MINUTES OF THE 20th NOVEMBER 2003
HELD AT THE HAILEY DAY CENTRE SAWBRIDGEWORTH

PRESENT: Ted Barrows (Chairman)
Michael Vincent (Treasurer)
Warren Richards (Secretary)
Ellen Knighton Joyce Vincent (Sbw T/C)
Monya Billings Chris Rees
Brian Rochester John Rider
Steve Karn John Collier
Mary Huxtable Bert Puncher
APOLOGIES: Diana Richards Elizabeth Waugh
Joan Willitt Stan Barker
Lanier Pole Kate Yarnold
David Thorogood David Mead
Mary Whitehead Glynis Argent
Jacqueline Dore Emma Jordan
Hazel Mead
MINUTES:
The minutes of the meeting of October 16th were accepted as a true record.
MATTERS ARISING.
Footpath W/P. The Sec tabled copies of the new layout of the walks pamphlet built around the Red Walk. Everybody was very happy and thanked Steve K for his efforts. Comments from Mark Kingsland EHDC, indicated that permission from OS to use their map was unlikely. John R though we should be asking OS for sponsorship if we promoted their map for our walks. If we only use our own map Brian R felt we should make the track a solid line. Ted B would like to see at least a Northerly arrow on the maps and any improvement to encourage map reading by the young. Suggestions to advertise our walks in local, EHDC and HCC publications. Also gain sponsorship from companies and Lady Lyell or present High Sheriff.
The set of walks would have a promotional leaflet showing all the walks and detail SVP activities. We would ask CMS to help with erecting the notice boards. Correspondence. The Sec tabled a public notice about the charges for car parking in Sawbridgeworth. Brian R and others pointed out that a levy is made on the rates to cover local parking costs and members asked the Secretary to write to the Town Council to have this removed when parking charges commence. Major discussions had taken place about parking cost at a meeting of the SBA where 2 petitions were raised to oppose parking charges.
The flagpole is stored in the ATC building with no plans to re-erect it. Benches in Sayesbury Manor will be re-erected in the Elms.
Tabled minutes of the Pishiobury Advisory Committee. Main interest is that bund has been removed from the meander and placed in the old pit removing all obstruction to the transfer of the meadow to EHDC. Post Meeting Note: the land now belongs to EHDC.
A map from Highways was tabled showing the possible modification of pathways on approaching Fair Green from the South. The minutes also contained an action to look at improving traffic flow on the A1184 through Sawbridgeworth. We have received a letter from Dacorum Rotary to enter their competition for an environmental project; we will again enter our walks or biological survey. Another award scheme we received was the Green Pennant Award for enhancing green spaces. This could involve the Elms or the flood plain.
A letter from North Herts College to undergo training on managing voluntary groups- there were no takers!
Esbie Estate. The Sec explained that the problems at Esbies had been made visible to Directors at EHDC by Cllr D Richards and resources were being made available to resolve the situation. Members asked that our petition be returned, Post meeting note: The Sec has received the pages of the petition from EHDC.
Grants. John R has put in for a £250 grant from HCC to continue our work on Biological Surveys.
Quiz. John R presented some draft copies of his Quiz for members to sell at £1 each and 30p or a stamped addressed envelope for a set of published answers. He would have mass printing by next week. The Sec has copies for sale on 01279-723347. Biological Records. Members felt we should be putting money into web data and computer support.
Review Actions on Community Plan. The Sec and John R reviewed our environmental actions and listed them to EHDC. This listed 13 points such as Rivers, way marking/walks, village greens, tree DB, biological survey, recycling, energy efficiency, pollution, flood plain and amalgamation of some of these for tourism. Living Streets- Hazel M has posted 3 pages of comment on specific streets in Sawbridgeworth and these have been passed to the relevant department in EHDC for action. Hazel is looking for a volunteer to survey West Rd.
Note the first meeting of the Community Voice will be held on Nov 27th at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall. 1st in 2004 is on 29th January.

DNM. Happy Christmas to all our readers and a happy New Year. The next
meeting is 15th January 04 at 8.00pm in the Hailey Day Centre-Bell St Car park, Sawbridgeworth. Note we will not have a meeting in December.

AOB.
John R asked if Councillors Richards and Vincent could progress with the TC making the Elms into a Community Garden.
Members wished to recommend to the TC that they support having a Town Sign. Chris R asked that we get in touch about the Black Poplars.
Members wishing to learn about otter Holt building should make an appointment to visit the bank of the Stort behind Harlow station on 14th December 03 at 10.00am. Either park in the Moorhen or station car park and walk to the main road bridge above the River.
Brian R said the problem in getting work done in Marsh Lane between the Gibberd Garden and the railway underpass is that it lies on the boundary of Harlow and Epping Councils. He also reported he had fitted 50 new way marking signs and cleared and mowed the footpath from Harlow Mill to the rear of the Beckhams. Also the bridge at Gilders is being replaced and work is starting at Tedenbury.

* Items held in SVP file in Reference section of Sbw Library. SVPmin 201103