Projects and Finance Meeting Minutes

The Projects and Finance committee met recently, download the full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Project  Update.

 

Cenotaph.

Awaiting information from Cheshire East Highways (Ian McLauchlan) as to how they will tackle both the trees growing through the wall and the rebuilding  of the lower section and repairing the top section. (See above)

 

Public Realm Strategy.

Design complete and equipment on order. Will run in as the gas works are completed should be spring / summer. They are all aware of Food & Drink 11.6.17

Town Centre Regeneration (NEW) Nothing new to report since we received a letter from K.Howe promising let us have sight of the Mills “Final” design before it goes to panning.

J.Mac to contact Kate Howe for an update as to where they are in the process.

 

D.McGifford to find out who is the portfolio holder responsible for this development on behalf of CEBC.

 

2016/17 Project Updates.

Blue italics comments from last meeting.

Black comments for meeting 16.1.17

Moody Street Green Area.(S106 funding )

MS / JMac met with M.Hodgkinson (taken over project from J.Byrne) discussed some redesign to make it more community friendly. MS has discussed the possibility of Chapel St nursery using this for outdoor activity which they are keen to do. PCSO/ Police happy with our plans. Will be ready for summer 2017 “In Bloom” activity. MS / DMcG meeting with D.Owen and M.Hodgkinson (CEBC) to discuss S106 monies available to Congleton and will discuss the Moody ST design at the same meeting(25th Jan). May be opportunity to add to the project if required. JMac has indicated that if possible we would like 2 or 3 seats and a waste bin salvaged from the pedestrianised area as the refurbishment rolls out.

Destination Maps.

Maps are virtually read to go and should be sited by Xmas. Jackie has made final alterations and now just has to agree the “You are here” locations.

The group felt that there would be more benefit gained form a map at Barn Road and in the town centre. JM to look at possible locations to accommodate this.

It was also felt that a paper copy in a noticeboard would be sufficient at the Station freeing up some costs to meet the other location changes.

Jackie reported that 2 of the metal signs could go up a.s.a.p the other 2 remaining signs are awaiting ANSA siting the posts. The railway station has ordered a display cabinet and the boxes for the 3 bus station shelters are being sourced. JM to look at Barn Rd and Town Centre.

It was felt that we should get some of the maps up as soon as we can. J.Mac to action.

TIC will have paper copies for visitors on request.

Heritage Trail Project.

T.McCloud reported back the results of the scoping exercise at the Partnership Exec following the AGM on 18.19.16. TSC have had a good look at what other towns have done, the strengths and weaknesses of their projects. They have some interesting and exciting ideas and will carry out further work on the project at their own expense.

D.McG has been having discussions with Tim ways of building a business model to present to CEBC. TM will keep The Partnership updated when there is something to report.

Community Award Scheme _ Jo Money

Jo has been in contact with Mark Smith CVS. They (CVS) are having a celebration of volunteering event in Congleton Park on 1st July. There may be opportunity for some involvement, Jo has heard nothing from Mark since the end of November. Jo feels that celebrating volunteering is much more embracing than awarding one or two individuals.

Need to discuss at the March meeting.

Mountbatten Way – Green Boulevard.(Phase 2)

MS/RB and MW have sent potential sites to Simon Davies (CEBC) for consideration Awaiting his feedback. Site visit and sign off planned for Mon 21st November.

Sites signed of by J.Tickle. Ruth has obtained the cost of tubs and bins (£2350 in total) MS to Email the 20 executive voting members to see if they will support this project going ahead.

Play Area Signage

MS currently working with CEBC (G.Butler) re signage to highlight our major play areas.  Would plan to turn this project into both signage and paper map project long term.

Signs are ready for siting, contract is with D Derbyshire. Should be completed in the next few weeks.

Do we look at a leaflet to support them then.

Congleton Sports Trust.

New board formed ( D.McG chairing for a limited period) initially made up of football and rugby clubs. Bank account set up.

Need to work up a cohesive programme / plan of action. May be an opportunity to include someone from  TOB Cycling Legacy team. Pitch improvements and funding initial issues.

Meeting set for Fri 20th Jan, issue around Back Lane pitch drainage and a wider pitch regenerating programme. Bank account open.

Cycling TOB Legacy.

S.Akers Smith is keen to develop a cycling project as part of the TOB Legacy. She has a sub group working on this (P.Hall, M.Axford & P.Emms) with a meeting planned 15.11.16, Janet Mills CEBC along with SF & MS will also attend.

SF & MS invited to a “cycling related “meeting with P.Bates /CEBC in near future.

Suzie briefed the group on the latest developments.

