Apologies

Alan		Baybutt	Angie		Bland	Sally		Vidler
Simon		Richards	Tony		Bostock

SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007, 7.30.p.m.
Shevington Methodist Church

Present
Gerald		Arstall (Over 60’s)	Sandra		Makin
Angie		Bland	Jim		Maloney
Louise		Brown	Veronica		Maloney
Dave		Brown (Chair)	Carole		Miles
Gareth		Dickinson	Carol		Moakes (Allot. & Hort. Soc.)
Lorna		Ellis	Andrew		Moakes (Allot. & Hort. Soc.)
Hilda		Green	John		O’Neill
Nellie		Hampson (Luncheon Club)	Ira		Whiteley
Brian		Hewitt	John		Whiteley (Secretary)
Maurice		Hilton	Rosemary		Woolner (Luncheon Club)
Alan		Kelman

Apologies
Alan		Baybutt	Mike		Crosby	Mike		Holden
Helen		Brown	Bill		Harrison	Jean		Lawrenceson

1. Minutes of last meeting
“That the minutes of the Annual General Meeting of 2006 be agreed as a true and correct record.”
Proposed: Jim Maloney               Seconded: Veronica Maloney

2. Election of Officers
         Chair:         Dave Brown                    proposed: Ira Whiteley     seconded: Jim Maloney              unanimous
Vice Chair:          Mike Crosby          proposed: Veronica Maloney     seconded: Louise Brown  unanimous
Secretary:  John Whiteley        proposed: Carole Miles    seconded: Veronica Maloney     unanimous
(Simon Richards had let it be known that he did not wish to continue as Treasurer, a post he has held since the Community Association was reformed in 2001.)
Treasurer  John Whiteley        proposed: Veronica Maloney     seconded: John O’Neill    unanimous
Committee (Bill Harrison and Simon Richards did not wish to continue as committee members.)
The following were proposed en bloc:

Alan		Baybutt	Brian		Hewitt	Carole		Miles
Tony		Bostock	Maurice		Hilton	Martin		Saxon
Louise		Brown	Alan		Kelman	Alan		Sudworth
Gareth		Dickinson	Sandra		Makin	Sally		Vidler
Lorna		Ellis	Jim		Maloney	Ira		Whiteley
Hilda		Green	Veronica		Maloney

                                                        

Mike		Crosby	Tony		Parkinson	Sally		Vidler
Maurice		Hilton	Simon		Richards

The four people authorised to sign cheques on behalf of the Association are:

Maurice		Hilton	Simon		Richards
Mike		Crosby	Tony		Parkinson	)

3. Matters arising from the minutes

Groundwork are doing a relaunch in April linked to a funding bid for work in the woods that run down to Standish Lower Ground. There is quite a bit of litter beyond the boundaries of Shevington High School. Jean Gidman will oversee a clean-up in April.
Shevington Calendars for 2008 will feature pictures of Shevington Now and should be available from October. The hope was expressed that more people will sell them. A further suggestion was that children could design Christmas cards which could be sold for fun and for profit.

4. Treasurer’s report
Simon Richards presented the accounts for the year 2006. These were accepted with thanks, and gratitude was expressed to Simon for his work as treasurer over the last six years. A vote of thanks was proposed by Jim Maloney and seconded by Lorna Ellis, and was carried unanimously.

