Venue: Seabank Room, Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre, 38 East CLyde Street, Helensburgh
Contact: Theresa McLetchie - Tel: 01436 657621
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Apologies Minutes: The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made around the table. Apologies for absence were intimated from:- Alastair Macbeth Morevain Martin Iain Wilkinson Josie Slater |
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The Minute of the previous Duchess Woods Committee meeting held on 18 May 2016. Minutes: The Minute of the previous meeting which was held on 18 May 2016 was approved as a true record. There were no matters arising. |
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ENGAGEMENT WITH SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY Minutes: The Chair reported that Eileen Kay had resigned from the Duchess Wood Local Nature Reserve Committee and that Wendy Brownlie, Education Officer for Helensburgh and Lomond would endeavour to attend meetings, depending on her availability. Charlie Cairns advised that there was no update and that during the school holidays there had been no activity Decision: The Committee noted the update. |
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Friends of Duchess Wood Reports Reports by Friends of Duchess Wood (to follow). Minutes:
(Reference: Community Engagement Report and FODW Newsletter by Stewart Campbell, Chair Friends of Duchess Wood dated August 2016, submitted). |
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Draft Five-year Management Plan - October 2016-September 2021 Report by Chair, Friends of Duchess Wood (to follow). Minutes: The Committee gave consideration to the draft 5-year Management Plan and Stewart Campbell advised that he had reviewed comments he had received and had made several amendments to the document. He tabled several maps for the Committee to consider. The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, commended the hard work and effort undertaken by Stewart. Decision The Committee agreed : 1. The finalised Plan; and 2. That this would be submitted to the October meeting of
the Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee for approval. (Reference: Draft Management Plan by Stewart Campbell, Chair Friends of Duchess Wood, tabled). |
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WIAT Funding application Report by Manager, Lower Clyde Greenspace (to follow). Minutes: The Committee considered an update on issues relating to the
Woodlands In and Around Towns (WIAT) application. Charlie Cairns highlighted that briefs had been forwarded to
3 companies, but unfortunately there had not been any uptake received. He
continued that, under the circumstances, he had instigated a draft application
for submission and requested that the Committee endorse this approach to enable
the sub-committee to proceed with a formal application. Discussion continued in regards the potential to work with
ACT to delivers some elements of the work, although it was pointed out that
there was some uncertainty about their employability funding beyond October. David Lewin reported on recent difficulties in trying to
make contact with Lockwood Forest Services. He had eventually made contact and
advised that while it was still planned to undertake the self-funding sycamore
project, it was currently on hold. He would provide an update at the November
meeting. Decision The Committee agreed: 1. To
endorse the draft application devised by Charlie Cairns; and 2. That
the sub-committee would proceed with a formal application for WIAT funding; and 3. That
David Lewin would provide an update regarding the self-funding sycamore project
for the November meeting
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Argyll and Bute Council Maintenance and Financial update Report by Amenity Performance Manager. Minutes: The Committee gave consideration to reports from the Amenity Performance Manager which provided information on the maintenance regime for the wood and also an update on the financial position. Several concerns were raised which included:- Ø The need to empty bins at Rhu Road Higher Ø Planings to be used to fill pot holes with the car park Decision The Committee agreed: 1. To note the report, and 2. That the Amenity Performance Manager would review the
issues highlighted at the meeting. (Reference: Report by the Amenity Performance Manager dated 23 August 2016, submitted). |
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Potential Dog Training Event Minutes: The Committee gave consideration to the potential dog event and various suggestions were put forward. Decision The Committee agreed:- 1. To
hold a small event on Sunday, 9 October in the Pony Field,
Duchess Wood which would include contributions from the dog trainer,
Environmental Wardens and Friends of Duchess Wood, with parking support
potentially offered by Lomond School; and 2. That
the Chair would instigate contact with the Dogs Trust to ascertain if they
could provide support for the event; and 3. That
a short Press release would be compiled to raise awareness for the event. |
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Any Other Competent Business Minutes: The Chair opened the meeting for Any Other Business and the following issues weer raised:- Ailsa Cunningham advised of a forthcoming orienteering event being held by Lomond School on – Sunday, 11 September between 10.00a.m. and 2.00p.m. She outlined an application which had been received for a birthday party for 12 children in the Duchess Wood. Ailsa drew attention to the proposed activities which included – rope works, tree climbing and fire lighting. She invited discussion from the Committee in relation to the application and the Committee confirmed, that in their view, the activities were very ambitious for the short duration of the proposed party. Decision The Committee agreed that a structure of the event should be requested, which would also provide detail of the safety measures in place and the staff ratio. The Chair highlighted a recent meeting held in the Victoria Halls – Taking Action on Marine and Land-based litter. It had been agreed at the meeting to explore the creation of a local community group with the potential of accessing suitable funding. She enquired if there was any update in regards the possibility of community ownership of the Wood. Stewart Campbell replied that the Friends of Duchess Wood were hoping to recruit a new committee member who had expertise in the law and could, hopefully, provide support and expertise on this issue.
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Date of next meeting Minutes: The Committee agreed that the date of the next meeting would be as follows:- Tuesday, 22 November
2016 – 10.00a.m. Lomond School 10
Stafford Street, Helensburgh The Chair thanked everyone for attending the meeting and providing useful and informative updates. |