Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, January 2009
at 7.30pm at the Library, Uckfield Community Technology College.
Present: Martyn Stenning (Chairman), Andrew Ledward (Treasurer), Vivien Stenning, Peter Fordham, Jo Burchett, Hugh Hennebry (UCTC)
Apologies: John Gorrie, Cathy Watson, Dorothy and Paul Sparks, Caroline Tucker, Charles Hendry MP, John and Iris Wright, Claire Dowling, Jeff Brooks, Andy Clews.
1. Welcome by the Chairman
The Chairman outlined how the organisation was changing and stated that in future there would be a management committee meeting two or three times each year rather than public meetings. The current members do not have the time that Mike Benians had been able to commit but thanks to his efforts much had been achieved that could now be followed up in a more low key way. All trees have now been pollarded, epicormic growth cut, website set up and awareness of the Avenue raised. A five year plan has been established to cover future work. Cathy Watson has agreed to continue to update the website on a voluntary basis.
The task day on 29th November 2008 had been a great success with around 40 people clearing epicormic growth or planting six new lime trees and extensive media coverage.
The fencing beside the Avenue was discussed. Hugh Hennebry agreed to pursue the UCTC Bursar and Martyn Stenning agreed to approach a potential funder.
Lime Aid has successful acted as a catalyst to get work done, helping the owners and encouraging volunteers, and this would continue. A long term aim could be adoption by a local authority by donation from the owners.
2. Minutes of the meeting on 25th September 2008 – Agreed.
3. Matters arising – None.
4. New Task Day 14th February 2009 - 10am to 4pm.
The date of the task day was agreed. A more low key task day than the previous one aiming to complete the removal of epicormic growth, clear nettles and tidy up, probably with no bonfire. Hugh Hennebry to invite the UCTC environmental group.
5. Appointment of Committee Members
It was agreed that those present should form the initial committee, although the representative of UCTC may change.
6. Treasurers Report
The Treasurer reported that the support of Mike Benians had enabled the employment of Cathy Watson to move the organisation forward, setting up the website, raising funds and getting press coverage.
The funds available were now very limited and the group is unlikely to attract major funding but there should be enough to enable the current role to continue, encouraging the landowners to carry out work, making small improvements and encouraging local people to get involved.
The Chairman reported that the company planning to build four new houses near Lime Tree Avenue had indicated that they may give some support. He also suggested that an “adopt a tree” scheme could be set up and agreed to produce a map numbering the trees based on the previous work done by the tree surgeons. It was suggested that the adoption could be financial or practical.
7. Any Other Business – None.
8. Date of next meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Thursday 11th June 2009 at 7.30pm at the Library at Uckfield Community Technology College.