Present: MINUTES
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership
Charity Number 1112151
GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday 21 February 2006 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
J Blackburn, M Bell, J Blakey, K Calvert, S Colquhoun, R Cowen (from 7pm), P Dawe,
M Dee, N Dixon, J Geyer, K Haigh, Janet Hopper, John Hopper, R Jackson J Kane, R Millerchip,
A Richardson, Maggie Robinson, S Robinson, A Shutt(from 7.25), W Stainthorpe, M Syer, S Thompson,
S Walworth, C Whitfield, D Whittaker, A Wilson, J Wilson
In Attendance: J Tindale, M Ridley, P Sinclair
1. Apologies for absence: C Brown, J Gray, G Hutchinson, J Lunn, S Raine, Maureen Robinson,
R Walsh
2. PC Cockburn did not attend the meeting.
3. Minutes of last meeting – 17 January 2006
The following errors were corrected:
6. Treasurer’s Report, Community Chest; The Cooperage FC grant is £1975 and the Homing
Society is £1645.
8. Correspondence: >Secretary to traffic section’ typo (Leter) should read (Letter).
11. AOB; PARC. The secretary apologises for giving R Jackson the wrong surname.
The minutes were then accepted as a true record by the members.
4. Matters arising:
A member was concerned about the disturbance in the area of the Co-op on Saturday (18 Feb 06).
Mike said that he understood an arrest was imminent, and the question of vandalism and antisocial
behaviour would be discussed later in the meeting.
There is still no reply from the Quarry concerning the liaison committee or from the traffic section in
County Hall, concerning the markings on the B6291.
Concerning the apprenticeships, Mike explained that Carillion did not cover office staff, but the Esh
Group may cover this. The GONE money is for construction trades.
5. Items of Other Business – register title of issue for item 11:
>A matter on housing and an incident outside David Terrace on 20 Feb.
>What PC Cockburn has done about the disturbance of 18 Feb.
and who is responsible for replacing the missing flagstones at the Co-op.
>A question on swimming.
6. Treasurer’s Report and Quiz:
Paul welcomed back Robin who is slowly recovering after his accident.
Robin explained that the money for the Community Chest is dealt with immediately.
The Home Front Recall money is almost spent, which leaves a modest general fund.
General Fund: (Debits) Nil. Balance: £ 305.65
Home Front Recall: (Debits) Insurance £409.50 Balance: £1402.19
Community Chest: (Credit) £7966.32
(Debits) Toddlers £251.80, ‘Club’ Darts £944.61, Banner £4165.00, Church £2640.91
Balance: Nil
Janet introduced and explained the ‘Christian Name’ quiz; closing date 31 March.
Members asked if the winners’ names could be printed in the Interchange.
7. Community Chest and clawback clause: There are two new applications.
> Bowburn Junior School (Equipment for ‘Before and After’ School activities)
total £1248.19. Recommended and approved.
1J Blackburn and P Dawe declared an interest in the following application, therefore this bid was dealt
with by D Whittaker and K Haigh. When approval was sought from members, M Syer declared an
interest.
> Bowburn Village Celebration, BVC, (2 Colour Editions of the Interchange, 1 Special Colour Banner
Edition, Hire of Brass Band to play at Remembrance Service, Public Liability Insurance) = £3040.00.
Recommended and approved.
Sum of applications approved to date is £ 19 789.98
A member asked how groups would apply for grants of over £5000. Paul explained that the
Masterplan covered projects that were prioritised by the focus groups, and, if possible, would be paid
for from the £1.8 million.
J Tindale said that the Partnership may want to consider using an adaptation of the Flourishing
Communities Fund application form.
A member said final approval for the £1.8 million lies with the City Council.
J Tindale explained that, in the case of U Moor; projects were costed and when agreed by the
community, went to the then SRB5 board for approval and then finally to DVRC, but every project
was agreed. Bowburn would be the same and once the £1.8 million was spent, applications could be
made to the Flourishing Communities Fund.
Members suggested that clarification is sought from Brian Spears.
Members asked if there is a time limit on the Community Chest, and if the whole of the £100 000 was
not spent could it be added to the £1.8 million. Answers to these questions also need clarification.
