The Annual General Meeting took place on the 27th February 2003 at the Duncan Edwards Pub. Approximately 50 persons attended.
Apologies were received from Ross Cranston MP, Ann Davies, Chris Broome, Mr. & Mrs. D.Marsh, Mr. & Mrs.P.Leight, Mr. & Mrs. V.Turner, Sue Davis & Claire Moody, Mr. & Mrs. West, Mrs. Venables, Mr.A.Jones, John Herbert.
The outgoing Chairperson Mr. Arthur Weston gave the Annual Report, saying that the membership now stood at 330 persons. The group had a formally adopted constitution. A very professional website has been created, and has published and distributed to members and relevant bodies 6 news letters. It had produced a portfolio of the Park, both past and present.
The Group had become affiliated to Dudley Council for voluntary services and were members of The Community of interest network, The Borough Friends of Parks Forum, Different Strokes Project Group.
The Group had organised several events, these included a bulb planting session in the park with Priory Primary School, held a Carol service in the park with approximately 300 persons attending including the choirs of two local schools, Priory Primary and Castle High. Organised a Jubilee Social Evening for members. The Group also participated in The Roundheads and Cavaliers Pageant organised by George Whitehouse Town Centre Manager, and also provided a Santa’s Grotto in the market place for the turning on of the Christmas lights. Our thanks to George Whitehouse for his help and support.
The group:
The group also designed and produced its own Christmas cards and calendars. Our successes in this our 1st year were achieved as a result of our hardworking committee and volunteers, with the help of the Council, Transco, Castle High and Priory Primary, the Town Centre Manager, Neighbours News and Quality Print.
The Group have received help from Dudley Parks, Dosti, Dudley College, Different Strokes, Dudley association of Community Networks, Neighbourhood Watch, and private donations and the Duncan Edwards for the use of the room for Committee Meetings
The Treasurer, Clayton Thomas, summarised the accounts saying that income stood at £3278.08. expenditure at £2734.18 with a balance of £543.90, of which £300 was a loan from Neighbourhood Watch. The balance represented monies designated for running costs which had a 6 month limit for use.
Frederick Rich and Gordon Moir independently audited the yearly accounts. Account sheet available.
Nominations were received to elect the following:-
(a) Secretary - Chris Rich
(b) Treasurer - Clayton Thomas
This was confirmed by Ayes from the floor.
Nominations were received to elect the following persons to the Committee:-
Arthur Weston
Phil Griffiths
Mike Hessey
Janet Alderman Rowe
Wendy Herbert
Linda Pearson
Christine Broome
Julie Banner
This was confirmed by ayes from the floor.
Mr. Arthur Weston thanked the outgoing Committee for all the hard work they had put in during the past year.
Mr. Frederick Rich and Mr. Gordon Moir said they were happy to carry on as the Groups Auditors.
This proposal was accepted by the Ayes from the floor.
The Meeting was opened for questions
Q1. If the ruins are to be permanently illuminated, although it may enhance the buildings at night, would it not increase the time available to all those who use the buildings for unacceptable purposed. [Mr. Jones, The Broadway]
A. If the park were fenced as in the 1940’s it would help make it safe during the day and closed at night. [Roger Bruton]
Q2. Why has the pavilion taken so long to rebuild. [Sue Davies, Paganel Drive]
A. Since the original building was burnt down there have been legal matters to be resolved between the Council and the Insurers. It is hoped that the building will be completed by April. It will have wrought iron frame work. The building was to have been divided into two rooms, one to house the Park keepers office and the other as a community room for maybe groups or youth services etc to make use of the facility. It now appears that the Council has no money left to complete the division. The Committee wondered if it was possible, if it could take the matter to the Central Area Committee and apply for money under “Capital Projects” to divide the building itself, so that the community will benefit from its use. [Janet Alderman Rowe]. Ward Councillors offered support.
