Sustainable Warminster
Minutes of the AGM on Wednesday 4th September 2024.
Committee Present – Jennie Gilling (co-chair), Maggie Richens (co-chair), Helen Martin, Clare Hancock, Iain Perkins and Heidi Dawson-Hobbis (secretary), plus 10 other members in attendance.
Apologies – Harriet James, Jules Tuff, Tim Hancock, Maggie Dettmar, Steve Dettmar.
1 Chairs’ Report – Jennie provided a review of the year in the chairs report.
2 Membership report – membership remains steady at just under 100 members.
3 Treasurer’s report – Helen summarised the account details, Heidi agreed to audit.
Total income for the year £12,958.19
Total expenditure £4,212.82
Balance Total £11,097.44
4 Election of Officers:
Helen to remain as treasurer.
Maggie and Jennie to stand down as chair, Jules elected to take over as chair.
Heidi to stand down as secretary, no appointment made to date.
Clare to stand down as press officer, but still do some Facebook admin and green drinks, no appointment made to date.
Amy Darbyshire joined the committee.
Rebecca Krzyzosiak to consider joining the committee.
Thanks was given to the work of those on the committee who are standing down.
5 AOB
Barb Dodd mentioned it is worth looking at Wessex Water website as they have grants that can be applied for.
Community Orchard – report from Jennie Gilling. The new secretary is applying for a Coronation grant. Five new trees are to be planted including a small leaved lime in commemoration of Colin French. The 13th October has been set for the date for juicing at the Orchard. This is being done with support of the local Tree Officer and the neighbour of the orchard.
Plan Bee: Adder tins have been funded in the Southleigh woods area, and Iain is looking for checkers for the tins (about 40), there have been no sightings yet, but they have only been checked twice to date.
Seed collectors are also wanted for yellow rattle – feeds on grass allowing for wildflowers to establish.
Energy café on 26th October 2024 the first one will be held in the Civic Centre, funding has been applied for to the town council, charities and businesses will be in attendance to give advice to the public on sustainable energy. Need to think about target audience, flyers, social media, community boards, network of charities. Next meeting is on 18 September 2024 at the Old Bell, 7pm. More help will be needed on the day.
Councillor Denis Brett gave thanks to the team and commented on the amount Sustainable Warminster had achieved. He also mentioned a fund put aside with the council, and that he will support the application for 5K upcoming for the café x5 meetings.
The Smallbrook Road closure public consultation is about to begin, delayed from June and should be advertised soon.
19th November 2024 will be the next general meeting – Heidi to book the room in the Civic Centre.