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Trustee Selection method. By election, normally at the AGM in May, with powers to co-opt if required. Two trustees, as indicated, are appointed by bodies as specified in the Constitution. There are no custodian trustees.
Section 3 Activities and AchievementsIn 2005 the DCA maintained its established activities with increasing numbers of residents participating. The weekly coffee morning flourishes; 12 editions of Doxey Times were published and distributed; the Fun Day provided exercise and entertainment for Doxey children; we had two Clear Out (recycling) days, a plant sale and our monthly meetings. Village Voices was a groundbreaking project for Doxey and possibly for any community. It culminated in two performances in the spring of the play “Village Voices”; a play about Doxey, written by a professional playwright in collaboration with Doxey people. It was performed by Doxey people with training and support from the Mikron Theatre Company. Local people gained expertise in each of the skills necessary to perform a play, from publicity to set design. The project was funded by national funding bodies and our local District and County Council. Over 100 people took part in some way in putting on the performance and a further 300 participated as audience. In addition the DCA organised 2 theatre trips and provided practical support for the re-enactment of the VJ day celebrations in a nearby community. The experience of Village Voices has led directly to the current Mother Goose project. The pantomime will be performed in April 2006, by Doxey people. Rehearsals began in November 2006 and are now in full swing. The project has attracted funding from local and national bodies. Towards the end of the year two courses were established which are proving to be popular with residents. 43 people have taken part in the Life Support, (resuscitation) Course and the digital photography course is enabling people to improve their skills. Section 4 PoliciesReserves policy In accordance with the new charitable status, the trustees consider the matter of reserves (that is those funds which are freely available, not in restricted funds) at regular intervals. Such reserves are normally in the region of £600-1200, which is adequate. Cash reserves were £621 on 31/12/2004 and had risen to £1409 by 31st December 2005, following the very successful “Village Voices” project. Grant-Making policy Although the DCA is not primarily concerned with making grants from its limited resources, any request for a small grant for a project which would benefit the community and is in line with the objects as outlined in the constitution would be considered by the trustees. An example of this is the grant to buy materials for the Senior Citizens Christmas party, which was given in 2004 and 2005. Investment selection policy The DCA has bank accounts with Barclays plc at Stafford and Stoke (telephone-based accounts). There are two accounts, a current account, called a Community Account, (which does not levy bank charges nor pay interest on balances) and a Premium account which pays a low rate of interest on balances. The trustees consider that these are adequate for normal needs but could be prepared to change the provider if the majority agree and it was felt a change would be of benefit to the DCA. A third account, a Barclays “Tracker” account was opened in March 2005 to take advantage of the much higher rate of interest available on balances of over five thousand pounds during the period when we had received grants for the “Village Voices” project but had not received invoices for payments. This account was closed in November, following payments to suppliers as balances of less than five thousand pounds would not attract interest. Review of major risks The DCA is instituting a risk management strategy with comprises a periodic review of the risks the charity may face, the establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate any risks identified and the implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise. The risk management strategy will pay attention to non-financial as well as financial risks, including the safety and well-being of anyone taking part in any of the activities being managed by the DCA. Section 5 Signature and DeclarationDeclaration: I declare, in may capacity of charity trustee that:
Signed Full Name Joan Moore Date 20th March 2006 Chair's report to the AGM May 2006 This year has seen a growth in the activities of the Community Association, growth both in the number of people taking part, and in the variety of activities that the association has engaged in. The weekly coffee morning meets each Monday and is very well attended by young, old and all stages in between. Thank you to John and Pat Perks for running this facility with their unfailing welcome and good humour. People are asked to make a small contribution to the cost. At this point I wish to acknowledge the contribution of William Sutton Housing Association in providing the hall free of charge, for the coffee morning but also for the Community Association meetings, and events and for their storage of DCA equipment. Our monthly meetings have continued. In September we had Vicky Singleton from Neighbourhood Watch to tell us about the scheme, in January Amy Bowen from the Express and Star attended the meeting and announced her amazement at the number and variety of the DCA's activities. Our August meeting was a social meeting organised by Sally Hems and David Hughes. Once more there have been eleven editions of Doxey Times. Doxey Times is delivered to every home in Doxey thanks to a team of 23 deliverers. A number of people responded