Abbotsbury Residents Corps
Minutes of meeting held on Wednesday, 24th September 2008
Present
Shirley Turner, Sue Melville, Iris Trevett, Heather Stevens, Dave Stevens, Nigel Melville, Richard Wilson, Sarah Pilcher, Peter Hoare, Ron Sullivan, Carol Weston, Mark Weston, Andrew King, Peter Laurie, Linda Wilson, Barbara Laurie.
Apologies
Sheila Blake, Jane Burton, Michael Burton, Eric Turner, Bec Freiesleben, Christine Kohburger, Everett Kohburger, Peter Evans, Hazel Evans.
Minutes
Approved.
Matters arising
None.
New Treasurer
Peter Hoare, who has kindly taken over from Christine Brown, was introduced by Peter Laurie, Chairman.
Bulk Oil Project
This has become a scheme operated outside Abbotsbury Residents Corps. Peter Evans, who has led this project, held a meeting in Portesham, where all the issues were discussed. Since most members of this scheme come from other villages, a small committee of representative was formed. New members from Abbotsbury or the other villages are welcome to join at any time, and Peter Evans will continue to keep us informed.
Barn Dance
Shirley explained that 66 tickets have been sold at £10 each, total £660. The costs incurred so far are: £410 for Portesham Village Hall and the ‘Up and Running’ band, £152.38 spent, with potential of further £20 to go. Thus a small profit has been achieved already. There will be a raffle with prizes donated by Sue, via Jacqui Loiselle, and a bar run by Sheila, so we hope the profit will increase, and the evening should be great fun.
Recreation Field
Dave provided copies of a proposal for the plan for the field, beautifully designed and printed by Nigel. Dave had raised the matter of payment for making good the old cricket plot at the Chesil Bank Parish Council meeting in September, and the subject will be discussed again at the next CBPC meeting on Monday 3rd November in Moonfleet Manor Hotel at 7.30 p.m. It is important that as many Abbotsbury residents as possible go to support the proposal that this field should be brought back into a condition to make it attractive for the purpose of recreation. Dave and Nigel are looking at possible funding from a Lottery grant and also from West Dorset District Council to help this transformation. Various amendments to the plan were suggested.
‘Green’ bin liners
Bec had delivered some before the meeting started, and we were able to sell 8 bundles of 10 liners @ £1 to some of those present. ARC. has spent £60 and hopes to sell them all over time to recoup the money.
Rag Rug
Linda will try out various methods of making rag rugs, to later decide how to run workshops or a community project, at Abbotsbury Art Weeks. The first meeting to do some experiments is on Thursday 2nd October at 3 p.m. at 1, Market Street, all welcome. Please bring some old fabric to cut up.
Coast Road
It was reported that Nigel and Peter are both in touch with Mr Berry at Dorset County Council, who is master-minding research into accidents and improvements on B3157. Nigel had asked Chesil Bank Parish Council to invite Mr Berry to a meeting, but no action was agreed, so Abbotsbury Residents Corps could propose a meeting instead. Nigel was asked to invite Mr Berry.
Camera project for children
Barbara explained that there was a lack of enthusiasm either with children or their parents to take part. Since mounting and staging an exhibition can be very expensive, and the potential exhibitors were not interested, it was decided not to proceed. Sara will see if Portesham school would like to take on the project.
Carol Singing and Band for Christmas Carol Evening
First rehearsal for beginners is at Wheelwrights on 25th October at 5 p.m. Sue invites anyone with flutes, whistles or any instrument who would like to join in to please come along. There will be some extra instruments available for those who haven’t one of their own.
The carol singing will be on 19th December, procession starting at 7 p.m. to go round the village, route to be announced, finishing at Strangways Hall, Abbotsbury, where Jane, Sheila and Shirley will nourish us with mince pies and mulled wine or juice, and there will be a concert performance of the Band’s carol.
Quiz Night at Ilchester Arms
This will be on Friday, 14th November, and funds collected will go to ‘Help for Heroes’. Time etc. to be announced.
