August 21 Minutes

A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY: CHARITY NO SC042692

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN AULD CROSS KEYS, DENHOLM ON

WEDNESDAY, 4^THAUGUST 2021 AT 7.00pm

PRESENT:  John Biggar (Chair), Gordie Campbell, Dougie Crew, Gordon Ferguson,

Lynn Ferguson, Sid Huddart, Adam Massey, David Squirrell,Scott Tait, George Thom,

Graeme Wilson, Doreen Biggar

APOLOGIES:Susie Smith

MINUTES:   Minutes of Meeting on 6^th July 2021: The amended minutes sent out on 1^st August 2021 after considerable discussion these were agreed, proposed by Gordie Campbell, seconded by George Thom.

            NOTES from Meeting held on 3^rd June 2021 were agreed as in order.

GREEN EVENTS:

1. Charging for events:   This led to considerable discussion and very difficult to fix a sensible tier system.  

Some discretion would be required but obviously some village events would incur no charge.   Charges possibly £50 for certain local events and £100 for larger fund-raising events

This was agreed but discretion to be shown.

• Mustang visit:   This agreed for 12.00 – 14.00 on Saturday, 7^th August 2021.
• Petanque on Green:   Email from Peter Harrington discussed.   In principle a good idea.   John to obtain more details.

CAR BOOT:   It was noted Rob Armstrong had advertised next event for Sunday, 15^th August 2021.   It was agreed we did not wish to run these ourselves this year and were happy to allow Rob provided proper Risk Assessments in place and in normal circumstances a charge of no less than £100 to be received.

PLOT & SHED MILL WYND: Dougie’s problems with emptying shed noted.   Lynn suggested an extension but was informed that this was not required.

It was also suggested now that for inspection purposes the shed may not require full clearance.   Unfortunately, the consensus of the previous meeting was to have shed fully cleared.

Although Dougie clearly stated at last meeting, he was not interested in any future tenancy agreement.   This should be recorded as not now the case.   His concern being asked for what he considered unrealistic rental.   It was pointed out that rental charges had never been discussed at previous meeting.

There was discussion regarding repairs.  Sid commented on skills of tenant but due to firstly extent of damage and secondly vested interest this would not be appropriate.

John said he had contacted Turnbull Kyle Ltd., Structural Engineers, who replied David Kyle would make contact but firm very busy.   Gordie stated he may be able to assist.

Minutes of Meeting held on 4^th August 2021 cont’d

BAT REPORT:   Graeme has identified two bat roosts on gable end of shed, the end closest to bottle bank.   There could be more roosts on other sides of the shed.   He explained that bats are protected and that if any works are needed to be carried out this winter, then three surveys need to be carried out before the end of September.   Once surveys are carried out

then a Licence from NatureScot to allow disturbance of bats.   If surveys are not carried out

in 2021 then surveys need to be done in 2022 and no work can be carried out until October 2022 at the earliest.

Bat Survey Costs

            Data search £162

3 x surveys (2 dusk & 1 dawn) desktop study, report writing, licence application, mitigations work (time only, not including any bat structureswhich would be required if bat roosts are in shed.  The cost of providing alternative roosts would be the responsibility of DF & HC).

3 days @ £350 = £1050

            Assistant surveyor for 3 surveys @ £50 = £150

            Total cost £1,362.00

It was agreed John should instruct Graeme officially to carry out survey.

RENTALS & LEASES UPDATE:  John & Adam still working on this.

TREE REPORT:   Gordon Ferguson has completed work as requested.   Other tree requirements including tree replanting discussed but as not urgent left meantime.

DEAN REPORT:   Graeme arranging a meeting up with Nicky Hume of Borders Forest Trust on site in the near future.

Owen Black of Kew Gardens is coming to assess trees in the Dean on 7^th or 8^th August for Ash Dieback resistance and seed harvesting.   Any potentially resistant trees will be marked with a small tag.

GREEN SEATS:   John understood these were SBC seats.   If this not the case further checking required.

MONUMENT RAILINGS:   Scott called on John Falla who will visit next week to check.

Painting also required but this should follow after repair work.

LISTED MONUMENT INSPECTION:   Gordie to supply name to enable John to obtain quote.   Scott also felt Old Bridge Structure in Quoiting Haugh should also be inspected.   Once quotes received Grant Applications to Wind Farm Money to be considered.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Bonfire
2. Tree Replanting

DATE OF NEXT MEETING:Tuesday, 28^th September 2021 at 7.00pm in Fox & Hounds, Denholm.