to an appeal for more deliverers so no one has a huge round. However volunteers are always welcome even if they can only deliver a few copies. Stephen Moore edits the Doxey Times and has done so since I998. Thank you to Stephen and his editorial team of John Smith and lain Simpson for their commitment. Doxey Times doesn't just stay in Doxey. Copies are sent to many outside bodies that have an interest in Doxey and an extended version is posted on the DCA Website each month. The Doxey Community Association Website has been up and running for over a year. lain Simpson, the webmaster updates it regularly with DCA business materials as well as with notices of events and reports and photographs. Two further clear out days have been well supported and have proved to be valuable recycling events. Thank you to Mike Turner who organised them. Three other Residents/Community Associations having heard of the Clear out days, have approached the DCA about our procedures. We have had two plant sales since the last AGM. Each has provided opportunities for people to buy plants cheaply and also to share their plants with others. At the last plant sale, month we had several visitors from other parts of Stafford who had read of the event in th local papers. Some have become regular visitors. Thank you to the Three Tuns for the use of their premises, to the Doxey gardeners and to DCA helpers for making the plant sale possible. In 2005 the DCA was received a Green Award for its work in promoting environmental awareness in Doxey. Last August we had the Association's third Fun Day. Pat and John Perks organise the event for the younger children in the community. It was well attended by children although we were disappointed that so few parents came either to observe or to help. However the event was well supported by DCA members. Last October David Hughes organised a trip to Blackpool for Doxey residents. A group joined a scheduled trip. The event was so appreciated that David is organising an all Doxey trip for to take place in the Autumn. Two new courses have been introduced since the last AGM. Following on from his involvement with the Village Voices project, Mike Day offered to run a digital photography course in Doxey for Doxey residents. The response from Doxey residents has been enthusiastic and Mike has covered aspects of photography from taking and editing pictures to portrait photography. Since October Dr Darshan Seehra, a Doxey resident, has been leading courses in Life Support. Three sessions are on offer, one on resuscitating adults, another on resuscitating children and infants and a third on helping someone who is choking. Each session lasts for two hours. So far 34 people have completed all three sessions and a further I8 have completed at least one session. The course is free of charge and certificates are awarded to those who complete the sessions. The course is funded by the Community Council of Staffordshire and organised by the Community Association. Our thanks to Dr Seehra and his colleagues for their commitment to the people of Doxey. The Youth Forum has continued to meet during the year and has been represented at each of the DCA monthly meetings. Their plans for a Youth Barn have been on hold pending possible new developments in Doxey. However members of the Youth Forum have helped with most of our events and also in the planning, with the Parish Council, of youth clubs in Doxey. In October 2005 the Stafford film festival commemorated VJ day by recreating a street party in Castletown. The DCA contributed to this event by providing copious quantities of sandwiches and cakes, most of which became inedibly soggy between our party tent, pitched close by, and the hungry children. About 20 Doxey residents attended the showing of the resulting film. As a post script to the community play Village Voices I am pleased to report that each of our sponsors were happy with our use of their donations and congratulated the DCA on the project which one described as ground breaking. The DCA mounted an exhibition of the project at the County Show in June where it attracted much interest. The professional production (the world premiere) of Village Voices took place on 11th June 2005 before a full house at Doxey Church. It had much in common with the Doxey version but the theme of post office closure was developed. A group of Doxey residents went to see the Mikron's other 2005 production at High Offley in the summer. At the end of October 25 Doxey residents attended the final performance of Village Voices in Marsden near Huddersfield. It was an exciting occasion. I was asked by a visitor from Sheffield, Why did they choose Doxey?' My answer was of course, They didn't choose Doxey, Doxey chose them!. We also heard talk of “The Doxey Model'”. No not a local Kate Moss but an example of successful community theatre. Village Voices generated a lot of enthusiasm, fostered a lot of talent and the desire to attempt a production by Doxey people. Anita Sumner and John Smith had both taken major parts in Village Voices and had observed the production process at close quarters. They gathered together a group of volunteers to continue and develop the theatrical life of the village. The aim of The Doxey Players was to achieve a high artistic standard, to include as many residents as they could as actors, singers, crew and audience and to have fun in the process. They selected a script of Mother Goose and rehearsals began in November 2005. They obtained professional input, in the form of training from Mikron, from a stage make-up artist and from a lighting professional. The project was supported with funds from our own Parish Council, from the Staffordshire County