5. Fundraising
A fundraising committee was formed:

Gerry		Arstall	Dave		Brown	Sandra		Makin
Tony		Bostock	Louise		Brown	John		Whiteley

Apologies

Alan	Baybutt	Lorna	Ellis	Sandra	Makin
Angie	Bland	Maurice	Hilton	Veronica	Maloney
Mike	Crosby

SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Minutes of meeting
Tuesday,  24th April, 2007, 7.30.p.m.
Shevington Methodist Church
Present

In the absence of the chairman and vice-chairman, Jim Maloney took the chair
1. Minutes of last meeting
         Martin Saxon had sent an e-mail to say that he believed that some of the discussion was omitted from the minutes or was incorrect.
         Liaison group with Orica. Carol and Andrew Moakes said that they would be representing the Tenants and Residents Association or the Gardening Club.
         With these provisos, the minutes were accepted.
“That the minutes of the meeting of .27th March be agreed as a true and correct record.”
Proposed:     V. Maloney                    Seconded: L. Brown

2. Matters arising from the minutes
Developments at Orica Andrew Moakes said that more people would be objecting to the proposed development.
         Jim Maloney said that permanent protection would be needed for the trees. Some planning gain would be helpful
The new bowling pavilion at the bowling green would be opened at 11.30.am on Saturday, 28th April.

3.  Darren Barton talked about townships.
Darren had costed some of the suggestions made by Dave Brown and John O’Neill – included with these minutes.
The Community Association would authorise the spending of this money. John O’Neill said that we might be able to access funds from the Brighter Boroughs initiative (money which the councillors have to spend) and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.
The next newsletter could ask for suggestions.
Darren produced a map showing planned developments in Shevington – Shevington Sharks Project at the High School (2 full size grass pitches, rugby centre of excellence, changing rooms, bar), Shevington High School Project (9v9 grass soccer centre, full size 3rd generation all-weather pitch, healthy living centre), Recreation Group and Youth Club development project.
The next meeting of the CA would decide on specific projects.
There could be township money for all sorts of things, including Community events.

4. Community Safety
There was a complaint about illegal parking – that is, all the parking on the pavement that happens around Shevington.

5. A.O.B. None

6. Date of next meeting     Tuesday 29th May Committee Meeting, Tuesday, June 26th, 7.30.p.m.    Open meeting

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SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Minutes of committee meeting
Tuesday, May 29th, 2007, 7.30.p.m.
Shevington Methodist Church
Present

In the absence of the chairman (Dave Brown) Mike Crosby, vice chairman, took the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting
“That the minutes of the meeting of 24th April, 2007 be agreed as a true and correct record.”
Proposed: Lorna Ellis                  Seconded: Gareth Dickinson
2. Matters arising from the minutes
Speed Activated signs – it was not clear at how many sites the proposed sign would be situated. We shall await information from Andrew Meadows. The sign on Almond Brook Lane was already faulty.
On a related road safety matter, Gareth said that the delivery lorry for the Co-op Late Shop blocked the footpath on New Miles Lane, forcing pedestrians including mothers with children at school time, to walk onto the roadway.
Similarly, Maurice said that it was dangerous for drivers coming out of the Parish Council Car Park when buses were waiting at the bus stop, as they often did for some minutes when ahead of schedule.
3. Purchases from the Township budget.
Mention was made of Brighter Boroughs. A note about Brighter Boroughs is on the back of these minutes.
We decided to accept the following suggestions made by John O’Neill and Dave Brown, and costed by Darren Barton:

Proposed: Ira Whiteley     Seconded: Lorna Ellis
4. Orica site at Gathurst
There was some discussion about the developments. We wanted to find out about the effects on the health services, education, and traffic flows.
The liaison group would have representatives from the Parish Council, the tenants and Residents Association, the Allotment and Horticultural Society, Shevington Against Development and the Community Association.
5. Suggestions from the Fund Raising Committee
While the suggestion about a Shevington Carnival was much appreciated, there was anxiety that it might involve huge amounts of work for an indeterminate return. In the past it has involved stalls around the field and a pram race. The other suggestions were still seen as live possibilities:
1. “Name the Rabbit” – good for single events, an easy way of raising £50 - £100 in a single session.
2. Christmas social at Orrell St James – 180 tickets; room could be free.
3. Charity Football Match or some type of outdoor pursuit.
4. Calendars as this year, and Christmas cards too. (Preparation of the Calendar is already happening.)

