Community Association Committee

Welcome
Caroline on opening the meeting, thanked everyone for attending. She gave a special welcome to Willie Wilson from the Council who was also in attendance.

Apologies for Absence
Apologies for non-attendance were accepted from Jenny M'Gee and Sharon Black.

Acceptance of Previous Minutes
The Committee having read the Minutes of the previous meeting, after a short discussion, adopted the Minutes on the motion of Allison Battley, seconded by Sian Burton.

Report from Willie Wilson regarding builder's bond
Willie explained that officially the 'Cyber Cafe' was now a 'Dead Duck'. The reason for this was mainly because the solicitors acting on behalf of the builder were sticking strictly to the wording of the Bond, namely that it was for 'Children's Play Areas' and they were reluctant to have it used for anything else and also the Scottish Executive would not allow the matching funding to carry over into the next financial year.

He further explained the Council had been asked to show they had a plan for the Children's Play equipment, and he explained to the committee they had quickly come up with the plan that he had brought to the meeting for the committee's perusal. The committee discussed the plan in detail and generally approved of the suggestions, except for one area which suggested a rope climbing frame. The general feeling was that this particular area would be ideal for a skateboarding area. Willie further explained that the solicitors had suggested that if the Council had no set plans for the play equipment, instead of £59,000 they would give us £40,000 and wipe the slate clean. However the Council refused to accept this suggestion. Liz Canning asked about access to the football pitch in the evening. The point was also made that now that the school playground was locked up after school hours, the small paved area behind the Centre was being used for skateboarding. The youths were even using Wemyss Bay railway station for this activity. This situation could potentially be dangerous as the station also doubled as a car park. A further discussion took place regarding toddler's swings or 'bucket swings' and also junior's swings; these areas on the plan were to be on 'a wet porous safety surface' and the Committee felt they should be fenced in to keep dogs out. Willie pointed out the intended play surfaces, although dearer than sand were virtually maintenance free.

In closing, Willie went over all the points that the committee had raised and generally agreed upon. When pressed for a timescale, he explained he had to discuss the plans with other groups, however he would be pushing it on as fast as possible. He also spoke briefly about the proposed astroturf surfacing of the existing football area at the school. This situation should be clearer nearer the end of the month.

Treasurer's Report
Finlay started his report by announcing that he had received £525 compensation from BT for closing down the alarm telephone line. He went on to discuss the 'Clean Up Day' which would be on Saturday, 27th April, this year. All volunteers to be at the Community Centre for 10a.m. This year he indicated that an effort also be made to clean up the woods which is up for discussion regarding its preservation and revamping. He suggested that perhaps the guides who were usually the biggest single group involved at the clean up could make the woods their main target. Finlay asked Liz Canning if she could ask her Youth Groups if they would help in the project. Liz said she would ask the members.

The Treasurer reported that the Easter Fun Day had made a profit of somewhere around £90. Alison, Liz and Kirsty all agreed it had been a success. Finlay mentioned the next thing on his agenda was to see the final meter reading regarding the Electricity and he would have a better idea what the situation was since we had the heating fixed. The situation regarding the kickboxing class on a Wednesday night was discussed. Finlay mentioned it was quite unacceptable to have 30 odd kids getting dropped off for the class and the tutor not turning up. Liz said he had put a notice on the door. The general feeling was that he should have made contact with one of the Committee.

The Treasurer said we had an ongoing water bill which he felt we would have to pay - it was for £13. He highlighted that Water charges were going to quadruple in the next year. The boat jumble sale had been held the previous weekend. It hadn't been a big success, Finlay felt because of the lack of advertising. He thought they had made a small profit, however it had closed early through lack of interest. The subject of the bouncy castle was discussed in detail; unfortunately the one we had was too high to use in the hall. Kirsty mentioned that the party being held on the coming weekend had hired a castle from Braeside or Larkfield Community Association and it appeared they wanted a bigger one. George and Finlay agreed to attend the Centre on the Saturday to see what the castle was like. The idea was we might be able to swap.