Council, from Awards for All and from the Lloyds/TSB Foundation. The performances were appreciated by two full audiences. For I5 residents this was the first village event that they had taken an active part in. In all about 500 people were involved in the production and as audience. The Doxey Players are already talking about the next theatrical venture. Watch this space, and the Doxey Times. The Community Association is also represented on the Tenants' Federation of Stafford and Rural Homes, the Community Council of Staffordshire and the Local Environmental Quality Group. It is affiliated to the Stafford District Voluntary Services and to the Community Council of Staffordshire. Between I997 and 2004 the DCA campaigned for Doxey to have its own Parish Council. In May 2005 we welcomed the inauguration of the Parish Council. Since May 2005 the PC has been working with enthusiasm and with the support of local residents to improve the lives of all who live in the village. There are similarities between the aims of the Parish Council and those of the DCA but it will be important for each organisation to develop its appropriate role. I would like to end on a personal note. This is my last report as chair of the DCA. I wish to thank those people who have given their support to me and to the association over the last 5 years. Because of their commitment, their vision and their sheer hard work the DCA has developed a wide range of activities and encompassed a range of interests and age groups in Doxey. It has also become an exemplar to other communities. We can look forward to its continuing development in the future. Joan Moore
Report of Stafford Borough
Councillors,
I thought it might be useful to explain
a bit about the role of a local councillor which involves working on behalf of
residents to represent you and the Ward. To carry out this responsibility at
Stafford Borough Council. I sit on the Environment and Health Scrutiny, and
Public appeals, Committee and Adam has spent a considerable amount of time and
energy as a “Councillor” Board Member with Stafford and Rural Homes: this is the
organisation that has taken over responsibility of social housing from Stafford
Borough Council. Stafford and Rural Homes was selected as the preferred choice
of Stafford residents of council housing. As a company it has started from
scratch. They have over 6000 residential properties with a combined mortgage of
£I4m. so you can guess at the amount of time this has taken. Carrying out these
committee roles allows us to truly represent residents and ensure a local voice
is heard when considering council business. The Council has maintained the
Council Tax for the Borough at or below the rate of inflation for the last 3
years and still managed to maintain good quality services: it is Adam’s and my
job to make sure Tillington Ward and Doxey are considered in any council
business.
This year has seen us spending a
considerable amount of time working across the Ward either from individual
residents contacting and asking for particular assistance or advice, or
representing the ward through our role as Local Councillors.
Here are some of the highlights:
Play and Sports Facilities. As
you may be aware the play area behind Doxey school has been standing idle for
years since the equipment was burned down. We have been constantly negotiating
with the leisure and open space staff at the Council to get some commitment to
improve this facility and to bring it back to life. So far without any real
developments, even after constantly pointing out the need for improved
facilities in the area. Although there is light at the end of the tunnel: Adam
and I have been involved in discussion with the council who assure us that
former Universal Grinding Wheel factory is subject of a planning application
that will allow new community open space to be developed. At this time the
negotiation is ongoing but hope is there for quality play and leisure facilities
that will match any in Stafford Borough. Our constant pressure is beginning to
pay dividends but we also continue to lobby for the original open space to be
developed.
Stafford Borough Play Scheme.
Last year's summer play scheme run by the council was in danger of not getting a
location to operate from in Doxey. After being approached by residents and the
council play officer, together with a representative of the Parish Council, I
visited the Head Teacher at the school to discuss the situation. Following this
the head teacher offered the premises for the scheme. This is a good example of
Borough and Parish Councillors working together for the good of Doxey.
Parish Council. Both Adam and I
worked hard to get support for the Parish Council against, what was at the time,
very strong opposition within the Council. Both of us believing it brings a new
dimension to a local voice representing Doxey and the example above shows it
really works!
Planning Issues. Keeping an eye
on planning applications and ensuring the voice of residents gets a fair hearing
is a big part of the councillors role and there have been a number of occasions
that we have been involved in such planning matters in Doxey. A number have
needed to be “called-in”. Called-in is just planning jargon for the official
process of getting them properly considered with a local and representative
voice being included and heard. Called-in items mean the application is usually
contentious: but the most contention this year was the proposed erection of a
mobile telephone mast on the Doxey Road. Many people approached us with very
real concerns about safety issues from placing the mast in a residential area
and following our involvement the company withdraw the application.