6. Dates of next meetings
Tuesday, June 26th, 7.30.pm, Methodist Church, open meeting
Tuesday, August 28th, 7.30.pm, Methodist Church, open meeting for Township matters.
John Whiteley

Brighter Boroughs – what is it?
(From the “Small Grants in Wigan” booklet) “The Brighter Borough Grant scheme is intended for local elected members to propose or support initiatives within their wards for community and environmental enhancement schemes. Local groups may work in partnership with elected members to gain funding and carry out initiatives that will ultimately improve the quality of life for local people.”
“Applications can only be submitted by elected members, so groups should contact one of their ward councillors.”

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SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Minutes of meeting
Tuesday, 26th June, 2007, 7.30.p.m.
Shevington Methodist Church
Present

In the absence of the chairman and vice chairman, Jim Maloney took the chair.
Mr Maloney welcomed the two representatives from Shevington High School, Rebecca Favell and John Hough, and said how pleasing it was that the young people had come to take part in the discussions.

1. Minutes of last meeting
“That the minutes of the meeting of 29th May, 2007 be agreed as a true and correct record.”
Proposed:     Hilda Green           Seconded:    Maurice Hilton

2. Matters arising from the minutes
John O’Neill drew attention to the booklet “Small Grants in Wigan” and its “Brighter Borough” pages.

3. Breathing Spaces grant for the Recreation Ground
John Whiteley read out the terms of the award –
ground preparation             £900
trees                                £2300
mixed shrubs                      £600
planting and groundworks   £900
Total                                £9400
A query was raised about the pitch (but I can’t remember what it was!)
A meeting was fixed for July 31st to make decisions about the grant so that the work can go ahead. It has to be finished within twelve months (by 12th June, 2008, in fact).

4. Fund raising
Jim and Veronica Maloney have been working on a fund-raising calendar for 2008.
Ted Unwin has taken photographs roughly parallel to the heritage photographs featured in the 2007 calendar. They include two school groups for the front and back pages.
The cost of the full colour calendar is likely to be around £1,250. Jim and Veronica hope to raise at least £700 in sponsorship. Sales of the calendar at £4 each could raise up to £2,000.
Proposed, “that the Community Association undertakes to fund any shortfall between contributions from sponsorship and sales, and the  costs of the calendar.”
Proposed:     Jim Maloney          Seconded:    Ira Whiteley
Ann Bridge said that she would look into the question of a sponsored clearance in parts of Shevington.
(At the meeting of 12th July Ann reported that Health and Safety issues rendered this impossible.)

5. Orica site at Gathurst
The secretary was unable to minute the discussion which followed. There was obviously considerable unhappiness about the proposed development, particularly focusing on traffic issues, environmental disturbance to an ancient woodland and site of biological interest, suspicion that agreements had already been entered into, effect on further planning applications in the area, and concern about what night happen if the site were not to be sold.
A meeting was arranged for 10th July. This would be an informal meeting to discuss the Orica issue. The secretary asked those who wanted to come to give their names.

6. Township matter and Community safety issues were deferred to a later meeting.

7. Dates of next meetings
July 12th       informal, to discuss the Orica situation
July 31st       additional meeting to discuss the Breathing Spaces grant
August 28th  calendared meeting, nominally to discuss Township matters; this might have to be widened.

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SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Minutes of meeting
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007, 7.30.p.m.
Shevington Methodist Church
Present

Dave Brown, Chairman, has been unwell for several weeks, but hopes to resume attendance as soon as his doctor will allow.
The members first spent time walking round the Recreation Ground to consider the possibilities for landscaping in accordance with the successful Breathing Spaces bid.

