Attendance: R. Graham, K. Ritchie, R. Allen, T Lindsay, S. Gordon, D. McGreal, N. Cornick, C. Mitchell, G. Ritchie, J. Davidson, J Brady, D. Murray, M. Brown, R. Campbell,
B. Workman.
Apologies: D. Montgomery
Visitors: Mrs Cornick
Welcome: R. Campbell opened the meeting stating that she was delighted to see such a good attendance.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes for Annual General Meeting 20th June 2005 accepted by committee. (Pro. N. Cornick Sec. D. McGreal)
Correspondence: DRD Roads Service
Matters Arising:
Ards Community Safety Project / Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
Christmas Lights
Future events / Fund Raising
Banking Facilities
Road Surfaces / Speeding
Ards Community Safety Project / Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: Due to some confusion with dates, ABC Borough Inspector could not provide a member of staff to address committee. Following a discussion on the subject committee agreed in principal to NHW but felt that more in-depth information was needed before GADCA could move forward with this scheme. It was agreed to reschedule ABC speaker for the next meeting. (MB to contact Richard Brittain to reschedule) (BW to raise subject at next CPLC meeting)
Christmas Lights: B. Workman told committee that she was approached by the proprietor of Pebbles who had expressed an interest in having Christmas lights erected at Main Street. A number of other traders have apparently agreed to contribute to the cost and are hopeful that GADCA might adopt this project, which would attract grant funding from ABC.
B. Workman stated that she had already made some preliminary enquiries and indicated that the cost of insurance and installation could be high, particularly if lights cross over the street. R. Campbell informed committee that she was in possession of the relevant ABC grant funding forms and that the deadline to have these submitted was 31st August 2005. It was also noted that the maximum grant that Greyabbey could expect from ABC was dependant on population. Committee agreed to look at this project in more detail but felt that there was not enough time to research and organise for this year. It was suggested that the cost of lights, installation, insurance and estimated ongoing costs should be obtained prior to discussion early 2006. (BW to follow up on NIE enquiries & Cost). To encourage traders and residents to organise their own lighting for Christmas 2005, committee agreed to run a competition offering prizes in two categories. The date for judging and prize giving was set for 17th December 2005.
* Prize for best-dressed shop front – 2 Event tickets.
* Prize for best-dressed private residence – Christmas Hamper.
(Prop. G. Ritchie Sec. K. Ritchie)
(RC to provide Event tickets) (Committee members to provide 1 item for hamper)
Future events / Fund Raising: Following a lively discussion on fund raising, committee agreed to host two events this year.
1) Pub / Table Quiz 8.00 pm 5th, 6th or 7th October @ The Wildfowler Inn
Admission £2.00
(MB - book venue & quiz master, flyers & posters)(RC - tickets)
2) Christmas Supper Night Saturday 17th December @ Greyabbey Village Hall.
Admission Adult /.£5.00 Child / £1.00 (Children must be accompanied by Adult)
(RC - Book Venue) (NC - Resident Santa) (MB - Flyers & Posters)(SG - Tombola)
Banking Facilities: Committee agreed that R. Campbell, D. Montgomery and M. Brown should be signatories on GADCA Ulster Bank current account. (Prop. B. Workman Sec. R. Graham)
Road Surfaces / Speeding: Unsatisfactory letter received from DRD Roads Service in response to letter sent by D. Montgomery on behalf of GADCA. Various suggestions made in response to this letter included inviting Brendan Matchett to attend a future meeting (SG), and writing to Iris Robinson (RC). However, as D. Montgomery was unable to attend this meeting, committee agreed to wait until the next meeting for her response to this letter.
J. Davidson reported that she had written to Sir Hugh Orde (PSNI) in a personal capacity, regarding a recent motoring incident on the Portaferry road in the vicinity of the lake.
M. Brown reported that Alderman Jim Shannon has welcomed the opportunity to speak to the committee on these issues at the October meeting.
Youth Report: C. Mitchell reported that Team Spirit summer scheme had started and that a day trip to Newcastle had been organised. R. Campbell appealed for male leaders to join the group.
Other Business: M Brown reported complaint from a Greyabbey resident regarding scaffolding on Main Street. This scaffolding has been in place and unused for more than twelve months and is now attracting children who are using the structure as a climbing frame. Committee agreed to contact the owner with a view to making the structure safe or removing it completely. (K. Ritchie - to make enquiries).
N. Cornick reported that work was soon to start on the public toilets and that he had contacted ABC concerning the overgrown condition of the land directly behind the toilet block.
Next Meeting (s): Monday 19 September @ 7.30pm – Wildfowler Inn.
Monday 24 October @ 7.30pm – Venue to be confirmed.
Monday 21 November @ 7.30pm – Venue to be confirmed.
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