Ongoing problems. There have been
a number of ongoing problems that have involved us over the year. One of them is
the use of open land by motorcycles causing a nuisance. We have frequently
brought this to the attention of the Police to ensure the issue is being dealt
with and a resolution to the problem being sought. Another is ensuring that the
overall environment is kept clean and tidy, so we have kept the needs of Doxey
high on the agenda of Council's services. Another ongoing issue that we been
involved with is that of Seighford fishing pits: this has caused a real problem
to residents of Doxey for a number of years. The County Councillor for the area,
Mark Winnington, has played a leading role in overcoming this problem and has
now ensured a restricted time scale to the planning application. This should
have the effect of ending this ongoing nuisance for Doxey in the foreseeable
future.
If you have any issues that need our
help please get in touch.
Adam Tedstone
Peter Goodland A Report on Doxey Church for The Community Association AGM 2006. The Vicar, Rev. Paul Thomas, regrets that he is unable to attend the AGM but is pleased to submit this short report. The Government has said that the future of community life in the UK depends upon small voluntary organisations working together to promote their well-being. It is encouraging therefore that in Doxey a few such organisations - the Church, the Parish Council and the Community Association - have begun to develop links and to work in harness. We are conscious that we have very good facilities to offer, especially since the kitchen was refurbished and the heating in the Hall replaced with an efficient system. We are pleased that we were able to host Village Voices last year and more recently to offer a venue for Mother Goose. I believe another Theatre Group are also considering a presentation in the Hall. We hope other events will follow so that the Hall is seen to be at the disposal of the community and not the reserve of churchgoers. On Sunday I8th June a Strawberry Tea will be held in the afternoon - in the Hall if wet, possibly outside on the grass if dry - and if it is feasible we will try to organise a bouncy castle. We are looking at other possibilities such as coffee mornings or light lunches. We have spent a long time discussing and planning the establishment of a Youth Club for teenagers as a joint venture by representatives of the Parish Council, Church and Youth Forum. The first session was held on Monday, 8th May and attracted twenty-seven teenagers who were invited to take part in various games, to discuss a set of rules, and who were given free refreshments. There were eight adults supervising the group and as a result it was contained, but not easily. Any other adult volunteers would be most welcome. In addition we have been exploring the possibility of a football tearn and this venture looks as though it might get underway in September, the team taking part in a Sunday league. Two highlights of the last year were the Christmas Tree Exhibition and the outdoor Christmas Tree. The exhibition facilitated a very enjoyable togetherness for groups and organisations in the community and the Cheese & Wine on the Sunday evening allowed some very interesting conversations to be struck up. Carols round the Christmas Tree ( a Tree jointly paid for by the Church, the Parish Council and the Community Association) drew a large crowd of adults and children and the atmosphere both outside (despite the drizzle) and inside where Santa thrilled the children and we had refreshments was a very worthwhile occasion. We hope such joint ventures will continue and even increase as we seek to serve the people of Doxey, and we look forward to being part of the Doxey Day on July 8th
Paul W. Thomas
Report of the Doxey
Parish Council to the Doxey Community Association, In its first year the Doxey Parish Council has addressed a number of problems raised by Doxey residents. These include: The Doxey drain this has now been dredged and fenced. The Universal 'dump' field. The gate has now been reinstated and the contaminated field is now secure. The sewers from Bradbury Rise to the Universal have now been cleaned out. The Summer Playscheme, which was under threat due to lack of premises went ahead using a mobile building obtained by the Parish Council. The Playing field behind Doxey School has been brought to the attention of the District Council. Work on the gullies in Baxter Green, which are subject to flooding, is now in hand. The need for a building in Doxey for community use. Two possible locations are now being considered. The DPC has supported Doxey organisations through grants: St Thomas' and St Andrew's Church The New Testament Church of God The Doxey Primary School Breakfast Club The Doxey Community Association for the Pantomime. The DPC has launched the drawing up of the Parish Plan. Through this every Doxey resident is given the opportunity to contribute to the future development of our village. The DPC welcomes public participation in its meetings. Meetings are held on the second Thursday in each month. They are held at Doxey primary School at 7pm. 
