Archiestown Village Council

 SC001696

 Executive Committee Meeting 

Monday 28th June

Present: Alister Laing, chair; Grant Douglas, vice-chair; Steve Oliver, treasurer; Anne Oliver, secretary; Henry Schmechel; Agnes Schmechel; Sandra Beeken; John Thomson; David Scott; Isobel Hendry; Alan Gall.

 Apologies: none.

 Prior to the start of the meeting Rebecca Laing and Stuart Marr of the Junior Committee asked for permission to hold a Christmas Entertainment following the Festive Lights Switch-on – this was agreed. 

Approval of Minutes: Following one change to item Speyside Footpaths: “circular walk to Cairn Cattoch will be closed for harvesting. Permission will be required for sponsored walk”, the minutes were approved by John Thomson; seconded by Alan Gall.

 Matters arising:     

Fete – Deemed a great success, chairman, Alister, thanked everyone for their efforts, noting that the hog roast was greatly enjoyed. The 202 Sqn SAR helicopter flypast was much appreciated too.Need for deputy stallholders to allow others to visit Fete attractions was  discussed – lack of volunteers probably precludes this.     

Quiz – Success, large crowd including young people, Alister thanked John Thomson who acted as question master in his absence.    

September event – (19th September) Alister is in contact with Marjory Swinton re Highland Games; Anne to write to Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk to open this event. Alister to organise dance on Saturday 18 September.   

 Fence – Eddie Paton will finish high fence in a couple of weeks. Considered to be a great improvement. Alister asked for one bump in fence to be rectified; John noted that there were no stays on the strainer posts and top gate needs a spring – Steve to actionInterim payment to Mr Paton approved  

Pavilion – awaiting second estimate for toilets.  

Grant to organise another work day.

Container – details of cost etc needed for David Watson – Leader. Kevin Rattray has offered to clear site free of charge. Sandra noted that Dr Eckersall, Knocknagore, has stored tables and chairs and would now like them returned to the village for storage.

Anne to ask Junior Committee to help move Auction rejects in playing field ready for Moray Council removal July 1  

Panels – Anne noted that John Tasker has logo panels in hand – also remaining shortbread labels 

Village in Bloom – Judging on Wednesday 11th August. Isobel and committee expressed appreciation of Eddie Aldridge and Rona Watt who collected plants from Elgin. There are still more to be collected. - Anne to write

Alister agreed to ensure that villagers were aware of the need to keep hedges tidy and obstruction free. 

Steve to collect bark for British Legion garden.

Dangerous trees have been removed from North Lane.

Best Kept Village sign needs updating - Henry to pursue. 

Hall Grant – Deadline August 2 Quotes needed for woodchip boiler, windows, skylights, radiators, insulation, flooring – Steve pursuing. Alister reported that either 90% funding or renewable heat credits are the options available.

Steve asked for members’ claim forms for Leader –26th April – June 28th

 Hall keeper’s wages – Steve noted that there had been no increase for several years; Anne commented that it had been agreed that these wages were to keep pace with increases in the minimum wage. The committee  recorded their appreciation of the hall keeper’s good work and agreed increase starting from end of June 

Treasurer’s Report – Appreciation was expressed for donation of £310 Anne to write to donor.

Steve reminded committee of GiftAid benefits.

He reported that the Fete profits amounted to £2396.45.  Steve was commended for management of the accounts in such a busy year. 

Speyside Forum – Steve reported on discussions on Snow clearing, Refuse collections and Bus withdrawals, the Forum will pursue. 

AOCB – Badminton and Games equipment – It was agreed that a Family Badminton session will be restarted on a Wednesday evening – first session Wednesday September 1 6.15-7.15pm £1 per child – Alister to administrate.

Grant to post details on website.    

 Dog Mess – John reported that the Forestry Commission will prosecute offenders.Anne to design poster to be posted on website and in prominent positions around village.   

  Christmas Lights – More lights to be accessed – Steve;

Brazier to be available, John to ask Ron King to supervise this;

Brass Band – David to speak to brass band members.          

Speed survey –Anne to contact PC Bremner         

 Playpark – Grant compiling information re equipment         

Picnic – Alister – will be held late August – may need to charge more.         

Display watering – Memorial beds - use of Clem Anderson’s hose available -  Isobel to ask local villager to do this 

Date of next meeting: Monday 23 August - following the extra-ordinary general meetingMeeting closed at 8.35pm .