Minutes 25 05 22

DENHOLM FEUARS’ AND HOUSEHOLDERS’ COUNCIL

A REGISTERED SCOTTISH CHARITY: CHARITY NO SC042692

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN VILLAGE HALL, DENHOLM ON

WEDNESDAY, 25^th May 2022 at 7.00pm

PRESENT:  Adam Massey (Chair), Sid Huddart (Vice Chair), Doreen Biggar (Treasurer) John Biggar, Doug Crew, Gordon Ferguson, Lynn Ferguson, George Thom, Estelle Plaskett (Acting Secretary)

APOLOGIES:  Scott Tait, Graeme Wilson

INATTENDANCE: Gwen Crew, Gordie Campbell, Peter Harrington

MINUTES OF MEETING held on the 20^th April 2022:

Proposed by John Biggar, Seconded by Sid Huddart

ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:

• Petanque:   Sid provided update from SBC planning department that the Petanque had been agreed for the location requested however the area must be dug by hand to prevent tree root damage. This would increase the cost of the Petanque substantially which would be in excess of agreed charitable funding. Options for consideration include moving the Petanque 1.5m to ensure there is no risk of root damage or a raised bed. Discussion ensued and decision was agreed that a raised bed would inhibit grass maintenance and the location should be moved slightly but still conform to current approved planning. Peter / Sid / Gwen agreed there is no cost to the Feuars other than upkeep once complete. Action: Gwen Crew / Sid Huddart

• Plot 1 : George advised he had obtained a quote of £2000 for fencing around Plot 1. George was also now aware there was a online portal which SBC use for planning requests however Gordie advised Laura Tait (SBC) will be able to answer any queries. Action: George will contact Laura Tait of SBC to enquire of fencing legal requirements.

• Dean Update: Adam advised that unfortunately the consultation recording taken by Graeme Wilson had not been developed as the SD card had been misplaced. Adam is hopeful the date in September for completion is still achievable however there are a number of actions required. Gordie Campbell queried consultation duration and requested this was over 4 week days to enable the school to attend. Adam advised that due to other commitments this may not be feasible however the consultation will be held in the village hall and advertised to ensure villagers have the opportunity to attend. Gordie further raised concerns regarding an extraction map and plans for replanting, which will be available once contractor is sourced and consultation underway. Action: Adam / Graeme to arrange a date for consultation. Adam / Gordon to meet to discuss contractor appointment

• Maintenance Plan: Sid advised that unfortunately he was unable to discuss the current maintenance plan in detail as this had been misplaced at home prior to the meeting. Area of urgent concern Sid advised was the Dean due to the loose overhanging branches and unstable roots. Sid advises in his opinion and Health & Safety background the Dean should be closed to the Public until felling works are completed. This was strongly opposed by the committee and those in attendance as due to the natural state of footpaths and forestry when entering this area individual’s undertake a perceived risk. A second issued was raised as to condition of the steps at the Fishermans carpark leading down to the quoiting haugh. There is currently nothing on the left hand side of the steps preventing the banking from movement which could pose a risk to users. Action: Adam agreed to email countryside ranger Susan Gray

• Constitution: John advised that at present full land ownership registration is required and advice  should be sought from Community Land Scotland who also assists with legal costs. Action: John to seek contact information and advice in regards to registering ownership of the land.

• Clearing of Cut Branches from path near school: John advised he had walked the path and that branches had been cleared away.  No further action required.

RIDE OUT & PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS:

Adam stated that due to a Business Commitment he was unable to attend the Ride Out.   He asked John & Sid to give updates.

John then reported that on checking with Andrew Haddon he stated he was on holiday in Spain and would be unable to carry out usual welcome and presentation duties leaving the onus on ourselves to organise accordingly. 

After considerable discussion the following noted:

1. Sid to act as M C
2. Carswell Imrie to be asked to do welcome speech.  (Lynn to contact Carswell)
3. Lynn to present Gifts which are Sandy Milligan Personalised Prints of Denholm Village
4. Usual sound equipment unavailable.   Doreen to check with Church for the use of their mobile unit.

John reported he had dealt with the following:

1. Toilets – Booked which will arrive Thursday with pickup on Monday.   12 units booked for weekend use.   Probably only 4 will be open for Friday.
2. Skip – Booked which will arrive on Friday.   It was noted this would have to be sited off the Green.   John to speak to Carl (Seaton Cottage) and ensure space at top of Kirkside available.
3. Funfairs/Food/Ice Cream – All booked. Licences in order.  Good prices obtained.  It would be appreciated that no other vendors be booked.
4. Programme – Scott has this completed awaiting speaker and presentation details.   Doreen will arrange printing.
5. Doreen organised for gate collection including Black Bags etc.   Gwen offered to help Doreen/John and Scott.
6. Sid agreed to organise Car Parking.   George, Gordon & Dougie all available to help.

Other point discussed was Risk Assessment.   Adam to produce, Sid to implement.

Platinum Jubilee celebration plans all in situ with the following actions outstanding:

1. Lynn will email risk assessment for this event
2. Gwen is currently awaiting confirmation from an ice cream vendor.
3. Doreen will  invoice Gwen for the toilets which have been booked.

USE OF GREEN 24/09/2022:

Adam requested use of the access route to the Green and an area close to the Church for the parking of bridal/grooms party vehicles on the afternoon of the 24^th September 2022 for his and Estelles wedding. This was unanimously agreed.

MEMORIAL BENCH:

 A memorial bench on the corner of the green opposite the post office was badly damaged during storm Arwen in late 2021. Scott has attempted a temporary repair however this has now deteriorated and concerns raised as to its safety. The concrete base is also damaged and would require replacement prior to any bench replacements. A discussion ensued and it was agreed that the bench should be removed for storage and the memorial plaque placed on the nearby planter. A bench to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee could be considered at this location in the near future. Action: Adam to seek quotes for concrete repair and repatriate memorial plaque to planter.

Quotation from Seamus Mcleod @ £220, committee agreed to proceed. Note this does not include any remedial turfing works.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION:

Car Boot Sales: Gwen noted the request for the car boot sales on the green from villagers and visitors. Action: Sid agreed to be responsible for future car boot sales in the village and will advise at next meeting as to planned dates.

Grand Tour of Scotland/Theatre: Adam advised that unfortunately the theatre company who had requested to visit the village for a performance had reluctantly cancelled. The Grand Tour of Scotland will visit in the near future which will feature the green and quoiting haugh.

OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PLACED ON AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING:

1. Electric car charging points and village location suggestions.  

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DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS: 29th JUNE 2022 AT 7PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL, DENHOLM.

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

The Meeting continued to discuss in private Individual Tenancies.