DENHOLM FEUARS’ AND HOUSEHOLDERS’ COUNCIL
A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY: CHARITY NO SC042692
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN VILLAGE HALL, DENHOLM ON
WEDNESDAY, 20th APRIL, 2022 at 7.00pm
PRESENT: Adam Massey (Chair), Sid Huddart Vice Chair) John Biggar, Doug Crew, Gordon Ferguson,Lynn Ferguson, Scott Tait, George Thom, Doreen Biggar (Treasurer), Estelle Plaskett (Acting Secretery)
APOLOGIES: Graeme Wilson, George Tom
SECRETARY: Following Johns retirement from his secretarial duties committee members were invited to come forward for this role. Adam noted the constitution refers to 1 vote per household in regards to the AGM and proposed Estelle Plaskett as secretary without voting rights but with membership of the DFHC. This was agreed unanimously by the present committee.
INATTENDANCE:
MINUTES OF MEETING held on 2nd March 2022: Proposed by L.Ferguson, Seconded by S.Huddart
MATTERS ARISING:
- Petanque: Sid advised that whilst planning had not given confirmation yet this was thought to be imminent. A copy of the constitution and recent bank statements are required to secure the funding application. A new quote for building & installation is now required due to the rising costs of materials.A discussion ensued in regards to the placement of the Petanque and its use.
Action: Sid / Doreen
- Monument Railings and Inspection: John advised that Historic Scotland would provide a contribution of approx 30 – 40% of the cost of the inspection and maintenance required, therefore further funding is required. Discussion ensued of the last inspection dating back to the 1960’s and the associated maintenance costs. Action: John
- Dean: Adam confirmed he had met with Graeme Wilson and a video has been recorded detailing the works required and reasons why. The video is expected to be available for consultation within 7 – 10days when further interviews have been conducted. Adam discussed the proposed felling of the sitka spuce and approached the committee as to whether this should be signed and agreed or if other providers should be contacted. Discussion ensued of local forestry services and the committee agreed a tender should be offered with an end date of two weeks to ensure timeline of September is not compromised. Doug Crew also noted the Countryside ranger should be informed. Action: Adam
- Maintenance Plan: Sid advised of issues within the village needing addressed inc the Ashloaning play park fencing requiring repair, the Quoiting Haugh banking requiring cutting back however further investigation would be required as to the protected moth species breeding there and the basket ball hoop being removed from the Green. Sid stated the maintenance plan is completed however he did not have it to hand. Adam requested a copy for record Action: Sid
- Web Site: Adam updated the committee of viewing figures of the website, currently 300 visitors to the site per month for the last 2months. The website
address was repeated to ensure all members were able to access this. Further update to be provided periodically . Action: Adam
- SCIO/Constitution: John advised that OSCAR had recommended seeking legal advice in regards to any changes to be made regarding ‘gifts’. Francis has agreed to look into this
JIMMY GUTHRIE & HIZZY RUN:
Jimmy Guthrie run on the 19th of June 2022 and an email received from W.Oliver regarding the Hizzy run on the 28th August 2022 was discussed and the associated charges. Email suggests local fundraising ideas. Adam had emailed G.Campbell in regards to the school and G Wilson in regards to the church to offer the opportunity of arranging a fundraising stall/activity to no response. A discussion ensued of the recently introduced charges. The committee agreed both the Jimmy Guthrie and Hizzy events would be approached to make a donation at their own discretion. The committee hoped any funds would be sourced from any commercial enterprises operating on respective days.
RIDE OUT: Adam advised information had been received from community council in regards to bins for the event having to have the waste items separated which will be difficult to impose and manage. A skip maybe a more cost effective route of waste disposal however these have varying costs which funding would be required for. Doug Crew suggested a mixed waste skip and agreed to confirm a cost. The committee offered suggestions of other methods of collecting waste such as builder’s bags and black bags positioned around the green. Sid offered his assistance on ride out day and Scott offered to produce a leaflet. Adam confirmed an email had been sent to the common riding committee requesting attendance of the Right hand man to a meeting to discuss arrangements for the day. The committee discussed various points they wish to be raised, as follows:
- Sid/Doreen/Gordon & Lynn – Will there be assistance of Marshalls offered on the day?
- Doreen/Gordon & Lynn – Any assistance of Funding for the bins and contents disposal?
- Adam – An introduction of a charge for the use of the Quoiting Haugh as a ‘holding’ field.
- John – Increased charges for cars/gazebos due to increased cost of maintaining green.
- Sid – Parking concerns to ensure access for emergency vehicles following complaints at an event last year.
Action: Adam to meet with Common principles.
A discussion followed of the charges for cars & Gazebos on the green on the ride out date (4thJune 2022) and the provision of a gift for the cornet. The committee agreed that the request for a gift will be awaited and that the charges would be £10 for a car and £5 for a Gazebo on this date.
PICNIC ON THE GREEN: Lynn advised the timeframe for this event is proposed as approximately 12pm – 5pm on the 3rd June 2022. Several entertainments were discussed and plans were for the front of the green to be used for seating rear of the green for events and games. Bins will be provided and users will be requested to take these home to dispose of.
George Thom arrived.
OTHER BUSINESS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION:
Quoiting Haugh Banking: A request has been received from a resident of Riverside drive that the brash is tidied on the banking. A discussion ensued of the size of this area and the associated costs of doing so. Also noted was the protected species of Moths which reproduce in this area. Due to this it is not thought this area can be cleared, at present.
Clearing of cut branches from path near school: information is unclear as to who was responsible for cutting the branches however it is thought this area has been cleared. John agreed to check this area. Action: John
Other Business for discussion at next meeting:
- Request for memorial bench/picnic table and location
- A supporting letter to be provided for village hall to enable funds to be secured for upgrading of facilities.
Plot 1 Update: George advised that as yet he has still not received any correspondence from the planning department despite following up his request for fencing around Plot 1. George querying whether to pursue this. A discussion ensued within the committee of the need for a fencing and arguments for and against were considered. A raise of hands confirmed that George should continue to pursue the request for a fence. Adam then approached the committee for ideas for the development/use of Plot 1. Suggestions were made including that of a community greenhouse, a new steel shed available for rent and a range of container units that could be individually rented to locals for business development. Sid states he has a contact with architectural experience and would engage to develop initial plans for a two storey building.
DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS:
Wednesday, 25th May 2022 in Village Hall at 7.00pm.
The meeting closed with a Vote of Thanks to the Chair.
The Meeting continued to a private discussion on rents..
