CROFTON CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the meeting on Monday 12^th January 2004.

Attendees: Robert Baker, Paula Baker, Arthur Ripley, Joan Helme,

Sean Skidmore, Helen Tate, Maureen Cummings, Duncan

Thompson & Cllr Albert Manifield.

Apologies: Sharon Gallagher, Graeme Isherwood, Julian Ellis & Vicky Hunt

1. The minutes of the meeting dated 15^th December 2003 were found to be a true and accurate representation.

2. Matters arising:
• We still have not received the money from the football club.
• Sean suggested we discuss our plan with Health & Safety. Arthur thinks our site needs to be bigger to provide more space between.
• Meeting with Alan Smith on 28^th January to find costings of the extra earthworks. Suggested getting prices for the whole project, WMDC to do the earthworks so that we can concentrate on the equipment, as they would like to make a partnership with us. Albert would like to attend this meeting.
• Albert & Arthur met at the site – Albert was surprised at the size of the site. He agrees improvements need to be made.
• Bollards have been knocked out on the site at the car park. Albert will try to get these replaced. Arthur has discussed the access with the ambulance but there is no problem, as they would use a stretcher with wheels. It has been questioned whether or not to put a gate up instead of bollards but this is out of our control.

3. Skate Park Visits:

· Allerton Bywater, Royston & Normanton skateparks were visited by Rob & Sean. The covered shelters were moved in one case and abused, with evidence of drugs and alcohol abundant. This has out us off the idea of having a shelter but it was thought we had already decided not to have any. At Allerton Bywater the surface was concrete and seemed much more durable. Perhaps we could look into using concrete instead. Julian needs to be notified and asked to look into costings. The flooring we intend to use is not suitable as it had gaps and was slippy. If the planning application has gone through we can simply notify them of the change with the reasons why.

· We intend to provide a wall for spray painted graffiti, which we can repaint for a fresh start. Often the youngsters involved are creative and it would be nice to give them a place where this is accepted.

· Albert was concerned about WMDC taking on the maintenance if we used concrete.

· Arthur will bring this up in his meeting with Alan Smith on the 28^th.

4. Planning Application Update:
• Recommended for approval. It may not have to go to a planning board meeting. Still needs to be notified on access from the ambulance service. We are hopeful.
• We have asked them to do their best as quickly as possible as we have timings to stick to due to grant application deadlines.

5. Next Meeting:
• The date of the next meeting is Monday 23^rd February at 7.00pm in the staff room of Shay Lane Primary School.

6. A.O.B.:
• Albert asked if we have tried to get funding from Active England. Contact name is Keith Twiss and he will be able to provide forms and support.
• Arthur volunteered to be named as the manager for a funding application.
• Maureen suggested applying to Vital Villages. She will pass on an application pack that she has at home. She thinks it’s up to £5000.
• Albert asked about the Community Fund but Arthur already has this in hand. We are concerned that we would seem greedy taking the village share for three successive years. It was argued that we would be providing a service for the whole community and the local villages. It would help overcome our shortfall. If we apply for £10,000 we may not receive the whole amount, which is why we should really ask for the whole amount. We voted to decide we will apply.
• Arthur has asked Paul to ask for any monies left over (to cover running costs). He has another form ready to apply for the next year’s application.
• We have several funding applications in the pipeline at the moment to the value of £62,000+, before match funding.
• Paula advised the group of the article in the Smoke Signal. A date of 31^st January has been set for the final two raffle prizes to be claimed. Also, committee member’s names were printed.
• Rob asked for a volunteer to organise an Easter raffle, although he feels 2 raffles a year may be too much. No volunteer came forward as the Carnival is nearing. It was agreed to combine the raffle with the Carnival.
• Helen suggested an Easter Party, with a raffle for Easter eggs, chocolates and wine etc. The group has got behind this idea, but has agreed tickets should not be sold for £1. Charging on the door has been discussed & agreed & the Community Centre will be consulted regarding the extension of the disco. Raffle tickets will be sold again in the pubs!!
• We will try to arrange the night for Friday 2^nd April.
• Rob, Helen & Arthur will meet on the 26^th January at 7pm (AT THE OAK), to discuss the arrangements for the Easter party.
• Jobs will be allocated at the next meeting for the Carnival.
• June was concerned about whether the funds in the bank are sufficient to cover running costs. Paula assured June we have enough to cover these costs as they are only around £150-£200 a year with £2500 in the bank.