchased for an historical costume museum.  Members were delighted to note further investment in the town.
e. There was no reported progress on the question of lobbying for fuel duty changes.        MW/RS

6. Treasurer’s Report
There has been little change in the accounts.

7. Poetry Path Audio Trail
Mike Walker has tested the equipment.  The original 13 downloads have been changed to four for convenience and will operate 7.00 to 22.00 daily.  Ann Sandell has designed and printed posters.
An agreement has been reached with EDC to house the equipment at the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and a Service Level Agreement (SLA) drawn up. The SLA allows for further consideration if the equipment proves to be a nuisance to the public or any other problems arise.  It was agreed to sign the SLA as soon as possible.                               MW/JJ/AS
.mov and mp4 cd’s have been given to Jane Saunders and David Stewart for entering on the kirkby-stephen.com and walkeden websites respectively. There may be a small cost.  Once this proves successful other websites will be approached.          AS
£100 for Meg Peacock’s services was authorised.        JJ
Libby Bateman suggested trying to get national press in the Times or Guardian.    AS
Thanks were expressed to Mike Walker.

8. Shop Advertising Designs
The Town Council are preparing the planning application and dealing with the bus timetable move.

9. Christmas Lights
Jeanette Cooper had prepared a full list of last year’s and the projected costs for the improvements.
The suggested expenditure totalled £3.015 (with colour change lights) and a £2,190 plus seals and possible adapter shapes waiting costing was discussed. The Town Forum will fund £2,000 towards the £2,190 as already allocated and additional funding will be needed, possibly from donations. Further LED replacement will reduce electricity costs. It was felt that last year’s Christmas Tree in the Market Square was magnificent.                    SH/MW

10. Action for Market Towns Convention 2012
Before rejecting this application further in view of the required £20,000 investment, this matter should be discussed with Action for Market Towns as we are not aware what this amount is to cover.      MW

11. Disabled Facilities in Kirkby Stephen
The first Disabled Ramblers visit took place on 15 July 2011 at Smardale.  This had been very successful and their Chairman wishes to investigate further local routes.          AS
There had been no response from the contact that Andrea Hines had suggested that may be able to help with this exercise.  It was felt that this should be left until the winter when time may allow further discussion.                  AS

12. Insurance Issues
The Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sale should be added.
      Cover for the Volunteers Week may be considered.                 AS/MW

13. Events
      The Town Forum is supporting these events both directly and indirectly.

a. 26-29 August  Bank Holiday
Stainmore 150 for full details see www.stainmore150.co.uk
The Forum believes that the buses stopping outside the White Lion in the lay-by rather than the bus stop is preferable to ease congestion. Advice will be sought from Cumbria Classic Coaches and Stainmore Railway approached.                  GL
Enquiries will be made about traffic wardens.       AH/GL
Shop Incentive             
Libby Bateman and Debbie Hylton have written to shops regarding an offer scheme to operate over the weekend with an engine logo sign for shops and information handed out on buses.  Funding will be covered by UECP.          LB/DB
Parish Church Flower Festival opening times will be posted on www,kirkby-stephen.com
There will be a ticketed preview with wine and canapés on the Friday evening priced at £8.50.
There will be catering in the churchyard during opening hours.
Upper Eden Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sale
This will take place in the empty Littlefair’s shop over the weekend 10.00 to 17.00.
10% of all sales will go to Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue
There will be a preview on Friday between 19.00 and 21.00 free by invitation with wine.
There is still a little space, contact Ann Sandell or Local Links.
Patchwork Exhibition and Knit and Natter
This is being held in the room about the Tourist Information Centre 10.00 to 16.00 entry £2 to charity.

b. Friday 5 August Britain in Bloom
Thank you to everyone who has made a great effort with litter, weeding and floral displays with a special thank you to the Rotary Club.

c. 17 September to 4 October British Food Fortnight see www.lovebritishfood.co.uk
The National Walkers are Welcome are working with BFF to organise ‘Foody’ walks which will enjoy national advertising.  Circular walks from Brough Ice Cream Parlour and West Station have so far been suggested. The Emporium and Packhorse have agreed to promote the event and have food tastings.
Everyone wishing to promote local and British food is invited to take part.  Libby Bateman suggested a walking and eating Safari.          AS/LB

d. 19-23/24 September Volunteer Week
With the suggestion of a week to promote volunteering it was agreed to celebrate the work of volunteers.  Posters with the work that is undertaken by volunteers on will be advertised around the town.  Cumbria CVS and Timebank will be available in the Local Links to sign up any new volunteers.  It would be good to get young people involved. It is suggested that the Community News be used. AS
With the Edensyde stone seat nearing completion, this week will also celebrate the development of this project with an ‘opening’.                      AS

e. Sat 29 October Charter Fair
The Market Charter will be read, there will be no other activities this year.

f. Christmas Activities
This will be discussed at the September meeting.

14. Any Other Business
a. Eden Youth Partnership is using justtextgiving to encourage donations.

b. There is a great deal of concern about ‘boy racers’ in the town which is making life quite miserable for some residents as well as some dangerous behaviour.  Everyone is urged to report every incident to the police that they see with as much detail as possible or keep a log.

15. Date of Next Meeting
Monday 19 September 19.00.