| Doxey Community Association
Minutes of the meeting held on 14th June 2006
Present :- Isabella Davies , Stephen Moore , Joan Moore, Gill Smith, Sally Hems, Nigel Barnett, Pat Perks, John Perks, John Peel, Denise Peel, Anita Sumner, Jane Essex, David Hughes and Mike Turner. Apologies: Tunga Muzangaza.
| Doxey Community AssociationMinutes of the meeting held on 13th July 2005 Present: Nigel Barnett, Tom Beach, John Corcoran, Susan Corcoran, Isabella Davies, Sally Hems, David Hughes, Sarah Moody (SMo), Joan Moore, Stephen Moore (SM), Denise Peel, John Peel, John Perks, Pat Perks, Darshan S Seehra, Mike Turner, Alistair Wray Apologies: Michelle Elliot, Sue Fox, Barbara Simpson Minutes of the meeting held on 8th June 2005 Approved as a correct record 2. Matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 8th June 2005 Clear Out Day A gentleman from Highfields who visited Doxey and saw the advert for the cot in Doxey Times came and took it away. SM reported that he has found information on a similar scheme based in Stoke-On-Trent and a web-based initiative; he will give a full report at the September meeting Green Award An application, similar to those in previous years (with additional information about Village Voices) has been submitted Litter Pickers Those who requested litter pickers at the last meeting can collect them from JM 3. Youth Forum No one was in attendance to give a full report, however the group have been unable to meet due to exams and participation in taster courses. 4. Life Support Project Dr Darshan Seehra, who lives on The Ridgeway in Doxey, presented an initiative to the group. In response to concerns that there is little for young adults to do in Doxey, he felt energies could be channelled into a positive activity and offered to provide (with support from other local qualified professionals, including his wife who is a nurse) basic life support training, based on a tried and tested methodical approach of teaching. It would be a one off session (one to two hours long, depending upon numbers) in which people aged over 16 (but will include mature 12-16 year olds) learn how to give mouth-to-mouth and use the recovery position, etc (it will run more than once on different dates in response to demand, refresher sessions are also recommended). The course will be certificated, which will boost confidence and look impressive on a CV. Funding advice has been provided by neighbours; employed by the County Council and Community Council. The meeting gave the idea its full support and JM suggested setting up a working group once funding was secured. This group will include young people to ensure that promotion is done in the most appropriate way to attract them. SC, DP and SMo offered to be involved in this group; others said they would attend a class. It was suggested that sessions be held in both main community locations, the Church and the William Sutton Centre to attract a wider audience. 5. Parish Council The Parish Council are already achieving great things, including arranging for lights to be fixed in Broadmeadow Croft and enabling the re-starting of the summer play scheme, which will operate during the summer holidays at the school. There will be three sessions per day for four weeks. The next meeting of the Parish Council will be in mid-August. 6. Report on Village Voices The event was very well attended, by about 180 people. Mikron were happy with the way everything went and have since done a number of performances in the South Midlands where it was received very well. Everyone agreed that they had enjoyed it and that the show was a credit to Mikron and to Doxey. BS will give a full financial report at the September meeting now that all documentation has been sent to and approved by Arts Council England, West Midlands. A car share is available to see the other Mikron show, Wheel of Fortune in High Offley on the 24th August. Six people have expressed their interest so far and anyone else wishing to attend should contact JM. 7. Programme for 2005 Fun day will take place on Saturday 20th August. No additional equipment is required, but SC will look into whether the church has a Parachute. PP and JP asked for volunteers to help supervise on the day, parents have also been invited to attend. NB offered the help of some students who will be staying with him at the time. Help is particularly needed with the putting up of the party tent at around midday. The police have been asked to attend and they have said they hope to join in! DH has 18 interested, 10 definites and 8 people who have paid deposits for the trip to Blackpool Illuminations. He is hopeful that by the end of the month there will be more interest, but if numbers are limited, those who have paid deposits and expressed keen interest will be able to attend a coach company organised trip instead, to avoid disappointment. The next Clear Out Day will take place on the 2nd October. Volunteers were asked to attend to help MT 8. Doxey Times Blackpool Illuminations trip Play scheme Fun day reminder High Offley trip to see Wheel of Fortune Advert for the video version of the Village Voices performance A reminder about summer holiday issues, such as litter dropping and safety Date of the next Parish Council meeting Next DCA meeting – the social event in August The playgroup will be approached to see if they would like to advertise in the next issue. ME suggested that small adverts be placed in Doxey Times for unwanted goods as she has had a number of queries about large items of furniture which could be of use