DENHOLM FEUARS’ AND HOUSEHOLDERS’ COUNCIL
A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY: CHARITY NO SC042692
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN CHURCH HALL, DENHOLM ON
TUESDAY, 4th JULY 2023 at 7.00pm
PRESENT:
Council members: Scott Tait (Chair), Chris Ryde (Vice Chair), Doreen Biggar (Secretary/Treasurer), Rae Cleghorn & George Thom.
Co-opted: John Biggar, Adam Massey, Vicky Oswald.
Invitees: Frances Stewart (to advise and support on governance/constitution)
Helen Howden (help with green related activities)
APOLOGIES: None
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 15th June 2023:
These were proposed by George Thom, seconded by Chris Ryde
MATTERS ARISING:
The only matter arising not on agenda was Bonfire. Helen still felt a small bonfire would be good but the problems with Fireworks, Insurance etc was pointed out. It was agreed DF & HC not in a position to take on responsibility but if anyone in village wished to organise independently the Green could be available.
E V CHARGING:
No further update
CAR BOOTS:
Helen discussed the churches involvement and donations would be appreciated. Helen agreed to be Co – opted to help in relation to green activities.
16th July 2023: The following have agreed to help with parking etc
Doreen, John, Rae, George and Helen. Meet on Green at approx. 7.45am as cars admitted from 8.00am. John and Rae accepting duties. Signs to be in place Monday prior.
27th August 2023: John Reported he had agreed with Wendy the siting of Car Boot Sales Cars on Hizzy Day Run.
REPORT FROM PLACEMENT MEETING HELD ON 26th JUNE 2023:
Chris reported on this meeting. The idea is to set up a town team to organise a Local Place Plan lead by the community supported by SBC and Borders Community Action. It will help communities understand what they want their futures to be, develop local connections and improve social capital. A good example was highlighted to be Kirkconnel and a webinar to discuss and learn from them is available on the 6th of July. At least one council member will be representing on the town team and encouragement for others to be involved was encouraged.
Chris has forwarded further information which has been circulated under separate cover.
Minutes from Meeting held on 4th July 2023 cont’d:
REPORT FROM MEETING WITH FIONA BENTON:
Doreen reported on a meeting with Fiona to discuss the benefits of DF & HC becoming a SCIO. The main benefit being limited liability on Trustees of our organisation. On discussion Fiona agreed Tier 1 was the way forward for an organisation like ourselves. This fitted into Deed of Gift in a way to avoid legal ramifications and again complying with gift in a way that no name change required other than the addition of SCIO. Members present discussed other issues about this agreeing the best way forward was to invite Fiona to our next meeting to explain in more detail. There was some discussion at this stage regarding costs incurred in ongoing legal case, again Doreen to be kept up to date from Charles with regard to costings and seek approval from the council. Donations were also discussed and our ability to use them in line with our constitution and requirements under OSCR. On checking with constitution this was not seen as a problem by the council. Frances Stewart commented on the previous discussion around governance and provided details on benefits etc of a SCIO. She offered her help and was co-opted in relation.
ACTION: Doreen to get update from Charles Rickett, also to be kept fully informed of all costs and timings both legal and cartography. Archie Stewart from Land Maps assisting in this matter.
UPDATE FROM DEAN SUB COMMITTEE:
Chris and Vicky reported. They jointly with the Chair of the CC met with Susan Gray on the 26th June and where it was agreed SBC carry out maintenance inspections on the core paths and structures with in the Dean. Susan arranged for paths to be cleared the day after and works have been carried out. It was discussed to bring forward a project with the CC and SBC to potentially upgrade the path behind the school. A better understanding of maintenance was gained by all present.
It was felt Borders Forest Trust should be involved in discussion for future development.
ACTION: Chris to chase up costs etc regarding felling.
Vicky and Tom working on signage costs.
Vicky checking with local Squirrel group.
Vicky to liaise with BFT when required.
TIDY-UP OF PLOT 1 AND AREA SURROUNDING FISHERMAN’S CAR PARK:
George to check if either Borders Green Team or Criminal Justice Team would be available to assist at short notice. (This checked Border Green Team have to get back. Criminal Justice Team are willing and we are now on their waiting list. The only cost would be for disposal). If neither of the options not viable it was agreed Rae could perhaps organise with George, John, Vicky, Scott and Chris a suitable day for all to tackle this work ourselves.
PLOT 3:
Advertised in Village Newsletter with a deadline of the 16th of July has been set for enquiries.
Secretary will respond to enquiries and council will convene to agree a tenancy.
This then raised the question of, if a House whose garden is leased is sold does the tenancy automatically go to new buyer? The meeting agreed that any new owner would be offered a lease but council would first check suitability.
Minutes from Meeting held on 4th July 2023 cont’d:
MAIN STREET PAVEMENT ISSUE:
Considerable discussion was had but the understanding was that SBC had adopted this. Secretary awaiting correspondence from SBC. Checks will be carried out in line with other registrations.
It was briefly discussed that a Feuars’ Secretary email be set up.
PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED AT MEETING ON 20th JUNE 2023:
- Sign on Green near main road which was erected with money from “Awards for All.” They to be contacted to see if they will pay for repairs or a new sign.
ACTION: Scott to look into this and liaise with Doreen.
- Leyden Monument and Railings: Chris looking into arranging inspection of railings and monument with SBC archaeology and HES.
- Trees: Chris Anthony who in the past has inspected trees and then carried out any work has suggested a Paul Lambert who is an arborist inspector.
Helen suggested an Ian Gourlay but it would appear he is not an inspector of trees but a tree surgeon. It was agreed quotes would be obtained and discussed by the council before work was commissioned.
ACTION: Doreen in the first instance contacting Paul Lambert for a price.
OTHER BUSINESS:
As the following had been invited to the meeting to discuss various items, they were then were co-opted on to committee to deal with:
SCIO & CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS – Frances Stuart
GREEN ACTIVITIES – Helen Howden
PETANQUE: An enquiry has been received from Jed 41 for the use of this early August.
Doreen to inform them that at present there is no booking system but no problem to them turning up. We have agreed with Peter Harrington that he will be there to instruct them. No charge being made.
CAR BOOTS:
18th June 2023: car boot and rough details to be added: Donation of £75 received from the Guthrie run and day was well received etc.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Although Sub Committees would continue to work due to holidays the next meeting likely to be late September.
After a very productive meeting this closed with a Vote of Thanks to the Chair
