MINUTES OF A MEETING OF SUSTAINABLE PENWITH HELD ON MONDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2004 AT ST CLARE, PENZANCE
Apologies: Crystal Wakefield, Caroline White, Gini Little, Mat Kraft, Phil Kracknell, Jayne Walker, Peter le Mare, Francis Truscott, John Brailey, Lynne Gulliford
1. Justin welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record. Karen stated that she has ascertained that MDL do still have quarrying rights for Penlee Quarry. It was agreed that Newlyn Quarry would be an item on next month's agenda.
3. Workshop 25th September
The arrangements and agenda for our workshop day on Saturday were discussed. Justin asked everyone to attend if they could possibly do so. It is hoped that by the end of the day we will have made good progress with the development of our Mission Statement, and that we will have a better understanding of the direction we expect to take in the future. The workshop is expected to help us decide the role we as a group will play in promoting/creating sustainability within Penwith.
4. Cornwall Sustainable Building Trust Project
Matt outlined the new CSBT project which can provide a novel and sustainable/affordable housing solution in Cornwall. The housing is similar to the BedZED project. A prototype is to be built in the Old Holmans Building in Camborne. CSBT will be offering training on how to build these sustainable houses. The course will be for one day per week for 10 weeks.
The project has been co-funded by Objective 1 and the Learning Skills Council. It was agreed that Ruth and Matt will go to the one day overview of the sustainable construction project. It was agreed that the Group pay the £10 it will cost to send Matt on the introductory day.
Matt would like to attend the full course if possible. It was suggested that he applies to the Learning Chest Fund. Ralph told him that he should also apply for travelling expenses and perhaps money to help spread the word about the course after he has completed it. Justin said he would also approach Baltic Pine to see whether they would consider sponsoring Matt to go on the course.
5. Funding for a Part-time Admin Role
Sustainable Penwith has been in existence for almost a year now. Matt stated that he would not be standing as secretary next year. He feels it would be worthwhile to look for funding particularly if we can get office space. It was felt that GOSW networking fund or community champions might be funders to approach, and that WCCN might be able to help us. Rob stated that whilst office space might be nice, the crucial thing to do is to get someone to do the admin, this should take no more than 8 hours a week. Ruth said that the old Cornishman Building has hot desks and perhaps if we do get funding for an admin assistant he/she can use one of these hot desks. It was agreed that fund raising be an agenda item for our next meeting.
6. Publicising the Group
It was raised that as a group we are not very good at publicising ourselves. Whilst it is too late now to send out information on our workshop on Saturday it would be a good idea to send out a press release after the event. Matt agreed to do this and send it to the local paper.
It was noted that Patsy resigned as PR Manager. It was agreed that the recruitment of a press officer will be addressed at our next meeting.
It was also agreed that copies of minutes and agendas should be sent to all Penwith Councillors to ensure the are aware of Sustainable Penwith and what we do as a group. Karen to give Matt all the Councillors email addresses.
7. Any Other Business
It was agreed that our next meeting will also be our AGM where we will be electing officers and producing our financial report. Justin will write the content for the Agenda and Matt will send it out.
Justin, John and Pamela will go along to 'Creating Excellence' in Falmouth on the 4th October. Justin and John will report back on this at the next meeting.
It was agreed that we join the Cornwall Sustainable Forum Network.
Ralph told the group that PEN were having problems with member attendance at their meetings. It was suggested that perhaps PEN and Sustainable Penwith amalgamate. PEN have charity status and the could be the project/hands on arm, whilst Sustainable Penwith concentrate on policy. Ralph agreed to sound out with PEN at their next meeting whether this would be something the would like to further consider.
Working with the Co-op Justin has given Pamela the application information, it was agreed that it is probably not worth pursuing it until we have clarity on the specific tasks we as a group wish to undertake.
Raffle Prizes Penwith DC Reception agreed to give out the prizes, Justin will check to see if they have all been collected.
The next meeting will be held on 18 th October at 7pm, Committee Room 2, St Clare.