Minutes - April 2009

Surrey Gardens TRA General Meeting
Minutes
14 April 2009

In attendance: Tony (Chair), Cath (Treasurer), Katy (Secretary), Marcus, Melissa, John, Mary

Apologies: Megan, Jo, Jenny, Andrew, Paul, Briony

1. Chair opened meeting

2. Chair’s report:

• Minutes of the last meeting have been circulated and are available on the TRA website, www.surreygardenstra.blogspot.com
• Tony reported that 26 visitors had been to the blog in the last month
• Tony reported back on his meeting (along with John) with the Cleaner, Greener, Safer Team (CGS). CGS felt the area proposed for funding - the cut through between Lorrimore Rd and Lorrimore Sq (opposite St Wilfrid's Church) - was a suitable place to propose improvements and helped make suggestions as to what these might be and how much it would cost (funding applied for: up to £35k). Tony confirmed that backing for the proposal had been received from the Sutherland Square RA in addition to Caroline Pidgeon, local Councillor and London Assembly Member
• Tony reported that he had received an e-mail from Sgt Julia Croft of the Newington Safer Neighbourhood Team with regards to potentially establishing a Neighbourhood Watch in the area. This is reported to be an effective deterrent against crime. Since there has been one break in and one act of vandalism in the area recently, the meeting agreed it would be a good idea for the TRA to also become a Neighbourhood Watch Group. Tony is to investigate further with Sgt Croft as to what exactly this might entail

2. Treasurer’s report:

• Cath confirmed that our insurance payment for the park in Lorrimore Square will soon be due. Tony agreed to follow up with Michael Maloney from Southwark Council to see if any progress has been made with regards to the TRA no longer having to cover this cost directly

3. Any other business:

• The meeting agreed that Cath should investigate the replacement/refurbishment of the notice boards, using the money the TRA received from the recent filming. Tony agreed to follow up with Michael Maloney on this issue in addition to the insurance
• Mary reported that she has become street rep for Food Up Front, a not-for-profit project in South London which encourages and supports people to grow food in whatever space they have available like front gardens, balconies and window sills. For more information call Mary on 07814681800. Notices on this issue will also soon be posted to both the website and the refurbished notice boards
• Meeting agreed the Summer Picnic will be held on Tuesday July 14th at 6pm

4. Next meeting – general meeting to be held in St Paul’s Church, Lorrimore Square at 7.30pm on 12th May. This meeting will be leafleted, and advertised on the TRA website – with e-mail and text reminders sent to those who have signed up for this.

5. Thanks from The Chair and close.