Minutes of meeting 12th June 2023

Minutes

Present:- Simon Middleton (Chair),Ruth Kerry (Treasurer), Sue Andrew, Caroline Stone, Helen Hetherington, Councillor Penny Gowland, Jo Mansfield and Steve Calvert
Apologies:- Chris Holmes and Jo Whittingham

MINUTES
Minutes of the last meeting held on 18/04/2023 were confirmed and noted.

FINANCE & BANK ACCOUNT
Tresurer (Ruth Kerry) reported that current balance of APCA Bank account is £1353.54 and there have been no new purchases since last meeting.
• Outstanding bill from Streetwise of £25.00
• Catherine has sold some plant for the sumo £19.00 and will be donating that to our account
• Due to previous difficulty in obtaining correct invoicing for the hire of the community centre for open meetings, discussed negotiating free use of the community centre for as it benefits the local residents. (Simon to Email )

GARDENING ISSUES
• Some areas around Abbey Park not always having the green areas mowed , plan to identify these and utilise some of the Landsman Money to pay for a local gardener to mow certain areas
• Black Alley behind Waltham Close, on going need to keep pathways clear as requested by some people, but keeping it tamed rather than severely cut back and at the right time of year , to prevent damage to wild life and encourage the natural re seeding , especially of the areas of wild flower growth. (Sue happy continuing ongoing liaison with Streetwise and Notts County Council )
• Committees ongoing thanks to Sue, Joan and Catherine with all the hard work they provide for the gardening areas that benefit the whole community.

GYM EQUIPMENT
In regard to the ongoing pain to provide some gym equipment on Abbey Park near the children’s play ground, Ruth reported that she has been in contact with Derek Hayden (Communities Manager for Rushcliffe Borough Council . Mr Hayden reported that the provision of new gym equipment was been looked last as part of the 2nd phase of use of Section 106 monies acquired following the redevelopment of the depot on Abbey Road (Financial year 2024/2025). He stated that in recent year the Council were retreating from the use of multi highly mechanised equipment and using equipment that focused on body weight exercises in a smaller area of space
Plan to advertise to the local area asking for input.

BENCHES
Simon reported that following widespread local consultation, there was no new negative feedback for a bench located by the new orchard area on the park
However there were objections from 2 properties regarding the bench at the Notice Board due to possible unsocial behaviour , this location to be discussed further.
Simon will liaise with Tom Pettit about a possible path to the bench location near the orchard and having a bin adjacent.

SOCIAL EVENTS
Summer Picnic/Party in the Park , date confirmed at Sun 10th September 1400 -1600. Last years successful format to be repeated with sub committee meeting organised for 07/08/2023

Litter Picking , ongoing on every last Sunday in the month and continues to be very productive and helpful in keeping the environment tidy and safe, Committee thanks to Ruth with her organisation of this.

OTHER BUSINESS
Repeated requests to the Council and Bus operators to extend the No 7 to loop around the bus turning area on Buckfast Way to provide essential services for elderly residents living in the residential community
Monitoring of the current problematic parking and stopping around the access areas to the schools... Liaise with Jo Whitingham
Sources of communication for APCA are Closed Facebook Group, Website and Notice Board.
Next Community Meeting October 3rd 2023 Buckfast Way Community | Centre