INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION IPSWICH BRANCH Committee Meeting Date: Friday, 22 January 2010. Venue: ‘The Chequers’, Great Blakenham. Present: Spencer Greystrong (Treasurer), Brian Holt (PRO), Diana Holt (Social), Clive Saville (Memberships), Charles Stride (Secretary), Lewis Tyler (RGT), Chard Wadley (Chairman), Carolyn Wadley (Minutes). 1
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Susan Brown and Brian Cornell.
2
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 27 NOVEMBER 2009 The Chairman duly signed the minutes for 27 November 2009 as being a true record of the proceedings.
3
MATTERS ARISING NOT INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA None.
4
COMMITTEE REPORTS Chairman Chard had received the Chelmsford Branch Magazine for January 2010. The email on the Government Strategy was discussed and Chard is to respond to Nigel Long on the committee’s behalf. Secretary Charles reported that he had received 3 nominations for the committee these being Chard Wadley, Spencer Greystrong and Gerry Crease. Charles had received 2 sets of minutes each from Peterborough and Cambridge and 1 set from Milton Keynes, an electronic newsletter had also been received from Milton Keynes. Regarding the Branch Officers Seminar to take place on 6 February in Stoke on Trent; Charles had replied to Emma advising that no one available on this occasion. Charles also stated that, although we appreciate that most waterways are in the North, would it be possible to occasionally hold a meeting in the south, say Milton Keynes, as the distances from us to the Midlands and North is a restriction. The email from Adam Baker on Discovering Places – a London 2012 Major Cultural Olympiad Project, was discussed and Charles said he had logged the interest of the Branch and suggested that we may be able to incorporate Discovering Places at our May event. Regarding the circulation of the talks listing, Spencer will confirm the RST talk on the 12 February with Brian Cornell. Charles distributed leaflets covering the Mid Suffolk Countryside events for 2010. Planning The Ipswich Tidal Barrier work has an open day on 29 January 2010 but Charles explained that there is no problem to the navigation so no need to attend. Sproughton Mill had been commented on originally regarding the height of the footbridge, which is correct, and the new changes do not affect us. Suffolk County Council’s Consultation on Waste Core Strategy had been commented on previously so no further action required. Charles had also received Colchester Borough Council’s Waste Consultation, Tendering 1
District Council’s information on the Mistley Waterfront fencing of the Quay and Norwich’s Planning Site allocation. Brian Holt is to check if the latter affects us. Treasurer Spencer gave everyone a copy of the accounts which will be put forward at the AGM. Spencer was pleased to have had acknowledgement from HO to say his accounts were the first to be received. Brian commented on his own suggestion, at the last committee meeting, of donations at branch meetings for financing said meetings saying he is not sure this would be the answer. After some discussion it was agreed to continue as we are at present with the raffles. Public Relations Officer Brian reported on the new EA sponsored website for Visit Anglian Waterways saying he felt the River Gipping should be included bearing in mind it is ideal for walking with rail and road connections. Brian had emailed ‘Visit Anglian’ and awaits a reply. Brian asked if an interpretation board is required for Hawks Mill and as this is now the RGT’s responsibility Lewis said they would discuss the option. Social Secretary Diana said speakers for the 2010/11 winter programme are in progress. Regarding the May coach trip Diana said 37 people have confirmed so far. Chard raised the subject of the annual dinner saying that in light of us having to cancel the dinner in January due to heavy snow, would it be better to hold the annual dinner in March? This was agreed by all in attendance. Editor, Anglian Cuttings Charles had done some statistics on the price of producing Anglian Cuttings and this was discussed at length. Concluding that it cost £1 per copy it was agreed that electronic distribution would reduce the costs to the branch. The way to achieve this was explained by Spencer saying it would be with the help of HO as the agreement of each member must be received to abide by the Data Protection Act. Charles suggested a flyer being sent to each member to make them aware of our intentions. It was agreed a letter will be sent explaining the procedure for receiving electronic copies should they be happy to receive the magazine in this way. The option of a paper version would still be possible for those who do not have computers or do not wish to have it electronically. Membership Secretary Clive reported the figures as follows November – 520 members and 336 memberships. December – 518 members and 335 memberships. Clive stated that our rise in members could be due to the WRG members being given a 1 year free membership of the IWA if they have attended a WRG work party. 5
SOS2010 ACTION DAY Plans for this day were discussed and Chard asked if there would be enough support from members of the committee on the day and 4 members agreed to help. Chard is to ring Peter Hesketh to see if the River Stour Trust would be happy for us to hold it at the Granary in Sudbury. The River Gipping Trust has agreed to support the event and Ivan Cane has responded on behalf of the EAWA who support the action but at this time will not be able to attend but will keep in mind. Charles is to contact HO to find out what is on offer in the way of
2
literature. 6
REPORTS ON OTHER BODIES River Gipping Trust Lewis said a planning meeting had been held and the minutes distributed and this will be discussed at the meeting on 26 January. The latest River Action Group minutes had been circulated. Spencer reported that Frances Hart had sent the Trust a donation in advance of her giving talks in 2010. Frances has also offered the Trust a picture of the River Gipping to sell or raffle to raise funds for the restoration. River Stour Trust No Report. Pickerel Project Group Chard reported that the Pickerel Project Group had been approached by the building company, who at present are working on a housing development near the River Gipping towpath, to say they will do the work and pay the costs for the revamping of the Head of Navigation for the group. Regarding the Pickerel Group’s work parties, these are held on the first Sunday of the month which is the same weekend we hold our Saturday work parties. Chard therefore explained that should they need assistance and could change to the Saturday we would be able to help.
7
ANY OTHER BUSINESS Brian Holt said Christmas Cards had been sent to relevant people. Spencer reported that Dave Forrester has asked Spencer to look for any obvious errors in the website to support HO before it goes public.
8
NEXT MEETING Friday, 5 March 2010.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 3.20pm.
3