Projects and Finace Meeting Minutes

The Projects and finance meeting minutes took place recenlty, read the full meeting minutes HERE.

 

Highlights include:

The Mills Development. After further discussion today it was felt there was little to be gained by commissioning an outside agency to come up with an alternative design. S.Foster to write to CEBC Ward Members for them to lobby Scarborough for the best design possible that reflects Congleton’s Heritage. The has been no further contact with Scarborough Group at the time of this meeting.

Cenotaph.

Community, Environment & Services Committee briefed on the project 6th July.

New design and costing estimate (£375) issued.

Wall work has started, rebuilding to 1.2mtrs and adding 2 buttresses for support at Lawton St end.

Some tree worked carried out, Ruth Burgess getting a price for work on another 5.

Next steps are Public Consultation / Briefing and sourcing Funding.

Tea Dances – Senior Forum. Piloting 3 Tea Dances at the Old Saw Mill as part of our social isolation drive. Dances planned for 17/6, 1/7 and 15/7 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. £4 to include a drink and cake.

The event is being run by Shirley Brocklehurst, Wellkin. Disappointed turn out, cancelled the last date. Shirley working on a relaunch Autum 2017, after H&W Event.

 

Dementia Awareness Open Day. The plan is to hold a dementia awareness day and then progress (along with Congleton Town Council) to become a dementia friendly town. Date booked  (26th July) invitations sent out, poster and social media used for PR. Budget agreed up to £250

 

Congleton Summer Treasure Hunt. Working in partnership with Congleton Town Council and Active Cheshire to develop a game for 8 to 12 year olds for 6 weeks using technology similar to the Pokemon game. This is again a pilot for future activities if it proves successful. 25 teams and 38 players currently taking part, need to re tweet on social Media. Review at the end of the session.

 

ITea & Chat – L.Alcock/ S Akers Smith. 12 sessions being planned across 6 locations. Looking for champions to run the sessions. May use some support from Congleton Learning Centre. Budget Agreed  up to £250

 

Senior Health Fayre – Sept 29th –Congleton Town Hall. 35 exhibitors booked, with 3 or 4 interactive sessions planned in The Bridestones Suite. Flyers and Posters printed, PR will kick in early Sept. Budget agreed up to £400

 

Date and Time of the next meeting.

 

Monday 4th September, The Spencer Suite , 9.30am

Congleton Sustainability Meeting Minutes

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download the full meeting minutes HERE.

The Old Saw Mill (new official name).

  • 14 people attended the AGM (29th June) MS to circulate the management report presented at that meeting.

4 Key areas for the future ( see report)

PA thanked all for their support, donations, volunteering etc

Looking to take on apprentices from Macc College

  • Apple Juice / Cider. D.Jones to put an options paper out to group for their views.

It was felt that OSM should acr like Dunham Massey (producer) and CSG would pay OSM for production.

CSG to pay for AJ/C and sell both retail and wholesale.  CSG to use profit for local projects.

Aim for a target price of £3 retail for both products.

 

Congleton In Bloom/ Congleton Partnership/ CSG:

2 June:  Bug gardens workshops

3 June:  Congleton tidy up at Bromley Farm

5 June:  CSG meeting

10 June: harvesting willow at Saint Mary’s for Jubilee Club project, DoE students

12 June: AMCP Community orchard tidied up with Rangers

12 June:  WDT meeting

19 & 30  June  In Bloom meetings

19 June: PP drove draft route with MG Alexandra Court Hotel (with MG)

June, Weds 1-3pm :    Visyon (with MG) to help with their garden near Cong park

During June PP visited BHPG, Community Gardens,  Jubilee Club allotment;

The Bug Gardens Back to back gardens project, 10 confirmed, community polytunnel working with groups to create backdrops (7/6 Brownies, 19/6 Cubs, 22/6 Saint Mary’s ),

23 June: Build gardens with new volunteer Roy & BE

26-30 June: Bug Gardens plant up supervision and helping groups with 8 small gardens

Publicity: 

Photography & Press articles on eco-schools/In Bloom/CSG activities sent to & published by the Congleton Chronicle.

