General Meeting
18th July 2007 at 7.30pm
Fairford Library
MINUTES
Present:Suzanne Jones, Guen Taylor, Pete Evans, Arthur Finney, Simon Mumford, Mark Wardle, Connie Frank Richmond, Janet Pete Smith, Eileen Stiles, Jackie Tugwell, Margaret Phil Trickett,Geoff Margaret Bishop, Gillian Bilbrough, Joan Kinnock, Eileen Ferguson, Robert Jeanes, Christine Benzie, Lavinia Kent, John Davis, KimPascoe.
Nicky Clarke - Minutes
Apologies:
Colin Jeanne Watkins, Mark Julie Whittering, David Pauline Jury, Don Barbara Cobbett, Michael Enid Johnson, Jill Valentine, Quentin Tailford Penny, John Barry, David Grobecker,
Jill Tugwell, Geoff Hawkes, Phil Mary Green, Harry Bilbrough, Richard Harrison.
1) WELCOME
Suzanne welcomed and thanked everyone for coming.
Suzanne gave a potted history of the FES, which was founded in the 1990s when the first threat to Lake 104 was fought and won after a Public Enquiry. Also fought against HBC Scrapyard and demolition of Fayre Court trees. In 2004, it became obvious that it was starting up again on Lake 104 with Cygnet Investments putting in an application, which was refused and subsequently they appealed. FES had sent in a petiton with 1147 signatures which will be sent to the Inspector at Bristol, the Inspector will also have seen the 1st set of letters of complaint and the new batch – and apparently a significant amount have been received.
2) CONSTITUTION
The previous Constitution has been reviewed. Due in part because costs have been incurred, we may need to raise funds for a Barrister, and questions have been asked as to who FES are. It was thought best to therefore formalize everything.
Simon Mumford, Solicitor, has kindly drafted a new Constitution. Simon is not currently a member of FES, but has been advising. The Constitution was circulated and Simon enquired if all were satisfied with the amended Constitution. The following points/questions were raised:
- Question: 15. (b) Powers of the Committee and 22. (2) Dissolution. Guen Taylor enquired if it all went pear-shaped – would we be liable?
Answer: Simon replied that powers don’t have to be exercised, but it gives the flexibility that we could borrow. If it was not in the Constitution, we would have to hold a General Meeting to agree it. Simon recommends a ‘Pay as you go’ system. If we have to employ a Barrister and don’t have the funds, then we should not employ one. Suzanne stated that the Committee would not borrow funds without discussion. Simon said Committee Members could resign if they disagree with any decision, it was however unlikely that Members would be liable – only Officers.
- 4. Membership – 1 member – 1 vote. Youngsters are supporting the fight against Lake 104, and still can support, but cannot be members.
- 4. (1c) It is important that members complete an application form in which they declare their acceptance of the objects of the Society. See 5. for Termination of Membership.
- Question: Would we affiliate with other organisations?
Answer: Simon said we are already working with organisations such as The Open Spaces Society, who have been very helpful.
- Question: Arthur asked if people lived outside the area of benefit, could they become Associate Members?
Answer: Simon replied that we are the Fairford Environmental Society, therefore if someone in Bristol wanted to join there would be voting difficulties, wecould accept people living in the immediate surrounding areas. Newsletters could be sent to donors who would like to be kept informed of activities.
Simon asked if anyone would like to propose the Constitution.
Mark Wardle proposed, Phil Trickett seconded, all in favour.
The Constitution will be available on the FES website.
3) SOCIETY ACCOUNTS
With reference to Clause 19 (2) of the Constitution,Margaret Bishop proposed a resolution that the accounts be examined by an independent person, possibly an accountant willing to give time for free.
Guen Taylor seconded.
Resolution passed with 1 abstention.
3) MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION
In order to help with the costs, a membership subscription is to be introduced. It is the Members responsibility to fix the rate, see 6. (3) of the Constitution. After some discussion, an annual subscription of a minimum of £10 per person was decided on. Should anyone wish to pay an extra sum, this would be welcome.
Frank Richmond proposed, Peter Evans seconded, all in favour.
Membership forms were available to be signed at the end of the meeting, and will be available online or from Suzanne.
Other organisations joining FES would have 1 vote, and a fee of £10 per organisation. Feeling was that individuals would not object to a £10 per person fee.
Annual subscriptions could be reduced in years to come, if there was no real activity that warranted income.
Membership Drive – It would be advantageous to have a large membership, all to actively seek new members, and sign them up.
4) ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Chairman: Guen Taylor proposed Suzanne Jones, Christine Benzie seconded, all in favour.
Treasurer: Suzanne Jones proposed Quentin Tailford, Joan Kinnock seconded, all in favour.
Secretary: Guen proposed Nicky Clarke, Margaret Bishop seconded, all in favour.
Eileen proposed the following Committee Members: Arthur Finney, Guen Taylor, Peter Evans, Mark Wardle, Simon Mumford. John Davies.
Geoff seconded, all in favour.
The Chairman would like to call on other Members as needed.
All present signed the Constitution.
5) MEMBERSHIP OF OPEN SPACES SOCIETY
Have already been extremely helpful and are experts in their field, they might even provide a Solicitor in due course. It is £40 to join.
Suzanne proposed joining, Arthur seconded, all in favour.
6) DISCUSSION ABOUT LAKE 104, HORCOTTLAKES AND FUTURE ACTIONS
It is now a relatively quiet period, but FES have not been quiet!
We have objected to the telegraph poles sited around Lake 104, Cygnet have been advised they may stay up for 2 months. That time period is now up, and Suzanne and Robert Jeanes have chased this up. Robert received a letter from the Enforcement Officer saying they are aware of the situation.
Three Fixed Penalty notices have been served and it is intended to fight. Inspector Williams of Cirencester has admitted the Police have made mistakes: WPC’s should not have ridden round in the Cygnet vehicles – appearing to be on Cygnet’s ‘side’. PC Chris Freeman will liaise with FES in future.
The Police have advised that the ‘Security’ staff patrolling Lake 104 are not registered security staff.
Public Footpaths – The search is on for people with a 20 year history of activity (walking, swimming, blackberry picking etc) on Lake 104. The application is a long process.
Villlage Green – We are applying for Village Green status on Lake 104 only. The area has to have been used for last 20 years by people in the ‘area of locality’ ie the Parish of Fairford and Horcott. This is an easier process, applications go through quite quickly. However detailed information is needed, and some good witnesses who are willing to speak publicly. A single plan showing areas walked/or relevant activity, with signatures on the back is required. Forward any names to Suzanne.
HorcottLake – has now been sold. The Fishing Club has been advised they have one more season. It is not clear what will happen to the Scouts. The permissive path was not renewed in 2006. Suzanne will look into a tree preservation order being put in place. Could also look at Village Green status for Horcott.
7) AOB
Members will be kept informed. Email is the best format - does not incur costs. Please forward your email address to Suzanne for this purpose.
Fundraising – donations are to be sought as soon as possible. When signing members up, please ask if they would like to make a donation, if you don’t personally want to approach – please pass on details of your contact to any member of the Committee. All monies will be returned if not used, unless an anonymous donations is made.
Suzanne closed the meeting at 9.00pm and thanked everyone for coming.