FURZEDOWN COMMUNITY NETWORK

Minutes of the Meeting held on Sunday 11 February 2001
at Seely Hall, Chillerton Road

Present - Tim Kahn, Cllor Ian Hart, George Nyamie, Anna Lubelska, John Hayns, Norman Barr, Shirley Sim, Maria and Mark White, Vijay Bhuchar, Christy Billings

Apologies - Ellis Cory, Graham Owen, Bob Broad, Cllor John Fairbrother and Cllor Jane Briginshaw

1. Matters arising

1.1 Website - John Hayns is still waiting for people to sent him information for the FCN website.
1.2 Parking - Cllor Ian Hart reported that the response to the proposed Controlled Parking Zone at the Rectory Lane end of the ward had been 20% for and 80% against (of individual householders in the roads which would have been included in the zone). The Council had therefore decided that there would be no CPZ in that area in the foreseeable future.
1.3 Hostel on Bedford Road - for category 1 offenders - it was reported that this is now on hold subject to a nationwide review of the national probationary strategy. Councillor Hart undertook to let FCN know if there was any news about the hostel.

2. Constitution

Anna Lubelska tabled copies of the third draft of the FCN constitution and invited further comments. After a brief discussion the constitution was adopted with 7 voting for, none against and 4 abstentions. It was agreed to address the matter of how long people should be allowed to be officers as an amendment to the constitution at the first AGM.

3. Election of officers

Anna gave details as to who had expressed an interest in being an elected officer. Norman Barr, Vijay Bhuchar, Anna Lubelska each gave their credentials for being officers. Graham Owen's credentials were given by Anna. Then the following officers were proposed, seconded and duly elected by a show of hands:

Anna Lubelska Chair
Graham Owen Vice-chair
Vijay Bhuchar Secretary
Norman Barr Treasurer
Ellis Cory Local Publicity Officer
Tim Kahn, Christy Billings, Shirley Sim, Mark White, Maria White, John Hayns and George Nyamie were elected to the committee. This made 12 committee members all together which left 5 more places to fill. It was decided to look for committed and active people to fill these places in due course.

Cllor Hart said that he would prefer not to join the committee but instead act as a 'sounding board' for the committee. It was agreed to propose to the other two local Councillors that they adopt the same relationship to the committee.

It was agreed that the committee should continue to meet once a month and that an executive committee should not be set up at this stage of the organisation's development. However it would be expected that FCN officers would work together and consult each other in between meetings if action needed to be taken.

4. Membership subscriptions

Although it had been suggested that we set up a family membership subscription it was agreed that this would cause difficulties in defining who is a family and it would also cause confusion with regard to voting rights.

It was therefore agreed that membership subscriptions should be:
£5 for Adults over 18.
£3 concessions (OAPs, students, UB40s etc) and Under 18s.

Future benefits to members to include:
· Regular information
· Discounts at FCN events
· Right to be involved in the decision-making process
· An email address at Furzedown.com

It was pointed out that there are 14,000 people all ages in Furzedown ward of which 10,500 people are over 18. There are about 6,000 households. So there is the potential to raise quite a lot of money through subs.

5. Bank account

Norman Barr proposed that we open an account at Barclays Bank at Amen Corner with four signatories any two of whom may sign cheques. This was agreed.

6. Information exchange

6.1 Community safety - George undertook to find out about Neighbourhood Watch in the area. It was reported that the Wandsworth area is short of 70 Police Officers.
6.2 Street robberies - Anna reported that the Graveney school Parent Teacher Association will be organising an evening on this topic on 28 March.
6.3 Café - Tim Kahn reported that his Year 1 pupils at Furzedown School had written to the Council about the café on the recreation ground. They had received a reply saying that the Council is advertising for someone to take on the lease of the café.

7. Local consultation

A copy of a draft consultation newsletter prepared by Graham Owen was passed around for comment. Various comments were made. Anna to feedback to Graham.

8. Barn Dance

Mark and Maria reported that Seely Hall has been booked for Saturday 12 May for the FCN Barn Dance and a caller has been booked (cost £170). Norman will organise the deposit for this. There will be room for 150 people. It was agreed that we should apply for an alcohol license either for the single event or on an annual basis. It was agreed that the subgroup organising the Barn Dance should meet as soon as possible. (Mark, Maria, Vijay and John) to decide the prices and all other arrangements. The committee to help with selling tickets.

9. Furzedown Festival

Anna reported that she was organising the first meeting of the Festival Planning Group, the evening of 13 Feb at 15 Clairview Road.

10. Pancake race

George reported that he is liaising with Denise Broad on this. The venue will probably be Furzedown Recreation Ground.

11. Next meeting

The next meeting will be the first meeting of the new committee and will be at 8.00 for 8.30 to 10 pm on Sunday 11 March at Seely Hall.