New Projects
Linda suggested that there should be something for teenagers. Various ideas came up: a youth club; taster sessions of fashion, make up, sports groups etc; a youth parliament where children are invited to form a committee and devise their own projects. Sara mentioned Maiden Newton’s youth club, and will provide the Leader’s telephone number. Linda and Peter to ask if they can make a visit to the club to see how it is run.
AOB
None.
Meeting finished at 8.45 p.m. Next meeting is 29th October
Abbotsbury Residents Corp
Meeting on 23rd July '08
Present
Linda Wilson, Sheila Blake, Peter Laurie, Michael and Jane Burton, Sue Melville, Nigel Melville, Dave Stevens, Chris Brown,Shirley Turner, Denise Bilton,Ronald Sullivan, Mary-Lou Anderson, Pat Arnold, Malcolm Pugh, Eric Turner, Iris Trevitt, Heather Stevens, .
The Chairman handed the meeting over to Chris Brown who introduced James Foster-Pegg, a director of Poundbury Garden Centre, our generous sponsors for the event, for the results of our Abbotsbury in Bloom competition . He had completed a comprehensive tour of the village looking for the best exhibits whether it was a hanging basket or window box. He explained that he was looking for not just quality but also considered it's position and whether it was in keeping with the village. The results announced were:-
3rd position Andy King of 4 Grove Road who received a voucher for £25
2nd position was The Old School House who received vouchers to the value of £50
1st postion was Pat Arnold, Chesil House who received £75 in vouchers.
Mr Foster-Pegg has said that he would be happy to sponsor us again next year should ARC decide to hold a similar event.
Apologies
Peter Hoare, Hazel and Peter Evans.
Minutes of last meeting
Approved
Matters Arising
None
Treasurer's Report
Chris Brown reported that our bank balance now stands at a healthy £852.03 in credit, our only recent expense being plants and saundries for the tubs on the green.
Post Office Closures
Nigel Melville reported that our Post Offices in Abbotsbury and Portesham have initially won a reprieve from closure but the final proposals would not be announced until September.
ACTION N.M
Oil Purchase
Our chairman read out a note from Peter Evans. It seems we have exceeded 100 members and he has started talking to suppliers. In anticipation that he will soon have some useful information to pass on he has booked Portesham Village hall for 7.30pm on Monday 1st September. The intention is that we can review the various option and hopefully make a decision on how to proceed.
ACTION P.E
Current Projects
(i) Tubs on the Green The tubs have been positioned on the green and filled with compost. Many thanks to David Stevens for organising this so that our secretary was able to plant them up.
(ii)Barn Dance Tickets are now on sale at £10 each inclusive of a 2 course supper. Shirley has obtained a drinks license to enable ARC to sell alcohol. She will pin up posters around the village and tickets can be purchased from Bellenie's and Wheelwright's tea shop. She has appealed to volunteers for help in preparing food for the event on the day.
ACTION S.T
(iii) Green Waste Nothing to report at this time
(iv) Children's Photographs Nothing to report at this time.
(v) Oxfam Knitted Squares Rebecca Freiesleben sent a note to inform ARC that 281 squares have now been completed by the knitters of Abbotsbury which will be sent off the week after 28th July.At the recent coffee morning a further £16 was raised towards postage costs. The closing date for receipt of the squares is 26th July.She wishes to thank everybody for all their efforts and their support on the project.
ACTION R.F
(vi) Biodegadable Bin Liners Bec Freisleben has now spoken to a few of the local supermarkets. Best price so far is Asda, where they work out at 8.7p ea. She suggests ARC could sell these for 11p. Waitrose have bags which are 40% recycled but which are twice the price of Asda's. Somerfield have an offer of buy one get one free (i.e buy 5000 for the cost of 2500). The price is 6p ea which we suggests ARC sells for 10p. She has yet to hear from the other supermarkets.