Q3. Priory Hall was damaged again on Tuesday evening; why is no action being taken to stop this wanton destruction of a listed building. [Noel Alderman Rowe]
A. On August l3th 2002 there was a meeting on the Park with Paul Bickerdike and several other officers from DMBC. It was accepted that damage being done to the Hall was considerable and it was an accident waiting to happen, ie children getting on to the roof etc. After several communications with the respective offices of the DMBC we have not moved forward. It may be that remedial work has been put on the back burner; the Council do not want to spend money, which may be wasted in the near future, if plans concerning the College go ahead. [Arthur Weston]
Q4. Why have we not received more information on the College proposals. [Bill Saunders, Gervase Drive]
A(i). There has been no news from the College. They told the Committee that they would be at the AGM, although Roland Foote could not be there due to a previous engagement someone would be attending to answer any questions. No apologies have been received from them. As far as the Committee is aware, plans have been drawn up of Roland Foote’s ideas for the Academy. They show no elevations etc. There is talk of an underground car park. [Arthur Weston]
A(ii). John White told the meeting that there were 2 Public Meetings to be held: on 15th March at Wrens Nest Community Centre and the other on 29th March at St Francis Community Centre.
There was general concern from the floor that the Community was not being kept informed by the College. Clr. Peter Hall said that as far as he knew no formal plans had been drawn up or Planning Permission sought. When the project got to this stage there would be ample time for people to voice their opinions and objections. To this the general consensus was that people wanted to be involved and have their say in the early stages to save both the waste of time and money. There was concern as to the impact of traffic on Priory Park. Martin Blatchford told the Committee he thought they were just scare mongering; he thought Roland Winzer from DMBC was doing a good job - he had apologised for using local groups names in the brochure which had been produced to promote the proposed academy without notifying them. Arthur Weston replied to this by saying that he had attended all meetings, which Roland Winzer and the architects and FoPP had had; it is on record that there was going to be a trade off from the Council and College point t of view, there was going to be a 50 year lease for the complete park. The College would take on the Hall for the training faculty, the trade off being that the college would take on the maintenance of the park but still maintain it for public use, subject to legal restrictions of which the Park and other community groups would have impute. This did not materialise. At a meeting on the 5th February with Roland Foote, we were told that the college would not take on the park, it could not get funding to do so and it had already told the Council that it would not be in their remit.
Q5. When will the ruins be lit and fenced. [F W Rich, Paganel Drive]
A. We do not know at this stage. The Council states that there are no funds available. [Arthur Weston]
Q6. What is being done to prevent a repetition of the sword incident. [Hiroko & Gordon Moir, Paganel Drive]
A. We know that the College has cameras in use. We also know that groups are congregating in the ruins at certain times of the day. Could the use of multi agencies help to combat such problems ie detached youth project worker.
Q7. What is being done to reduce drug and alcohol abuse in the park. [Roger Bruton, Paganel Drive]
A. The Committee is aware of drinking taking place in the park. A member cleared away Vodka, coke and beer cans from the ruins last Saturday morning. Drug takers use the old toilet block. Youngsters can be tempted to try drinks or drugs, most of the time they are not aware of how strong the drinks are or what it is they are being offered to smoke. Perhaps some awareness programmes could be arrange for both parents and children. Involvement of other agencies, Mandy Winning. Is possible to target their supply especially with the underage drinking. Consideration should be given to make the Park an alcohol free zone. [Roger Bruton]
Q8. Why is the park keeper still not on site. [Bob Richards, Gervase Drive]
A. The park keeper has been employed. Her name is Vicky Roberts. Vicky is deaf and for her safety is awaiting a text pager and hearing dog. Once the pavilion is completed she will be situated there. [Arthur Weston]
Q9. I would like to see some toilets on the park. [Nichole -Leigh-Lewis (youth)]
A. A lot of people would agree with Nichole and if the park is to achieve Green Flag Status it will need to have toilets. [Arthur Weston]
Q10. I would like a sweet shop. [Kelly Sinclair]
A. If and when the pavilion is completed it has been suggested that a little tuck shop be held there. Bumble Hole Nature reserve has a little sweet shop run by volunteers and this brings in added revenue. [Arthur Weston]
Q11. I want a burger bar. [Loretta Slater]
A. The answer to this suggestion is simply no. It would cause added problems of litter.
Martin Blatchford brought up the problem of dog fouling on the park. The Committee is aware of the problem. Most dog walkers are responsible and clean up after their pets using the bins provided. Unfortunately there are always those that are not, and if members see park users not cleaning up after their pets, then do approach them. There is also now a Dog Fouling Officer in the area and the fine is £50.
Arthur Weston thanked everybody for attending the meeting and the meeting closed at 9.30pm.
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Last updated 7 March 2003