1. Minutes of last meeting
         Lorna Ellis noted that Carol Moakes’ name had been omitted from the list of those attending the previous meeting. After this correction it was proposed
“That the minutes of the meeting of June 26th be agreed as a true and correct record.”
Proposed:     Mike Crosby          Seconded:    John Whiteley

2. Matters arising from the minutes
John O’Neill asked whether it would be possible to consider further opportunities for spending the Township funds. He suggested cultural items such as information boards.
John will suggest a meeting before the next full meeting (28th August) at which these can be considered, and the conclusions taken to the full meeting.

3. Breathing Spaces bid
The Football Club would like the central space to have room for three pitches, 90 x 60 metres, 70 x 45 metres, and a little one.
Therefore there was general agreement that the landscaping should just take place around the edge of the ground.
We would take advice on appropriate species to plant. Trees should be colourful, not grow too quickly, and look nice in winter. There could be small clumps of trees with sitting out areas. We should also take advice on shrubs. (Sheila Milnes has visited the Farm Shop at Newburgh. They are selling off trees on a “dig your own” basis. They have: Alder, Beech, Hornbeam, Amaranchia, Lime, Sorbus, Mountain Ash, Whitebeam, Flowering Cherry, Wild Cherry, Crabapple, Red Oak, Chestnut, Silver Birch, Maple, Willow leaf stick, Hawthorn, Hornbeam, all at £5 a go.)

The paths were seen as a problem. Some types of path would not function well in wet weather, and be difficult for wheelchairs. However, a tarmac path all the way round would be expensive. In addition the money allocated to trees seemed to be excessive in comparison with that allocated to groundworks. Therefore, if money were to be an issue, we should spend less on trees and more on paths.
It was suggests that the first priority would be to concentrate on the northern (Plough and Harrow) side of the ground. This is where there is the untidy undergrowth. This could be cleared, paths laid and shrubs and trees planted. This “improved” side would fit in well with the improvements at the Memorial Park. If there were money left, improvements could take place further round the site.
The secretary undertook to contact Groundwork, and to ask about moving money from trees to paths.

4. Orica
John O’Neill said that any surveys provided by developers must be undertaken to a high standard. The local authority has the expertise to assess the quality of such surveys.
The secretary undertook to ask why there was no proposal to use Vicarage Lane as access to the site, and whether Orica owned the land between the canal and the railway.
John O’Neill said that a “unit” was a single home, house or apartment. A block of 60 apartments would be classed as 60 units.

5. A.O.B.
The Secretary asked for up to £130 to pay for prizes for Shevington in Bloom.
Proposed – “that the Secretary be allowed to spend up to £130 to purchase prizes and certificates for the three winners of Shevington in Bloom, 2007.”
Proposed: Lorna Ellis                 Seconded: John O’Neill
Car Boot Sale, August 27th. This would raise funds for the CA. Youth Club members would sell hot dogs and keep the proceeds for their own purposes.
The footballers wanted to know who had a key for the barriers to the Recreation Ground in case an ambulance needed to be called.  (Answer: Elaine Harkins, parish clerk, and Gareth Dickinson, parish gardener.)
John O’Neill said that the group “Friends of Elnup Woodlands” is being revived. There would probably be a meeting at Shevington High School on 20th September, 2007. Elnup Wood is an Ancient Woodland (more than 500 years old) and a Community Woodland.
The Shevington Conservation Area is being reviewed, to extend along Church Lane from St Anne’s Church, to Broad o’th’Lane at the Plough and Harrow.
Wigan (via the Leisure and Culture Trust?) is encouraging “Curating in the Community”, the establishment of groups to explore the cultural heritage of where we live. The service would come out to local communities to assist. John O’Neill will circulate members to invite interest in exploring the cultural heritage of Shevington.
The Community Safety Group meets as a partnership to identify problems in the area. It has produced a booklet called “Advice about ball games in the street”. At the next meeting we should ask for someone to represent the CA at the Community Safety Group.