PP continues to admin facebook pages, adding articles, photos, events etc [Congleton In Bloom, Congleton Food4free & CSG, Old Saw Mill & Saint Mary’s Garden Club pages]

 

 

Next Meeting:-
Mon 7th August 2017 The Old Saw Mill ,10.00am (S.Foster to chair)

CALL FOR PROJECTS IN MARGARET’S MEMORY

In April 2015 Margaret Williamson, Congleton’s much loved “First Lady”, died after a sudden illness. Margaret was a driving force and inspiration behind improving the culture and environment of Congleton and it was agreed that setting up a special fund to support suitable projects, would keep that spirit alive.Margaret Williamson Congleton Partnership

The Fund will support ideas and projects which improve the cultural environment or the natural environment in Congleton and District (defined as CW12 postcode or 01260 STD Code). These were the things which Margaret was so passionate about.

The Trustees of the Fund are now looking to support with grants, projects which meet one or more of the following criteria

  • Provide opportunities for people to take part in musical, theatrical, literary, performing art, dance, or other artistic activities.
  • Provide opportunities for education and awareness of the natural environment, especially amongst young people.
  • Conserve or improve the natural environment for the benefit of the people in Congleton & District.

 

If you have a project or an idea that fulfil the criteria and needs some financial help to make a difference to Congleton, then please complete the application form which is available to download on the Congleton Partnership website: DOWNLOAD HERE or visit current projects.

 

Please send us your application by 31st July 2017. If you have any questions or you need help to fill in the form please contact Mike Smith on 01260 270350 ext 7 or email him on ms@congletontowncouncil.co.uk

You will be informed of the decision of the trustees 6 weeks after the closing date.

 

Notes:

The Margaret Williamson Fund is a ring-fenced endowment fund within Cheshire Community Foundation – CCF (http://www.cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk) with the income being used to fund projects. CCF is a registered charity (Number 1143711) set up to manage funds on behalf of private, company and other benefactors and philanthropists.

The proceeds of the fund are administered by Congleton 4 Congleton – C4C (http://www.c4cfund.com) which is a registered charity (Number 1145563). There is a grants panel made up of Congleton people who look at the applications and decide which should be funded. Cheshire Community Foundation is not responsible in any part for the distribution of these funds including the application assessment or monitoring or impact assessment.

Donations can be made to the fund using a form available on the Congleton Partnership web-site, DOWNLOAD HERE or visit current projects.

Senior Forum Meeting Minutes

The senior forum meeting took place recently, please read the full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

St John’s Community Hub – P.Houldsworth.

Peter took us through a full presentation on the development of the new community hub in Buglawton from conception to completion (Oct 2012 to Mar 2017)
The development has cost around £400k, received good local support with funding, involved a great deal of planning and consultation with residents and was finally opened on 11th March.
It has continues to build on the programme of activity and grow the number of users (10 weeks , 2500 users and 480 Wellbeing Hours recorded)
A copy of Peter’s presentation will be circulated to the group.

 

Tea Dances – Old Saw Mill (June/July)

3 x pilot Tea Dances organised 17th June, 1st & 15th July.  These will be held at The Old Saw Mill, with professional support by Shirley Brocklehurst.

2.00 to 4.00pm, cost of entry £4 which includes either Tea or Coffee and Cake.

Ist Tea Dance branded “ The Great Get Together” to support the Jo Cox weekend of activity.

Wendy (Tesco) and Anna Bignell will support on 17th June

Tracey (Tesco) Sarah and Lisa to support on 1st July.

Extra help on the day will be appreciated.

PR. “ x Adverts taken in The Chronicle, 7 x Town Noticeboards, Library, TIC, AgeUK, Old Saw Mill and RJ & J Moore. Social media both facebook and twitter.

Dementia Awareness Event.

Open event being planned for Wed 26th July in the Town Hall starting from 3.30pm with an opportunity to talk more in depth about Dementia Friends and all that entails from 4.30pm.

MS to work with S Rathbone and J.MacArthur on flyer, the structure of the event and get invitations out to potential / interested parties. Our overall aim is to help Congleton become a dementia friendly town.

 

Next Meeting:- Tuesday 8th August 2017, Bridestones Suite 3 to 5pm.

