MINUTES OF 17TH FEBRUARY 2005 HELD AT

THE HAILEY DAY CENTRE, SAWBRIDGEWORTH

Correspondence:

Interim copy of report received on Open Space Audit. Areas mentioned are: Osier beds. Site adjacent to Leventhorpe School to be used for sporting facilities which Sports Association are involved with. Cemetry. Tow path is well used. West Road play area poorly managed by Town Council. Kickabout area near Rivers Orchard is well used. Vantorts play area needs maintenance. Warren to discuss report with author as a whole meeting was given over to this topic, many other areas were mentioned on which there is no feedback and meeting disappointed with the result of this report. Herts Woodlands Forum are holding their AGM on Wednesday 9th March in the Parish Hall - start time 6.30pm for 7pm. There will be an illustrated talk on cowslips, deer and woodland management.

AGENDA

Notice Boards. These are progressing as maps have been made smaller and now fit on boards.

Walks Class. This was for learning how to lead walks for people who have health problems. Warren Richards, Monya Billing and Dorothy Chancellor attended this course which was very useful for gaining information and reporting hazards on walks. However considered that the rules would be too onerous for us to lead these walks.

Walks leaflets.Yellow walk now at printers. Suggestion of putting on future leaflets the wording "You walk at your own risk".

Town Healthcheck. Warren had obtained report from the international exchange which took place in 1997 plus Council report from the following year. Sue Birley had completed worksheet on character and vitality of the town and countryside, plus links between the two, from information submitted from the group and copies distributed. Two areas still to be completed and to contact Sue with information. Ted Barrow referred to a local publication on the history of the town which may be useful in this project. Also suggested Wally Wright the local historian could be contacted.

Harlow Expansion John Rider will be writing to East of England Regional Assembly on behalf of the group to oppose the proposed expansion and read relevant points from his letter for approval. Reference made to the report from the international exchange in 1997 which has not been taken into account; also the unsustainability of local infrastructure. Leaflets available from Friends of the Earth with a simple reply postcard. Suggestion that Tom Potts flags up our concerns on this expansion on the web site.

Community Voice. To be held in the Memorial Hall on Thursday 17th March at 7.30pm. To be an open meeting with questions invited from the floor; these to be in written form and handed in on the evening.

Annual General Meeting To be held on Thursday 24th March at Hailey Day Centre. John Rider wishes to stand down as Chair and Monya Billings prepared to take on this role although indicated she may not be able to attend all meetings, therefore a Deputy Chair will need to be appointed. Warren prepared to remain as Secretary with John Rider and Ted Barrow offering to assist. Hazel Mead prepared to do Minutes.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING.

Annual General Meeting at 8pm on Thursday 24th March at Hailey Day Centre.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

There had been a proposal for a market day in the town which could only be on a Wednesday or Sunday. After discussion John Rider asked for agreement or otherwise in principal for this and proposal was carried. Also to consider a Farmer's Market which would be held monthly. Town Council will be discussing this in the near future.

No current up date on Keckys and Esbies.

Discussion regarding local shops, new parking restrictions and the effect this is having locally. There is a need for positive promotion of our town.

Blue plaques. Name of Thomas Rivers not successful on this occasion. Suggestion that RHS Wisley are contacted with reference to making Rivers Orchard a heritage site.

Health Information Day. To be held at Little Hadham Village Hall on Thursday 10th March 12 noon - 3pm. Organised by Patient and Public Information Forum.

Seats have now been located on the High Wych footpath through Rivers Orchard and also on Footpath 21 near the cricket field.