Present: Patricia Still, David Meade, Richard Wiltshire, Professor Ren Azuma, Richard Stone, Peter Fry, Justin Bettey (DBC) & Phil Kessel (DBC).

Dr Wiltshire introduced his guest, Professor Ren Azuma who was intrested to see how LA21 was being realised within Dartford BC's area.

1) Confirmation of the AGM Minutes: The Minutes of the QED AGM held on 12 July 2000 where approved.

2) Matters Arising from the AGM Minutes: QED Waste & Pollution Group to consider a potential project involving a school and local community re options for waste disposal. DM to pursue. As a result of this item, Justin Bettey informed the Group of his pending visit to Dartford Girls Grammar School to discuss potential environmental projects. JB to keep DM advised in case of QED W&P Group involvement.

3) Statement of Accounts: PK advised the Group that the balance was £3811.50

4) Requests for Spending: The following requests were received from RW:

• Production of composting leaflets. Based upon LB Bexley production. JB to seek written permission from LBB. When permission received, the cost implications could then be identified. Resolved: the Group approved the principle of producing composting leaflets under QED banner if written permission was obtained from LBB and cost implications identified for future consideration.
• Renovation of training hut facility at Tredegar Allotments. Resolved that Tredegar Allotments be allocated up to a maximum of £250.00 for renovation works, and that any further costs would require separate approval. Also, that Malcolm Still be allowed to retrospectively submit invoices for paint material already purchased, but that the submitted amount be included within the £250.00 limit.

5) Feedback from Groups:

DM - nothing new to report from the Waste and Pollution Group.

RS -Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA) interested in progressing the Lawrence Hills Memorial Plaque, particularly re a formal unveiling. May be a cost implication (overnight accommodation). RS to circulate a Biodiversity plan for Allotments. Latest Allotments Newsletter produced. RS reported that he felt the Dartford Festival was good with the notable exception of the loud volume of amplified music. PK to pass these comments on. Allotments to submit a letter with respect to the proposed residential development to rear of Dartford Road Allotments with a view to seeking assistance for the laying on of a water supply - RW to action.

PS - reported that as she had now been voted in as Chair of the QED Steering Group, she could no longer continue as Chair of the Health Group. Vice Chair to take over until new Chairperson voted in. PK to liaise with PS and Jan Bourne re date for next meeting.

PK -reported re the latest situation for QED Biodiversity Group*. Problems in maintaining interest. DBC position re production of a Biodiversity Plan is that there are insufficient resources and that it is not a statutory obligation. JB to liaise with KCC Biodiversity officers to determine what can be achieved. There may be further involvement for the Biodiversity Group following JB's investigation**. RW suggested that there might be scope to involve local schools in Biodiversity projects.

RW - reported on a future trip to Japan (Kunitachi) re allotment gardening. Advised the Group of letter from DBC's Mayor, a former allotment gardener, to Mayor of Kunitachi. Also, that National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) working with Local Government Association (LGA) to produce a best practice guide re allotment gardening. LGA invitations to 10 groups to bid for contract to produce the guide (8 consultancies, 2 individuals, one of which is RW). RW got together with other non-consultancy, Prof. Crouch to submit a tender. Contract would run from October 2000 to finish in March 2001.

6) Dartford Festival: Dartford Festival - see RS's previous comments. DM proposed a vote of thanks to all QED members & DBC staff that set up & manned the QED Marquee. PS proposed that work on next yearís display should start now. Possible themes could involve community gardens/ponds, healthy eating/cooking. All agreed that more forward planning was needed.

7) Any Other Business: PK outlined proposals for progressing the Local Agenda 21 Draft Strategy. This would involve a report going to the 21 September meeting of the Cabinet. Likely to be followed by reports to the Select Committee to "firm up" on the detail to be within the Action Plans. JB commented on how new Government iniatives, such as Community Strategies, might have an impact on LA21 Strategies. DM requested a flow chart as to how the Council's new Cabinet structure, and associated Committees and Boards worked. JB to action.

QED Public Lecture Series. RW proposed the idea for a formal series of lectures for the public. RW to discuss with colleagues and report back.

RW disappointed that the Neighbourhood Fora established by DBC had ceased - why not bring these back? PK to raise with DBC at appropriate time. PK commented that these took a lot of organising and staff time, and were not always as productive as hoped for.

8) Date of Next Meeting: October 18, 2000.

* PK apology - Peter Onley had sent in a letter regretfully resigning from the QED Biodiversity Chair, but this was not seen by PK until after the Steering Group meeting.

** JB has been in touch with Peter Fry and Malcolm Still who have ideas re a Biodiversity project at Tredegar Allotments.

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