DRAFT
DENHOLM FEUARS’ AND HOUSEHOLDERS’ COUNCIL
A Registered Scottish Charity – Number SC042692
MINUTES OF THE RE-ARRANGED ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN
DENHOLM VILLAGE HALL ON
TUESDAY, 16th MAY 2023 AT 7.00pm
Present: John Biggar (Chairperson) D Biggar, G Campbell, R Cleghorn, D Crew,
G Crew, I Cranston, J Currie, L Ferguson, A Massey, E Massey, J Millar, V Oswald,
A Richardson, C Ryde, A Scott, S Tait, C Thom G Thom,
Apologies: There were no apologies
John opened the meeting by stating that Adam would be chairing this on his request as he was chairman at time of original meeting.
Minutes of Annual General Meeting: The Minutes of Annual General Meeting held on
1st December 2021 approved on adoption proposed by J Biggar, seconded L Ferguson
Matters Arising: Gwen Crew requested clarification on Quote for repaid of Shed. This was given by G M Brown who quoted it was beyond economical repair. This was followed by a report from Structural Engineer H Turnbull who confirmed this and recommended demolition on safety grounds.
Chairperson’s Report 2022 by Adam Massey:
The year started with what I would describe as a minimal committee, however despite the robust discussions often undertaken it is clear to me that every member who was served on the committee this year does genuinely have the best interests of the village at heart. Our lack of numbers was made glaringly obvious in being unable to provide the village bonfire this year. With the loss of both Sid and John from their Trustee positions it did leave us in a very difficult situation. I thank Estelle for stepping up to the Acting Secretary role allowing the Feuars to continue its business.
Our numbers are only slowly diminishing. It is imperative now more than ever to try and engage with the residents of the village to join the Feuars. Speaking to many people in the village the tarnished past of the Feuars appears to follow us to this day.
On a more positive note, we have hopefully brought the Feuars into the modern age with the publication of our website, complimented by our Social Media presence. This allows our minutes both past and present from the websites inception to be viewed and looked back upon. The Social Media presence creates conversation and brings us further to the front of people’s minds. I have hoped this coming year the Petanque will be constructed on the green, hopefully providing a well appreciated facility for the village.
The controversy over the shed/plot 1 is hopefully now behind us, and I look forward to repurposing the land into something new, whilst still maintaining the vital income the council requires to maintain its responsibilities set out in our constitution. With a successful Ride out / Jubilee weekend followed by the restart of the car boots, which hopefully continue in the forthcoming year this has showed positively on this year’s accounts.
The Dean remains a major issue that must be resolved, we missed a golden opportunity in the middle of the year, however hindsight is 20/20. Thank you to Gordon for all the work he has put in with some excellent reports / plans being
A G M Minutes 16.05.2023 cont’d
Chairpersons’ Report cont’d
produced. This year’s committee unanimously agreed the Dean must come down as a matter of urgency allowing us to start progressing with the work up to felling. I hope
this decision is continued with the next committee and The Dean is felled by the end of 2023.
Lastly, I thank all the committee for their vote of confidence in my chairmanship this year.
Treasurer’s Report and Adoption of Accounts:
You should all have a copy of Accounts as required by OSCR. This is on an Income & Expenditure basis with no Accruals, Debtors or Creditors shown.
The following points should be noted:
INCOME
- Plot 1 – Donation including Gift Aid of £6,250 was given to cover all costs associated with the demolition of building and expenses involved.
- Annual Rents decreased due to Plot 1 shown as a double payment in 2021.
- Ride Out showing a profit of £615 but with funding of £450 given to assist with Toilet expenses as Ride Out run-in conjunction with Platinum Jubilee event. Profit slightly misleading.
EXPENDITURE
- Legal Expenses – New Rental Lease arranged
- Christmas Festivities includes all lighting charges for two years plus Tree Switch-on expenses
Accounts showing a Surplus of £1074 on Income & Expenditure basis.
Gordie Campbell queried if any monies for Ride Out was Ring Fenced or was this in General Account. John replied he could go back around eight years and was never aware of actual monies being noted as ring fenced.
There was a question as to whether or not a donation had been received from the Jed Forest Fox Hounds for the Boxing Day Hunt. This was confirmed that a Donation had been received which would show in the 2022/2023 accounts.
The Accounts were approved on adoption proposed by S Tait, seconded by A Massey
Appoint Independent Examiner: Christine Rodger agreed unanimously.
Any Other Business:
Gordie Campbell gave a long explanation on the responsibilities of council and particularly Trustees. This was far too complicated to Minute with any accuracy.
A G M Minutes 16.05.2023 cont’d
Any Other Business cont’d
Following this, members who are part of an ongoing Legal Case taken by DF & HC voiced their disapproval of council particularly for not replying to recent correspondence direct from themselves. Regarding this chairperson had replied, explaining the matter being dealt with by our solicitor and answers to their questions all given to him. Action was instigated on agreement by our council on 27th February 2022 and following from this date it was understood it would be totally inappropriate for us to have direct dealings unless instructed by our solicitor.
This unfortunately did not satisfy and was met with a nasty situation. Nothing further minuted.
Election of 2023 Council: The following members were elected to council:
D Biggar, R Cleghorn, C Ryde, S Tait, G Thom
Under constitution rules council can accept further additions as seen appropriate.
Other Co-options:
V Oswald co-opted with a specific interest in Dean Development
J Biggar co-opted to help in any way requested. Unable to be on council due to one only from household rule.
A Massey agreed following the meeting to be co-opted with particular interest in Website and Media Publication of behalf of DF & HC
The meeting closed with Council meeting following on to arrange
Office Bearers for 2023