ACTION R.F
(vii) Flute Band Sue Melville now has a group of 3 recorders who have prepared one carol in readiness for the xmas carol concert proposed for the 19th December at Strangways Hall. Chris Brown has kindly volunteered to organise this event.
ACTION C.B
(viii) Pub Quiz Sheila has now spoken to the landlord of the Ilchester Arms who is happy to host the event on Friday 14th November.
ACTION S.B
Proposed Projects
New Projects
Dave Stevens submitted a proposal for the recreation field at the end of Hannah's Lane. He is in consultation with Lucy Bailey who leads the play area parents group. Whilst she has applied to various organisations for funding for the playground equipment, as this area accounts for only 30% of the total area of the field Dave is keen for ARC to help fund the devolopment of the remainding area with a fenced off sports area for the older children, a picnic area, some benches and a gravel path for dog walkers. He proposes that the plans along with supporting letters or signatures would then be presented to the Parish Council for their approval.
Next Meeting at the Strangways Hall on Wednesday 24th September at 7.30pm.
Abbotsbury Residents Corp
Meeting on 28th May '08
Present
Jenny Crocker, Linda Wilson, Richard Wilson, Sheila Blake, Barbara Laurie, Peter Laurie, Michael and Jane Burton, Sue Melville, Nigel Melville, Dave Stevens, Chris Brown,Shirley Turner.
Apologies
Francesca Radcliffe, Eric Turner, Heather Stevens, Iris Trevitt, Bec Freiesleben, Marie Laywine, Francesca Radcliffe, Mr & Mrs Koberger
Minutes of last meeting
Approved
Matters Arising
(i) Peter Evans now has 100 people interested in the bulk purchase of oil and therefore will begin negociations with oil companies.
(ii) Paul Gower has received permission from the Parish Council to proceed with his application for the removal of the kissing gate at Furlongs Homestead and create a car turning space.
Treasurer's Report
Chris Brown reported that the auction realized a profit of £616.38. ARC's bank balance now stands at a healthy £736.19 in credit.
Post Office Closures
Nigel Melville has been asked by the CBPC to form a 'task force' to put forward a case against the closure of the Post Offices in Abbotsbury and Portesham.
ACTION N.M
Email of ARC Minutes
Our chairman suggests that in future we email minutes of our meetings to members .
ACTION S.B
Current Projects
(i) Auction Sheila Blake reported on a very busy but enjoyable two days. The entire committee was taken up with laying out the halls, accepting incoming goods, cataloging and laying out items for auction. There was a very positive response in terms of the numbers of lots received and members of the public coming along to buy on the day. Our Dukes Auctioneer started proceedings at 2pm and created a good mix of professionalism and bonhomie amongst the assembled bidders. Catering was left in the capable hands of Jane Burton and Shirley Turner who kept the team fortified with 'bacon butties'. Many thanks to the people who brought along cakes for afternoon consumption, to Barbara Laurie who produced our catalogue at a moments notice but a big thank you for all of those who came along to support us. Unfortunately Stephanie and Matthew Read from Fleet Cottage had prior committments but donated £100 to the ARC funds.
(ii) Tubs on the Green No decision made on this at this time.
(iii) Cloth of Gold Nothing to report at present
(iv)Barn Dance. Nothing to report at present
ACTION S.T
(v) Village in Bloom Chris Brown and Jane Burton will organise another leaflet drop in mid June and a banner sponsored by Poundbury Gardens will be erected on the railings at Strangways Hall to remind our local residents of the competition which will be judged between the 2nd and 3rd weeks in July.
ACTION C.B AND J.B
(vi) Green Waste Jenny Crocker has applied for lottery funding but our project is deemed too small. However Martin Gregory (Waste Reduction Officer from West Dorset District Council) has supported our community composting scheme both in the promise of funding and in advising of the many regulations to which we would need to adhere. Meanwhile Jenny has again been in touch with Marcus Scrace from Ilchester Estates with a request for a proposed site. She suggests because of the work involved we may need to set up a composting group.
ACTION P.E and P.L
(vii) Bulk purchase of Oil See Matters Arising.
