MINUTES OF A JOINT MEETING OF SUSTAINABLE PENWITH AND PENWITH ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK HELD ON 17 JANUARY 2005 IN COMMITTEE ROOM 2, PENWITH DISTRICT COUNCIL OFFICES, ST CLARE AT 7.00PM
Present: Stephanie Hirtenstein Justin Olosunde Mike Orman Raven le Fay Michelle Cowmeadow Karen Clowes Crystal Wakefield Pamela Gray
Apologies: Frances Truscott John Pritchard Hamish McCallum Ruth Browning Ralph Openshaw
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true and accurate record.
2.1 New Woodland Project
Alverton Stephanie reported that a community consultation afternoon was held
regarding the woodland and field at Love Lane. Some neighbours were angry because
they did not receive a letter drop informing them of the consultation session,
however that issue appears to have been resolved and some local residents have
now indicated that they wish to be involved in the woodland project. The land
consists of a small piece of established woodland and a field set out for pasture
which has started to become badly overgrown. The idea is to plant more trees
on this pasture land however there is a badger set on the land. Penwith District
Council have commissioned CWT consultants to carry out a wildlife survey and
report which will help PEN decide on a management plan for the land. BTCV have
given PEN 200 trees, these have been planted in the tree nursery for the moment.
Another 200 trees have been promised.
2.1 Green Fayre
It was agreed that because Sustainable Penwith will be helping to run the fayre
in conjunction with Penwith Environmental Network and FOE, that this item be
discussed later in the joint meeting.
2.1 Millennium Woods
Michelle explained a little of the history of the woodlandsand where it is located.
The woodland is open to all, although on Friday mornings between 10 - 12 there
is always at least one member of PEN in the woodlands and volunteers are always
welcome. There is usually somebody there on Sunday afternoons too, although
it is best to phone first just to make sure. Because of all the arson attacks
at Steeplewoods, they have had to burn all the prunings. The woodland project
has secured funding for two years. It was agreed that it would be a good idea
to arrange for information on all the community woodlands to be put on the Penwith
District Council website, Karen to liaise with the groups to organise.
It was agreed that a sub-group consisting of Justin, Ruth, Karen, Hamish and Sean should meet as soon as possible to move this forward. It was also agreed that any Fair Trade promotions that we do also supports local produce. Justin asked that if any members of Sus Pen or PEN had any contacts to let him know. Crystal stated that she is happy to help out at any of the events organised by the sub-group. Justin asked that any ideas for events and awareness raising be passed to him.
Sustainable Penwith will be helping PEN and West Cornwall FOE organise this year's Green Fayre. Alan has already booked St Johns Hall and Karen confirmed that PDC would pay for the hire of the Hall. Stephanie agreed to ask Andrew George MP if he would be available to open the Fayre this year. It was agreed that we need to start advertising and promoting the Fayre, Karen will put an article on the PDC website and in the staff magazine, Stephanie agreed to send information to WCCN and ask them to put it in their monthly newsletter. It was agreed that we need help with entertainment (especially for kids), food, putting up posters, and working in the kitchen. If anyone is available to help they should contact Justin in the first instance. Raven agreed to organise the display material for the Sus. Pen Stall this year, although she will require help on the day (volunteers please). This year's theme is 'building and maintaining sustainable communities'. Members were asked to encourage people to book stalls a.s.a.p.
Pamela and Raven have been working on setting up a monthly meeting (from April onwards probably on a Thursday night). The meetings will be open to all and will consist of a guest speaker giving a talk on an area of the sustainability agenda, followed by a social get together at the bar. A moderate entry fee of £2 or £3 will be charged to cover expenses The Penzance Arts Club was considered as a suitable venue. Justin asked that if any members of Sus. Pen are also members of the Arts Club could they get in contact with him, so we can take advantage of the discount they offer to members. Raven and Pamela have tried several other venues, but they have either been too expensive or it is not possible to have a bar/alcohol on the premises. Justin asked members to contact him ASAP if they have any suggestions for an alternative suitable venue. Raven has drawn up a list of potential speakers. Ideally we would like to have a mix of both local and not so local speakers, suggestions so far include Ron Bailey and Charles Secrett. If anyone has suggestions for speakers please contact Raven at treasurer@sustainable-penwith.org.uk
It was resolved that Sus Pen should be a bit of both. We now need to draw up an action plan and formulate sub-groups to ensure that all our members can get a chance to become involved in the areas of sustainability that most interest them e.g. PEN Environmental sub-group, Transport sub-group. This will be discussed further at our next meeting.
Justin agreed that he would take over from Matt and update our website on a regular basis, although he would welcome anyone volunteering to help him with the admin. He asked that everyone try and use the web based forum (see our Yahoo address above) when writing in suggestions or comments. It was agreed that the Minutes and Agenda should be sent out much earlier, at least 10 days before our Meetings. Karen said she would do her best to get the minutes out but she is extremely busy at the moment, and its a matter of finding time to fit them in. She is happy to continue doing the minutes but if anyone else would like to do them instead she would be grateful.
Justin formally standing down as Chair, although he will continue to help out with the website and will continue to be an active member of Sus.Pen. Michelle and Stephanie agreed to take over the roles of Chair and Secretary for a 3 month trial.
It was agreed that Crystal write to Roger Harnett, Head of Planning at PDC stating that Sus Pen is looking forward to receiving a copy of their draft Statement of Community Involvement so that we can comment on it. It was also agreed that we send letters to PDC supporting two planning applications, Pendeen Community Centre and Newlyn Community Hall, both these applications involve renewable energy. Crystal will write the letters and will forward them to Stephanie. Justin will send our letterhead to Stephanie.
Karen will be attending the Sustainable Communities Summit in Manchester, she will report back on this at the next meeting. Karen also advised that County Council along with the District Councils and Isles of Scilly Council have gone for Beacon Status for Sustainable Energy in respect of the groundbreaking work of Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership. The partnership has already been shortlisted and she will be attending the final interview along with CSEP and County in London later in the month. Crystal advised that CEP will be launching the Home Health project in Hayle next.
The next meeting will be held on Monday 21 February at 7.00pm Committee Room 2 St Clare.