Present: Pat Still (Dartford Advocacy Network: Chair), David Crowe (City of Westminster College), John Gunn (UN Association), Mike Pratt (Dartford Borough Council), Richard Wiltshire (QED Website Manager). John Gunn reported that he did not appear to be on the mailing list for this group and asked that his name be added.

1) Apologies for Absence: Jan Bourne and Graeme Laidlaw.

2) Notes from the Meeting of January 19, 2000: Accepted.

3) Matters Arising from the Notes:

3) Herbs Project: RW reported that a response was still awaited from the West Dartford AGS.

6) Risk Assessment: MP agreed to progress a proposal for a seminar on this subject through the QED Steering Group.

9a) Water Mains: DC noted the importance of coordinating work on the mains with other roadworks, such as those now in progress on Dartford Road.

4) Matters to be Reported from the QED Steering Group:

a) DBC Community Safety Strategy: PS reported that a response had been sent by the Advocacy Network after consultation with users. This revealed a number of issues affecting people with mental health problems, especially in Temple Hill.

b) Dartford Festival 2000: It was reported that Rob Hardy will address this issue at the next meeting of QED Steering Group. A joint display with the QED Allotments Group on the Raised Beds at Dartford Road Allotments is being planned.

5) Welcome Pack: JG reported that the size has been reduced to A6 for convenience, with supplementary pages in the middle for each estate. The plan is to produce the booklet in full colour and to a high design standard. JG to seek assistance with design from University of Greenwich, since this could be a good student project, or from professionals known to QED Allotments Group if necessary.

6) Raised Beds at Dartford Road Allotments: RW reported that work has started on the beds, and that our Member of Parliament Dr Howard Stoate has agreed to open the beds during the "Open Day" on June 24, to which all members of this Group are cordially invited.

7) Health and Safety Implications of Gardening: RW reported that the QED Allotment Group has agreed to take this issue on board as one of its priorities for 2000/2001, in partnership with the QED Health Group. Progress is unlikely to be immediate, however, because the QED Allotments Group already has a number of projects in progress.

8) Local Agenda 21 Officer: MP reported that the Council will soon be advertising for a full-time Environmental Promotions Officer to succeed Alan Cremer. It would AGREED that the desirability of including someone from QED on the interview panel for this post should be brought to the attention of the QED Steering Group.

9) AIDS in Africa: RW tabled an article from the journal Geography on the spread of AIDS in Southern Africa and the social / economic / environmental factors involved. (Copies available from RW on request). It was AGREED that the Group would return to this as an agenda item at the next meeting, with an eye to launching an awareness campaign focusing on this local and global health issue.

10) Any Other Business: None

11) Date of Next Meeting: Wednesday May 31, 2000, from 7.30 pm. RW offered apologies in advance for likely absence.

END: Return to the QED Health Group ...