Minutes 10 October 22

DENHOLM FEUARS’ AND HOUSEHOLDERS’ COUNCIL

A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY: CHARITY NO SC042692

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN VILLAGE HALL, DENHOLM ON

MONDAY, 10^th OCTOBER 2022 at 7.00pm

PRESENT:  Adam Massey (Chair)Estelle Massey (Acting Secretary) Doreen Biggar (Treasurer) John Biggar, Doug Crew, Scott Tait

APOLOGIES:  Lynne Ferguson, Gordon Ferguson, George Thom

INATTENDANCE: 6 Members of the public

MINUTES OF MEETING held on the 11^th September 2022:

Proposed by Doug Crew, Seconded by John Biggar

Electric Charging Points Update:

Dale confirmed the village has ample power to support 3 fast chargers and at least 60 charge points around the village. Questions were asked around possible location of sites outwith Feuars land however Adam reminded all in attendance that the community council are in the very early stages of planning. Now it has been established the village has enough power any further questions can be directed to the community council.

ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:

• Petanque:   J.Biggar confirmed the insurance required would incur a relatively small cost. G.Crew advised on behalf of the community council that at present there was no further update from SBC in regards to the next stage of the process. A discussion ensued as to the best location however this has previously been voted on and agreed.
• Plot 1 : G.Thom not present. No response received from villagers in regards to future use of Plot 1. Suggested  as EV points, A.Massey agreed this could be considered when more of the committee are present.

• Car Boot: J.Biggar reported the car boot held on the 18^th September 2022 was successful and further dates for 2023 will be agreed. ACTION: J.BIGGAR

• Green Seating: S Mcleod has previously been delayed due to mechanical issues. It is hoped works will be completed 15^th/16^th October 2022 (weather permitting) ACTION: A.MASSEY

• Puffin Crossing: G.Crew advised the community council meeting had an attendance of 34 people. No information was ascertained for an agreement/disagreement and a feasibility study by SBC is now awaited.

Dean update: Since initial planning stages the fields which would allow access to the Dean have now been ploughed. The Scottish wildlife survery has been conducted and this has been approved. A statement regarding the felling of the Dean will not be conducted until a felling date has been confirmed.

ACTION: A.MASSEY

BONFIRE.

A.Massey advised receipt of letters from school children requesting sand buckets for sparklers. In addition emails had also been received from L.Ferguson & G.Thom advising of their suggestions for the organisation of the bonfire. An email had also been received from the Auld Cross Keys advising they are regretfully not providing the firework display this year.

A.Massey reminded all in attendance that the Denholm Bonfire is a much larger event than previous years. Complaints were received following the 2021 Bonfire in relation to parking, debris on property.

J.Biggar confirmed the Police, fire and insurance company require to be informed for the event and safety guidelines are issued which must be obeyed, including the size of the bonfire. The 2021 event was within these guidelines however negative criticism was still received via social media of the size of the bonfire. S.Tait confirmed he will not be prepared to be the night watch of the fire (in accordance with fire safety regulations) without support. He also raised concern of the environmental pollution caused by this event and public safety.

Concerns and suggestions from members of the public were heard. Scarring of the green was raised as an issue as this takes a substantial period to regrow following the fire. In addition, the suggestion of a small fire, perhaps raised from ground & managed by the Feuars would be considered.

Chair approached committee for volunteers to take forward, no take up. Members of the public present were also offered the opportunity however no take up.

ACTION: A.Massey to request assistance from members of the public out with the meeting.

USE OF GREEN

1. Teviotdale Harriers have requested use of the green for parking and race briefing on 19/02/23. Committee agreed (Weather permitting) Donation will be requested for use.
2. Folk Festival Campervans 5/11/22 – Committee agreed to allow campervan parking however this will incur a charge which the organiser of the Folk Festival is responsible for. ACTION: A.Massey to email event organiser.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION:

Draft accounts: Treasurer D.Biggar to be sent to committee members.

Bottlebank Path: G.Crew raised concern in regards to the current repairs required of the bottle bank path. ACTION:A.Massey to email S.Gray.

School Path: S.Tait advised the path behind the school was dangerous when wet. This land does not belong to the Feuars and S.Tait agreed to write to SBC with concerns.

OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PLACED ON AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING:

Christmas Tree

DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS: Monday 21^st November 2022 AT 7PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL, DENHOLM.

The meeting closed with a Vote of Thanks to the Chair.