Congleton Sustainability Group Meeting Minutes

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, please read the full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights Include:

Dane Valley Community Energy.
Application made for a preplanning meeting.
Agreement in principal to buy the land (price agreed)
£66k grant from WRAP to support all of this early work.
7. Neighbourhood Plan.
All subgroup work finished, report is now with D.McGifford to discuss with CE Planning dept.

 

8.The Old Saw Mill (new official name).
Good income being generated both in room hire and the café. Meals on Wheels project is starting to be discussed and planned. Disabled toilet almost ready.
Note name change to :- The Old Saw Mill this will now become its public/community face. New dedicated website (linked to The Partnership website) being developed using the URL WWW.oldsawmill.org

Premises licence granted May 2017.
AGM for OSM planned for 29th June,7.00pm, members only can vote.

 

Next Meeting:-
Mon 3rd July 2017 The Old Saw Mill ,10.00am

Projects and Finance Committee meeting minutes

The Project and Finance Committee meeting took place recently, download the full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Public Realm Strategy.
F.Price outlined the plans at the town meeting 27th April with various timelines as the project will be delivered in phases.
Work planned to start late June/early July, and be finished by mid Nov (before Xmas Lights Event)
DM to call a PR subgroup meeting to discuss any timing or delivery issues /wishes.
Town Centre Regeneration (The Mills) Scarborough Group presented to the Town Councillors w/c 1st May and will present to the market traders in the near future. Still to go to planning, completion date 2019
There was a general feeling of disappointment in the design at the meeting, and it was felt that we should look to discuss an alternative design to Scarborough.
Actions:-
D.McG to raise the issue with Scarborough / Kate Howe and ask for a meeting of the parties concerned
The issue of design to be raised at Partnership and then with Congleton town Council
PA to discuss with S.Foster with a view to approaching Roger Lomas for an alternative (Congleton centric) design.

 

Community Award Scheme – Jo Money
CVS are holding an all day Volunteers Event on 1st July in Congleton Park.
Congleton will be well covered in this, Jo Money is working with Mark Smith (CVS) and is looking to launch her updated version of “Get Involved” on that day. There will be room for local organisations to have a display in one of the marquees, with a Gala Dinner in the evening.
Jo will send out a brief this week (w/c 8.5.17) for organisations wishing to be involved in the “Congleton Marquee”.

 

Date and Time of the next meeting.
Monday 17th July, The Spencer Suite , 9.30am

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download the full meeting minutes HERE. 

Highlights include:

Cycle Path Plans.
Cycling Issues SAS May 2017
1. The cycling legacy ideas continue to grow in support not only from Congleton Town Council but also from Cheshire East Council.
2. SAS recently met with both Cllr Rachael Bailey and David Brown who have both agreed that even though we have a cycling strategy in place, we do not have any cycling policies in place. This is something they are going to look into with the different cycling groups.
3. SAS recently presented the cycling legacy ideas at the Town Meeting and received questions. Nearly 70 people attended the meeting and there were a number of questions.
4. SAS has produced a questionnaire to find out what the appetite from the public is in support of cycling. Questionnaire attached, please feel free to forward and ask people to return them to the TIC.
5. Cllr David Brown has bought a bike, helmet, cycling shorts, track pump, gloves is now cycling on a regular basis. This support from a Cllr with such responsibility for highways is adding a lot of weight to developing the cycling strategy in Congleton and CE as much as possible. We need to maximise on this because he may not still be in this position after the 2019 election.
6. We had a meeting with the Canals and Rivers Trust to see if they are in support of the portion of the Congleton Circumnavigation that could utilise the tow path. There is to be a follow-up meeting on the 12th May to walk along the canal to see how this section could become a cycle way.
7. The Town Council Health and Well Being Group are going to meet to look at how cycling can help improve the activity of Congleton residents and the sustainability of the Town.
8. There is continued support for the Cycling and Walking Country Park with a view to where this could be located. This is something that once we have ear marked the land we can then apply for funding and with British Triathlon supporting such projects, if they agree to support it, they will match funds any monies that we raise.
Concern that developers are promising one thing and delivering another in respect to planning applications and actual build.
PH gave a couple of examples where this had happened.
PM to work with PH to tackle the problem, raise with the enforcement officer appropriate in the first instance before escalating to Shaun Hannaby.

