Minutes, 27th September 2005
Chair: David Foster -Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell – Tel: 01788 33796
Minutes of an ordinary meeting held at Hamilton House on 27th September 2005
Present: David Foster, John Burrell, Nicholas Wharton, Sally Wolanski, Eileen Cowan, Mala Solanki, Enid Blencowe, Peter Jackson, Andrew Cowan, Joan Nyilasy, Lionel Broughton, Gillian Brown, Geoff Wilde, Chris McGaffney, Jeremy Wright MP, Tim Margerison, Anne Clarke, Sheena Corbett, Martin Eversfield, Joyce Carter, Tony Woffenden, Pat Clarke, Derek Hillman, Sue Hillman, Gloria Lawley-Ord, Jack Lawton, Paul Tolley, Cliff Dennis.
Apologies: Daphne Johnson, Clem Griffiths, Diane Enefer, Robin Richter, Desiree Lambert, Joanne Roberts, Chris Holman, Krys Pietrecki, Brian Edwards, Harold, Mossop, Pam Jones.
Correspondence: A letter of resignation from the Committee, from Steve Bunyan was read out to the Forum by David. Steve has now commenced further education.
ACTION: John - letter to be sent thanking Steve for all of his efforts. JB
Black History Month.
David circulated information regarding what’s on at the Library including their arrangements to celebrate Black History Month which is October every year in the UK.
Contact from Harry Mossop.
David contacted Harry after a motorist parked on the pavement. Harry contacted the owner of the vehicle and has advised the driver not to do so again. The police are cooperating with the Forum in addressing issues that are reported.
ACTION: Forum members to ensure that any parking offences are reported. ALL
Jack stated that the inconsistency of the policing of traffic offences and those parking on and cycling along pavements. Jeremy Wright stated that the fact that the law is not being enforced is regrettable and will only be redressed by greater police presence.
Jack stated that the role of the community police officers should be reviewed to enable them to address the many issues that are not being tackled.
ACTION: Jeremy Wright said that he would contact the Chief Inspector of Rugby Police. JW
David suggested that the actions of the Borough Council and the planning of cycle ways etc. need to be considered also and urged Jeremy to speak to the Chief Exec of Rugby Borough Council.
It was asked whether it was legal to ride a mobility scooter on the road. David responded that scooters must have working lights, indicators and that it is advisable to have an 8 mph scooter. David also advised on that scooters should not exceed 4 mph on the pavement.
Presentation by Nicholas Wharton.
Nicholas outlined that there are 450 voluntary & community organisations in Rugby and that it is the 4th largest employer of staff. The sector raises £9 for every £1 received from Statutory funders. The total wage value for all volunteer work in the sector including management committees is worth £4.3 million. Nicholas explained that several national charities choose to have their headquarters based within Rugby Borough.
Nicholas gave a history of how we have come to have a Voluntary & Community Sector which nowadays employs a massive workforce and significantly contributes to the economy of the country.
The Forum thanked Nicholas for his presentation.
Minutes of last meeting agreed as correct
Matters arising:
Martin has written again to Network Rail and will keep the committee informed.
Secretary’s Report:
The Committee met a few weeks ago, the main issue discussed was handing over Steve’s work. The Committee will meet monthly to inform and compile the agenda. John explained that each committee member has an area of responsibility. The committee will meet on the second Tuesday of every month in future after the next committee meeting on Wednesday
Treasurers Report (Sue Hillman).
See Attached.
David asked for permission to shutdown the table top sale account and amalgamate this with the normal account. This was agreed by all present.
Jack’s Report
See Attached.
Jack also reported that he has been in contact with Briony Chamberlain who has taken over as managing Director of Stagecoach. She has agreed to give a presentation to the Forum in January.
Paul ’s Report.
See Attached.
Social Function.
An evening social function is planned to celebrate the hard work of all Forum members in November at the Brewers Faye near Junction 1 of the M6. David reported that a 3 course meal is available for £11.50 per head.
£250 will be set aside to subsidise the meal costs for any member of the Forum who may require it. Travel costs can also be covered to Brewers Faye. Anyone wanting a subsidy or travel costs covering needs to contact David Foster on 01788 544991
Up to 70 people can be accommodated and David invited the Forum members present to agree a date and time for the meal.
Meal set for Friday 11th November 7:30pm at the Brewers Faye near Junction 1 of the M6.
ACTION: All people wanting to attend please have a look at the menus and let David know what meal orders are and make payment to David on or by the AGM. David Foster 01788 544991
Access Guide.
£5000 has been negotiated from Rugby Borough Council to produce an Access Guide to Rugby. Tim Margerison has spent a lot of time on compiling some information to produce the guide. David asked for a subcommittee of people to be formed to support Tim in drawing up a list of accessible venues.
Volunteers: David Foster, Anne Clarke, Sue Hillman, Jack Lawton, Andrew Cowan, Mala Solanki, Martin Eversfield & Ian Haxford, Gloria Lawley Ord, Pat Clarke, Clem Griffiths, Marion Hersey, Tony Woffenden & Joyce Carter.
Jack recommended that the group and Tim should meet to plan and discuss the auditing for the guide. It was agreed to meet on Thursday 29th September, at 9-30 at the Town Hall, Committee Room 2.
ACTION: Tim to bring some more access forms to all Access Group Members. TM
Date of Next meeting: 25th October (AGM)
Page last updated: November 8, 2005