Last year's AGM 2007

Election of Office Bearers

Before commencing election of office bearers, Jackie, in his capacity as Vice Chair was invited to take control of the meeting.  He then asked for nomination for the position of Chair.  Jackie proposed Donald which was seconded by Tom.  There being no other nominations, Donald was duly re-elected as Chair.  Resuming his position as Chair of the meeting, Donald asked for nominations for Vice Chair.  Jackie was nominated by Dominic and seconded by Rosie.  Again with no other nominations Jackie was duly re-elected as Vice Chair.  For the position of Secretary/Treasurer Ian nominated Wilma and this was seconded by Anne.  No other nominations received, Wilma was duly re-elected.

These are the most current minutes and are awaiting approval.

Woodhill Residents Group

Minutes of Meeting held at St Ninian’s High School

Monday 20 October 2008

PRESENT (Alphabetical order)

Charlie Griffiths                                     Tom Russell

Betty Logan                                                      Jack Scott

Jim Logan                                                         Lesley Scott (Greenspace Officer,

Robert Lowe                                                       East Dunbartonshire Council)

Donald Macdonald (Chairman)                           Wilma Scott (Secretary/Treasurer)

Rosaleen McDowall                                          Allan Todd (Chair, Auchinairn and Crowhill

Alan Moir                                                           Tenants and Residents Association)

Anne Mullin                                                      Ian Tyldesley

APOLOGIES (Alphabetical order)

Councillor Gordan Low

Robert Lowe

Jackie Mullin (Vice Chairman)

Councillor Michael O’Donnell               

Sergeant Morag Stewart (previously Community Liaison Officer, Strathclyde Police)

Michelle Tyldesley

Welcome

Donald opened the meeting by welcoming those present and in particular Lesley Scott, Greenspace Officer from East Dunbartonshire Council and Alan Todd, Chair of Auchinairn and Crowhill Tenants and Residents Association. 

Minutes

Acceptance of the previous minutes was proposed by Tom and seconded by Betty.

Since Lesley’s time was limited Donald proposed to invite Lesley to speak to the meeting before commencing the business of the night.

Lesley began by introducing herself to those whom she was meeting for the first time.  Her connection with the Group goes back some 18 months during which time she has assisted in various projects, the last of which being the “Family Fun Day” in September.  On that occasion, and with a view to the imminent bulb planting season, Lesley had taken the opportunity to ask local residents where they would like to see daffodils being planted this year. 

Rosie entered the meeting at this point.

Although various locations were suggested, following discussion some were found to be unsuitable.  It was felt that it would be beneficial to visit the remaining sites and a meeting to do this was arranged for Monday 27 October at 10.00 am; Lesley would be joined by Rosie, Tom and Wilma.

As had been the case last year, it was hoped once again to involve other groups within the community.  Donald confirmed that the Head Teacher in AuchinairnPrimary School had already indicated his willingness to be involved.  Likewise Peter Sutherland of the Boys Brigade had expressed a keen interest in the project.

At the “Family Fun Day” Lesley had also taken the opportunity to canvas the views of local residents on what they would like to see in MenteithPark (Lesley agreed to send a copy of these further results to Ian).  These views had been transferred to a map of the area which she then passed around the Group.  A brief discussion followed at the end of which Lesley indicated that the next stage in the procedure was to prioritise how the Group goes forward.  Lesley suggested that a Landscape Architect could be employed to ascertain the feasibility of what had been suggested.  She indicated that payment for this service would be met by the Council.

The Group confirmed its wish to proceed on this basis, but it was pointed out that there may be problems regarding the ownership of all of the ground in question.  Lesley agreed to organise and pay for a land search.  This was gratefully accepted by the Group.

Although the Group was delighted at the proposals for the park, it was concerned about the funding for this.  For example, putting in a MUGA alone would be in the region of £50000-£60000.  Lesley assuaged the Group’s fears by confirming that there was money “out there” and available from various sources and she would assist in any way she could for the Group to access these.

Before concluding discussion on this item Donald referred again to the results of the survey and asked how we should address the problems currently and historically experienced by the residents adjacent to the Park.  Lesley suggested that the Group await the report from the Landscape Architect, at which time the schools and residents most affected could be approached and their views invited.

Drawing this item to a close, Lesley confirmed that she would deal with land ownership and the appointment of a landscape architect.  She would report back to the Group in due course.

Before leaving the meeting, Lesley congratulated the Group on the success of the “Family Fun Day” which she regarded as one of the most successful events in which she had taken part.  Her comments were warmly received by all present.

Lesley left the meeting at 7.40 pm.

Before commencing his report, Donald asked if there was any other business which it was hoped to raise.   Concern over the safety issues with regard to the burned out vehicle on

Chair’s Report

Donald began his report by referring to the highly successful “Family Fun Day”.  The Group had received considerable support from the schools with regard to publicity and this was reflected in the number who attended on the day.  The financial support received from the owner of Four Squares in Woodhill Road had been much appreciated by the Group, and it was hoped that the recognition of this had been conveyed to Rafique by the banner which had been placed in Betty and Jim’s garden.  A personal card, designed and created by Betty, had also been sent to him.

