DENHOLM FEUARS’ AND HOUSEHOLDERS’ COUNCIL
A Registered Scottish Charity – Number SC042692
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN DENHOLM CHURCH HALL
ON TUESDAY, 12th DECEMBER 2023 AT 7.00pm
Present: Scott Tait, Doreen Biggar, John Biggar, Rae Cleghorn, Vicky Oswald,
Frances Stuart, George Thom,
Apologies: There were no apologies
We note with regret the death of Michael Braithwaite and express our gratitude for his very generous gift of the Lower Dean.
Minutes: The Minutes of the Meeting held on 22nd November 2023 were approved on adoption by Frances Stuart, seconded by Vicky Oswald
Matters Arising:
- Following the resignation of Vice Chair Chris Ryde, Rae Cleghorn was proposed by John Biggar, seconded by Frances Stuart and agreed unanimously.
It was agreed Secretary should write to Chris and thank him for his work in seeing DF&HC move forward in a direction which would benefit the village. It was hoped he would continue to assist on Dean Sub Committee and give valuable advice to all of us on council.
- Christmas Tree & Switch on Report: It was noted despite the unfortunate incident with Tree, council members rallied round and Switch on night was very successful. Secretary to formally thank all who helped. It was also noted that all paper work regarding procedures required for all permissions were held in a way easy to be obtained for future reference.
Constitution & SCIO:
Frances gave a short but detailed way on how we could move to a SCIO in as short a time as possible. She would contact Fiona Benton, Cheviot and Teviot & Liddesdale Community Development Lead, Borders Community Action, Jedburgh for answers to questions given to her on recent emails.
It was hoped we could integrate more fully with Sub Committees involving non-council members and also other village organisations.
This though must be carried out in a way clearly not relinquishing the ownership and aims of the land gifted to the Feuars Trustees by Mrs Palmer Douglas and Mr M Braithwaite to manage for the benefit of the village.
Leyden Monument:
The secretary read out a letter from Tom Davies, Ancient Monument Officer, Heritage Directorate, Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh following our request regarding ownership of Monument.
This still not clear and further discussions required at future meetings.
Events:
- Boxing Day Hunt: permission for Green Agreed
- Teviotdale Harriers Cross Country event on 4th February 2024 changed from 10th March 2024. Parking agreed on Green weather permitting.
Minutes of Meeting held on 12th December 2023 cont’d
Website:
It was agreed Secretary should contact Graham Webb with regard to setting up a new website.
This followed by a much wider discussion where it was felt that DF&HC should take the lead in contacting all other village organisations with the view to having a website covering all organisations.
The secretary to contact the Secretaries of the following organisation inviting them or a representative from their organisation to meet at an agreed date in the New Year. The organisations are: Denholm & District Community Council, Denholm Village Hall, Denholm Church, Horticultural Society, Minto WI, Place making and Newsletter Editor (When appointed)
Dean:
Council Members had all been circulated Minutes of last Sub Committee Meeting. The main point being that from quotes received it may be possible to break even or achieve a small profit from the Sitka Spruce felling which could go towards future development.
There was a discussion regarding council participation on this committee although Chris agreeing to stay on this left only Vicky as a council member. It was agreed Rae, as our Vice Chair, join subcommittee. It was also felt as owners of the land it would be fitting for a member of our council to chair this committee.
There being no further general business the meeting closed and continued with private discussions.