6. Date of next meeting
Tuesday, August 28th, 7.30.pm, Shevington Methodist Church.

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Gerry	Arstall
Tony	Bostock
Mike	Crosby
Richard	Currie
Lorna	Ellis
Hilda	Green
Maurice	Hilton
Jean	Hooley
John	Hough
Jim	Maloney
Veronica	Maloney
Sheila	Milnes
Carol	Moakes
Andrew	Moakes
Alan	Sudworth
Tony	Tennant
Irene	Tennant
John	Whiteley
Marlaine	Whitham
Rosemary	Woolner

Apologies

Darren	Barton
Angie	Bland
Dave	Brown
Gareth	Dickinson
Rebecca	Favell
Brian	Hewitt
Les	Hogg
Alan	Kelman
Carole	Miles
Martin	Saxon

1. Minutes of last meeting
Apologies at the last meeting should have included Mr and Mrs Moakes. With this alteration, it was proposed that -
“That the minutes of the meeting of 31st July, 2007 be agreed as a true and correct record.”
Proposed:     Maurice Hilton       Seconded:    Sheila Milnes

2. Matters arising from the minutes
None

3. The Secretary proposed that the agenda items about Public and Employers Liability Insurance, and a child protection policy be deferred to the next meeting.

4. Township matters
There should be a speed activated sign on Back Lane, if current plans go ahead. Shelia observed that this road is very dangerous.
The secretary would send out the list of possible village improvements, (see end) and ask for additions. It is not guaranteed that all (or many) of these would go ahead. Township money should pay for these improvements.
Litter is still an issue. There had been broken glass in the sand of the play area and on the grass.

5. Community Safety
Jim Maloney reported on a Community Safety meeting with Inspector Glyn Jones.
Unfortunately problems in Shevington tend to happen at the same time as problems in Wigan (i.e. Friday and Saturday nights).
Comment - No-one seems to be walking round in the evenings. We still have a youth problem.
Jim – The “One Stop Shop” will open at the Library on Wednesday, 5th September. There is also a Shevington Practitioners Group. The secretary undertook to acquire crime statistics from Joanne Brewder.
There is a space on the Community Safety Group for a representative from the CA. Tony Bostock volunteered.
There was a general discussion about bad behaviour.

5. A.O.B.
Ira Whiteley reported that the Youth Club has received a grant of £35,000 from the Tudor Trust to provide new kitchen and toilets at the Youth Club.
About 50 walkers had taken part in the Parish Walk, raising over £300 for the Mayor’s Charity for Breast Cancer Research.
The Car Boot Sale had raised £135 for CA funds.
The calendar is going to the printers this week. Ted Unwin has provided great photographs. Copies of the photographs will be on sale.
Shevington Bowling Club would be having a Fun Day on Sunday, September, 9th. A youth bowling team could be formed.
Social Evening – date now moved to Saturday, 23rd February, 2008 at St James’ Club, Orrell. See attached sheet

6. Date of next meeting
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

Shevington Village Centre Audit
Wednesday 18th July 2007

The following points were all observations made during the audit. They are merely observations of those present. They do not represent policy or firm intentions by anyone. However, we could spend our Township money on remedying some of them if there are no engineering issues or other contra-indications.

SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Minutes of brainstorming meeting
Tuesday, 11th September, 2007, 7.30.p.m.
Shevington Methodist Church
Present

The following suggestions were made about ways in which individuals or groups might contribute to the quality of life in Shevington.

1. Plant bulbs
If you know of a piece of grassed public space, Wigan MBC will supply you with bulbs for free, and you can plant them. The bulbs will probably be daffodils, but could be crocuses, and there could be up to 200 available per person. Let John Whiteley know and he will co-ordinate with John O’Neill.
(Please note that bulbs will be officially planted in the following ten grassed areas and borders, so you can’t bag these:
top of Margaret Avenue                                     elderly persons bungalows, Frodsham Close 
junction Runshaw Avenue, Woodnook Road        top of Flockton Avenue             Church Lane
Back Lane across from Glen Drive            Miles Lane between Broadriding Road and Ash Close
crescent on Wigan Lower Road in front of Coronation Road   
Woodhouse Drive near SLG nameplate      junction of Gathurst Lane and Randall Avenue)

2. Shevington in Bloom
Alter the format so that all front gardens (about 4,500 of them) would be eligible. One or more individuals would undertake the responsibility of going round the ward, issuing a certificate to the most attractive gardens (say up to 500) and taking pictures, and choose a smaller number for final judging. Some of the judging could be done by car.

