Notes on Shepton Beauchamp Cowleaze Meadow Project committee meeting held on Thursday 5th March in the pub. Present were Debbie, Roger, Marcus and Mary

Debbie and Marcus have prepared a project update report, to be sent to the Web, and also to the village website. We are hoping to encourage more volunteers to join us now the weather shows occasional signs of becoming spring like.

Roger and Mary are making progress on the grant application, and hoping to submit an application for a development grant next week. This is in addition to the Stage 2 application, and will contribute money to cover the cost of the site survey. In addition to the £250 received from Wessex Water, we have also applied to the Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Foundation for additional help to cover this expenditure. The presentation of the cheque and award from Wessex Water will take place on Thursday 12th March, at 2.30pm on the Cowleaze Meadow site. Everyone is welcome- in fact the more the better as we are hoping the press will be there to witness the event.

In the course of form filling, we have reviewed the constitution, which was agreed by the group at the AGM on 12th November 2008. Following informal legal advise, we have been advised to remove clause 10. Alterations to the constitution shall receive assent of not less than two thirds of the members of the group (Clause 8). We will assume assent unless otherwise informed by 31st March 2009. Please find copy of current Constitution attached with these minutes.

Since the grass has been frequently cut, the problem of dog mess on the site is becoming more noticeable. We need to try to encourage people to pick up after their dogs. A prominent notice has been placed on the gates, but without much effect. We may consider getting the Dog Warden to advise—though a previous visit to the village was not very successful. All helpful ideas welcome.

Debbie is to check with Tim Muggs of Western Power if the offer of free trees is still available.

All committee members are to provide a brief CV for the Stage 2 application, to demonstrate we are suitable to use any money wisely and competently.

We are sad that Jules and Jane Compton, who have been deeply involved in the project, are moving away from the area in the next few weeks. They have both helped enormously with the site planning and design and costings, as well as practically with working parties, and mowing etc. In addition Jules’s knowledge and vision has inspired us to be more creative. We will miss their direct input, but hope that we will continue to have contact and we will be able to invite them to social functions as the work progresses.

As we progress with the work, it is important that everyone takes note of the plan, and does not do any work without approval of the group. We need to clarify the types of orchard trees to be planted, the spacing between then and other important basics.

The playgroup will be coming to the site on Wednesday 18th March to plant the primrose plants at the site entrance. There are also some cowslips and celandines for the children to plant out. Unfortunately due to the slow progress in completing our Stage 2 application, the permanent site for the playgroup will not be available until the autumn, as digging for path foundations etc would interfere with their growing regime. Roger Cripps has offered the group a small bed on his allotment so they can grow some things this year, if the playgroup wishes.

Next meeting on Thursday 26th March. In the pub , at 7.30pm. Next work party on Sunday 29th March, at 10 am onwards.