Wednesday 31st March 2021, via Zoom
Attending:
- Ben Thornber
- Jim Pritchard
- Callum Purves
- Marion Anness
- Mike Barnacle (chair)
- Trudy Duffy
- Sandy Morrison
- Rev Liz Stenhouse
- Cameron Brown (taking Notes)
Apologies: Carole Haigh (had intimated by phone to chair difficulty with continuing membership of group because of professional work but happy to advise on charitable status issues), Fred Multon (had emailed Chair giving reasons for refusal of involvement in procedural matters but happy to participate in practical schemes that come about), Nicola Marchant (attending a family birthday) Matthew Pease, Alastair Lavery and John Wheatley (late apologies, had technical difficulties)
Previous Minutes
Notes of inaugural meeting made by Trudy, the group agreed they an accurate record.
Legal Status
Sub group of Alistair, Ben and John to examine constitution of Thurso Development Trust ( A Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation or SCIO) as a possible model of FCDT. Chairs knowledge of Comrie and Stanley Development Trusts indicated they were formed some time ago and are both companies limited by guarantee without share capital. Chair subsequently undertook to contact DTA re latest models from members that are SCIO’s which Alistair feels is more appropriate.
Action:
Ben, John and Alastair will continue to liaise regarding a suitable status and production of a draft constitution.
Initial Funding
Chair enquired about funding with PKC with no positive outcome. It was noted that securing start-up funding from the council could be a timely process and other opportunities would be worth exploring ie; the new Kinrosshire Committee once up and running, News Letter, Hydro Fund and Kinrosshire Fund (old TITP fund). It was noted many of these groups fund capital costs only. Costs to establish the group are yet to be established such as for incorporation, legal expenses, insurance, website, leaflets etc. Note: Angus Cheape has subsequently suggested that an application to the Fund for their meeting on 3/6/21 of between £500 and £1000 would be considered.
Action:
Chair to approach PKC once more. Chair agreed to speak to Angus Cheape (Fossoway CC rep for Kinrossh-re Fund). Callum and Mike to establish figure for start-up costs.
Scope of the Trust
Following the previous meeting the group looked at past Community Council agendas and the Community Consultation of 2017/18 to establish a better idea of needs identified by the local community. This research was presented via Powerpoint presentation (circulated 29/03/21) and supporting excel spreadsheet and highlighted a possible set of values for the trust and scope of projects. It was identified a key struggle within the Fossoway area is the dispersed nature of our village communities presenting difficulties in how best the trust may respond to a need that is common to the whole community and not just one village specifically. Considering consultation feedback and the ongoing bridge project, the idea of the River Devon as an initial concept or focus was suggested as is an asset that could be developed to connect the Fossoway villages and communities. The historical and ecological significance, previous landscape designation were also discussed as being relevant.
Action:
Mike to issue work done so far. Nicola, Cameron, Matthew and Trudy to finalise, prioritise and summarise this work for the next meeting. Information to be refined into most important or key items to form a focused document.
All: Continue to brainstorm: which projects are possible and desirable?
Launching and Engaging the Community
Opportunities for a launch were discussed. It was felt strongly, particularly from Sandy, that the footbridge at RB Gorge should be a winning project to start with but chair felt Trust would need to be in place to deliver funding and completion. Marion highlighted need to keep Blairingone area informed of what is happening elsewhere in Fossoway (they do not get Kinross Newsletter), updating of local noticeboards and presence on social media / village Facebook groups. Tim agreed and also confirmed that he is a member of Fossoway School parent Council (Chair had originally sought group member from them), with Marion feeling that liaison with School important. It was agreed that Tim would not finalise website until we have finalised our legal model, vision and objectives. Chair agreed to speak to DTA about future trust membership elections. It was felt we would need a leaflet for the community in the summer, presaging a public meeting and a stall at the Fossoway gathering on 4th September 2021.
Action:
Mike to find out whether the School building (and maybe other council-owned buildings) can be leased if they are surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Jim to liaise with PTA at Fossoway and website when information is prepared.
Next Meeting
End of April, chair to circulate date and zoom invite in due course.
Note: if anyone needs to access Zoom account, Trudy has a professional one, paid for by the Community Council and thus available for community organisations.