(viii) Children's Photos Barbara Laurie has received donations of a camera from both Nigel Melville and Everett Koberger for use for this project. Barbara suggests that we hold the competition in May '09 and exhibit our display at the Swan Inn with separate sections for adults and children. However photographs emailed to ARC will be displayed on our wesite until then.
ACTION B.L
(ix) Oxfam Knitted Squares Bec Freiesleben reported that a few residents attended the meeting on 18th May at Stangways Hall for the knitting meeting bringing spare wool and completed squares. Oxfam shops are not collecting the squares and they must be sent to the organiser in Leeds. To cover the cost of postage and hiring the hall etc she is organising a ££££ sale on Saturday 12th July at Strangways Hall 11- 4pm. Any money left over once the squares have been posted will go to ARC for other village projects. She welcomes donations of raffle prizes, cakes and biscuits and also any help on the day. Many thanks go to Pat Hawes who donated a huge quantity of wool, to Veronica at the Ilchester Arms who donated some wine for the raffle and to Nigel Melville for producing the fliers. Also a big thank you to Francesca Radcliffe who donated £50 to this project.
ACTION B.F
(x) Biodegadable Bin Liners Bec Freisleben has researched bio-degradable bin bags further by contacting' Greenpeace' who suggest that it is probably best that we buy recycled plastic bin liners instead. Their reasons being that special crops of GM maize are grown to make the bio-degradable material which diverts from land used for food crops leading to food shortages. To grow large quantities of maize, deforestation may have occurred. She therefore has contacted a company to ask for a sample of their recycled bin liner with a view to bulk buying. Anyone interested in purchasing the bag may leave their name on a sheet at the Post Office.
ACTION B.F
(xi) Flute Band Sue Melville is learning the recorder and is confident of having a group formed in readiness for our Christmas Carol Concert.
ACTION S.M
(xii) Article in Chesil Magazine Peter Laurie has volunteered to produce a monthly update on ARC activities to Mike Freegarde of Chesil Magazine. Whilst in the past we have sent the minutes of our monthly meetings for publication these are now proving to be somewhat protracted.
ACTION P.L
Proposed Projects
(i) Eric Turner - village diary nothing to report at this time.
New Projects Bec Freiesleben suggests we as a community make a rag rug for exhibition at Strangways Hall during its' Arts Week.
AOB Sheila Blake is keen to arrange a Pub Quiz at the Ilchester Arms sometime in the autumn months. However Jenny Crocker pointed out that the landlord already organises such an event every month so therefore may not be practical. Sheila will liaise with the landlord prior to the next meeting.
Next Meeting at the Strangways Hall on Wednesday 25th June at 7.30pm.
Abbotsbury Residents Corp
Meeting on 30th April '08
Present
Ron Sullivan,Jenny Crocker, Linda Wilson, Everett Kohberger, Hazel Evans, Sheila Blake, Barbara Laurie, Peter Laurie, Michael and Jane Burton, Iris Trevett, Heather Stevens, Sue Melville, Nigel Melville, Dave Stevens, Chris Brown, Peter Evans.
Apologies
Francesca Radcliffe, Shirley and Eric Turner
Minutes of last meeting
Ammendment to March minutes.Peter Evans pointed out we need only 100 people to sign up for the bulk oil purchase to make it a viable proposition and not 200 as was quoted in the minutes.
Matters Arising
Post Office Closures. Arc ran an article in the Chesil Magazine stating that the Portesham Post Office was to close which the postmaster confirmed is not necessarily the case. ARC has sent an apology to the Post Master at Portesham and also a letter to the Chesil Magazine.
Treasurer's Report
To date ARC are £85.61 in credit. The insurance has been paid for the whole year. Chris Brown says we must somehow raise a working fund to provide a float for future projects. Hopefully the auction will raise a contingency fund but Chris will look into Barbara Laurie's suggestion that we look at funding bodies to help with finances.
