Becky Thoburn (BT), Judy Porter (JP), Ruth Cormack (RC), Robert Edwards (RE), Steve Pearce (SP), Emma Channon (EC), Jackie Norman (JN), Peter Main (PM), Richard Fletcher (RF),

Andy Cadell (AC), Lyndsay Hay (LH), Barry McLead (BM)

Jackie Freeman (JF)

Wednesday 13th December 2006, Function Room, Arno’s Park Hotel

Judith Porter attended previous meeting NOT Judith Thomas

1.1 'Park It' application form completed and sent off by BT/SP following notification by RF (via e-mail) – it had been agreed to apply for funding (£5000) for next years event: "An Audience with Sarah Guppy" produced by "Show of Strength Theatre Company". If not successful to try and secure funding from an alternative source. BT to report back re the decision deadline. Action BT.
1.2 EC has contact for HTV drama group who may be interested in funding/staging an event. To contact re details of what they may be able to offer. Action EC.

2.1 All present at meeting elected to be part of Arno's Park Action Group (APAC) management committee. Richard will confirm whether Neil Harris, Molly Wells and Judith Thomas also wish to be on the committee. Action RF
2.2 Elected to positions were: Chair - BT, Vice-chair – EC, Secretary – SP, Treasurer – JF. RF to contact all to clarify work involved. All agreed minute taking/typing up should be rotated. SP to organise/distribute. Will also contact all locals who wished to be kept informed as well as those who may also like to get involved. RF will pass contacts lists over. RE volunteered to design newsletter/photocopy/leaflet drop to be displayed at park/distributed.
2.3 SP nominated to be delegate to attend Brislington Partnership meeting on behalf of group. BT/EC to second.
2.4 Constitution adopted. BT completed form, witnessed by RF. RF also circulated list of priorities identified for the park & questionnaire results previously obtained.

3.1 Bulb planting – RE contacted 22 local/national companies but no funding available at present. Bristol Parks has contributed £100 so event can go ahead. Plan to plant native bulbs, BT has identified sites and discussed with Park manager, John Threadgold. BT/JF to buy bulbs and plan day. Date: 10am Sun 26th Nov. BT to contact Katie Gallegar from Holymead School to confirm date as they are still interested. NB RT has volunteered to be Health & Safely person and children will need to be supervised by parent/carer. Own spades need to be bought. JF to attend and take photos (NB consent may be required) for press release. SP to draft press release and circulate.
3.2 Improving links with local businesses – AC still to draft letter – needs to include constitution points. Chair to attend meeting with companies.
EC to chase contact re learning disability/mental health care homes on Hampstead Road.
3.3 Play Equipment – RF reported that John Knowlson (Parks play person) was unable to attend meeting but can confirm that Arno’s Park is not a priority case so external funding for updating the equipment will need to be sort. He is willing to assess site and make recommendations re what suitable/designs/costings. All to consider ideas they would like incorporated and feedback to RF by next meeting. Ideas considered at meeting included:

Make more play equipment suitable for disabled access.
Provide separate areas for youth (>12yrs) and younger ones (<12 yrs) – need to install something for the >12ys first to limit vandalism eg shelter/goal posts. (SP to circulate brochures/website addresses for all to look at)
Consider upgrading safety surface.
Also considered visiting Bristol parks with local children (NB Bristol Community Transport may provide free minibus) to gain their views.

3.4 RF to give BT key to park notice board.

4.1 RF had had info from local police whether group could consider use of making a bylaw to allow the police to disperse groups making a nuisance, following a recent incident at Arnos Vale that escalated and moved to the park – all agreed we would require more info/explanation. RF to feedback to police.
4.2 Arno's Cemetary Trust chair will be invited to next meeting to discuss their plans/how we can work together. NB this will be the main focus of the next meeting. PM to confirm date with chair.
4.3 Funding Sources/Bids - BT will report back re deadline date for community buildings lottery funding – looking for someone to take this forward as well as chase Wessex Water re decision re pond/skate area.
'Breathing Spaces funding – BT/JF/SP/Molly Wells to meet Mon 27th Nov.
4.4 RT has details of £250 000 bid available – EC to look at this.