“Alis grave nil”

St.Michaels Village Community Group  
www.stmichaelsvillage.com

Minutes of Meeting held on 5th April  2017 at London Beach 

Meeting Commenced at 19.35
	
Present: Trevor Bingham,  Jean Curteis, Sandra Sutters, Colin Barnes, Ken Mulholland.
Vic Coles, John Link

Apologies: Rob Solly, Rosemary Dayborn, Mike Dewdney, Lindsey Hammond, Heather Barnes, Jamie & Liz Entwhistle, Dan Smith, Lorna Mulholland,  Carol Owen, Helen Dale, Jo Vos

Minutes of Last Meeting and Matters Arising:
All correct except for a typing error in Christmas Switch On item, should read angels not angles.
Minutes agreed.

Finance:  Due to Rob’s work commitments he was unable to make the meeting to present the statement and breakdown. It was agreed to consider them pending until the May meeting.

The Green at Ox Lane:
Rob is having discussions about a sponsored planter – details next month
Ken thought we should know who the sponsor is and further details as to the construction, size and siting of the proposed planter. He explained that some people he has spoken with felt that a planter was not needed.
He also suggested we could organise a referendum – either in the Bites, or via Post Office etc – to invite residents to vote on the proposal.
John Link said if that’s the case perhaps we should have a referendum on “A” boards on the green.
However Colin suggested we do the planter and ask the villagers afterwards what they think 
of it, via an article in the BItes.
Sandra mentioned that a resident was keen to volunteer to maintain the planter. Ken was keen to know who the person was, but it was made clear that the individual wished to remain in the background.
A vote was taken to see what Rob comes up with.
Proposed by Trevor, Seconded by Sandra – 6 in favour. Vic Coles against.
Ken also suggested approaching Shepherd & Neame but this was vetoed as unsuitable.
John Hoad has painted the golden points on the tree surround.
We also owe him a vote of thanks for mowing the green and cutting the hedge
Ken stated that John  and Lee had had an argument about him doing it but Jean stated that this was 
not the case as Lee had been unwell and been grateful for John’s offer of help.
Vic wanted to know who actually owned the land and was advised that it was KCC Highways

St. Michaels Bites
Trevor brought an index of suggested items and layout for the next Bites publication.
Sandra will organise the sale of the advertisement space.
Trevor then led a discussion on one of the proposed topics for the Bites (loneliness)
Ken said he had had a meeting with Lindsey on the subject of how to reach people in this situation.
Jean said she was very concerned that vulnerable people could be put at risk if strangers started knocking on their doors or phoning them up. She knew from experience that some people are alone but would see contact as an intrusion. Also any visitors could put themselves at risk if unknown to them the person they were visiting suffered from dementia or the like and they could be accused of stealing or assault.
Trevor then read a letter from Rosemary which reads as follows:
“Ken’s linking to the Tenterden Emergency Plan would be a good idea if we had a list of isolated
and lonely people and we should bear this in mind if we can do any work on this subject.
It is very difficult for any lay person to decide who is lonely or just alone.  The Church is exactly
the right body to follow this up.  It would not be right for any person without authority to visit someone thought to be lonely.  If the group wants to start a Befriending Service, I am sure there are other groups doing this around the country and it would be a good idea to contact them to find out the pitfalls. It would also be a very big personal commitment as it would have to be continued, not just one contact.
I think an article in the next Bites would be a good idea.  An encouragement to join the Village Hall coffee mornings could be a starter point”

Trevor then said maybe we should ask Lindsey to write a small article for the Bites giving his, John Emmott’s and Raymonds contact details pointing out that they could put people in touch with the right organisation to help them.

AOB

Vic stated he was not happy that no information sheet was available for the Tributes in the Park Event.
An update sheet will be produced for the next meeting.

Ken stated he had approached Alan Castle about folk groups dancing on the green at Ox Lane during Folk Festival.
There was concern about safety if this happened and it was also stated that they should be invited to both Pubs if that was the case.
Vic pointed out there should not be any safety issues as there had not been for Donald Sinden.dedication.

Next Meeting : 	8th May  at London Beach at 7.30pm 

Chair for Next Meeting  - John Link

Meeting Closed at 20.46