COLVEND AND SOUTHWICK COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
Annual General Meeting
4 May 2023 at 7 p.m.
PRESENT: Chair - Roderick Morriss (RM), Treasurer - Mark Parry (MP), Secretary – Gordon Webster (GW); Elected CCs: John Coates (JC), Kenneth Coltart (KC), Matthew Pumphrey (MPu); Local Cllr: David Stitt; Associate Member: Sue Gourlay (SG); Minute Secretary - Gwen Coates (GC)
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Simon Blissett (SB), John Rowland (JR), Clive Sinclair (CS)
APOLOGIES: Vice Chair - Simon Pain (SWP); Elected CCs: Kristine Filer (KF), Neil Preston (NP); Local Cllrs: Ian Blake (IB); Kippford Association representative - Martin Rosindale (MR); Elsbeth and Peter Shaw (ES/PS) - on behalf of Sandyhills Protection Group (SPG)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:
Adoption of the Minutes from 18 August 2022
With no amendments, approval of the minutes was proposed by JC and seconded by GW.
CHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL REPORT
The annual report was provided by RM, Chair of CSCC.
May I first welcome you to this, my first AGM of this fantastic Community Council. I am here only because of the sad passing of Dereck Roan. A most dedicated, assiduous and hardworking Chairman who I attempt to emulate. That tragic event triggered a Casual vacancy election resulting in my appointment along with the election of Mr Neil Preston and Mr Gordon Webster as fully accredited community councillors. Also, in the year Mr Henry Rowe and Mrs Faye Gourlay resigned from the CC, and we would wish to thank them for their time, input and effort on the Council in recent years.
What has your council done or tried to do over the year.
The Ukraine has featured large in our hearts and minds since the 24th of February last year. We put forward a proposal to make use of Baron’s Craig as a refugee hub & day centre, but after a considerable amount of work by this Council, D&G Council did not take up the offer.
Charging points for electronic vehicles. We have explored establishing points here at Colvend Hall, at Kippford Hall & in the Rockcliffe Car Park. So far only Colvend Golf Club has been successful in acquiring charging points although there are also three at Rockcliffe caravan site.
Fly tipping would appear to be endemic throughout the UK and our area has not escaped. Nevertheless, several examples of Fly tipping were dealt with in the region of Southwick/Caulkerbush. To counter this affliction, constant vigilance is requisite and we must thank that tireless team of volunteers who litter-pick along our highways, byways and on the sea strand.
To celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the 2nd annual Colvend Family Gala was held with a record attendance of 500 people encouraged by the glorious weather. Over £590 was contributed from that Gala towards the Ukrainian refugees Charity - (MOOL Massive Outpouring of Love.)
We are justifiably proud of our Coastal Path and its maintenance by volunteers is very evident. -The 5 visitor interpretation boards were finally installed, new path signage provided and a replacement bridge completed at Port O’Warren. At our request, much of the work on the path clearance was completed by D&G Council contractors and by Community Payback. In addition, grant funding was sought & work started on a project to renovate the viewpoints at Castle Point & Torrs Hill. Watch this space as their installation is imminent.
We were successful in sourcing funding for the project to expand the waste recycling area alongside Colvend Hall. This was completed by C&SCC volunteers.
A phenomenal 420 trees were planted by a host of volunteers on Barcloy Hill & the Christmas Tree field.
I must admit that even we deserve our fun and a most convivial and enjoyable Community Council lunch was held at the Clonyard Hotel (at our own expense).
The footpath from Colvend to the church was strimmed by volunteers.
Again, this year, a programme of 5 monthly evening talks were held over the winter and these proved a great success. Especial thanks must go to John Coates for arranging these talks but also to those who gave of their time and expertise to deliver such fascinating lectures.
The Indoor Sports Club and Knit & Natter meetings were continued through the year and, although numbers of regular attendees have dwindled, it is currently the intention to continue as long as there is sufficient interest.
The initiative of the Local Place Plan has burst upon us and this council is well advanced in its implementation having established a specific committee to drive it forward, already held one consultation secession and is developing the plan and detailed questionnaire on the basis of feedback. We are well ahead of the curve.
As you must all know, Mark Parry has served steadfastly as our treasurer for many years (?) for which we all owe him an enormous debt of gratitude and respect. However, we must now allow him to stand down for, as you will hear later, we have found a worthy successor.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is a huge honour and a pleasure to be your Chairman. I abhor politics. However, it is so evident that everyone on the committee is selflessly dedicated to working towards improving our area and the environment; to making it an even better place in which to live without favour or preferment. I can only thank you. I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to all on the Committee, Simon, Vice Chairman, for being the real power behind the throne. Our secretary and minute taker. Those who arrive early and stay late and everyone (that’s you) for your inestimable contribution.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICE BEARERS
The appointment of office bearers was as follows:
Chair: RM was appointed for a further term as Chair – proposed by JC, seconded by GW, with no dissenting members.
Vice Chair: SWP was appointed for a further term as Vice Chair - proposed by RM, seconded by GW, with no dissenting members.
Secretary: GW was appointed for a further term as Secretary – proposed by JC, seconded by MP, with no dissenting members.
Treasurer: MP, who has been Treasurer since 2014, is standing down however he has agreed to continue in the role until handing over to a new Treasurer in June 2023.
TREASURER'S ANNUAL REPORT FOR 12 MONTHS TO 31ST MARCH 2023
MP said thanks and congratulations should go to SWP who has raised approximately £9,000 of the total funds received to support the activities of CSCC. CSCC has £10,760 in the bank. Although some of this will go towards funding the Gala in May, nevertheless it indicates that CSCC is in a financially healthy position for the year ahead.
MP also said that the current auditor, James Anderson, does not wish to continue in the role. MP is happy to take on this role once he has relinquished the role of Treasurer. There was some discussion about another individual who had been identified as a potential auditor. Further discussion will take place regarding who will take up the role of auditor. (JR/MP)
The accounts were adopted without amendment by members.
You can view the accounts by following the link below.
AOCB
Margaret Murdoch Trust. This issue is on hold until all existing trustees have been contacted and have agreed to the transfer of the trust to CSCC (see minutes from Nov 2022 to March 2023). However, MPu noted that, as with other office bearers, when the new Treasurer is eventually appointed, they should agree to become a trustee.
The next AGM will be held on 2 May 2024.
