Dukinfield East Residents Association

Meeting held on 4th May 2012 Present: David Bottomley John Heywood Linda Wyatt (New Charter, Resident Involvement office) Rev Tim Hayes (St. Johns) Theo Knight (St. Johns) (DB) (JH) (LW) (TH) (TK)

Apologies: Ben Buckley Preamble to Meeting: Both parties were invited to this meeting to discuss possible sources of funding for DERA; LW for New Charters existing involvement with similar associations, and the Rev. Tim Hayes and Theo Knight because of their success in raising money for an annex to the church to be used for community activities. JSH opened the meeting by proposing that DERA were seeking a base of operations, along the lines of the RASH premises provided by New Charter. Funding: LW New charter no longer provides properties at peppercorn rent; they are turning their bases back into rentable properties. However, New Charters offices are available for meetings. New charter will only provide funds to affiliated groups, LW to send JH details on affiliation, and what is required. We would have to adopt the New Charter constitution & committee members would need to sign a code of conduct. After affiliation, there would be a 300 starter donation, then additional money for other projects. Action JH TH suggested that we look at what New Charter do and try to identify the areas needs that they dont currently address. LW stated Micklehust is as an example of what local residents can achieve; they had issues with anti-social behaviour. They had a youth base, created a growing area behind this and organised litter picking involving age groups 8-18. They have a tool bank, poly tunnel and growing areas that they now lease out to residents to grow their own food. LW advised that, in the next few months New Charter will be arranging a consultation around the areas sending out questionnaires to residents to find out the problems they have. LW suggested that the area current area, around 2000 homes, is too big to handle and that we need to look at reducing the size; a new map has been produced of the

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Dukinfield East Residents Association

proposed reduction though DERA could involve other areas later. This issue will be reviewed at the next committee meeting. Action DB Regarding the proposal that a football pitch might be provided on the area known as The ring, LW advised that this was not going to be practical, with the pitches already available at Astley Sports College & Blocksages. Community garden / allotment would be a road to funding. The In Bloom scheme was mentioned and particularly Harrogate Flower show, where up to 2,000.00 in grants were available to fund gardening projects & activities. LW Apply to councillors for ward funding. In summary LW said that, in applying for funds, you need a written plan, receipts and audited accounts. Other Matters: LW advised that she is the best contact with New Charter in future, since we have experienced difficulties in dealing with Ben Buckley. LW New Charter run training courses on various topics, including How to Organise and Run Committees, free of charge, even to non tenants.

Thanks to David Bottomley for writing-up the minutes.

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