ACTION C.B
Post Office Closures
Nigel Melville informed us that 150 people attended the recent meeting in Portesham and the District Council and the County Council are looking at ways of protecting our post offices along with our local MP. A task force is to prepare arguments against closure but we are all encouraged to email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk. More information can be found on www.postofficeclosures.org.uk
Recent Planning Applications
Our chairman bought to our attention an application from P. Gower to remove the kissing gate on Furlongs Homestead and create a turn around. Interested parties should investigate further and take action as they deem appropriate.
Current Projects
(i) Traffic Mike Burton was particulary concerned about the speed of motorcycles through the village. Following an article in Motorcycle News about a crackdown on illegal motorcycles that included a quote from Dorset police he wrote to Assistant Chief Constable Whiting who responded positively and this was followed up by a visit from our local police. As a result of additional correspondence with the DCC Traffic Dept. a speed check was also recently carrried out in the village - we await the findings. DCC also confirmed that there is no fundamental reason why a SID (speed indicating device)could not be located within the village itself, where it would be more useful.
(ii) Minibus to Gardens Sue Melville had arranged this for Monday 14th April 1.30 -4.30pm. Costs amounted to £44.70 for tea and scones while the minibus was provided by Dorset Association for the Disabled. Heather Stevens has loaded a collection of photos on the village hall computer for viewing.
(iii) Cloth of Gold Nothing to report at present
(iv) Auction Sheila Blake has organised 3 x corex boards for advertising this event in the village. She has also sent out approx. 2900 flyers in Abbotsbury, Portesham and Chickerel requesting items to sell and will also follow this up with the same number of flyers advertising the auction itself. An advert has been put in the Chesil Magazine and the Bridport and Lyme Regis News to appear on Thursday 8th May. Posters have been put up in Bridport, Portesham, Burton Bradstock and Dorchester with an email to Wessex FM and the Daily Echo. Jane Burton and Shirley Turner will provide refreshments of tea, coffee and bacon and sausages in rolls. Sheila has appealed for cakes to provide afternoon refreshment and has also purchased tabbards and sashes with the ARC logo to use on the day.
ACTION S.B
(v)Barn Dance. Nothing to report at present
ACTION S.T
(vi) Village in Bloom Chris Brown and Jane Burton have produced a leaflet outlining the competition which they have distributed with literature from Poundbury Garden Centre to homes in Abbotsbury.Our thanks to Poundbury Garden Centre for their generous sponsorship. The winners will be presented their prizes at the July meeting.
ACTION C.B AND J.B
(vii) Plastic Bottles Lynne Wilson contacted various companies but the general response was negative with companies requiring money to take away our plastic waste, however there seems to be an interest in acquiring our plastic bottle tops.
ACTION L.W
(viii) Green Waste Jenny Crocker will apply for lottery funding. However Bec Freiesleben has researched a bio-degradable bin bag which the committee will research further.
(ix) Bulk Purchase of Oil Peter Evans has distributed leaflets advertising the scheme but from the response so far we are only two thirds of our way to achieving our target of 100 customers. Chris Brown suggested we send out further posters and put an advertisement in the Chesil Magazine. Also we could speak to Mary Lou Anderson with a view to advertising in the Daily Echo. Peter Laurie has volunteered to help.
ACTION P.E and P.L
(x) Pub Quiz Chris Brown suggested we give this more thought before proceeding.
(xi) Children's Photos Barbara Laurie suggested we consider this as a project for Easter '09. It is anticipated that we encourage the entire village to take part with sections for children and adults producing either a portrait or landscape.It would also be useful to have a instructive talk from a professional photgrapher to help with compostion. Meanwhile anyone with an unwanted digital camera are asked to donate them to the project.
ACTION B.L and S.T.
9 Proposed Projects
(i) Flute Band? Sue Melville is learning the recorder along with 3 others in order to take part in the next christmas carol concert. Additional volunteers required.
(ii) Eric Turner - village diary nothing to report at this time.
