Longfords Mill Residents Association (LMRA)

Longfords Mill Residents Association (LMRA) Committee Meeting 15 July 2013 7pm at 15 The Yarn Store

Present: Don Clark, Barry Leach, Lynne Newton, Dez Rolfe; Adrian Danks; Philip Callaghan- Wright Apologies for absence: Sheila Dwyer-Richmond, Helen Fry, Graham Eastwood, Ray McCrindle, Helen Joyner, Jane Forsyth

1. Minutes of the last meeting.

These were approved.

2. Matters Arising.

 LN reported that she had spoken to the tenant who had launched a canoe on the lake and that this would not happen again.  PCW to speak to community police re tenant with 6 cars to get advice. Other matters covered under grounds and maintenance.

3. Grounds and Maintenance

DR reported that the inspection took place with JF but that no minutes had yet been received. However, the following had been noted:  James to cut back the shrubs shading the lights.  JF to get the Mill House/Dye House road swept because of the uneven gravel, however as the tarmac surface is in good repair no further action. LN mentioned a complaint by a resident as to the colour of the recent repair by Severn Trent and the promise made by BE to resurface the road. DC said that we will try to get BE to do something about the road when they return to finish the development.  Gardening committee to come up with a design for the wildflowers on the dam bank and to price it up. To come via committee before going to JF.  Potholes on Longfords Lane are not classed as such by the council so won’t be filled in until they worsen. State of verges on the lane was also mentioned and it was thought that a letter from Flat Managers to the council was required. LN to send an email to JF about this. PCW pushing at council meetings for this to be looked at.  James to put soil and grass seed onto the verges by Spinners that have been damaged.  The light between 5 & 6 Spinners is a private light, so will not be repaired by the estate.  James to fix 3 coping stones on the stream wall by The Weavers.  The lower stream at the bottom of Spinners is to be dredged.  Stroud Court have agreed to deal with the tree and bridge issue opposite Spinners.  JF to chase Stroud Court again about the wall between Weavers and them as plants and frost are causing damage. DR has suggested a volunteer day to remove weeds.  DR to do a health and safety statement for JF about clearing around the Weavers Wall and the proposed steps from the slip road to the main road.  SDR had emailed 2 concerns re the height of bushes in The Yarn Store and the rubbish accumulating in the pathway under the steps of The Y S. Committee agreed these were Y S issues and they cannot enforce shrub heights or the matter of the rubbish. LN to refer these to JF and reply to SDR. 4. Social Events The picnic takes place on Sunday. LN to organise the Pimms. DR to provide the ice. Health and safety had been raised by a resident as alcohol was being served. However as no charge is being made, no special provisions are required. This is an informal gathering.

LN reported that not many replies to the safari supper had yet been received. All replies to be passed on to HF.

PCW suggested that the proposed committee night out be held in January when it will be quieter. He suggested a Burns Night event.

DC suggested a treasure hunt be held for families to take the form of photos from around the Mill to be identified. Suggested date 29 August 2013 between 4 and 7.30pm. DR, PCW and DC to get the photos. AD offered to arrange the chocolates as prizes for the children.

Suggestions for future social events were first footing on New Year’s Eve with those interested to have a candle on their doorstep, and for Halloween those prepared to have children knocking on the door to have a pumpkin on the doorstep.

5. Subscriptions Only 24 members have paid so far. BL provided LN with a list of non-payers so that a ‘soft’ letter can be sent out. Non-payers include some committee members! SDR in her email had suggested setting up standing orders.

6. Owners Information Sheet GE has started developing a website and has asked for photos, information etc. for it. It was felt that committee minutes should not be available to all but could be included in a members only part of the site. Newsletters could be on there as well as information about the estate for owners.

It was decided that the information sheet looked better in booklet form. A long discussion took place as to the content of the booklet and it was decided that the committee could not change any information as it could adversely affect the legal information that is sent to freehold owners and leaseholders. It was felt that how the information gets to owners and tenants was more important than amending any information. LN to email JF regarding this.

7. Any other business  DR mentioned the crayfish survey, which is taking place on the evening of 22 July. He had agreed to meet those carrying it out but can no longer do so. DC to help instead.  The open afternoon at the Old Mill by the textile trust was discussed. It appeared to be fairly well attended. DC had been told that the machinery that would be displayed may not be up and running but would just be there to be viewed. There may be a glass floor put into the building however, it is still very early in the process with the architect. Some residents had requested a copy of the plan showing the proposed car park that the trust were showing visitors. This plan was only indicative and not for us to give out. DC to email the trust thanking them for organising the afternoon and to reply to the residents asking for the plan.  It was noted that parking on the bridge over to Weavers/Warehouse has improved.

The next meeting to be held at 7pm on Monday 19 August 2013 at 2 Mill House.