APCA minutes

Present:- Ruth Kerry, Simon Middlecote, Chris Holmes, Jo Mansfield, Helen Hetherington, Caroline Stone, Col Dexter, John Bailey
Also in attendance: Councillor Julie Chaplain,
Apologies: Sue Andrews, Catherine Bailey, Daniel Whittingham, Tracey Turrill, Councillor Penny Gowland
FRAUD AND CYBER PROTECTION
Sean Douglas and a colleague from Nottinghamshire Police spoke in detail about ways of preventing different types of fraud and scams and how to safeguard your mobile phone from hackers. They also covered risks when using social media and on-line shopping.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the last Committee Meeting held on 23rd February 2026 were noted.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Ruth gave details of the income and expenditure for the Association. Ruth explained that money had been received from Rushcliffe for first aid equipment and training. The equipment had been purchased but the training was still to be organised.
It was AGREED to note the report.

CHAIR’S REPORT
Simon read out the Chair’s report.
The report covered
The community gardens
Adult gym, both the facility and the group
Last year's summer gathering
Litter picking group
Games night, book club and stich up craft group at the Willow Tree
Remembrance tributes
Willow weave
5A bus to Turning Circle
Bat boxes.
Regarding the community gardens it was thought useful if a Gis map could be obtained from Rushcliffe and the County Councils which would show which were owned by each council and include details of the community gardens.
Another suggestion was for part of the community garden to be allocated to the schools to get involved with. An alternative was to put planters on the grass at the end of Buckfast Way next to abbey Road and encourage the school to plant them.
It was AGREED that Simon be thanked for his report which was noted.

SUMMER GATHERING AND 50th ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
It was noted that a tapestry was being created to mark the 50th anniversary of Abbey Park. This was being co-ordinated by Catherine and Tracey.
Simon indicated that he proposed to lead a walk around the estate to highlight its unique features. The date he had in mind was Sunday 26th September 2026.
It was AGREED
To invite James Naish MP to the event
To consider moving the location of the event to nearer the play area.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
The following appointments to the Committee were agreed for the following year:-
Chair – Simon Middlecote
Vice-Chair – Sue Andrews
Treasurer and Website – Ruth Kerry
Secretary – Chris Holmes
Committee members: Caroline Stone, Tracey Turrill, Jo Mansfield, Helen Hetherington, Catherine Bailey, Daniel Whittingham

PROPOSED TOWN COUNCIL FOR WEST BRIDGFORD
Councillor Julie Chaplin explained that West Bridgford Local Area Forum were organising a petition to Rushcliffe with a view to pressing for a Town Council to be created for West Bridgford. There was a need for 2500 signatures for it to be considered by them.
It was AGREED that the Local Area Forum could have a stall about the proposed West Bridgford Council at the Summer Gathering

DATE OF THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
It was agreed that a special meeting be held on Monday 6th July 2026 at the Willow Tree purely to discuss the summer gathering.
The next full committee meeting would be held on a date to be decided after the summer gathering.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.