Donald informed the Group that he and Wilma had attended the recent Tenants’ Event held on 4 October in Tom Johnston House, Kirkintilloch.  Whilst there they had taken the opportunity to attend workshops on “Fire Safety” and “Community Safety”, both of which were interesting and well attended.  Unfortunately in the case of the latter little time was allocated to “questions”.  This was unfortunate as this is one aspect of safety which concerns the community perhaps more than any other.  At the conclusion of the event, Donald had taken the opportunity to convey his comments to the organisers and these were received in the same spirit in which they were given.

He had also taken the opportunity to speak with Councillor McNair who has the responsibility for community safety.  It would appear that, for some reason, the Group and the Community Safety section of the Environment Directorate  had “got off on the wrong foot”.  Donald has asked that a meeting be set up to “clear the air” to ensure that good relations are restored.  He would report on this at the next meeting.

Election of Office Bearers

Returning to the agenda and in the absence of  Vice Chair Jackie, Alan Moir took control of the meeting.  Donald was duly re-elected to Chair having been nominated by Tom and seconded by Rosie.  Resuming his position as Chair of the meeting, Donald asked for nominations for Vice Chair.  Jackie was nominated by Tom and seconded by Rosie.  No other nominations received Jackie was duly re-elected.  Likewise nominations were invited for the position of Secretary/Treasurer.  Again no other nominations received and Wilma was duly re-elected proposed by Anne and seconded by Rosie. 

Family Fun Day - Funding

Wilma made brief mention of the monies raised at the “Family Fun Day” and its effect on the bank balance of the Group which was now firmly in the “black”.  As a consequence of this she felt that this was an opportune time to return the “interest free” loans which had been made by members of the Group.  Members were asked to uplift this money at the end of the meeting.  Any monies not claimed would be regarded as donations and duly banked once more.

In the light of the Group’s good fortune, Wilma also suggested that it might be appropriate for the Group to consider a modest donation to the “Big Build”, the name given to the current public appeal with regard to the local hospice at Marie Curie.  The Group agreed with this suggestion.

Donald referred back to one of the locations proposed for the bulb planting ie Carnoustie Crescent and suggested that it might be possible to link into this a collection on behalf of the appeal, after all the symbol of the hospice is the daffodil.  The Group agreed with this suggestion, but confirmation of the location would be required and, therefore, it is necessary to await the outcome of the site visit.

BishopbriggsAcademy

The building of the new BishopbriggsAcademy seemed to be proceeding as anticipated and it was interesting to note that as the scaffolding was removed, the structure appeared smaller.

BishopbriggsAcademy – Travel Plan

Donald understood that publication of the Travel Plan for the new Academy was imminent although this was not confirmed by Chair of the Parent Council.  Further information on this was awaited and Donald would report back on this item at the next meeting.

Bus Turning Circle

Donald confirmed that Dominic had received an acknowledgement to the joint letter of objection regarding the Bus Turning Circle on Wester Cleddens Road, which had been submitted on behalf of Cleddens Park Residents Association and the Group.  The reply also indicated that if no provision was made for this in the plans the Council would be pursuing the matter further.

Although a lengthy discussion followed with speculation of possible new locations, it was felt that at the moment the Group should await further information before proceeding further.  It was agreed to return to this item at the next meeting of the Group.

However, before concluding the item the question was asked regarding the likelihood that there would be a public hearing concerning this.   At this stage it was felt that there was an “insufficient head of steam”.  However, if it was felt that a satisfactory conclusion could not be reached ie the local community lost the amenity of the bus turning circle and perhaps even the bus route, the matter would then become “controversial” and the likelihood of a public hearing would then become more probable.

 Ward Committee Spending

Donald confirmed to the Group that, at the moment, there appeared to be only two areas in the South Ward to benefit from the Ward Committee monies ie Beech Road and Auchinairn community Centre.  Donald stressed his disappointment at the manner in which the monies had been disbursed.  He felt that the residents should have had some input as to how and where the monies available should be spent. 

However, he understood that the balance of the amount apportioned to the South Ward would still be available until April 2009.  If this was the case, Alan suggested that the Group should apply for funding to carry out an improvement to MenteithPark. 

Following discussion it was suggested that the Group apply for funds to provide fencing around the existing swing section of the play park.  Since Charlie had experience in this field, he was asked if he could provide estimates for suitable fencing and report back to the next meeting.  This he agreed to do.

Sports Hall

Donald intimated that it was hoped to hold a pre-meeting of interested parties prior to the Steering Group meeting to discuss possible options for the Sports Hall.  Thereafter it was hoped to meeting with the councillors.

Vehicle – Woodhill Road

Since the vehicle appears to have been torched on more than one occasion, it was felt that it had become a hazard to local residents and children who might be temped to climb inside.  Since Rosie knew the owner she agreed to approach him to view the Group’s concern.  She would report back at the next meeting.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Group would be held on Monday 17 November 2008 in St Ninian’s High School.

The meeting ended at 9.00 pm.