Commenting Team.
1. Seddon Development off Canal Road
PM represented and spoke on behalf of CSG at the CEBC Southern Planning Committee 29th March. The committee raised a number of issues they had with the application including our concern of insufficient bungalows (contrary to the Local Plan and emerging Congleton Neighbourhood Plan) they asked that a decision be deferred to allow the applicant to address these concerns. The application did not return to the April meeting of the committee so it is now expected to be considered at the May meeting. PM will review any revisions to the application and if necessary speak on behalf of CSG at the meeting

 

2. Development west of Manchester Road
PM submitted a response on behalf of CSG to the application for development west of Manchester Road. While the principle of development is OK as it is included in the CEBC Local Plan there are issues with access, particularly regarding sustainable travel and road safety.

3. Bellway development off Waggs Road
PM attended the site visit and subsequently spoke on behalf of CSG at the CEBC Strategic Planning Board on 19th April. The application was refused on the grounds of road safety and impact on open countryside. We will have to wait and see if the applicant will appeal.
4. Congleton Neighbourhood Plan – Transport Group
No progress this month but the NP steering group are due to meet on 11th May to review the draft NP in advance of going to Regulation 14 consultation

 

Next Meeting:-
Mon 5th June 2017 The Old Saw Mill ,10.00am

Senior forum meeting minutes

Congleton’s Senior Forum had their latest meeting recently, read meeting minutes HERE.

 

Highlights include:

 The Herbert Protocol – PCSO Jess Shore.

 

Jess briefed us on the new Herbert Protocol (Safe & Sound) that is being launched by Cheshire Police and the Alzeimers Society.

 

The Herbert Protocol is a new initiative which looks to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person or someone suffering with dementia going missing.
The Herbert Protocol looks to support and safeguard members of the community, through a care home/family member completing a pro-former which they will then store in a safe place.
This pro-former can be completed in hard copy or electronically and details the following:

  • Description and recent photograph
  • Places of interest/addresses of note
  • Jobs, interest and hobbies
  • Medical information
  • Details of their routine

In the event a person goes missing you then hand the pro-former to police, which reduces the time taken to gather key information. As a result, this allows for a prompt and effective search and promotes their safe return.
We will be aiming to sign up all care homes to the initiative, but if you would like to sign up a relative to the Herbert Protocol Please print the pro-former from Cheshire Police Website https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/missing-persons/herbert-protocol/

Jess to forward a pack of information to all forum members.

 
IT & Chat     –  L.Alcock..

Lisa now has all the equipment, now looking for people and places to get this going.

Sub group to be set up :- Suzie Akers Smith, Lissa Alcock and Tracey Howle

Places suggested:- Old saw Mill, Congleton Library (Gill) & Tesco Congleton.
Social Isolation register of activities – S.Jacklin.

Information slow to come in, as a group we need to hunt out more information and get it to Sarah/ Myself .

Sarah to check out New Life Church activity.

Plus Dane seem to be struggling to put on extra events

RVS coffee morning are we aware of any others offering this kind of activity.

St James Court ( Plus Dane residency) are looking for someone to support/ run their activity on a Tuesday. Tracy Howle to link up with Sarah and Anna to see if she can help.

Louise showed us a map (Cheshire East JSNA Mental Health Report) it would be nice to be able to show Congleton’s activity/sites in this kind of format.
Partnership Mini Buses.

We now have 2 Mini Buses with Tail Lifts for hire. 1 x 8 seats and 1 x 15 seats.

Costs are £20 per day/ booking and 40p per mile.

All bookings taken by Jeff Cutts at New Life Church 01260 297961

 

Next meeting:

Tuesday 30th May, The Bridestones Suite, Congleton Town Hall. 3.00 to 5.00pm

Old Saw Mill Newsletter – News and Events

Congleton Community Co-Op

 

E-MILL NEWSLETTER 21st April 2017
“RUNNING ON SUSTAINABLE VOLUNTEER POWER”

We had a very enjoyable Easter lunchtime celebration including entertainment from Peter Jackson. A great time was had by all 30 guests, which included good food, magic tricks, meeting new friends and dancing. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped to cook, serve and wash up.
Food range provided by the café is getting fresher and fresher and more imaginative by the day, come and visit soon!

