Apologies:

Doreen Brown, Sylwyn Evans, Ceri Jones, Eirys and Trevor Jones, Cllr. Allan Pritchard, Jan Bennett, Tim Peppin, Rev Jefford, Don Touhig MP, Peter Gomer, Noel Young, Roger Morgan, Karen Taylor.

Minutes:

Of the August meeting were passed as a true record, with the exception that we alter wording in section 6 (planning Issues) as explained to the meeting. Amendment to Bridleway – Area Forum Budget will Possibly fund signs. Apologies to Kate Strudwick – Digital Storytelling for changing her Christian name in the last minutes.

Chairman’s Opening Remarks

Chairman Roger Evans welcomed all those present including two new members. He apologised for the length of the last meeting. He also informed all that the Friends Of Oakdale School were meeting on the 16th September anyone interested were to contact the Friends Of Oakdale School group.

Matters Arising

Roger Evans presented a summary of what is happening around Oakdale, with information taken from the planning committee guide. It was for information purposes only.

Mair Gwyn asked what Windfall sites are (wording on Unitary devt., plan)- Granville will find out this information ready for the next meeting.

The landlady of the Cross Oak gave an update on the weed killer incident. It appears that other members of the community have also fallen foul of this wicked deed and the matter is now in the hands of the Police. Jen would like to thank the Partnership for its support. The Cross Oak also won Oakdale In Bloom competition. Congratulations.

Noticeboard:

The council has been approached with view to mounting a vandal/weatherproof notice board on the corner of the library. The library is quite happy for this to be done, however permission must also be sought from Gwent/Glamorgan Housing Association.

Operation Christmas Child:

Roger Evans showed a 5 minute video on helping children in poorer countries, the objective is to fill as many shoeboxes as possible with small gifts: toys, pens, pencils, books, sweets & toiletries suitable for the age / sex of child selected- these boxes are then to be labelled with the age and boy or girl and then taken to a collection point along with £2. These are to be prepared by Mid Nov at the latest. Roger or a member of the Church group will inform us of the collection point and date.

Correspondence

(i).Malcolm Pritchard wrote that he thought the TOPP letter was an excellent idea. He also informed us that the Remembrance Day march would commence for the Post Office at 10.40am on Sunday 14th November and the service would take part at the War Memorial at 11.00am. He also asked if we would like to lay the Legion standard in the Community Centre. Permission and further enquiries will be made to those in charge of the Community Centre. Tina McMahon will find out further information from the council.

(ii) A letter was also received about Project planning. There is a chance for a member of the Partnership to attend a project course at the innovation centre. Granville will attend on behalf of the partnership and provide a full and detailed report.

(iii) Brassed off leaflets and Operation Christmas Child leaflets were available for collection.

GAVO Funding to Partnership

GAVO form has been received and completed. £900 was received towards start up and administration of Partnership. There are tight controls on what we can spend the money on.

Local Health Board Presentation

Granville attended the local Health Board Presentation held in the OASIS centre in Blackwood. The meeting consisted of 12 members of the Health Board, 20 public members from various groups and press & television services. It was proven that public consultation was highly beneficial to decisions that were made. 53% of those who completed a survey were in favour of closing all hospitals and just using the new Hospital. However there was opposition in Rhymney and therefore Redwood will stay open. The proposals for the new Hospital will be submitted to the Assembly in September and the new Hospital is earmarked for 2009.

Projects

Oakdale Square:- Rob was pleased with the flowers but is disappointed that no weeding has been carried out in the flower beds. These feelings of dismay were echoed by others. A meeting will be held with John Ridgeway on the 16th September to air concerns. Tina will also attend this meeting. The Partnership is still waiting for a response from the Council regarding funding for Christmas Lights for the village.

A suggestion has also been put forward to illuminate the cenotaph. A meeting was held in the Square and several children expressed their views and interest in the project. They have said that they would like their own area of garden to attend.

Penmaen Churchyard: Despite another letter being written to Groundwork on the 19th August, 2004 there has been no contact. Tina stated that the group is made up of one paid employee and New Deal work experience people, sometimes there are not enough skills available, although there is no excuse for not replying to the letter. Tina and John Evans will contact Andrew Whitcombe to try and progress the project.

Greengro Project: Park Services will donate a large bag of bulbs to plant in the area. Where & when will be decided by the next Partnership Meeting.

Skateboarding Project: There has been an unwelcome confrontation between skateboarders and members of the community on the website. This subject has now been closed. A successful and interesting meeting took place last week. The skateboarders are very enthusiastic and have excellent ideas for a Skate Park. Granville and John Evans will work together with the group to build on this project, to ensure that a professional plan is submitted. Tina recommended that the group contact Nigel Powell from the council who is in charge of Skate Parks and he would be able to advise on possible sites, Health & Safety concerns. Tina stated that the council should really be involved from the start of this process.

Community Buildings: Tina spoke to Tim- Timetables etc., have been discussed, but Karen is presently on holiday, so no further information is available.

Partnership Agreement

Ceremony will be held on the 6th October, 2004

Newsletter (T.O.P.S)

The committee has asked for any volunteers to help produce the newsletter. It is hoped that this can be produced on a 3 monthly basis. Anyone who is interested is to contact Granville or Roger.

Treasurer’s Report

There is £755.42 in the account. A fuller report will be received at the next meeting.

Digital Story Telling

Kate Strudwick will present at the Partnership meeting on the 3rd November, she will also be able to offer advice.

Fundraising

Members were asked to think of ideas for raising funds ready for the next meeting. In addition to applying for grants through GAVO we must also show our own commitment by raising funds ourselves. Roger asked us to consider the idea of a Christmas Meal.

Date Of Next Meeting

6th October, 6.30pm Oakdale Community Centre