Chairman’s Opening Remarks

Chairman Roger Evans welcomed all those present.

Apologies:

Karen Richards GAVO, Dean Tucker, Margaret Salerno, Don Touhig MP, Pru Robinson, Noel Young MBE, Peter Gomer CCBC, Steve Carter, Cllr John Evans (arrived later), Jan Bennett, Maria Martin, Cllr. Tudor Davies, Clair Higgins.

Minutes of Last Meeting

Were passed as a true record with the exception that Allan Pritchard had been omitted from the Apologies. Slight amendment to recreational ground minutes. There will only be one full size football pitch and one training pitch on the exciting pitch. Grace has requested a clear copy of the plan.

Correspondence Received

A letter has been received from George Wimpey. They are willing to sponsor 5 flower tubs for the Village. Granville to liase with Sarah.

CCBC has invited a representative from the Partnership to attend a meeting concerning regeneration among other issues.

Rebecca Wooley from Local Health Authority:

Rebecca gave a brief over view of her position within the Local Health Authority, she then proceeded to answer a series of questions that members of the Partnership had. She informed us that dentists are independent contractors who are not obligated to offer NHS but many do- especially for young Children and those on low income. Concern was expressed that many dentists in the area are now turning private and offering DenPlan. Mark Rice Jones has gone private although there is also a younger dentist in the clinic that is offering a NHS facility.

There are a number of initiatives to encourage newly qualified dentists to the area and the Health Authority is working hard to encourage dentists to work with NHS patients.

There is a Personal Dental service Helpline available : 01495 765100. This is available to help those who have been de-registered, they will also be able to make an emergency appointment with a clinic for those with dental emergencies. They will also offer support and guidance.

Any person who has a complaint about Practitioners should first complain to the dentist and if this is not satisfactory to contact Nigel Edwards who deals with official complaints about Practitioners.

Treasurers Report

It has been reported that the balance is £564.41

Project Update

Greengo – Quiet at the moment. There are still over 30 green areas to tackle.

Oakdale Square – A meeting will be arranged to discuss flower tubs. A letter is to be given to Malcolm to request permission for lighting for the cenotaph. Malcolm will then give the letter to the British Legion.

Penmaen Churchyard:Tina has suggested other working groups that maybe able to help. i.e. Prince’s Trust, Youth Offending Team. Granville is to investigate further. It has also been suggested that a long term maintenance program be put in place. Groundwork has asked us to identify projects that they may be able to help with in the near future. This information will be passed to the relevant parties to see whether a European bid can secure more workers.

Recreational Ground:A public meeting will be held late February to inform the public of plans for the recreational ground. Tina and Granville will also meet to discuss Funding, applications etc.,

Fundraising

Envelopes will be printed and delivered to local businesses, schools and households within the Oakdale area to collect money for the Tsunami appeal. They will be distributed by the 17th January and collected on the 23rd/24th January from the designated collection points.

Laying Of the British Legion Standard 12th Feb, 2005

Malcolm Pritchard has done an excellent job of organising the day. Everyone is to meet at 10.45am and the service will start at 11.00am. The Oakdale Silver Band will play, the police have been notified about traffic control and the council will clean the area. Invitations have been sent out, the service will be held outside providing the weather is fine. Brackets and a plaque have been purchased at a cost of £43.40.

Business in the Community

Pilot training initiative available for Partnerships to include business planning, Leadership skills etc., Granville and Grace are to attend, this training will be provided within the community.

Partnership Action Plan

A meeting is to be arranged as soon as possible. Granville to action.

Partnership Rules and Constitution

Clear, defined simple rules are needed to abide by. They will be written up after the AGM in March. No grants or funding can be granted without the constitution in place. David and Granville will gather details on this.

Digital Story Telling

There is now plenty of film available, but it will take a while to sort out the footage.

Bazaar

Exactly £100 was raised. Questions were raised as to whether we liase with the schools for the next Bazaar as the turn out was not as large as was expected.

Any Other Business

There is an increase in car crime in the area. Please be vigilant. Youths were found to be drinking in Central Avenue, Snowballs were thrown causing a nuisance. There has also been house break-ins in the area. Someone was arrested before Christmas but the break-ins continue. GAVO run a scheme to help with shed alarms, etc., Contact GAVO for more details. Allan Pritchard has delivered maps of the Penmaen ward to the local Police Inspector to show how large our community now is, in the hope that we may get better policing in our area. Wednesday 5th January, 2005 at 6.30pm- Oakdale Community Centre.

Maria Martin would like to give a talk on Community Safety, We would openly welcome this.

Grace has informed us that a third aerial is to be installed on the farm. Letters will be sent out to nearby residents seeking their approval/disapproval. Residents must act on this and let their grievances be known. The Bridge from Penmaen to Woodfieldside will be removed towards the end of January. Drivers will be unable to travel to Blackwood as the hill leading to the Rock and Fountain will be closed. Big delays?

The Partnership Agreement has now been signed by all.

Date Of Next Meeting