Minutes

Present:
Teresa Buckley (Chair-person)
Stuart Goulding (Acting Vice-Chair)
Dave Powell (Secretary)
Jean Huff
John Griffiths
Eva Burton
Anne Reid
David Morris
Nancy Evans
Margaret John
Stephen John
Amy Wooles
David Price
Helen Greenway (Herefordshire Council)

Apologies:
Eileen Houghton, Dee Edwards, and Richard Hancock,

1. Minutes of Last Meeting

Everyone had received a copy of the last minutes and they were agreed as a true record.

2. Matters Arising

Dedicated Disabled Tenants Officer
Dave Powell informed the group that the Federation had sent a letter to Richard Humphries regarding a request for a new post to be made within the Housing Services for a dedicated disabled tenants officer. The Federation had received a reply from Tony Jaques, Head of Housing. (Please see copies attached.) Dave informed the group that although there is no money available at present to fund this new post, he will take it up again with the Council after the tenants' vote on Stock Transfer had taken place.

Vice-Chair
The group sent a letter to John Preece asking him if he wanted to continue as their Vice-Chair. The group have still not received an answer, and as he was asked to reply by the 2Oth December, it was decided to ask Stuart if he would take over this position fully. This was proposed by Anne Reid and seconded by John Griffiths. The vote was unanimously in favour and Stuart was duly elected as Vice-Chair.

3. Treasurer's Report

This was suspended due to the absence of the Treasurer. Eileen wishes to tend her resignation for this post, and Dave informed the meeting that he has asked another member if they would be interested in taking this post over. This will be discussed at the next meeting.

4. Disability Group's AGM

Due to having to give 28 days notice to all Council tenants and having to advertise in the local press, it was agreed that the AGM be held in April. The venue of this meeting was discussed and John Griffiths said he would look into acquiring the Lad's Club in Widemarsh Common for this. He will let the group know the outcome.

It was agreed to place a business card size advert in the Hereford Admag, as this publication seemed to reach the most people. The advert will also be placed in the Ross Gazette.

5. Update of Group Outings

Dave said that the people who attended the last trip to Webbs was very successful and enjoyable. Unfortunately, a lot of people dropped out at the last meeting, and it was difficult to cover the cost of the transport. It was suggested that in future, when people agree to go on these outings, they pay the £2 for the transport up front, and then the costs will be covered.

It was agreed that Dave would look into organising trips for May, June, July, August, September and in December. The most convenient day for everyone seemed to be a Tuesday. John Griffiths mentioned that he runs trips for the Innesfield Sheltered Site on Tuesdays, and if any of the dates clash, they could combine the two groups into one outing.

6. Any other business

Dave informed the group that Helen will no longer be working as the Tenant Participation Assistant, and is moving on to another position. The group wished Helen all the best in her new position, and Teresa presented her with a bouquet of flowers, a basket of fruit and a card signed by everyone. Helen told the group how much she had enjoyed working with them over the months, and will be sorry to leave as she has made very good friends with the members of the group. She thanked the group for their wonderful gifts. Dave said that she would be welcome to attend any meetings in the future.

Get well card
Dave informed the meeting that he had purchased a get well card for Richard Hancock as he was quite poorly at the moment. He will send it to Richard on the group's behalf.

Minute Secretary
Anne Reid said she would be interested in becoming the Minute
Secretary. Eva Burton proposed, and Dave Morris seconded. The
group voted unanimously in favour.

ID Badges
John Griffiths asked if it would be possible for the members of the group to have ID badges so that when he is going out and about on fund-raising business for the group, he would have official identification. The group thought this would be a good idea and Helen agreed to ask if the Council could help with this. If they couldn't, Dave Powell said that he might know of a company that could do this. It was agreed that the group could fund the costs of this.

Charity Number
John asked if there was any update of acquiring a charity number for the group. Teresa had written to the relevant organisation regarding this, but was waiting to hear back.

Christmas card fund-raising
John informed the group that the sale of the Christmas cards had raised over £220. Everyone gave John a round of applause for his efforts and success in raising such a large amount for the group. John said that he is now putting birthday cards together, if anyone would like to sell some on behalf of the group.

First Aid course
Margaret John asked if there was any more news with the First Aid course. Dave said that he was still looking into it, but at the moment the costs were too much. He will be trying to bring these down quite considerably, and will update the group when he has more information.

Fuel payments
Stephen informed the group that he went to the DSS office to apply for his £8 payment to help with fuel costs, but was turned down. Dave said that he would contact them on his behalf and arranged to speak to him after the meeting.

Refreshments for meetings
Dave informed the meeting that Margaret John had agreed to become responsible for buying the tea, coffee and biscuits for the meeting. The group agreed to pay a small donation of 25p per cup which will fund future refreshments for meetings.

Security Awareness
Dave asked everyone to be aware that there are bogus callers going around people's homes. They are showing up at peoples doors with an ID badge which has a telephone number on it. The caller encourages the person they have called on to call the number, and then carries out the burglary whilst they are distracted. He urged everyone to put the security chain on their door, and if they were not sure about the caller, to phone the police and not a number given to them by the caller. There are also reports of representatives from electricity companies going around and blackmailing people to change to their company. One elderly lady was told she would be cut off if she didn't change her supplier.

Country and Western Evenings
Dave is going to try and arrange with the Lions to provide transport for anyone wishing to attend the Country and Western Evenings that John is organising to raise funds for the group. He has two evenings in mind, the first is Saturday 2nd March and the second is Saturday 6th April. The evenings start at 8.15pm. Seven members of the group said that they would be free to attend these evenings.

7. Date of next meeting

The date for the next meeting is Thursday 14th March in the Bulmer Room at lOam.

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