Brook Farm Residents Association

1.

Kurt Norman

Terry Barrow

Brenda Gibberd

Ian Tickle

Barry Jones

Pauline Skevington

Philip Ryde

Pam & Phil Peeling

Ken Howe

Lorraine & Andy Rodway

Neil & Debbie Thomson

Mandy Jordan

2.

Apologies were received from Frank McGowan, Alison Norman and Tracy McMullen.

3.

The Chairman opened the meeting by thanking all those in attendance.  The  start of the meeting was delayed as initially we did not have enough Members present to constitute a quorum. However, this problem was resolved by latercomers.   Barry  then proposed we should reduce the number of persons required for a quorum to 10 people to avoid a similar problem in the future and this proposal was seconded by Neil Thompson. There being no objections raised, the  motion was carried.

4.

These were read and agreed.

5.

Treasurer’s Report

In Frank’s absence a copy of his report was circulated to all present. Barry pointed out that the success of the past year has been due mainly to the fact that we now run our own bar at social events.  Barry extended his thanks to Tracy who has proved a worthy Bar Manager.  The figures show a current credit balance of £1490.06. To this can be added £6 in Membership fees and £20 donation from the Saxmundham Football Club. The sum of £26 was handed to Brenda for banking.

Barry explained that we had allowed SAVVY to run a raffle at the last Music Night for which they raised £169.   BFRA Management Committee have agreed we would match this sum and donate a further £169 towards their efforts to resurface the children’s playground.

Barry advised we have also had some discussions concerning whether or not we should continue with membership fees. It has been agreed that we will do so for

the time being but, if our social events continue to be successful and funds allow it, this will be reconsidered again next year. Ideally we would need to have at least £900 more in the bank this time next year to make such a proposition viable.

6.

Terry Barrow pointed out that we no longer have a Social Secretary as the position has become too arduous for one person, with so many events taking place during the year. He continues to assist in a supervisory role with the help of other Members of the Management Committee for specific  events.  Sadly, work commitments have prevented Mandy and Steve Jordan from being actively involved during the coming year, but Lorraine and Andy Rodway and Alison and Kurt Norman have offered their services. Neil and Debbie Thomson have agreed to run the children’s Halloween event as previously.   Neil proposed that Halloween should again be a free event and this was seconded by Ian Tickle.   There being no objection, the motion was carried. Sweets and drinks will again be charged at cost.

7.

Ian informed the meeting there is little change since last year other than an increase in membership from 294 to 313, most of which can be attributed to the Heron Road extension. Ian will organise a meeting of road reps shortly to discuss the latest recruitment drive. Most of the road reps already know which properties are likely to renew their membership so he will suggest that such houses are targeted first and they can then organise a second sweep of other properties a few weeks later.  It is hoped this will all be underway before the end of June.  Ian said he is always looking for additional road reps and Lorraine and Andy agreed  they would help.

It was agreed that Neil would prepare a June newsletter but the size of this will depend on the amount of information available to him at the time.  It is hoped he will have completed it by June 19^th.    The June issue will again include a tear-off section at the back to facilitate renewal of membership.  It was further agreed there would be a visible presence at the Summer Fete where Members can pay their renewal fees.

This prompted further discussion about newsletters.  Neil explained that the Committee have already agreed we will have only one annual newsletter, (the Summer issue), and we will prepare flysheets for individual events. This decision was made because lack of contributions to the editorial content has led to Neil having to write a lot of it himself and he is no longer prepared to do this.

8.

Chairman: Barry Jones

Proposed by Kurt Norman and seconded by Lorraine Rodway.

There being no other nominations, motion carried.

Vice Chairman: Neil Thomson

Proposed by Barry Jones and seconded by Brenda Gibberd

There being no other nominations, motion carried.

Secretary: Brenda Gibberd

Proposed by Barry Jones and seconded by Neil Thomson.

There being no other nominations, motion carried.

Treasurer: Frank McGowan

Proposed by Barry Jones and seconded by Neil Thomson

There being no other nominations, motion carried.

Membership Secretary: Ian Tickle

Proposed by Brenda Gibberd and seconded by Ken Howe

There being no other nominations, motion carried.

Bar Manager: Tracy McMullen

Proposed by Barry Jones and seconded by Neil Thomson.

There being no other nominations, motion carried.

Barry informed the meeting that he would not be prepared to stand for re-election next year.

9.

9.1

Any other Business.

Change of priorities

Barry explained to the meeting that over the last two years we have moved away from the original intentions of the Association and have become an entertainment and social organisation.  The meeting was asked if they had any views about this. No objections were raised but, in view of the low attendance, Barry will write an article in the July newsletter asking if other Members have any views.

9.2

Mrs Skevington mentioned her concerns about the number of vehicles regularly parked at the top end of Brook Farm Road,.  Barry explained that this has been brought to the attention of the Committee previously.  The matter had been discussed fully and it was felt that by recommending either traffic calming measures or yellow lines we would alienate a lot of residents.  Barry suggested that if any individual feels strongly that something should be done about it, they should write to the Town Council outlining their concerns and remedial suggestions.

9.3

On behalf of Saxmundham in Bloom, Ken Howe asked if BFRA is prepared to sponser some hanging  baskets in Brook Farm Road at a cost of £27 each.   As the Council need to have a decision immediately about this, the matter was discussed and it was agreed that we would sponsor 7 baskets to be erected: two at each end of Brook Farm Road and three close to the Primary School.

9.4

Neil explained that the web site has proved very popular but the Forum has been less well supported and he recommends it be removed. He is in the process of amending the web site to allow Committee members to post comments on the front page and all other members can also post items of interest and comments. It was agreed we would have further discussions with Neil about this when we have seen what he has in mind.

9.5

Ken Howe informed the meeting that he has now arranged to take a container storage unit at Samkinsfor his own business and is prepared to let BFRA store equipment at nominal rates.  He will talk with us again shortly.

10.

To be advised.