Minutes of meeting held on 13th October 2004
Present: John Corcoran (JC), Susan Corcoran (SC), Isabella Davies (ID), Michele Elliott (ME), Sally Hems (SH), David Hughes (DH), Sarah Jessop (SJ), Joan Moore (JM), Stephen Moore (SM), John Perks (JP), Pat Perks (PP), Barbara Simpson, Gill Smith (GS), Mike Turner (MT)
Young people: Annabel, Chloe, Christine, Hayley, John, Jordan, Scott, and Scott
Apologies: Joyce Beach (JB), Tom Beach (TB), Iain Simpson, and Robert Simpson
Approved as a true record.
Anti-social behaviour
We were urged to keep reporting crimes as problems are persisting around the church and an incident at the church on the 12th October had led to a police patrol on the 13th October. Two other issues were raised, the first about using the church as a meeting place while services were taking place. This had led to the confiscation of a spade after it had been used to hit the church, the spade was returned to a responsible adult. Alternative places further from the building were recommended. The other related to cyclists with no lights and disregard for basic road safety. The young people at the meeting suggested reporting the incidents to the police, council and school head teachers. Drivers were criticised for disregarding zebra crossings and parking on double yellow lines on Doxey Road making it difficult to cross safely in some places.
Parish Council Campaign
As yet there is no further update
Mikron bid
As yet there is no further information, but a decision will be made no later than the end of October.
M6 Proposal
People were urged to voice their opinions by 21st October deadline, whether in favour of an expressway, an alternative or more sustainable transport. A protest will be held in the town centre on Saturday 16th Octobe
There will be a public meeting to discuss the future plans of the forum on Friday 22nd October at 7pm in the church hall. DCA will be represented and David Kidney will be attending.
There have been requests to re-start the drop in club. There are three volunteers (SH, DH & GS) another is required and a back up team to cover when required, volunteers should see GS. Sue Fox is negotiating the restart of the play clubs for younger children.
Stafford Borough Council (SBC) have cut the grass, levelled the land and are currently re-seeding bald patches, the goal posts will be re-painted in good weather. SBC requested that everyone ensure it is cared for to help with long-term maintenance. Some young people would like a large slide and others had seen people cutting down trees in the area. The problem of dog fouling was noted and an enquiry about the younger children’s play area was received. The space outside the Sutton Centre is for small children and is open when ME is in the office.
There had been no specific progress on this, but courses are beginning. A 12-week Word Processing course starts on 02/11/04. It is between 7 and 9 on Tuesday evenings and costs £5. No booking is required, just turn up at school. Yoga and keep fit are also happening at the Universal Social Club.
Clear out day To be held on Sunday, 7th November at the Sutton Centre from 1pm. MT is organising the event.
Lights Switch on There was a request that The Doxey Arms be approached to host the village Christmas tree again. It was suggested that there could be a procession from the Christmas tree to the Church on the first Sunday of Advent (28th November 2004). This was felt to be a good way of welcoming the new vicar. JM to ask Doxey Arms landlord and Mick Johnson about transport for the procession.
Outings Several possibilities were discussed: DH is investigating the cost of a trip to Blackpool Illuminations with Happy Days Coaches. Further trips may be organised in the spring if there is demand.
The following subjects were suggested for inclusion in the November issue.
Road safety issue
Help at Drop In request
The parish council decision
The senior citizens Christmas meal
Firework law changes
Clear out day reminder
New Vicars induction and special service
There has been a new request to advertise in the Doxey Times, this will be discussed at the next meeting.
Craft Workshops are on at Playaway on Saturday 30th October. They cost £5 all welcome.
A Green Award has been presented to DCA for our efforts
A document about the future of planning has been received. SM will look through it and make comments for feedback at the next meeting
A wall has been knocked down in Greensome Lane, the matter will be investigated
Mark Smith made a request for funding for the Christmas lunch. DCA agreed to give £70.
A Charitable Status and Responsibilities course is being provided by Stafford District Voluntary Services. JM to represent DCA.
The Post Office closed six-months ago. DCA have been informally monitoring hardships and it was felt to support helpful anecdotal comments a formal survey and report should be produced. A separate meeting will be arranged.
Treasurers update: DCA currently hold (at 13/10/2004) £488 in the current account and £203 in the deposit /savings account.
Floral Displays are being created in public locations throughout the Borough; organisations have been invited to have their logos planted in flowerbeds. JM will request PP's ducks be one such display.
The status of a Planning Application for the land behind Universal Grinding remains unconfirmed. The land between the crescent and the railway is also being cleared.
A ‘Commended’ Green Award has been received from SBC for the environmental and sustainable community efforts of the Community Association. SH painted a metal plate to commemorate last years award and will be invited to do so again this year.
Advertising on the web will be discussed at the next meeting when the Doxey Times advertising issue is discussed
Wednesday, 10th November at 7.00 pm at the Sutton Centre