1) Present: Julie Morton (Chair), Pat Still (QED Health Group), Richard Wiltshire (QED Allotments Group), David Meade (QED Waste Management Group), Phil Kessel (DBC), Russell Bowie (DBC PR Manager), Rob Hardy (DBC Deputy Director of Environment and Leisure).
2) Apologies for Absence:
Julia Marshall (QED Biodiversity Group), John Britt (Groundwork), Laurence Gandy (CVS), Richard Stone (QED Allotments Group).
The meeting welcomed Rob Hardy (DBC Deputy Director of Environment and Leisure)and Russell Bowie (DBC PR Manager).
3) Rob Hardy:
Rob introduced the latest information regarding the Lottery Bid for Central Park. Consultants have also suggested a wildlife park element, similar to the project put forward by the QED Biodiversity Group. There will probably be a public consultation exercise on the whole project. The bid will also include provision for the restoration of a bandstand, historic gardens and a water feature. Draft plans were left for circulation to the Chairs of QED Groups.
He also outlined Dartford Borough Council's approach to a Local Agenda 21 Strategy, and referred to the LA21 Committee Report which had already been circulated to QED Chairs. There was general approval of the philosophy behind it, which is to ensure that the aims and objectives of Local Agenda 21 are clear to, and will be acted upon, by all Directorates.
4) Dartford Festival:
It is essential that Chairs elucidate the space that each group will require in the "environmental" marquee at the Festival, and any furniture/equipment that they may need for it. This information must be transmitted to Alan Cremer within four weeks.
5) Russell Bowie (PR Manager, DBC):
Russell undertook to consider ways of improving/increasing publicity for QED including increased use of Dartford Borough News. Chairs of QED Groups will consider compiling a "library" of articles relative to QED activities on environmental issues during the year.
Thy will also reconsider the issue at a special meeting to be arranged later.
6) Other Business:
Richard Wiltshire advised the meeting of a document which DETR has produced entitled "Transportation- From Workhorse to Thoroughbred - A Better Role for Bus Travel". Copies may be obtained by telephoning 0870 122 6236.
Phil Kessel reported the availability of a guided tour of Kew gardens organised by NSCA on May 12. He will circulate details.
A letter of resignation from the Steering Group from Isobel Perry was accepted by the Group.
National Spring Clean: Phil Kessel reported that an area around "Dark Trees" Darenth Road has been earmarked by Richard Pullman the Heath Ranger for clean-up. This was generally agreed as a possible National Spring Clean project.
Phil Kessel advised the meeting that Duncan Phillips is undertaking the Environmental Audit Review. Any ideas should be communicated to Duncan before August 1999.
7) Dates of Future Meetings:
Future Meetings will be held at Enterprise House at 7.00pm on June 2, July 14, September 1, October 6, and November 17.
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