to others. This method works well on a notice board at the William Sutton Centre. Alternatively people could call the Furniture Exchange on 01785 606674 for free collection. All information to be included in the August edition should be sent to SM by 22nd July 9. Correspondence The monthly community matters mailing has arrived with the newsletter, which SM recommended people look at if they want ideas for community action. Also enclosed was a nomination form for the Year of the Volunteer. The closing date for nominations however is 18th July JM has received a mailing about Connexions, the one-stop shop for young people, anyone wishing to read it should contact JM JM had also received a letter from SC as treasurer for the Parish Church thanking the Community Association for full payment for the use of the church during the Village Voices rehearsals and performances 10. Any Other Business AW has asked a number of people whether they would be interested in starting a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme (NHW). The response was very positive, but people would like to know what is involved before committing. MT suggested contacting the Staffordshire Police NHW Co-ordinator. ID is a co-ordinator for her street and looks after 20 houses. They monitor any unusual activity and report incidents. SM pointed out that some companies would give a reduction on premiums if you live in a NHW area. JM suggested inviting a NHW representative to speak at an autumn meeting. There are still very few low-level buses operating on the number 6 route at peak times. NB has enquired and has been advised by the Council that there are no current plans to introduce them on all runs at this time. Residents have questioned why fares have risen so much if there will be no improvement to services. Concerns were also recorded following the closure of Doxey Post Office, increasing the reliance of some people on bus travel into the town centre. SH had seen signs on the buses stating that low-level buses would be operational from 8th May 2005, but they are infrequent and used in the main part on a Sunday when the bus service extends to Telford. JM suggested selecting a day and monitoring the times and types of buses operating AW suggested a litter pick. This will take place on Monday 8th August. Volunteers to meet at the William Sutton Centre at 6pm, all equipment will be provided (gloves and pickers, etc.) The church will be open from 11.30 until 12.30 on 14th July for people wishing to remember those killed and injured in the London Bombings. A two-minute silence will be observed at midday The young people who performed the rap at the beginning of the community performances of Village Voices entered the Stafford Borough Raw Talent Competition and won. The Community Association wish to pass on their thanks and congratulations. 9. Date of next meeting The social event will take place on Wednesday 10th August 2005. No formal business will be conducted. Refreshments will be organised by DH and SH
| Doxey Community Association
Present: Stephen Moore, Joan Moore, Gill Smith, Sally Hems, Nigel Barnett, Pat Perks, John Perks, John Peel, Anita Sumner, David Hughes, Mike Turner, John Corcoran, Sue Corcoran, Jane Essex and Tunga Muzangaza Apologies for absence: Adrian Venables, Denise Peel and Gill Smith Minutes of the last meeting The minutes from the last meeting were accepted. Feedback from Trustees meeting The trustee meeting was held on Wednesday 2nd August ’06 it was attended by Anita Sumner, Rob Belcher, Pat Perks, Stephen Moore and Tunga Muzangaza. The meeting discussed the Doxey Day proceeds of £139.44. It was decided that the proceeds should be set aside, to accumulate with other proceeds from DCA activities, in preparation for a donation to a specific group. It was also decided that the Senior Citizens Christmas meal will go ahead on a budget of £80. Feedback on events: Indian Dance Workshop: The event was attended by 22 people. The event was an hour long and it comprised of a demonstration, information on the Indian culture and dance routines and then a practical workshop allowing participates to try out some of the steps. The facilitator will apply for a grant from the Art’s Council, to fund future free workshops. The last event was funded by Culture Gen. Forthcoming events: Etruria Café Theatre Workshops: Anita Sumner is awaiting contact from the drama group regarding the workshops schedules for September. Blackpool trip: To date 33 people have registered an interest in the trip, and of them 27 have confirmed and paid for the tickets. However due to a pricing error from Happy Day Coaches, there is a shortfall of £52, which David Hughes planned to pay for. It was proposed that the DCA should refund David Huges £52, DCA member attending the meeting agreed to the proposals. Mrs Brunel by Mikron: Mikron are scheduled to perform the play in September. It had been previously agreed by the DCA members that no tickets are to be sold for the event, instead, the audience will be asked to make donations on the day. The cost of the performance to be paid by the DCA is to be confirmed by Jane Essex, either £300 or £600, to be discussed at the next meeting Doxey clear out day: Further information is to be requested from Mike Turner. Senior Citizens Christmas Meal: The Youth Forum was approached to help organize the event; however they declined the offer citing Sue Fox’s departure and the lack of a replacement preventing the youth forum’s participation. DCA trustees have agreed an £80 budget for the event.
