Two inaccuracies were pointed out:

• correct spelling of Bob Broad
• Bob Broad not Vijay Bhuchar had volunteered to be on the café subgroup.

There was some debate about whether the picnic squirrel hunt had finally ended. No consensus reached as yet on this matter.

John Hayns gave a report from the information subgroup (John, Julian Joseph, Linda Lewis and Vijay Bhuchar). The website exists and the minutes of the last meeting are posted on it (some of those present had downloaded the minutes from the site!). The subgroup is designing an exciting website which John showed everyone at the meeting using a laptop computer.

The subgroup had come up with lots of ideas for the content of the website including: database of local events, feedback from, directory of local services/facilities, skill share section, buy/sell free ads, banner ads for local businesses (charged), discussion board on different topics, historical background of the area, emailing list, interactive (?) map of the area, links to existing sites (local and beyond) and spots page/local clubs.

John explained that the information subgroup could make the site work technically but would not have the time to keep updating it. Volunteers would be needed for this. The Network will need to establish ground rules about what and how information goes on the site etc.

The information subgroup had also talked about other ways in which the Network could enable information exchange and communication between local residents and it was agreed that other communication mechanisms would include: leaflet to all houses in the area, article/press release, public meeting and a noticeboard.

• The information subgroup to continue work on the website starting with the map, the discussion board and the historical background.
• Local designers to be asked to help with website design.
• Helen Long and Ellis Cory to checkout local history authors.
• Vijay Bhuchar to draft a publicity leaflet and bring to the next meeting.
• Plan the public meeting at our next meeting.

Vision – Anna tabled copies of a discussion paper about the Network’s vision, aims and objectives.

Constitution/legal form – Anna reported that she had obtained a model constitution for community associations from Community Matters (the National Federation of Community Organisations). It was felt that perhaps at this stage, the Network should become an unincorporated association. It was agreed to seek more information before making a decision about the Network’s constitution/legal form.

Fundraising – some ideas were discussed including asking local residents for donations or membership to the Network.

Role of the Network – there was a discussion about whether the Network should campaign on issues such as traffic, road safety, parking and local facilities. Should the Network’s role be to campaign itself or to provide a means through which issues could be discussed and leave the campaigning to others.

There was also a discussion about whether the Network could be the ‘voice’ of the local area.

It was suggested that the strategy should be: Stage 1 – communication and Stage 2 – consultation.

• People to give Anna Lubelska their comments about the vision etc paper before the next meeting.
• Anna Lubelska to obtain an electronic copy of the model constitution from Community Matters and to ask for futher advice about the best legal form for our organisation.
• Bob Broad to obtain copies of TBAG’s and Balham society’s constitutions.
• Ellis Cory to obtain a copy of the Streatham Society’s constitution and to see if they could send someone to our next meeting to tell us about the role of the Society.

It was agreed to invite a local Councillor to attend the next meeting so that there could be some discussion about the role of the Network in relation to the role of local Councillors.

Ellis reported that he has been noting down what there is in the area. The area straddles the SW16 and SW17 postcodes.

There was a discussion about the boundaries for the Network. It was suggested that the Network could operate in the area within the natural boundaries of Mitcham Lane, Southcroft Road, Rectory Lane and Thrale Road. Further discussion and consultation needed before a decision can be made.

It was agreed to explore the possibility of using a drawing of Furzedown Lodge as a logo for the Network.

Anna Lubelska to make contact with people living in Furzedown Lodge.

Bob reported that he had written to Wandsworth Council to ask about the café, after consulting with the other members of the café subgroup (Lia Kahn-Zajtmann, Mark White, Bob Broad, and Linda Lewis). Mr Wilkinson, Chief Parks Officer , had replies that there are currently two proposals in with the Borough Valuers.

It was agreed that we would be happy to have the café run commercially but the park needs to be looked after and unless this happens any new business will probably fail. Diane Berry pointed out that the impact of Graveney students descending on the café at lunchtimes should not be underestimated.

• Mark White to go to consultation meeting with the Council.
• Bob Broad to invite Mr Wilkinson to come on a site visit at the recreation ground.

Time and date – 8 for 8.30pm Sunday 12 November

Venue – Seely Hall, Chillerton Road

Business – to include Festival planning.