Attendance: Rae Campbell, Kyla Ritchie, Stephen Gordon, Julie Davidson,
John Brady, Maurice Brown, Pippa Cornick, Noel Cornick, Roy Allen, Daphne Montgomery, Derrick Murray.
Apologies: Terry Lindsay, Carol Mitchell, Barbara Workman
Welcome: R. Campbell opened the meeting and thanked those present for attending.
What Did You Think? R. Campbell asked committee members to take time out and reflect on how they thought the community association had progressed since the last AGM. Individuals gave very positive feedback. The general consensus of opinion was that the committee has been successful in working together in all aspects of community service. The only negative issue that arose was that of getting public representatives to keep appointments to address committee i.e. Roads, Neighbourhood Watch etc.
Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes for meeting 21st November 2005 accepted by committee. (Pro. J. Brady Sec. K. Ritchie)
Correspondence: Letter from Road Services (Overhanging Brambles).
Matters Arising:
Christmas Lights Competition
Christmas Supper Night (17th December 2005)
Overhanging Brambles
BMX Track
Christmas Lights Competition: It was generally agreed that the Christmas Lights Competition was successful in getting the residential sector into the spirit of the festive season. R. Campbell reported that she accompanied Mr. Pat McKeeber around the village and whilst a large number of residents had made the effort to create impressive displays, the lack of effort from traders was very disappointing. Mrs Annie Graham (Islandview Gardens) took the residential prize (Sponsored by Greyabbey L.O.L.) and Mr Billy Orr (Kosi Korner) took the traders Prize. Once again the P.S.N.I. graced the centre of the village with a Christmas tree and it was reported that Police Officers attached to the station covered the cost associated to lights etc. out of their own pocket. R. Campbell suggested that GADCA might be in a position to contribute towards the cost of additional lights/ decorations for the tree next Christmas. M. Brown to write to Greyabbey L.O.L. and Greyabbey P.S.N.I. thanking them for their participation.
Christmas Supper Night: Two words… Resounding Success. That was the view of everyone concerned. It was agreed that Noels Punch might have been partly responsible for getting the night off to a great start but the food and catering were fabulous and any fears over seating and serving up the grub were soon put to rest as the committee worked as a team. The Tombola was also very successful, well organised and went very smoothly. “Santa needs to put on a little more weight”, was the comment from one happy child attending the event. Committee extended a vote of thanks to Paula White who gave freely of her time and entertained us all with a great selection of music. All in all, a great P.R. event for this committee.
Overhanging Brambles: Response from Roads Service stating that they have written to one resident on this issue. A contact name and telephone number was provided in the event of any future problems.
BMX Track: D. Montgomery reported that B. Workman had contacted Water Services whose response towards a BMX Track was less than favourable due to insurance liability. On a related issue D. Montgomery requested that she write to Water Services on behalf of GADCA with reference to landscaping this area.
Bus Shelter/ Pedestrian Crossing: No report available.
CPLC Report: No Report available.
Youth Report: R. Campbell announced that she would be resigning from the Village Hall Committee. She explained that her primary objective for being involved with this group was to secure a regular venue for the youth within the village hall. Having failed to make any significant progress in this respect she now feels that her efforts, energy and enthusiasm for the youth would be better served elsewhere. Greyabbey youth need a regular venue particularly the older age group. Flitting from venue to venue has had a detrimental effect on attendance figures but more importantly grant funding. Groups without a regular meeting place attract only limited funding. At present the primary school age group stands at 45 children. The secondary school age group has fallen from 25 last year to just 10 this year. If these attendance figures for the older group cannot be increased present funding will cease. Grant funding awarded to the older group also keeps the younger group afloat. Without a regular venue the future of both groups remain uncertain. It is well documented that youth groups enrich the lives of every member of the community although such enrichment is only ever apparent through the lack of youth related problems. Greyabbey does not have the same level of youth disorder as some of our neighbouring villages. Sadly, and because of the lack of youth disorder, the efforts and dedication of those involved in youth work is seldom recognised. M. Brown suggested that GADCA take a serious look at erecting a dedicated youth centre in the form of mobile buildings to the rear of the Village Hall. This would ensure that the youth group had a regular meeting place and that grant funding would be easier to obtain. D. Montgomery stated that some movement to accommodate the youth group at the Village Hall was underway. S. Gordon suggested that accurate costs be obtained and that a NICVA representative should be invited to attend a future committee meeting.
Other Business:
Neighbourhood Watch: M. Brown reported that he had been unable to make contact with Richard Brittain. J. Brady suggested that he had more time during working hours and agreed to try and arrange a date for a meeting with an ABC representative.
Road Safety/ Speeding: S. Gordon suggested writing to Iris Robinson inviting the M.P. to visit the village at peak times to judge for herself the speed and high volumes of traffic on our roads.
Proposed Events 2006:
Quiz Night – 3rd March
60s Night – 21/ 28 April
Mid-Summer Bash & BBQ – No Date.
Building Development: M. Brown reported that he had been contacted by a resident concerned at the number of dwellings proposed for the Newtownards Road site.
D. Montgomery agreed to look into this matter.
Next Meeting: Monday 20th February 2006 @ 7.30pm – Wildfowler Inn.
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