ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership – Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 20 May 2008. From 6.30pm to 7.00pm
Present: K Barber, W Bates, M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, K Calvert, S Colquhoun, P Dawe, S Featherstone, J Geyer, A Gregory, B
Gregory, K Griffiths, K Haigh, R Jackson, G Kitson, M Malek, R Millerchip, S Raine, A Richardson,
V Richardson, Maggie Robinson, Maureen Robinson, J Shields, M Syer, S Thompson, S Walworth,
In Attendance: J Anson, J Taylor, M Williams
1. Apologies for absence: R Cowen, N Dixon, J Eden, I Hunter Smart, B Jennings, John Kane, Judith Kane, S Millerchip, M
Ridley, W Rumney, G Stoker, R Walsh, A Wilson
Julie Taylor, CVS, presided over the meeting as the Independent advisor.
2. Chair’s Annual Report:
Paul welcomed everyone to the fourth Annual General Meeting of the Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership.
Over the past year the Partnership has been given the opportunity to discuss local issues with the police. Officials from
various agencies have addressed meetings on specific topics of interest and concerns such as the development of the
Cape site. It has been agreed to have an annual update of the Masterplan.
Representation on the Park Working Group and the vice chair attending the tendering process will allow for swift feedback
on the progress of the scheme, and work on the bottom Park should start in the near future. The PARC group, CDO’s and
Partnership have completed funding applications for the Play Park over the last year.
The Regeneration Fund granted £204 977.00 towards the two play areas at Parkhill, which gained planning permission in
November 2007, and match funding of £100 000 was agreed for a new Worship Centre. Revised plans have been agreed
by the committee for the Community Centre and the Partnership awaits an application to the Regeneration Fund.
Groups have benefited from the Community Chest to the sum of £30 000. Qualifications and experience were gained
from the CEDI fund for PAT testing, Risk assessment, and The Prince2 training in project management.
Local environment schemes were agreed and match funding was granted through URRI for Durham Road, the Co-op,
Somal’s and the China Delight area plus Romaine Square. The Partnership expressed their views on a proposed wind
farm and has given suggestions for highway projects such as lobbying for an Industrial Highway to bypass Bowburn.
Walkabouts with representatives from Haslam Homes will continue on the Prince Charles and Tail-upon-End sites.
Six apprentices trained through Haslam Homes, with one becoming regional apprentice of the year for the 2006/07.
During the next year we will see work starting in the Bowburn and Parkhill Parks; private housing on Tail-upon-End Lane;
a mix of social and private housing in Prince Charles Avenue/Horton Crescent; we should see many projects finalised in
the coming year. The Partnership is looking forward to working with all the Councillors and Community Development
Officers during the transition period towards a Unitary Authority.
The Secretary presented the annual update submitted for the following project groups:
Banner Group: S Maisey was short listed for Student conservator of the Year Award; C Rendell completed work on the
Edith Cavell banner; J Johnson erected the 3rd banner case in Bowburn Community Centre; Interpretive material about
the banners will be produced. The Centenary banner went to many events during the year as did banner members. The
Bowburn March is in Bowburn library. Over £3000 was spent on the 2007 Gala weekend which included the cost of
bussing and accommodating the band from Yorkshire. Commemorative goods and concerts help raise funds. The
Heritage Open Day displayed some 30 banners and was well received. Events: 2008 – Gala, Ohio Brass Band concert,
Heritage Open Day; 2009 – The Best Damn Band In The Land from Ohio travels to Bowburn Gala celebrations.
Environment Schemes were discussed in detail at the March General Meeting.
Heritage Group: During 2007/08 preparations were made for the opening of the Resource Centre; In 2008/09 it is hoped
to display and store historical data in one location in the Heritage Room.
Highway Schemes were discussed in detail at the April General Meeting.
History Society: Speakers and events are being arranged for 2008/09.
Parkhill Residents: Secured funding for hanging baskets, trees, seats and waste bins; Held a Children’s Xmas party;
Gained planning approval for 2 play areas; Shrubs in the bull ring will not be disturbed by the seating or the play area.
Thanks were extended to Parkside Grove Nurseries for maintaining the plants. The Group work with the Parish and City
Councils. In 2008/09 consultation needs to take place for the Community Building; Monthly Meetings are held in Coxhoe.
Members agreed the reports from the Chair and the Project Groups.
3. Statement of Financial Affairs: The Balance Carried Forward to 1 April 2008 was £1727.13 made up of Restricted
funds £1273.29, and Unrestricted Funds £453.84. Expenditure is small and regular with the main transactions being
payments from the City Council for the Community Chest, which may be used up during this coming year.
Members agreed the report from the Treasurer.
4. Election of Officers: The following officials were elected by the members:
Chair Paul Dawe, Vice-Chair Richard Walsh, Secretary Janet Blackburn, Treasurer Robin Millerchip,
5. Election of Trustees: A ballot was held. J Anson and J Taylor presided over the vote and announced that the following
members would be trustees for the year 2008/2009:
W Bates, J Blakey, R Cowen, A Gregory, K Haigh, R Jackson, J Kane, S Raine, V Richardson, Maureen Robinson,
M Syer
6. Close of AGM: Thanks were extended to J Taylor for chairing the meeting and the members for attending.