Clawback clause. J Tindale explained that the City Council had used a clawback clause for
businesses and the Partnership could use a similar form.
A member suggested that we could not ask for grant equipment that had already been passed, but it
was pointed out that boundaries can change.
It was suggested that a sentence such as “B&PCP reserves the right to request the return of
equipment if the group ceases activities or moves from the area of benefit.”
There was agreed with only one against.
8. Correspondence:
> T Punton Re Park: bio-diversity and other issues will be assessed as future developments within
the park become clearer. (Letter 17 Jan)
> J Lunn asked that a trainee deacon be given permission to attend general meetings as part of her
community work. (Email 17 Jan)
> M Syers thanked the Partnership for grant money for the Children’s Banner. (Email 21 Jan)
>J Rowe sent thanks for the kit for the Crowtree’s FC (Letter 24 Jan)
> Maureen Robinson tendered her resignation as a Trustee and Vice Chair of the Partnership due to
heath problems, and wishes the Partnership every success in the future. She will attend meetings
when she can and retain an interest in the Centenary Group. (Letter 17 Feb)
Members would like a specific answer to the repair of holes in the BMX track.
There were no objections to the trainee deacon attending general meetings.
Janet expressed her regret at Maureen’s resignation as Maureen had been a superb founder
member of the Partnership. This was agreed unanimously.
9. Reports:
John Tindale (Community Development Officer):
Gave an update on the apprenticeship schemes. Carillon will give a presentation to the 36 Year 11
pupils in DJ School to see what the uptake will be. Connexions records 69 Y11’s and every effort
would be made to contact all these young people.
The Esh Group could produce publicity leaflets and take advice on the leaflet drop, in conjunction
with the Partnership, for their schemes.
A member suggested that following the 16 year old schemes, it be requested that the next groups to
be informed should be, firstly 17-19 year olds, followed by 20-25 year olds.
2Masterplan: Paul introduced the ‘Masterplan Group Funding’ paper and members discussed the
Highways section. It was suggested that the building of the Wheatley Hill link road, possibly by the
end of 2006, could impact on the safe crossing at Parkhill.
A member thought that ‘Street lighting’ and ‘Off street parking’ could go into Environment. After some
discussion D Whittaker proposed that this take place and it was agreed.
>Highways would contain ‘Improve flow of traffic’ and ‘Provide safe crossing at Parkhill’
>Environment now contains ‘Street lighting’, ‘Organise minor environmental works’ and ‘Provide off
street parking’.
>Ongoing Projects would have ‘Investigate potential for Western/Southern by-pass’ added.
>The Partnership could point out problem areas of lighting and environmental, J Tindale would see if
the City Council could help.
When it was suggested that the Church of Christ the King use the Community Centre it was
explained that the Bishop had directed them to go to the Methodist Church.
Members/associations accepted responsibility for: Highways – Trustees
Environment – R Cowen, P Dawe, K Haigh, M Syer, D Whittaker.
Unmade Roads – R Jackson. Recreation – C Whitfield. Community Centre – Management
Committee. Church – D Whittaker, Parkhill – A Richardson, Youth – propose Youth Club, Heritage –
History Group, Centenary Group – Committee, Ongoing Projects – Trustees.
Regeneration Working Group: Mike reported that £280 000 SHIP money had been spent and this
would increase to £400 000 in the next few months. NEDL and Transco had put back disconnection
dates and Mike had taken this up with the MP. Demolition had started on 23 Feb 06 in Horton
Crescent (odds) and the unitary houses in Prince Charles Avenue. The draft Masterplan Executive
Summary document was distributed. The sewage blockage in both Philip Avenue and Lawson Road
had been cleared, and Environmental Health had investigated the sightings of vermin. The proposed
start date for building 40 dwellings, in the next financial year, in Philip Avenue is March. There are no
plans for compulsory purchase. Mike reported that business had dropped through the loss of
properties, and this was noted. Also a grassed area had not been completed on the Lawson link
road.
A member reported that there were still vermin. The roads in the area of demolition were being
affected both structurally and by the amount of mud left on them.