Forthcoming Events:

DAILY LUNCH & WHEELS ON WHEELS:
This project is beginning to happen, if you’d like pre-booked lunch daily, either delivered to your work or home or to enjoyed here at the café, feel free to discuss with either Peter.

EXHIBITIONS
 “TIDEWRACK”
An exhibition of paintings, poetry and photography by Elizabeth Lloyd
Some 50 people enjoyed the opening night, feel free to come and browse!

CLASSES:

Every Monday 1.15-2.15pm; 6-7pm, and 7-8pm:
Discover Pilates
Classes are up and running, you can join any anytime, more information from Alison on 07798 555458.

Every Tuesday 10 – 11am
Tai Chi Introduction
Classes for everyone, more information call Jennifer Teagle on 7972 287757

Every Wednesday between 10am and 11am:
Monthly Gift:
Congleton Woman’s Forum invite women to receive their monthly gift, contact Sue Munro on 07534 510841.

Every Friday 21st April and then weekly until 26th May (10.00 – 12.00):
Cooking for Men
Six week course covering all the basic skills to cook healthy meals

EVENTS:

Thursday 27th April at 10am
Know your place walks, third series of six walks exploring the impact of the Link Road will start week commencing 24th April at 10am on Thursday mornings, call Peter Aston to join the group.

Saturday 29th April 11am to 1pm
Life Modelling Art Sessions
Professional and amateur artists welcome price £8, no tuition provided, for more details contact Angie on 07789 687428. Further sessions are planned for Saturday 13th May, Thursday 25th May 7 to 9pm and Saturday 10th June.

Saturday 29th April 7pm – 10pm
“ARABIAN NIGHTS”
Dance, music, food and drink
Fundraising event for Congleton War Memorial Hospital
Contact Diane Cook on 07929 111035 for info and tickets.

Monday 8th May
The monthly Spiritual and Physic Health and Well-Being discussion group is holding its regular meeting 2pm to 4pm. To find out more, contact Anne on 01260 274413.

Coming soon!
Knit and Natter Group and Jewellery Classes, for more information see attachments.
Knitting
Jewellery Class
A SPECIAL VOLUNTEER PLEASE?
The 2 Peters are not the most capable on Facebook and the like and we’d love a Social Media volunteer who could spend perhaps a couple of hours a week keeping us up to date!

NEW DIRECTORS
The Old Saw Mill is becoming a very busy place as you’ll see from today’s eMill, we now have 2 paid cooks Alex and Yvonne and the café is busy every day. The 2 Peters need to clone at least another one! Would you be interested contact either Peter and have a chat about what’s entailed!

Member News
The member’s gift for April will be a £3 discount on a lunch from our delicious menu, as well as your usual 10% member discount. Less than 10 days to go to redeem your April offer.

Have you joined yet? If not follow the link below or call in for an application form (Back River St).

For a membership form, click here.

Watch this space for the members’ special gift for May.

Volunteers:
All volunteers are invited to become members as a reward for their hard work!

As victims of our own success we need to expand the OSM team. Can you spare a couple of hours each week to help us in the downstairs café?

Veg box scheme:
We have an opportunity to set up a veg box scheme of locally grown food and veg, if it’s something that might interest you, drop us an email or pop in and see us.

Parking:
Please keep in mind that there is no parking immediately outside Old Saw Mill. There is a small car park opposite, which is generally full and plenty of parking close by in Antrobus St. Car Park, Princess St. and Rope Walk Car Parks.

 

Contacting us
Facebook :- The Old Saw Mill
General E-mail:- co-op@theoldsawmill.org
Direct E-mail and phone for Finance and Governance, Bookings, Café and Marketing- peterjaston@gmail.com
and 07971805372
Direct E-mail for Buildings, Development and Maintenance, Volunteers peterjranson@btinternet.com
and 07717003847

 

 

Kind regards
Peter and Pete