Meeting:
February 2025

Present

• John Gilbody (JG) - Chair
• Tracey Gilbody (TG) - Secretary
• Adrian Mellor (AM) - Treasurer
• Kev Hayes (KH) - Member
• Catherine Eve Bond (CEB) - Events committee
• Lisa Needham (LN) - Member
• Phil Steer (PS) - Member

Apologies

• Nigel Griffiths (NG) - Events lead
• Wayne Roddis (WR) - Member

Treasury

£14987.75 in total. £10490 recent deposit from WDC re: 106 money.

Easter event

CEB suggested that we try something different this year, she suggested having an Easter tree competition or similar. Entrants design and create an easter tree which can be judged and prizes for winners (several age groups). Using the woodland for an eater trail was also discussed which would begin to encourage people to use the woodland area.

CEB happy to lead on this event with the help of other committee members. The date for the event was discussed, it was agreed a poll would be put on the Facebook page asking residents which they would prefer. Options for date: Sunday 13th April, Saturday 19th April, Sunday 20th April (Easter Sunday)

Actions

• PS to create poll on Facebook regarding dates

Other events and future plans

A discussion took place in relation to future events, a post had been circulated on Facebook on the 20th January asking resident what they would like WGRA to host. There were very few suggestions forthcoming that would be viable options and income generating. One suggestion was an outdoor movie night, this is something WGRA are considering for the summer period as WR has a contact who owns a large screen and a mobile bar which could be hired for the event. This is to be discussed at future meeting.

A conversation took place in relation to holding a summer event this year, it was decided that although they have been successful in the past the amount of time and work required and with very few volunteers it would not be a feasible to arrange the event.

Actions

• It was agreed a post would be put on the Facebook page later in the year asking if people would like a bar at the Halloween event. JG to address this.

RMG update

As of the 1/5/2025 RMG will no longer be the management company for the development, they have received the letter of termination which was instigated by Joanne Morrison the current director. This was as a result of feedback from residents. They have been replaced by Adandywren.

Directorship

This is progressing well and regular meetings are taking place between the proposed resident directors and Joanne Morrison. The resident directors and representatives from WGRA are meeting the new management company on Thursday this week to walk around the development and discuss past issues etc. They will then produce a budget forecast for the forthcoming year. It is proposed that the yearly accounts will differentiate between the houses on the development and the apartments blocks to avoid the usual misunderstandings re window cleaning etc.

It was agreed this was a very positive steps forward and the new company will be well aware if the residents are unhappy with their performance their contract could be terminated.

Steve Beverley will be putting some correspondence together very soon re the directorship, as although some residents have volunteered until they need to be officially voted into post.

Windhill Woods

The process of the transfer of the land to WGRA should be completed this week, the remainder of the Section 106 money has been applied for and received from WDC. JG will be liaising with local Police off road section to see what help they can provide re off road bikes and quad bikes causing anti social behaviour in the woodland. JG and WR to meet with representative from Forestry Commission on 17th Feb to see what can be done and what grants/help is available.

An idea to improve the area of land between the community garden and the woodland which had been cleared of trees by Northern power was to turn this into a wild flower meadow. This would require the land being ploughed and seeds planted in spring.

Actions

• LN to speak to family member re price for work.