Present Anna Lubelska (in the chair), Shirley Sim, John Valentine (part), Ellis Cory, Margot Hill, Graham Owen, Vijay Bhuchar, Mark and Maria White, Bob Broad (part)

Apologies Diane Berry, Cllor Jane Briginshaw, Bernadette Ward, Helen Long, Tom Coffey, Cllor Fairbrother, John Hayns.

1. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting

1.1 Council consultation evening - there was a discussion about the Furzedown Best Value consultation meeting which had been held at the Welham Hall. It was reported that about 100 people had attended and it had been a lively and, on the whole, good humoured session. Many issues had been raised. It had been useful to hear the various concerns from around the ward which included: abandoned vehicles, traffic/the need for safe routes to schools, youth harassing shopkeepers on Thrale Road, rubbish clearance and street cleaning. Maria pointed out that the Council was now removing abandoned vehicles near her house.

Action agreed - Anna Lubelska to write up her notes in time for the next FCN meeting.

1.2 Youth facilities – lack of local youth facilities had been raised as an issue at the consultation evening. It was agreed that this was an important issue for the Network to take up. It was suggested that the Network could organise regular activities and one off events for young people with help from local volunteers. However it was recognised that any such undertaking would need to be properly organised with insurance, police checks for volunteers etc and was beyond our capacity at present.

Action agreed – Margot Hill to find out from the Council’s Leisure Dept what the situation is regarding youth provision and funding. Ellis Corby to invite the Mitcham Lane Baptist church youth worker to attend a future meeting of the Network.

1.3 Website - it was noted that the website has not developed since October, but various members have some content which is almost ready to go on the website.

Action agreed – people producing material for the website to progress what they are doing and liaise with John Hayns.

1.4 Leafleting Furzedown – Vijay Bhuchar reported that the cost of printing 6,000 leaflets would be £80-£150 depending on the desired quality. John Hayns has offered to sponsor the leaflet and pay half the cost. Vijay may sponsor the other half.

Action agreed – to produce the leaflet when we have a definite event we want to publicise as well as the Network itself.

1.5 Mapping local resources – Ellis Cory reported that he is continuing to work on his map of local resources which will be posted on the website and can also be used as a contact list for the consultation we are planning.

1.6 Recreation ground/café – Graham Owen reported that the Council would be advertising the re-availability of the lease on the café in Furzedown Recreation Ground in due course.

2. Constitution

2.1 First draft - those present read and made comments on the draft constitution tabled by Anna Lubelska.

Action agreed: Network members to let Anna have any further comments in time for her to amend the constitution and bring a second draft to the next meeting.

3. Xmas Fayre

3.1 Preparation - the FCN Xmas Fayre would be on Saturday 23 Dec 11am -1pm in Seely Hall. Mark and Maria White reported that they had managed to get about 50 prizes donated by Tooting shops for the Xmas Fayre raffle. Mark and John Hayns had picked up some amazing free decorations from the Arndale Centre which would be used to decorate Seely Hall.

Mark appealed for help with stalls at the event. The programme would include a show (Juggling John) and a baby show. Stalls planned so far included a ‘make your own Xmas card’, face painting and white elephant.

Those present thanked Mark and Maria for their hard work.

4. Date of next meeting

8 for 8.30 – 10pm Sunday 14 January 2001 at Seely Hall