10 New Projects Sue Melville suggested the village become involved in a project to knit 9" squares to form a giant baby blanket. This is a scheme instigated by Oxfam who are hoped to collect a total of 250,000 squares (each square respresenting a mother who did not survive pregnancy or childbirth to be able to care for her baby beause she couldn't access the medical care she needed). We are appealing for both wool and knitters. Sue will organise a coffee morning to inform.
ACTION S.M.
Next Meeting at the Strangways Hall on Wednesday 28th May at 7.30pm.
Abbotsbury Residents Corp
Meeting on 28th May '08
Present
Jenny Crocker, Linda Wilson, Richard Wilson, Sheila Blake, Barbara Laurie, Peter Laurie, Michael and Jane Burton, Sue Melville, Nigel Melville, Dave Stevens, Chris Brown,Shirley Turner.
Apologies
Francesca Radcliffe, Eric Turner, Heather Stevens, Iris Trevitt, Bec Freiesleben, Marie Laywine, Francesca Radcliffe, Mr & Mrs Koberger
Minutes of last meeting
Approved
Matters Arising
(i) Peter Evans now has 100 people interested in the bulk purchase of oil and therefore will begin negociations with oil companies.
(ii) Paul Gower has received permission from the Parish Council to proceed with his application for the removal of the kissing gate at Furlongs Homestead and create a car turning space.
Treasurer's Report
Chris Brown reported that the auction realized a profit of £616.38. ARC's bank balance now stands at a healthy £736.19 in credit.
Post Office Closures
Nigel Melville has been asked by the CBPC to form a 'task force' to put forward a case against the closure of the Post Offices in Abbotsbury and Portesham.
ACTION N.M
Email of ARC Minutes
Our chairman suggests that in future we email minutes of our meetings to members .
ACTION S.B
Current Projects
(i) Auction Sheila Blake reported on a very busy but enjoyable two days. The entire committee was taken up with laying out the halls, accepting incoming goods, cataloging and laying out items for auction. There was a very positive response in terms of the numbers of lots received and members of the public coming along to buy on the day. Our Dukes Auctioneer started proceedings at 2pm and created a good mix of professionalism and bonhomie amongst the assembled bidders. Catering was left in the capable hands of Jane Burton and Shirley Turner who kept the team fortified with 'bacon butties'. Many thanks to the people who brought along cakes for afternoon consumption, to Barbara Laurie who produced our catalogue at a moments notice but a big thank you for all of those who came along to support us. Unfortunately Stephanie and Matthew Read from Fleet Cottage had prior committments but donated £100 to the ARC funds.
(ii) Tubs on the Green No decision made on this at this time.
(iii) Cloth of Gold Nothing to report at present
(iv)Barn Dance. Nothing to report at present
ACTION S.T
(v) Village in Bloom Chris Brown and Jane Burton will organise another leaflet drop in mid June and a banner sponsored by Poundbury Gardens will be erected on the railings at Strangways Hall to remind our local residents of the competition which will be judged between the 2nd and 3rd weeks in July.
ACTION C.B AND J.B
(vi) Green Waste Jenny Crocker has applied for lottery funding but our project is deemed too small. However Martin Gregory (Waste Reduction Officer from West Dorset District Council) has supported our community composting scheme both in the promise of funding and in advising of the many regulations to which we would need to adhere. Meanwhile Jenny has again been in touch with Marcus Scrace from Ilchester Estates with a request for a proposed site. She suggests because of the work involved we may need to set up a composting group.
ACTION P.E and P.L
(vii) Bulk purchase of Oil See Matters Arising.
(viii) Children's Photos Barbara Laurie has received donations of a camera from both Nigel Melville and Everett Koberger for use for this project. Barbara suggests that we hold the competition in May '09 and exhibit our display at the Swan Inn with separate sections for adults and children. However photographs emailed to ARC will be displayed on our wesite until then.