3. Run a “Lancashire Day” on November 27th (2007 or 2008).
This would require some organising – hot pot supper? dance? opening of a display? swearing allegiance to Lancashire? etc . . .

4. Produce an Interpretation Board
One or more individuals would undertake to produce script and photographs about Shevington – say 10 photographs each with 50 words of text. Then we would arrange for the text and pictures to be printed onto metal and erected at a permanent site in the village.

5. Produce a Heritage Trail around Shevington.
One or more individuals would undertake to produce script and photographs about Shevington and a route to link the sites mentioned. There could be an inner (short) and an outer (long). Then we would arrange for a map to be produced and printed.

6. Produce a Year Book
One or more individuals would undertake to produce a list of all the organisations and facilities in Shevington. Then we would arrange to have the list printed.

What now?  If you would like to chew over an idea, please let the Secretary know.

John Whiteley (secretary)
01257 423342
shevca@blueyonder.co.uk

SHEVINGTON AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
FUND RAISING SOCIAL EVEVNING

Date:          Saturday, February 23rd, 2008, 7.30.p.m. - midnight

Place:         St James Social Centre, St James Road, Orrell, WN5 7AA

Format:     “60’s night”, dancing to group and records, compère, dj, tombola, auctions, other fund raising activities, food – sandwiches; bar available.

Group:       “The Refuseniks”, ex Winstanley College

DJ:            “Bazzer”, Barry Pulford from Shevington     

Compère:  Dave Johnson. ex-Wigan headteacher

Tickets:     £5 each; we must sell 180.

What do we need to do now?
                  We need to find sponsors for the food and for prizes, and gifts to raffle or play for. This is where you come in. Please donate cheaper items that can go into the tombola, and more expensive items that can be raffled or auctioned. Members have already volunteered to make the sandwiches. Can you, or someone you know, sponsor them or provide them?
                  Please tell John Whiteley or Tony Bostock.

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SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Gerald		Arstall
Darren		Barton
Tony		Bostock
Roy		Bridge
Mike		Crosby
Richard		Currie
Lorna		Ellis
Jean		Hooley
John		Hough
Veronica		Maloney
Carole		Miles
Sheila		Milnes
Carol		Moakes
Andrew		Moakes
John		O’Neill
Ed		Powell
Martin		Saxon
Irene		Tennant
Tony		Tennant
Sally		Vidler
John		Whiteley
Marlaine		Whitham
Rosemary		Woolner

Apologies

Barry		Cross
Gareth		Dickinson
Hilda		Green
Maurice		Hilton
Alan		Sudworth
Ira		Whiteley

SHEVINGTON & DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Gerry	Arstall
Barry	Cross
Richard	Currie
Gareth	Dickinson
Hilda	Green
Nellie	Hampson
Maurice	Hilton
Kathleen	Ibbotson
Dave	Mallalieu
Veronica	Maloney
Jim	Maloney
Carole	Miles
Sheila	Milnes
Andrew	Moakes
Carol	Moakes
John	O’Neill
Martin	Saxon
Sally	Vidler
Ira	Whiteley
John	Whiteley
Marlaine	Whitham

Apologies

Angie	Bland
Vicky	Bannister
Tony	Bostock
Mike	Crosby
Lorna	Ellis
Debbie	Fairhurst
Jean	Hooley
Tony	Tennant
Irene	Tennant
Rosemary	Woolner