ACT MINUTES - 17th June 2008

ACKLINGTON COMMUNITY TEAM - MINUTES OF A TEAM MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 17TH JUNE 2008

Present: June Davison (JuD); John Davison (JoD); Alison Sharpe (AS); Violet Currie (VC); Sharon Thorpe (ST); Lorna Budge (LB); Bill Rowntree (WR); Barbara King (BK); Louise Hall (LH); Bob Smailes (BS); Isobel Lillie (IL)
Apologies: Jeff Watson (JW); David Currie (DC)
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The meeting was opened by Louise who thanked everyone for holding the fort and a job well done during the past few weeks during both her and Barbara’s absence. JoD thanked Louise on behalf of all team members for the excellent Soiree held at her house on 12th June. BK thanked LB for taking over as secretary and doing a tremendous job. JoD asked BK if she would be willing to take on the role of publicity. BK agreed providing she wasn’t met with the same hassle encountered previously. The previous minutes were read and agreed and only one matter arose:-

• ST said that Lenny Welch had very kindly given her some very large notice boards that could be displayed in the village to publicise future events. The team are very grateful to Lenny Welch for coming to the assistance of ACT.

TREASURER REPORT At the end of these minutes.

VILLAGE TUBS AND PLANTS Leaflets had been distributed to every household in the Parish asking for any help or information possible in catching the current plant thief/thieves and asking parishioners to keep an eye out for any other acts of theft. This matter has been reported to the Police (who have been round the village investigating) and an article has also appeared in the Northumberland Gazette and The Pelican. In total the cost of the theft of these shrubs amounted to between £100 and £150. BK suggested that cheap bedding plants should be used in future but VC was adamant that we shouldn’t let the thief/thieves get the better of us. BS has kindly said he would donate 8 small conifers and some spare bedding plants he has that could be planted in some of the tubs in the village for which he was thanked for his generosity. IL suggested that the new nursery at Widdrington could be a good place to purchase good quality reasonably priced plants. VC has offered to re-paint the large green tubs that have now become rather weathered.

PLANNED EVENTS

Quiz Night 20th September 7.30p to start at 8pm – VC and ST offered to have a go at devising the quiz questions. The entry fee would be £2 per person with a maximum of 6 per team. A raffle would be included. Refreshments to be brought in by individuals for their own consumption. BK would organise publicity in The Pelican, and leaflet drop.

40’s/50’s Night 22nd November – This will be discussed further nearer the time.

Ceilidh 7th February 2009 – A Valentine theme was suggested and approved. BS will enquire about a band for the evening.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
 ST said that the sports club will start up again on Friday 12th September. BK will include this in the leaflet.

 Mention was made that a letter should be sent to Acklington Prison thanking them for the planted up mini wheelbarrows, tubs and plants which they donated for the national Village of the Year. Letter sent by BK on 22 June 2008.
 VC suggested the purchase of a large coffee machine, which could be used by any group that uses the hall. Currently, many kettles have to be boiled in order to keep on top of the demand. Agreed and VC will look at costings.
 LH said that it was not now possible to obtain the microphone equipment she had hoped for and it was felt essential that a PA system of some sort should be available, particularly for quiz nights. BS says he may be able to help.
 AS reminded us all that the school was still collecting tokens from The Journal to claim cash for schools and asked if everyone could help if possible and give the tokens wither to the school or herself.
 BK advised that stocks of stationery were running very low and asked for permission to purchase white paper, coloured card, laminating pouches, Lever Arch Binder and A4 plastic pockets. Agreed. Stationery received and a box of A4 white paper has been put by the photocopier.
 JoD spoke about the Acklington Parish Website giving a financial breakdown and each team member was given a copy of the breakdown. There is still money left to be spent before the end of July. JoD had already made out 2 letters to each organisation (1 about if they want or do not want to undertake website training for their own organisation and the other with a cheque for £75 to spend as they wish to help enhance their organisation on the website). Depending on responses it is intended to hold a training session for all interested parties. The venue, time on training, group or one to one training will depend upon how many wish to take up the offer. BK has e-mailed all ACT members asking if they wish to undertake website training.
 VC spoke about how far planning had gone so far for the Community Garden (a meeting had already been held on 23rd June with representatives from within the Parish). Basically, planning will be for a grassed area, garden area and grassed play area all being fenced in and a small access gate just off the present car park for access. A small paved patio area is proposed to be installed from the beginning edge of the hall upto the extension on the west side of the hall building, which will not come within the new area but will be large enough to accommodate a seating area.

Next Meeting WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 1930 (PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME)

There being no further business Louise closed the meeting.