ACTION B.L
(ix) Oxfam Knitted Squares Bec Freiesleben reported that a few residents attended the meeting on 18th May at Stangways Hall for the knitting meeting bringing spare wool and completed squares. Oxfam shops are not collecting the squares and they must be sent to the organiser in Leeds. To cover the cost of postage and hiring the hall etc she is organising a ££££ sale on Saturday 12th July at Strangways Hall 11- 4pm. Any money left over once the squares have been posted will go to ARC for other village projects. She welcomes donations of raffle prizes, cakes and biscuits and also any help on the day. Many thanks go to Pat Hawes who donated a huge quantity of wool, to Veronica at the Ilchester Arms who donated some wine for the raffle and to Nigel Melville for producing the fliers. Also a big thank you to Francesca Radcliffe who donated £50 to this project.
ACTION B.F
(x) Biodegadable Bin Liners Bec Freisleben has researched bio-degradable bin bags further by contacting' Greenpeace' who suggest that it is probably best that we buy recycled plastic bin liners instead. Their reasons being that special crops of GM maize are grown to make the bio-degradable material which diverts from land used for food crops leading to food shortages. To grow large quantities of maize, deforestation may have occurred. She therefore has contacted a company to ask for a sample of their recycled bin liner with a view to bulk buying. Anyone interested in purchasing the bag may leave their name on a sheet at the Post Office.
ACTION B.F
(xi) Flute Band Sue Melville is learning the recorder and is confident of having a group formed in readiness for our Christmas Carol Concert.
ACTION S.M
(xii) Article in Chesil Magazine Peter Laurie has volunteered to produce a monthly update on ARC activities to Mike Freegarde of Chesil Magazine. Whilst in the past we have sent the minutes of our monthly meetings for publication these are now proving to be somewhat protracted.
ACTION P.L
Proposed Projects
(i) Eric Turner - village diary nothing to report at this time.
New Projects Bec Freiesleben suggests we as a community make a rag rug for exhibition at Strangways Hall during its' Arts Week.
AOB Sheila Blake is keen to arrange a Pub Quiz at the Ilchester Arms sometime in the autumn months. However Jenny Crocker pointed out that the landlord already organises such an event every month so therefore may not be practical. Sheila will liaise with the landlord prior to the next meeting.
Next Meeting at the Strangways Hall on Wednesday 25th June at 7.30pm.
Abbotsbury Residents Corp
Meeting on 30th April '08
Present
Ron Sullivan,Jenny Crocker, Linda Wilson, Everett Kohberger, Hazel Evans, Sheila Blake, Barbara Laurie, Peter Laurie, Michael and Jane Burton, Iris Trevett, Heather Stevens, Sue Melville, Nigel Melville, Dave Stevens, Chris Brown, Peter Evans.
Apologies
Francesca Radcliffe, Shirley and Eric Turner
Minutes of last meeting
Ammendment to March minutes.Peter Evans pointed out we need only 100 people to sign up for the bulk oil purchase to make it a viable proposition and not 200 as was quoted in the minutes.
Matters Arising
Post Office Closures. Arc ran an article in the Chesil Magazine stating that the Portesham Post Office was to close which the postmaster confirmed is not necessarily the case. ARC has sent an apology to the Post Master at Portesham and also a letter to the Chesil Magazine.
Treasurer's Report
To date ARC are £85.61 in credit. The insurance has been paid for the whole year. Chris Brown says we must somehow raise a working fund to provide a float for future projects. Hopefully the auction will raise a contingency fund but Chris will look into Barbara Laurie's suggestion that we look at funding bodies to help with finances.
ACTION C.B
Post Office Closures
Nigel Melville informed us that 150 people attended the recent meeting in Portesham and the District Council and the County Council are looking at ways of protecting our post offices along with our local MP. A task force is to prepare arguments against closure but we are all encouraged to email: consultation@postoffice.co.uk. More information can be found on www.postofficeclosures.org.uk
Recent Planning Applications
Our chairman bought to our attention an application from P. Gower to remove the kissing gate on Furlongs Homestead and create a turn around. Interested parties should investigate further and take action as they deem appropriate.
