Present: Patricia Still, David Meade, Richard Wiltshire, Justin Bettey (DBC), Phil Kessel (DBC), Malcolm Still.

1) Apologies: Richard Stone.

2) Minutes of last meeting: Minutes of the QED Steering Group held on 18th Oct. were approved.

• Composting leaflets: Printing of the leaflets has been arranged by JB . Due to other QED expenses there are only enough funds to order 1000 leaflets at a cost of £1743.50.

3) Accounts: At present the balance in the account is £2919.16. This includes expenditure on the "Potatoe Day" trip but does not include the above leaflet costs.

4) Allotment biodiversity: MS presented the costs of putting a nature pond on the Tredegar allotment site as part of the Biodiversity group project. Details: 33ft by 20ft x Butyl rubber liner (£310:20); Underlay (£174.65); Sand (£60.00); Oxy Plants (£50.00); Waders (£76.00); TOTAL: £670.85. The group agreed these costs. MS will need to obtain full details of the costs and purchase locations and forward them to JB so that a cheque can be raised. Action: MS to provide details to JB.

5) Festival:

The group discussed several ideas including the following.

• A presentation by the waste contractor Cleanaway. This was also discussed at the Waste & Transport meeting. Action: John Prance to contact Cleanaway.
• A contractor maybe incorporating a "Grey water" process into a development within Dartford. The group thought that this maybe be demonstrated at the festival. Action: PK to discuss with Planning dept. & Contractor.
• MS stated that in conjunction with the beekeepers that he would be constructing a shed and garden for display at the festival. The shed will be made out of pallets donated from B&Q who will receive some sponsorship. The beekeepers would also have honey on show. The group added that a small pond could also be included. PS stated that jams could also be presented/sold to demonstrate the wider use of allotments. PK also added the idea of incorporating herbs into the theme to add a health angle. This would mean that the project would have input from allotment, health & biodiversity groups. RW stated that he had a laminated sheet which suggested what herbs could be used for various health related issues. MS also stated that Richard stone had tapes of "Mood Musicî"to add to the ambience of the QED tent.
• PS & JB stated that as a result of the Health meeting they would be approaching the NHS Trust at Darenth Hospital to see if they would be interested in presenting at the festival. It may be a good opportunity for some positive PR for them. Action: JB to make contact with NHS Trust and discuss. Action: JB to check with Mike Pratt the health/hygiene issue with regards to selling foodstuffs to the public.

6) Local Agenda 21: JB stated that the final LA21 strategy had been approved by cabinet and will be released in the next edition of the Borough News.

7) Feedback from groups:

• Allotments: RW stated that the Potato Day is still on schedule.
• Waste and Pollution: Composting leaflets (see item 1).
• Health: PS, MS & JB reported to the group that the Health Group had met for the first time in a long time. The aim of the meeting was to try and re-launch the group. The main project to come out of the meeting was the idea of producing regular health articles on topical issues and placing them in the Borough News. The group also stated that they would be contacting the NHS trust (Darenth Hospital) to see if they wanted to present at the Dartford festival. RW stated that he was disappointed that the Health Group had not recognised more fully the input that the allotment group had given to it and related projects.
• Biodiversity: See Section 3) Accounts.
• Swanscombe and Greenhithe: It was agreed that Justin should investigate the status of the group. Action: JB to contact Pat Martin.

8) Glaxo Evening: MS, PS & JB reported that the evening was very successful and several local charities were awarded gifts. The group wondered whether QED could be registered as a Glaxo Community Charity and what the benefits could be. Action: JB to investigate.

9) Planning Applications:

• Development on Dartford Road (water supply): Permission was granted and the comments from the Allotment Group were fully supported and documented at the Development Control Board meeting. Action: PK to forward a copy of comments to RW.
• Development of playing fields on landfill site: The re-capping of tip number 10. The gas activity has been assessed and demonstrated minimal activity. The tip will become stable.
• Applegarth Lane: Nothing to report.

10) AOB:

• RW informed the group of the visit to Dartford of 22 Japanese students on the 9th February. These students will visit DBC, the allotments & have lunch at the Plough in Eynesford. (NB: Due to poor weather conditions this visit had to be cancelled).
• PK informed the group of the appointment of the new Air Quality Officer. Sharon Atkins will start on the 29th January. PK also stated that the Stage 3 Air quality report has been sent to the DETR for review and copies will be made available to QED as soon as possible. The contaminated land strategy is currently being produced and will be adopted by July. QED will be consulted on the strategy.
• PS informed the group that he understood Groundwork will be taking over the "Industry Therapy" functions at Stone House.

11) Date of Next Meeting: 7th March 2001 from 7:00 at Enterprise House.

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