Doxey Players: The group held a meeting on Monday 17th July ’06 in the Doxey Arms function room. The group consisted on John Smith, Anita Sumner, Denise Peel and Terry Williams. The plans for a performance in October 2006 have been cancelled; instead the group has decided to perform a pantomime in April 2007, followed by a play by the adult actors in September 2007. A read through of the proposed pantomime scripts will be held on Monday the 21st August ‘06, in the Doxey Arms function room at 7pm. Doxey Parish Council: The footpath along Doxey Road is in the process of being elevated from the Doxey Stores to 247 Doxey Road. This has been conducted by the DPC through the Staffordshire County council. Youth Forum: Sue Fox has not been replaced. The Youth Club has been closed for the summer holidays and will reconvene when the school term begins. Doxey Times: As mentioned in the minutes of last weeks meeting, John Smith has taken over the editorial role of the Doxey times. He has requested that prewritten articles be submitted for the Doxey times. The DCA are also looking for someone who could deliver the Doxey Times to the various distributors in Doxey distributor. It would take approximately 1 ½ hrs each a month and the process includes batching the Doxey Times and on occasions distribution of paper to cover distributors who are away. Items to be included in the next edition of Doxey Times: The Mikron Visit 24th of September Parish plan meeting to be held on the 09/09/2006 at the Church of Saint Andrew’s and Thomas. A meeting is to be held on the 26/09/2006 with Juliet Prince and Di Powell to discuss policing in Doxey now and in the future. An up-date of the situation of the Doxey play group. Correspondences: Etrurian Café: Jane Essex distributed an evaluation form for the theatre group, which they require to obtain funding. The forms were distributed to DCA members who attended the play on Monday 10th July ’06. These members are John and Sue Corcoran, John and Pat Perks, Sally Hems, Joan and Stephen Moore, Denise Peel, and the Smith family. Anti Social Behaviour: Anita Sumner received an e-mail detailing the availability of Anti Social Behavioural grant, which the DCA can apply for to fund projects the help tackle anti social behaviour. Friend of Victoria Park: A letter was received by Joan Moore from the friends of Victoria Park, detailing the Agenda of their next AGM. Land Development Framework: For further information see Steven Moore Any Other Business: The Church of Saint Andrews and Thomas is to hold lunch’s on trial basis, on a Thursday between 12 noon and 2pm and will be available to all. The lunches will be prepared and be available from the Church. These lunches will be held on a trial basis for the month of August. The first lunch meeting proved popular as 14 people attended.
| Minutes of the meeting held on 13th September 2006
Apologies: John Corcoran, Sue Corcoran, Denise Peel, John Peel, Stephen Moore, Joan Moore and Sally Hems. Absent: Pat and John Perks. Minutes of the last meeting: Minutes of the last meeting held on Wednesday 9th August 2006 were accepted. Adjustments necessary were to attendants list of that meeting, Terry Strickland was added and Gill Smith was deleted.
A list will be distributed at the beginning of the meeting, to mark members present at the meeting. Evaluation and Evolution of DCA:A debate began discussing the roles and responsibilities of the Trustees and the committee members, From the debate the following issues arouse;
As a result the debate, the association’s constitution will be distributed to committee members together with the minutes of this meeting (11th September 2006), to facilitate a debate to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Trustees and the committee members. There was also a review of DCA events held this year. The first being Doxey Day, where it was expressed that, there should be an improvement in the selecting a suitable date and advertising of the event, and also assess the possibilities of a bar (including obtaining a limited license). The day could also possibly involve a cadet’s band. Other events discussed included the Mother Goose Pantomime, and the august committee meeting which involved an open invitation to Doxey residents. Overall it was felt that Doxey events required better advertising and marketing. Future events in Doxey: It was suggested that there should be more events for 9 – 11 years age group. Activities could include, Art, Drama the pantomime scheduled for April 2007, and the Etrurian Café theatre workshops. It was suggested that such events could be advertised at the school. The Doxey Parish Council will meet with representatives from The Stafford Borough Council and the Staffordshire County Council regarding the extension of the Doxey Primary of School play fields to include play fields behind the Doxey Primary School. It was noted that some time be set aside during the monthly meeting for the discussion of future Doxey events. Financial Report:The current financial position of the DCA is as follows:
The grant of £1370 for the Life Support programme had been split as follows, £410 on equipment, £500 on advertising, £360 on hiring of the Hall, £100 on refreshments. It was suggested that the printing of the Doxey Times could be done through Doxey Parish Council.
