Community Association Committee

Minutes of meeting - 2nd April, 2003 at 7.30pm

Welcome
Kirsty Donnelly, deputising for Caroline, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies
Apologies for non-attendance were accepted on behalf of Caroline Anderson, Phyllis MacLeod, Sian Burton, Stephen Renton and Laura McDonagh.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting were adopted as correct on the motion of Iain Buchan and seconded by Ann Marie Cockburn.

Community Centre Security
George and Finlay reported on the latest attack on the centre by vandals. They also mentioned that most of the recommendations of the crime prevention department of the local police had been carried out. The Secretary mentioned that he and Caroline had been making enquiries into the possibility of getting a grant to fund the various security proposals recommended by Abel Alarm. Finlay mentioned there might be another option open to us now that the 400 mark had been reached on the number of people registered for Broadband in the area. However he was unsure if the system could be adopted into the Police network. John Reid made the point that if the benches were removed we should also try to get the tarmac taken away as well. Finlay also reported he had acquired an Ordnance Survey map of the area which could be used for various things - it might even be useful for laying out the various attractions for the Gala. A short discussion took place regarding the new primary school. It would appear from information received that the Council's preferred option for the new school was now the campus suggestion at the Community Centre. This however had to be submitted to the Education Department for their consideration, probably in the next week.

Finlay said he had had a long meeting with the police regarding local security. He went on to give a comprehensive report on the security advice the police had delivered. The key to stopping things happening, he said, was to get your defence right. Things like investing in CCTV was regarded as a second level measure, because it creates a deterrent. To just repeatedly call the police out doesn't work. The Treasurer went on to say the Community Council were continuing to look into the matter and the police were in discussions with the Council regarding how to improve the system. Liz Canning reported that the door shutter was badly bashed and it was becoming very difficult to open and shut.

Treasurer's Report
Finlay reported that we more or less still had the same funds that we had before. He had received a cheque for £1,700 for the increased nursery let. A cheque from the Council for £1,000 had also been received, which had to be spent before the end of the year. The Treasurer also mentioned that he was still to finalise the accounts for the year, however with his new system hopefully it would be more simple this year.

He said he had done the meter readings to date and was just waiting for the bills to come in. He was amazed at the amount of gas being used, this was obviously because of the earlier starting times of the nursery classes. One or two of the committee said it was too warm when they were using the centre. The Secretary agreed to show them how to put the power off. Finlay then asked Kirsty how much was still outstanding on the cost of the new kitchen? Kirsty explained what was still outstanding, however she explained that her main problem was the installation of the kitchen and the cooker. She said there had been plenty of offers of help with the cleaning and painting, but we were going to have to pay people to install the appliances.The committee discussed the subject at length and decided that we were working to a deadline to have it finished over the Easter holiday period we should just go ahead with the best quotes.

John Reid stated they had asked the Council to cut the grass at the rear of the centre and so far they had not had a response. They intended to cut it themselves and have it lined off they didn't know what the overall cost would be. If it proved too costly would the Association be willing to help with the funding? Finlay said we had the money and it was a worthwhile project, we would help if needed.

Secretary's Report
George explained that he had received a 'phone call from Evelyn Ritchie, the nursery teachers had been complaining again about the cleaner's equipment and materials being stored in the invalid toilet. He reported that he had spoken to the cleaner and also contacted Donald Gorman, Facilities Manager, for the Council and for the present, the matter had been resolved.

The Secretary mentioned the Council had removed the basketball apparatus and also the railings at the children's play area, they had also trimmed the bushes at the front of the centre. The seats at the rear of the building however had not yet been removed. The plastic edging immediately beneath the roof was to be replaced with metal and then coated with vandal proof black tar-like paint.

A discussion took place regarding the container to house the football equipment. George said when this was first talked about he had contacted the planning department, and had been told that permission would not be granted for one on that site. Finlay said perhaps we could discuss it with the head of the planning department. It could also be used to store the tables and perhaps also the bins. Finlay said he would ask the head of the planning department. The Secretary said he had been asked by the football section if the Association would sponsor a race at their race night. It was agreed we donate £25 for this purpose.

Letting Report
Kirsty said in her short report that the lets were still coming in on a regular basis.

Gala Day - Ann-Marie
Sarah reported that she had the number of a bagpiper. Ann-Marie said she would contact him. She also reported that she had put together a schedule for the Gala, she passed out copies of this to the committee. She said she had spoken to most of the 'user groups' which had agreed to take part on the Saturday. A general discussion took place regarding the schedule times etc., the Karate group however had insufficient numbers at the moment and could not take part.

Lana Lord had agreed to ask her husband Derek to come along on the day and she thought that could be arranged. Ann-Marie invited those present to fill in their names on the provided sheets for helpers for the various events. She intended to sell tokens for the children's attractions such as the bouncy castle. The disco on the Saturday night was discussed, it was also suggested we try to get a group to play either late in the afternoon or early evening as another attraction, just to keep things ticking over. Sarah thought she could recommend a group for this period and would give the details to Ann-Marie.

John Reid give a summary of the football section's intentions mainly for the Sunday. However if an 'Old Crocks' game was organised it would probably be on Saturday around lunchtime. A lengthy discussion took place regarding the bar and security; it was unanimously agreed we should hire the appropriate security for the entire event. It was also agreed that a fuller bar be provided. George suggested that we approach the owner of the Spar store as he was our biggest sponsor last year, and ask if he could supply the bar with what was required, on a sale or return basis. Fiona said she was disappointed that she would miss the Gala as she would be in Aberdeen on that weekend.

Finlay and Ann-Marie agreed that they would try to do a layout off the various attractions. It was further agreed that the under-12's disco would start at 7p.m. and finish at 9.30 and be charged at £1.50 to include a free drink and a bag of crisps. On discussing the numbers for the Ceilidh this would be limited to the number of seats available. The Centre had 80 seats and it was thought we may be able to borrow 100 from the school, this would limit the numbers to 180 maximum perhaps 200.

George said he had the forms for the licence however he asked Ann-Marie to try and get a sketch of the marquees layout from Morag at the marquee firm, this was needed for the temporary structure licence from the planning department. The ticket distribution was also discussed it was agreed to ask the user groups to help with the sale of the tickets and also perhaps the chemist who had helped in the past. The tickets to be priced as last year - £5 for an adult and £3 for a child.

Care for the Family - Presenter Training Course
In Caroline's absence George brought the committee up to date on this subject. He explained that Caroline had made enquiries regarding the availability of places on the course. To date she had not had a reply.

Profitability of Wemyss Bay News
Finlay said he was hoping that Phyllis would have been in attendance, to find out what reaction there had been from advertisers since the price increase. George explained that Phyllis was attending a computer course which was an important stage and he had told her he would extend her apologies. She promised to be at the next meeting.

Disco Equipment
Finlay explained about the new equipment that had been purchased for the disco unit. New jacks, headphones and microphone. He told Sarah that she needed to try it all out. He also felt that she should probably keep the box with the new gear at home. John said he had a bag of CD's that had been found that may be of use.

Date of Next Meeting
It was agreed that the date of the next meeting would be Wednesday, 7th May at 7.30p.m.

George Anderson, Secretary