Parish Council: There had been few incidents to report by the police over the last month. The
allotment rent will increase by 5%, but there had been no increase for the last 5 years. There had
been a meeting of the Parish Council and the Centenary Group and it was felt that another such
meeting would be useful. PARC had asked if it was feasible to use the footpath through the
allotments. There was no problem but it would have to go to consultation. There is to be a clean up of
Bowburn on four Saturdays before the centenary. Pickers would be given the necessary equipment.
At the next Parish meeting, 15 March, at 6.30pm, there will be a presentation for the best garden.
The ordinary meeting will follow at 7pm, and the public can attend.
Outreach Workers: There will be a meeting about the teen shelter on Wednesday 1st March.
Outreach work has been cancelled for the last few weeks, but Joanne hopes to target young people
on Wednesday afternoons in the Youth Centre. This arrangement will be reviewed after six weeks. In
the future Joanne will be working with Connexions to help young people back into work or training.
Trustees: Agreed to allow a visitor from Methodist Church to attend the general meetings. Agreed to
ask J Tindale for advice on the clawback clause. Planned the grouped priorities in the Masterplan.
Formed questions for the Regeneration Group. There are five vacancies for Trustees.
12 Villages/SRB6 Representative: Jan Blakey reported that the SRB board meeting had not been as
successful as hoped. There are 5 new courses planned; Community Development starting 8 March
at Sherburn Hill, Learning Skills Council on 29 March at Brandon. Next general meeting is at Q Hill
on 27 February at 7pm. J Tindale asked about the board meeting and Jan gave her opinions.
310. Group Noticeboard:
Banner: The Arthur Moyes talk was most successful. Events at the Community Centre include
3 March Norman Emery talk, 11 March Reg Vardy band plus unveiling of the repaired 1959 Banner.
Event at the Club on28 April, Mike Tickell folk evening.
BVC: A colour banner edition of the Interchange is planned for March giving an update on the various
banners and other information.
Centenary: A picture is being drawn, for the image to go on the medals, which will be raffled. There
will be fun events such as a bingo, quiz and folk night along with an exhibition. On the weekend of 23
July, there will be a fair, fun day, birthday cake, balloon race with a prize of a voucher for a balloon
ride and, hopefully, fireworks.
Community Centre: Andrew Shutt has taken over as secretary from W Temporal and has been in
post for one week.
Football Teams: The girls are now training at Peterlee. Under 8’s team will play next month in the
new strip with the Partnership logo. The Infants will train on Monday’s after school. There should be a
school team in the Juniors by next season.
The Cooperage FC has had mixed results, but lie 5th in the division, and promotion is still possible.
They hope to buy the equipment from the grant in the next month.
History: Had an interesting talk by D Teasdale on Sport and Pastimes. Hope to hold a History plus
Genealogy Day on 24 June.
PARC: Have 3 estimates and are ready to go to planning and hope to complete by October, within a
budget of £400 000. They have taken advice from the emergency services; every entrance is
addressed by surfacing and lighting (awaiting information); have the agreement of police, parish and
city council. They will bring detailed plans to the next meeting.
R Jackson was enthusiastic about the plans and felt the children deserved the best.
A member suggested that the park should be an alcohol free area.
M Ridley said PARC had explored security issues but this would put up costs.
AOB: A member had asked to rent a house in Bowburn and been offered a property in Sherburn.
M Syer will investigate this.
Three incidents had happened together in David Terrace, which was a concern.
The advice was to report every incident to the police on either 0845 606 0365 or 999, and the police
will log the incident and sort out priority.
Lack of evidence is a problem and CCTV cameras could help.
Members agreed to discuss this at the next meeting.
R Cowen reported that the Quarry Liaison group is no further forward and he has written to the CPRE
about the Burnhope mast.
Paul described the plans for the new swimming pool, gym and fitness studio in Durham city. He was
concerned about the huge increase in budget. A member queried the building of a small pool, but it
was explained that Sunderland was chosen to have the Olympic pool.
Date and time of next meeting:
Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month.
The next meeting is 21 March at 6.30pm
Future meetings for 2006: 18 April, 16 May, 20 Jun, 18 July, 15 Aug.
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