Current Projects
(i) Traffic Mike Burton was particulary concerned about the speed of motorcycles through the village. Following an article in Motorcycle News about a crackdown on illegal motorcycles that included a quote from Dorset police he wrote to Assistant Chief Constable Whiting who responded positively and this was followed up by a visit from our local police. As a result of additional correspondence with the DCC Traffic Dept. a speed check was also recently carrried out in the village - we await the findings. DCC also confirmed that there is no fundamental reason why a SID (speed indicating device)could not be located within the village itself, where it would be more useful.
(ii) Minibus to Gardens Sue Melville had arranged this for Monday 14th April 1.30 -4.30pm. Costs amounted to £44.70 for tea and scones while the minibus was provided by Dorset Association for the Disabled. Heather Stevens has loaded a collection of photos on the village hall computer for viewing.
(iii) Cloth of Gold Nothing to report at present
(iv) Auction Sheila Blake has organised 3 x corex boards for advertising this event in the village. She has also sent out approx. 2900 flyers in Abbotsbury, Portesham and Chickerel requesting items to sell and will also follow this up with the same number of flyers advertising the auction itself. An advert has been put in the Chesil Magazine and the Bridport and Lyme Regis News to appear on Thursday 8th May. Posters have been put up in Bridport, Portesham, Burton Bradstock and Dorchester with an email to Wessex FM and the Daily Echo. Jane Burton and Shirley Turner will provide refreshments of tea, coffee and bacon and sausages in rolls. Sheila has appealed for cakes to provide afternoon refreshment and has also purchased tabbards and sashes with the ARC logo to use on the day.
ACTION S.B
(v)Barn Dance. Nothing to report at present
ACTION S.T
(vi) Village in Bloom Chris Brown and Jane Burton have produced a leaflet outlining the competition which they have distributed with literature from Poundbury Garden Centre to homes in Abbotsbury.Our thanks to Poundbury Garden Centre for their generous sponsorship. The winners will be presented their prizes at the July meeting.
ACTION C.B AND J.B
(vii) Plastic Bottles Lynne Wilson contacted various companies but the general response was negative with companies requiring money to take away our plastic waste, however there seems to be an interest in acquiring our plastic bottle tops.
ACTION L.W
(viii) Green Waste Jenny Crocker will apply for lottery funding. However Bec Freiesleben has researched a bio-degradable bin bag which the committee will research further.
(ix) Bulk Purchase of Oil Peter Evans has distributed leaflets advertising the scheme but from the response so far we are only two thirds of our way to achieving our target of 100 customers. Chris Brown suggested we send out further posters and put an advertisement in the Chesil Magazine. Also we could speak to Mary Lou Anderson with a view to advertising in the Daily Echo. Peter Laurie has volunteered to help.
ACTION P.E and P.L
(x) Pub Quiz Chris Brown suggested we give this more thought before proceeding.
(xi) Children's Photos Barbara Laurie suggested we consider this as a project for Easter '09. It is anticipated that we encourage the entire village to take part with sections for children and adults producing either a portrait or landscape.It would also be useful to have a instructive talk from a professional photgrapher to help with compostion. Meanwhile anyone with an unwanted digital camera are asked to donate them to the project.
ACTION B.L and S.T.
9 Proposed Projects
(i) Flute Band? Sue Melville is learning the recorder along with 3 others in order to take part in the next christmas carol concert. Additional volunteers required.
(ii) Eric Turner - village diary nothing to report at this time.
10 New Projects Sue Melville suggested the village become involved in a project to knit 9" squares to form a giant baby blanket. This is a scheme instigated by Oxfam who are hoped to collect a total of 250,000 squares (each square respresenting a mother who did not survive pregnancy or childbirth to be able to care for her baby beause she couldn't access the medical care she needed). We are appealing for both wool and knitters. Sue will organise a coffee morning to inform.
ACTION S.M.
Next Meeting at the Strangways Hall on Wednesday 28th May at 7.30pm.