1. Held a meeting with Cllrs Brown and Williams. A Fisher CEBC head of planning also attended. CEBC keen to improve its cycling network and has agreed to help work out costs the works and also advise on the feasibility of the work planned. SAS issued a copy of the brochure used at the meeting to the members attending today’s meeting. DB took copies along to CEBC for distribution to Cllrs and officers.

2. Met with Fiona Bruce who both supported the plans and agreed to raise the issue of funding support across the board not just for deprived areas in Parliament.

3. SAS attended a health and fitness meeting with Active Cheshire. They have access to a large funding pot and could help us develop our plans and also help us put a bid together. SAS has a meeting with their COO (Adam Norris) in the near future.

4. Presenting to CTC on 2nd Feb which Active Cheshire will also attend. PA asked to attend the meeting on behalf of CSG. MS pulled together a resume of what The Partnership / CSG has done over the last few years to develop cycling.

5. SAS looking to present to all Congleton Head Teachers at one of their CeCP meetings

6. Have access to some DEFRA /Local Air Quality funding (£28K) ring fenced.

7. SAS advised the group of a planned Triathlon being organised for Sunday 23rd April (subject to confirmation) more detail once available.

New Project.

Outdoor Table Tennis. MS to check with Sandbach usage of their current table in Sandbach Park.

(DF reports reasonable usage across a wide age group, they do not supply bats and balls except of their organised events. Note if purchasing a concrete table factor in the cost of a crane to lift the item into place). MS/ GW to raise the idea at the next Youth Forum for their views.

The P& F Committee agreed to support the idea in principle but would welcome feedback from other sources on use and need.

DMcG to ask what view CEBC have in developing an outside fitness / activity area at the “new” leisure centre. We have still to see any definitive plans for the site.

 Transport – Mini Bus

 

Mini Bus.

The new bus in due any day now, just waiting for a 3rd key to be cut.

GW/SF/MS met with New Life Church who agreed to carry on the garaging and administration of the mini bus operation. Jeff Cutts to send usage details to MS for charging.

New charges advised to users £20 per booking and 40p a mile.

 

Will PR and advertise facility once delivered, will open up to more users (organisations not general public)

 

Funding Requests.

 

SAS – TOB Legacy Team. Request for support to fund a feasibility study around their first 3 priorities. P&F Committee agreed to underwrite up to £999. SAS to try and source other funders as well.

 

A.O.B

 

There was other business raised.

 

Date and Time of the next meeting.

 

Monday 13th March 2017, Town Hall, Spencer Suite, 9.30am

Latest News from Old Saw Mill

Congleton Old Saw Mill

 

A very big thank you to Peter Jackson, Retrograde, for getting everyone, or almost everyone, up to dance after their Christmas Lunch, with his songs’ extravaganza set from the 50/60/70/80s. A huge welcome and thank you too, to his brother, Alan, for his magical tricks, banter and bonhomie. What a team! We had a grand time.

Of course, none of this could have happened without the vibrant spirit of our volunteers.

So many people from our town gave up precious hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to help make this happen, so, in no particular order, our thanks go to, Kirsty and Tel; Dee and Chris; Mandy, Seb and Mark; Angie and Carol; Ethel and Anna R; Linda; Anna K; Audrey and Gordon; Sara, Brenda and Diane.

Thank you so much!

 

We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of sponsors for this event, some of whom have asked that should sponsorship money be left over from the Christmas lunch that we put it towards our next community dinner. There is, and yes, we shall, and since we have already been asked by a number of guests and volunteers about the next one: how about Easter?

Please let us have your ideas and thoughts.christmas-lunch

The team at Old Saw Mill are busy planning for four, or maybe five Community Get- Together dinners and events for 2017, so please come on board with your ideas.

In the meantime: we think the picture

says it all…

 

 

 

Keep healthy and happy by signing up for your favourite

Classes and Events for January, 2017

 

New! Life drawing                           Saturday 7th and 14th 12.30-2.30pm; Thursday 19th 2-4pm

Contact Anna: 07738877114

Discover Pilates                               every Monday 1.15-2.15pm; and 7-8pm

Contact Alison: 07775938532

Tai Chi                                                  every Tuesday 10-11am

Contact Jennifer: 07972287757

Maddison’s Yoga                             every Tuesday 12-1pm

                                                Contact Maddy: 07476053453

New! Children’s Yoga                    every Tuesday 1.30-2.15pm

Contact Karen: 07540388751

Zoe’s Zumba                                      every Wednesday 7-8pm

Contact Zoe: 07983505647

 

OSM Art Exhibition

“Get Together”, open evening: 4.30-7pm 20th Jan

Open Invitation to our new exhibition work by local artists and designers

There is still time to submit your work: contact Anna 07738877114 or email for an application form: annamorrison0@g.mail.com

 

“Meditate for Peace”

Saturday 21st January, 10-2.30pm

With Dhyan Prasada

 

Join Dhyan’s meditation workshop and her guest speakers for, “Meditate for Peace”

Sessions include, “Sound Healing”, facilitated by Sas Bullock

and “Kirtan/Sanskrit Mantro, facilitated by John Crosbie

 

to book a place or to find out more please contact Dhan on 07807044908

Book now to take advantage of the advanced ticket price of £15 per place, when you book before the 11th of January. After that tickets are £20 or £25 on the day.