Feedback:Blackpool Trip:A total of 36 people attended the trip. Despite the rain the trip was enjoyed by all, as David Hughes received calls of thanks. There were enquires about future Blackpool trips next year, which is schedules to be part of DCA activities in the forthcoming year. For this to happen the following should be considered, with 36 people attending, this was 13 people short of a full coach, which would allow a £195 discount to be obtained, thus reducing the price of the trip to £10.50 per person.
Forthcoming Events:Etrurian Café theatre workshops:There are 9 hours of workshop time offered by Etruria. The workshops have been scheduled to run on Saturdays’ in November. Mikron “Mrs. Brunel”:The performance of Mrs. Brunel will be on Sunday the 24th of September at 2pm, at Saint Andrews and Thomas Church Hall. David Hughes has offered to help with the refreshments. It has been agreed that there will be no charge for Mikron instead seek donations of £4 - £5 from the audience. Clear Out Day:This will be coordinated by Mike Turner on Sunday the 1st of October from 1pm – 3:30pm at the William Sutton Centre. Either Joan Moore or Michelle will open the William Sutton Centre on the day. Residents attending the clear out day are being advised not to bring paint, oil and electrical goods. Senior Citizen Christmas Meal:DCA are currently looking for an organizer for the Christmas meal. This will be advertised in the Doxey Times. Reallocation of Life Support Project:The next life support course will be held on Tuesday 19th of September. As the funding for the programme has run out, it was proposed and seconded, that extra funding for the project should be sort by the DCA. The chairman will obtain the necessary grant application forms. Darshan (who runs the programme) will be approached to see if there are other courses he can undertake. A co-coordinator for the life support project will be required, and advertised in the Doxey times Youth forum:There was no report from the Youth forum.
Report from the Parish Council:Parish Plan:The Parish plan is still in progress. The 3D model of Doxey was put on display in the church on Saturday9th September and Sunday 10th September 2006, 40 to 50 people attended, this included a few new Doxey residence.
Policing in Doxey now and in the future:A meeting will be held on Tuesday 26th of September 2006 at 6pm with Juliet Prince.
Doxey Times:Items to be included on the Doxey Times are as follows; Doxey Youth club helpers required, to help with organizing. Doxey Pantomime advertising for helpers Coffee mornings Clear out day Correspondences:Road Protestors:Leaflets on the campaign against the
expansion of the M6, and post cards addressed to Douglas Alexander MP
Secretary of State for Transport. It was suggested that a representative from GAME and representative from Council should be invited to Doxey to hold a public meeting, involving the community association and the DPC (Doxey Parish Council). This meeting will be held for 30 mins to 1 hour, where the guests will be invited to debate on the pros and cons of the expansion of the M6. Partnership Plus:Invitation to the AGM to take place on 18 September 2006, at the Gate House at 4:45pm beginning with a buffet, and 5:30 pm meeting will begin for 1 -11/2 hours. David Hughes has put himself forward for the meeting Culturegen:Leaflet on Victoria Pleasure Grounds, events held on 9 – 10 of September 2006. Heritage open days:Open day held between 7 – 10 September 2006, for heritage sights around Staffordshire.
Skills Base:
Firm Footing and Biodiversity magazine with topics including: Energy Issues, Cycling and the planned cyclist way in Stafford. Leaflets on Social Care & Health: Leaflets on the Recruitment and Awareness Open Day 22nd September 10am – 3pm at St Georges Hospital
Any Other Business:
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| Amended : 23-12-09 | TOP |
