Present: Mrs Pat Still, Richard Wiltshire, John Gunn, David Mead, Richard Stone.

Apologies for Absence: Mrs J Bourne, Ms J Morton (Richard Wiltshire was elected to chair the meeting in Julie Morton's absence).

1) STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

PK reported that the current budget was £731.25.

2) COMPOSTING

The Groundwork proposal was briefly discussed but PK advised that there were issues concerning discussions between DBC and Groundwork as to the location for the construction and storage of compost bins. It was agreed that the issue would be deferred until these issues had been resolved, hopefully in the new financial year.

3) BLACK ENVIRONMENT NETWORK

RW reported that there was a proposed conference in September at the University of Nottingham. The seminar organisers were looking for speakers in relation to allotments and community gardening and ethnic participation. RW proposed that he would discuss the issue with a potential participant but that some background research may be required. It was also agreed that if necessary QED would fund one person to attend a two day seminar in Birmingham hosted by the Black Environment Network.

4) LAWRENCE HILLS

RS introduced this subject concerning the late Lawrence Hills and a proposal to commemorate his name and work via the provision of a plaque in Dartford Central Park. This could be part of the Central Park improvements. It was agreed that RS would investigate the cost of the plaque and PK to investigate the siting of the plaque on KCC property such as the library.

5) ALLOTMENTS GROUP

a) RW informed the group that he gave a talk at Wye College on the 21 February 2000. As a result of attending the seminar, RW received information from another speaker on a joint working initiative with overseas students involved in community participation schemes. As a result, there exists the potential for QED to become involved in the joint initiative and the group welcomed this proposal.

b) RW is to set up an e-mail discussion group for "Women on Allotments".

c) The MP for Dartford, Dr Howard Stoate, would be formally opening the raised beds at Dartford Road Allotments on the 24 June 2000.

d) RW reported that a professional writer was preparing a "Beginner's Organic Gardening" book and would be undertaking research at Dartford Road Allotments.

e) RW reported that the Allotment and Leisure Gardener magazine had a new regular feature relating to Local Agenda 21. QED had been instrumental in achieving this.

6) NEWS FROM THE WEBSITE

a) RW reported that one new consultation document had come to his attention entitled "Greater Protection and Better Management of Common Land in England and Wales".

b) PK reported that the Contaminated Land Regulations would be coming into effect as from 1 April 2000 and that a report would be submitted to the Community Services Committee Meeting of Dartford Borough Council on 20 March 2000.

7) WELCOME PACK

JG and PK reported the progress that had been made on the Welcome Pack. This was well received by the group.

8) BIODIVERSITY GROUP

PK reported that the QED Biodiversity Group had arranged for a number of staff from the Planning Policy Section of Dartford Borough Council to give a presentation at the Civic Centre on 6 March 2000. The presentation would be in relation to how the Local Plan Review addresses the issues of Biodiversity and nature conservation.

9) OTHER BUSINESS

a) Concern was raised as to the lack of input from Ethnic Minority Groups in the Local Agenda 21 process within Dartford. Despite invitations being made to the Racial Equality Council, there had been no representation at the various QED meetings. It was agreed that PK would write to Dev Sharma of the Racial Equality Council to request a meeting to discuss this issue in more detail.

b) PK reported that the Dartford Foyer Project was due to be officially opened on the 30 March 2000 and that a plaque would be provided on the site acknowledging the fund raising achievements of the QED Youth Group.

c) PK reported that it was unlikely the "Are You Doing Your Bit?" Roadshow would be available for the Dartford Festival this year but that something may be possible in terms of a presentation from "Shine 21" in relation to energy conservation. The group discussed the issue of DBC participation in presentations within the QED marquee. It was agreed that Julie Morton write to Rob Hardy, Deputy Director of Environment and Leisure, to seek clarification on the role of DBC departments within the marquee.

Date of Next Meeting: 5 April 2000

FOOTNOTE:

Enclosed with hard copy of these minutes: a copy of the Draft LA21 Strategy (for QED Chairs only). It is far from complete and is likely to be similar to the format of the recent Local Performance Plan. Comments are requested on the content and layout by 1 May 2000.

Also enclosed are the minutes of the QED Allotments Group meeting held on 7 February 2000.

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