The Treasurer continued his report by asking the user groups present to complete a letting form showing their lets up to the end of March. The subject of one of the local guides going to Belarus was discussed. Allison said the girl, Alison Carmichael, had helped out at various of our events. Free use of the hall for either a disco or a quiz night was suggested or perhaps something could be organised at the Gala Day. The other request was from the woman who was organising the 'Woodlands Project'. She had approached the Community Council for some assistance with funding for the project. A public meeting was taking place at the Centre on 12th May to discuss this subject. After some discussion it was generally agreed that as it was a community project that we should help promote the meeting on May the 12th. To this end it was agreed we donate £100 to the project.

Secretary's Report - Maintenance
The Secretary mentioned in his report that one of the halogen lights in the hall was out. Unfortunately we didn't have a ladder in the Centre to reach it. George agreed to find out where the Association's ladders were being stored. He thought Stuart Mackintosh may have them. The other two wash basins in the female WC had now been repaired. There had also been further problems with the front door and shutter. Both had been cleaned and oiled.

Correspondence
The Secretary said he had been in contact with Stewart Macpherson of Inverclyde Radio Hospital. He had booked them to appear at the Gala Day. They would be in attendance about mid-day with their caravan and provide a PA system, providing background music and making any relevant announcements, this would cost us a donation to their funds - he suggested £50.

Evelyn Ritchie, Headmistress at the school, had agreed to organise the Gala Queen competition. A letter had been received from Inverclyde Voluntary Forum. The Committee agreed that we should complete the registration form and pay the £5 fee to have the Association registered.

Letting Report
Kirsty said the lets were still coming in. In the next two weekends we had four parties, however they were just hall only lets. She also mentioned that Bobbie M'Cabe had mentioned during the summer holidays the possibilty of starting a children's Art Club. The proposal was aimed at a Tuesday and Thursday morning when the Toddlers were off. The weightwatchers were continuing through the summer holidays. Kirsty also reported she had an enquiry about a week long Bible Club. We could accommodate this in afternoons, but because of the weight-watchers, not in the morning. A gentleman had been wanting a let for a karate class, she had suggested Saturday after the dancing class. He wanted an hour and a half, this wouldn't encroach on our parties.There was a discussion about possibly the kickboxing might not continue for much longer, this would give us another possible let for karate.

Gala Day
The Secretary mentioned the various parties who were committed to appear on the day including, The Army who had still to finalise what they would put on, also the Radio Hospital that he had previously mentioned. Most of the children's attractions that we had last year were coming. The Ardgowan Football Development Committee were willing to run a children's five-a-side football competition, for which the Community Council would donate a trophy. This committee were also interested in an old crocks game against some of the older youths in the area. The suggested Pet Show Competition was another possibility. Jenny M'Gee had approached a gentleman on the Community Council who was willing to act as judge for this event. Pony or Donkey rides were another possibility, another suggestion was a homebaking competition. Also discussed was hanging flower basket arrangements.

Liz brought up the subject of purchasing a large barbecue. Caroline said she would possibly be purchasing a large one for her business, for the Celtic Day at Finlaystone, if so this would be available for the Gala Day. Finlay said he would ask his neighbour for the use of his awning.

During the afternoon, most of the user groups were interested in putting on some kind of display. The Ceilidh Band for the evening 'The Midges' were booked. The general feeling was we should try to sell as much of our own food as possible, because of the profit margin. Finlay wanted better control of the various stalls - namely some sort of layout plan of the area being used, marking out where each stall site was. George reported he had been on to Houston Brewery who were interested in sponsoring the Gala Day again this year. He hadn't had the pricelist from them yet.

The Family Ceilidh would start at 7.30p.m. The tickets would be priced at possibly Adults £5 Children £3. It was suggested the tickets would have to be limited to 250 maximum. The table shortage was discussed. Caroline said she would organise the purchase of these. Finlay said we had agreed £1,500 even £2,000 should be acceptable.

Matters Arising
It was agreed that Ardgowan Football Development could build their own cupboard for storing their gear. This was not to protrude over the hatch. Stephen Renton asked about the equipment stored in the small room. It was suggested that the kitchen could be used, instead of the small conference room.

Date of next meeting
After discussion it was agreed the date of the next Committee Meeting would be the 8th of May, at 7.30p.m.

George Anderson,
Secretary.