Action

1.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Proposed E Whatmore, 2^nd M Whatmore and agreed.

2.

Matters Arising

2.1

2 b)  Offending tree branches are from Recreation Ground.  Town Clerk has contacted EDDC re removal.

2.2

 2 f) Teen Shelter - Post meeting : verbal agreement for 2 years.

2.3

7 a) Chairman reminded Trustees he and the Secretary would be stepping down at the AGM.

2.4

Item 8 : The flooding of the Recreation Ground has been reported to the Town Clerk.

 During the Public Contribution at the end of the meeting, a member of the public reported that the entrance was in fact piped and was therefore evidently blocked.  The ditch is full of rubbish which has been covered over with soil.

3.

Chairman’s Report

The Chairman’s report included liaison with Town Clerk as mentioned above and a site meeting with Rossgarth representatives relevant to item 4.

4.

Correspondence from Rossgarth Youth Football Club –

Use of Recreation Ground for Junior Football

Letter dated 29^th June; 

Email letter dated 17^th July following site visit between Nigel Watts of Rossgarth and Chairman of Trustees.

Chairman provided a large plan of the Recreation Ground showing fixed locations of the Memorial Hall, play area and Petanque pitch, plus a cut-out card representing the area taken up by the requested pitch for under 11s football.  It was noted that the Recreation Ground is approx. 104m wide x 150m (short side), 180m (Vicarage Rd side).   Trustees were unhappy that Rossgarth had apparently marked out pitch lines on the Recreation Ground and held a tournament without reference to either the Trustees or the Town Council.

[Post meeting: Chairman confirmed that the Town Clerk had not received any such request and was not aware that a tournament had taken place.]

Trustees were concerned about a possible lost of control on the use of the Ground following a carte blanche acceptance of the request by the Rossgarth Junior Football Club, hence the wording of the proposal that includes “overspill” so that the ground would be available for any one-off events that periodically occur.

Approval was only given for the 11-a-side pitch, with any consideration of the use of a  7-a-side pitch deferred for a later date.

Amendment to proposal

Proposed Lindsey Dedden, 2^nd Jane Russell that in addition to the proposal, Rossgarth are advised that no unauthorised activity, such as additional matches or additional marking of the ground, should take place without the permission of the trustees

2 against, one abstention

Proposal

Jane Russell proposed, 2^nd Vic Redpath that the Trustees accept that Rossgarth are able to use the Verwood Recreation Ground as an overspill pitch with the proviso that the goal on the north-west side (in line with the Memorial Hall) remains for general public usage.

7 in favour, 4 against

The Chairman will advise Rossgarth and the Town Council.

Phil Irving left the meeting at this point.

Chairman

5.

Report from Chairman of Recreation Ground Committee

There were no major problems; following damage,  the goalposts had been anchored in, signs replaced and the swings repaired with a different type of fastening.  The Vicarage Road entrance had been cleared but he noted that vehicles still parked across the pedestrian entrance.

6.

Development of Activities on the Recreation Ground

Nigel Christopher showed an image of a MUGA  (Multi-Use Games Area) superimposed on the Recreation Ground in the north-west corner noting that it was suitable for most ball games including netball and cricket practice.  The proposed location was a low lying area and it was possible that soil removed during construction could be used to improve other areas of the Ground.

He reported that the Local Action Group had taken up the interest and formed a sub-committee.  There had been an indication that grants were available and advice would be sought.  It would be an “open” facility available for anyone to use.

Concern was expressed that a proven need should be ascertained and Nigel Christopher agreed to do this.

NC

Proposal : Jane Russell proposed, 2^nd Nigel Christopher, that the Trustees agree in principle to site a MUGA on the north-west corner to a maximum size of 37m x 21m.  Agreed.  Chairman will write to the Town Council.  [Post meeting note : The approved model layout and the proposal by Base Leisure shown at the meeting gives measurements of 37m x 21.7m, essential size to accommodate most sports.]

Chairman

7.

Any Other Business

a)

Lindsey Dedden drew members’ attention to an email from the Town Clerk regarding the Charity Commission’s Newsletter encouraging Trusts to prepare a report and annual return.  This can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.

Chairman

8.

Date of Next Meeting : AGM : Tuesday, 18^th October 2005

Apologies : John Green

9.

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION : A resident who overlooks the area, stated that he would be happy to see extra activities on the Recreation Ground.