MEMBERS PRESENT

1. Apologies.
Secretary read a letter of apology from Menai. She was attending another important meeting on our behalf. There were no other apologies.

2. Secretary reiterated Menai's words and stressed that he too was pleased at our achievements and is proud to represent members at various meetings.

3. Treasurer gave a resume of our business over the past year. She said that our bank balance stands at £2315, whilst we have £126 in cash. A total of £2441.

4. Election of officers. Jim proposed and Marion seconded that Menai be asked to serve for another year as our Chairwoman. That was passed unanimously. Monica proposed and Sylvia seconded that Robert be asked to serve again as Secretary. That too was passed unanimously.

5. Activities.

a. Hot Wok Shows. Ann explained briefly what they are and how successful they have been. She said that there were plans to take the shows to a wider audience in the next year.

b. Woodpeckers. Betty told us what the woodpeckers are and told of our last years' activities. She gave details of exciting plans for the next year and told how woodpeckers
hope to boost funds for the residents.

c. Marion was asked to tell about arrangements for the Fete on 31 July and did so very well. She also asked for help in the way of assistance and contributions of bottles, cakes and bric a brac for our stalls.

d. Secretary told about our exercise group on Fridays and said that we are in danger of losing Joy Williams, who is our instructor. He said that the group had marched to the Shire Hall to hand in a letter pleading for Joy's job to continue.

e. Secretary also said that Cinema Nights should begin again in the Autumn. Some of those from Belmont and Priors did not know about exercises and cinema nights, so it was an opportunity to spread the word.

f. Peggy pointed out that Beetle Drive had not been mentioned. She explained that to some from Belmont and Priors who had not been informed of those either. It may be that there will be more beetlers in the future.

6. Minibus. Secretary said that there had been conversation for a while about the feasibility or practicality of us having our own minibus, since it seems difficult and expensive to get one for hire. He stated that a few regular weekly runs for shopping/pensions and occasional days out could be a real boon to most of us.

Jim proposed and Edwin seconded that we investigate further how sensible it would be for us. The items to be found out are insurance, servicing and parking.

7. Secretary said that we all owe a vote of thanks to the many people who have helped with the gardening and improving our surroundings. Particular thanks must go to Maggie and Edwin (her strong-arm man) for the effort they have put into making our homes nicer. That was unanimously agreed by the meeting, so all those who have helped in any way, pat youself on the back, but especially Maggie and Edwin.

Secretary suggested that to formalise things a bit, a gardening committee might be formed to make plans for future seasons, put them to our regular meetings and ask for funds to complete the plan. Ann said that was fine and well, but we needed a wheelbarrow and a pressure sprayer now. Maggie proposed and Mrs Hudson seconded that we purchase those two items and it was passed unanimously.

8. Kitchen. Secretary asked Maggie to bring us up to date on the kitchen saga. Sho told us that a job number had now been allocated to the task so that work could proceed. She said actual work was now imminent. Everyone was pleased.

9. Any other business.
John Burrell asked why Southgate had not been included in the rest of the City's re-cycling drive. It would appear that other areas . have been given different coloured rubbish bags to let them segregate re-cyclable waste. Secretary said he would ask the Landlord to find out.
Flower bed outside Bill Owen's kitchen window. Bill was asked what he fancied for the flower bed. He said that any low ground cover plants would be good, just not anything high. The gardening committee will investigate.

Mary asked if there was any chance that the bushes outside Betty Bevan's window could be removed. The general opinion was that they had been quite severely cut back already, that Edwin had created a pleasant flower bed there, and that further removal would not improve the view. Mary said that the bushes affected her hay-fever.

Peggy asked when the tree outside her window was going to be cut back or removed. Maggie explained that the tree had already been looked at by the tree-surgeon and the tree next to it removed. She said it was not policy to remove healthy trees. Peggy said if that was the case she would move.

10. Next Meeting. Secretary said that the next AGM would be in about a year's time and hoped that all would be well and present for it. There will be regular Tuesday meetings in the meantime.

(Robert Downie)
for Menai Roberts Chairwoman.