 

New Appointments

We have been busy building the Old Saw Mill team since Stewart left and we are very pleased to announce that Peter Ranson has joined us as a Director. Pete, as he prefers to be called, has a wealth of experience at hand and has ear-marked the installation of the commercial kitchen as one of his priorities. We are all keen to see this up and running and Pete will be overseeing this aspect of Old Saw Mill’s development straightaway. So, watch this space!

We are so pleased to announce that Yvonne Phillips, chef extraordinaire, has joined us and plans are already afoot to develop our cafe area. You will see such a difference when you next visit as Yvonne’s new ideas for the menu are on show now. Yvonne has planned sumptuous lunches and tasty treats, including flat breads, cakes and biscuits available fresh from the oven. See Yvonne’s feature boards when you next visit for lunch or a cuppa.

Patti Pinto, our secret gardener, has set up our new face book page. It’s up and running so please visit us on face book: The Old Saw Mill

Last but by no means least – as you would not be reading this without him! Dewi Jones has taken on board the new set-up and running of our new E-Mill newsletter. Please contact Dewi if you would like to add a friend or have enquiries at: jonesdewi@hotmail.co.uk

The last of the apples have been juiced, vatted and stored in the press room where they will stay for the next 6 – 12 months. Again, thank you to all of you who have contributed with fruit. A very big thank you to you, Charla, our Congleton High School work-place student, who has the weighty, wet and apple-whiffy process down to a fine art.  Well Done, Charla!

 

Thank you to all for giving your time.

Having said all of that, here is our new contact list – January 2017

Peter Ashton: 07971805372 email: peterjaston@gmail.com

Anna Morrison: 07738877114 email: annamorrison0@gmail.com

Pete Ranson: 07717003847 email: peterjranson@btinternet.com

For E-Mill enquiries: please contact Dewi: jonesdewi@hotmail.co.uk

Old Saw Mill happens because of people of Congleton give time and donations. Please get in touch with us as we are always looking to expand our team. In the next few weeks you will hear from us about more of our new projects.

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Our very best wishes from the team at OSM,

Anna, Peter, Pete, Yvonne, Patti and Dewi,

Old Saw Mill, Back River Street, River Street, Congleton, CW12 1HJ

 

Bringing people together: at the heart of the Community

Congleton Sustainability Group Meeting Minutes

The latest Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took recently, download the full meeting minute HERE.

Highlights include:

Tour of Britain Legacy for Congleton – S Akers Smith

Suzie briefed the group on the latest developments. A handout was issued.

1. Held a meeting with Cllrs Brown and Williams. A Fisher CEBC head of planning also attended. CEBC keen to improve its cycling network and has agreed to help work out costs the works and also advise on the feasibility of the work planned. SAS issued a copy of the brochure used at the meeting to the members attending today’s meeting. DB took copies along to CEBC for distribution to Cllrs and officers.

2. Met with Fiona Bruce who both supported the plans and agreed to raise the issue of funding support across the board not just for deprived areas in Parliament.

3. SAS attended a health and fitness meeting with Active Cheshire. They have access to a large funding pot and could help us develop our plans and also help us put a bid together. SAS has a meeting with their COO (Adam Norris) in the near future.

4. Presenting to CTC on 2nd Feb which Active Cheshire will also attend. PA asked to attend the meeting on behalf of CSG. MS to pull together a resume of what The Partnership / CSG has done over the last few years to develop cycling.

5. SAS looking to present to all Congleton Head Teachers at one of their CeCP meetings

6. Have access to some DEFRA /Local Air Quality funding (£28K) ring fenced.

7. SAS advised the group of a planned Triathlon being organised for Sunday 23rd April (subject to confirmation) more detail once available.

New Green Space – Mossley Water Tower.

PP/MA have identified an area of approx. 20 x 10 mtrs near the Water Tower at Mossley which is owned by CEBC and maintained by Streetscape. It is felt that this could be a good site for a 2nd Community Orchard. Need to gauge local interest by leafleting and consultation (PP to action). Also need to contact United Utilities/CEBC for their reaction to such a project (PP) This is not currently being actively pursued as an In Bloom project. PP still to start the consultation to gauge local support / interest before any development takes place.

 

Next Meeting:-          

Mon 6th February 2017 The Old Saw Mill ,10.00am