Minutes of a meeting of the Management Group of the Marden Community Plan held on 10^th May 2006

Present

John Verrall                 Chairman

Chris Turner                Treasurer

John Banks

Mike Lutener               Parish Council representative

Graham Tippen         Coordinator

Report from the meeting with Sue Beer, Kent Rural Towns co-ordinator held on 9^th May. 

John and Graham met with Sue Beer on 9^th May.  She seemed impressed with our progress and the positive way that we were tackling the project.  She confirmed that she would attend at least one half of the open day as well as the Business Forum. 

She also gave valuable advice about the design and content of posters, questionnaires, etc, which Graham will take on board and amend the current versions accordingly. 

Sue will also send us details of other sources of funding, viz: Rural Revival Grants, Action for All, as well as the potential for help from Action with Communities in Rural Kent regarding community transport (this outside of the Community Plan funding proper).

Open events  

This is on track. ‘Flyers’ have been produced that will go to every house in the area, either through the free paper delivery or Mgt Group members.  Questionnaires have been produced and printed and Graham has produced posters which he will take to all shops, etc.  Articles will appear in the local press and Parish Magazines, as well as the web site. Graham has also contacted John Warnett at Radio Kent. 

The Scouts have been contacted remaking tea and coffee on Saturday morning. 

Business event  

As previously reported, the Hall has been booked from 12.0 – 3.00 pm on 5^th June.  Mike and Graham have met separately with the caterers, Deli Village, who will provide light refreshments. Numbers required will be confirmed later (see ‘tear-off strip’ below). 

Graham has produced an invitation letter which will be sent out on 14^th May, with a tear off strip to confirm attendance or ask for further information, via a tear-off strip. 

Sue Beer has confirmed attendance and will give a short presentation, max 10 minutes. She will bring her own projector but will need the Parish Council screen. 

Mike has organised fresh apple juice. 

The event will be to understand local business needs through an open forum, discussion and feedback. Graham has produced a questionnaire that can either be filled in on the day or send to those unable to attend.

Finance

Chris confirmed that we have so far received £3,000 from the Parish Council and £1,500 (the first of 2 instalments, the second to be paid at the completion of the project) from Sue Beer, KRT

 We have also received confirmation from Loic Flory, KCC, that Paulina Stockell has awarded us £1,000 from the Member’s Grant fund.  Whilst this is good news, it contradicts the £2,000 that she stated she had approved at the Annual Parish Meeting.  Graham to clarify.

 Borough Councillors to be approached (again!) and asked what their application process is for funding.

 NEXT MEETING THURSDAY  1^st JUNE 8.00PM THE ALLENS (following an open day rehearsal at 7.30).