Greyabbey & District
Community Association
Minutes 21 Jan. 2008

Minutes of Previous Meeting: Minutes for meeting   19th November 2007 accepted by committee.  (Prop.  P. Cornick.   Sec.  D. Montgomery.)

Correspondence: 
    Trash Youth Council – Invitation
    DPP – Disability Action Plan.
    Sporting Communities NI.
    Ards Update – EDRCN.
    ABC – Sports Development.
    Cruise Bereavement.
    Planning – Wildfowler.
    ABC – Development Strategy 2005 – 2009.
     

Village Plan:   N. Cornick advised committee that the public meeting planned for this evening was postponed due to the unavailability of Mr. David Birch (ABC Regeneration Officer). 
M. Brown stated that despite numerous attempts he has still been unable to contact Mr Birch to request his attendance at a public meeting.  He would however continue to pursue Mr Birch for a suitable date.  N. Cornick added that in order to get a considered response to the village plan it was important for the community at large to be given the opportunity to ask questions and to voice their opinion and that the only way this can be done is through a public meeting.

Halloween Disco & Fancy Dress:   M. Brown stated that he was unable to give a detailed financial report for this event as some ticket money was still outstanding.  He did however indicate that a loss on the night was inevitable and that a detailed income / expenditure report would be available for inspection at the next meeting.  B. Workman queried the state of Community Association funds in general.  M. Brown estimated current funds to be in excess of £500.

Christmas Tree:   N. Cornick thanked all concerned for their efforts in making this event another successful occasion in the Community Association calendar.  He voiced a special vote of thanks to R. Campbell for officiating in his unavoidable absence and also to D. Montgomery for her kind donation of the Christmas tree each year.  He added that this is a very worthwhile event which brings some festive cheer to the village at this time of the year.

Street Lighting / Park Area:   S. Capper reported that anti- social behaviour at this end of the village was still ongoing and that residents felt additional lighting in the park/ playground would be an effective solution.  B. Workman stated that Alcohol Free Area signs are to be erected in the near future which may help to alleviate the problem slightly.
M. Brown reported that further to his enquiries it appears that ABC would have to instigate the erection of any additional street lighting in the park area.  N. Cornick requested that the secretary contact councillors to try and resolve the issue.

Wildfowler Planning Application:   D. Montgomery produced plans of the revised planning application.  Although the number of dwellings on this new plan is slightly reduced, significant concerns still remain over additional traffic (both private & commercial) and access via The Square.  N. Cornick to draft letter of objection to planning service.

Abbey Herb Garden:   N. Cornick reported that he has registered Community Association interest in regard to this event with the relevant department.

Future Events:   Committee discussed various possibilities including cookery / Seafood demonstrations, Valentines / Easter event and the ever popular Pub Quiz.  After much discussion it was agreed to hold a Pub Quiz on 14th March 2008 in the Wildfowler Inn (subject to availability).  The cookery demonstration being a big success in previous years, committee agreed to look into the possibility of hosting more of these events in the near future.  P. Cornick to make enquiries.