1) Apologies for Absence

Julie Witherall, Rosa Halls, Mary Woolton.

2) Matters Arising from the Previous Notes

Mike Pratt reported that he had communicated with the appropriate authority regarding the 30 MPH sign outside the school.. Highways confirmed that the sign will be moved so that traffic coming from Betsham will be subject to the 30 MPH limit before it reaches the school entrance.

3) Third Issue of the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Newsletter

Pat Martin will speak to Mr Read concerning the distribution. Suggestions for material for inclusion in the Newsletter:

• CYA re- the motor cycle track.
• A comment about the new school ? Mr. Ogg.
• Age Concern-the new venue in Greenhithe.
• Town Council-the equipping of the fitness room in the Leisure Centre.
• Appointment of new Methodist Minister-Reverend David Blacklock.
• Possible message from Reverend David Scott.
• The new CYA in Greenhithe.
• News of the Riverside Development at Ingress Abbey Greenhithe.
• Possible news from the Greenhithe Community Centre.
• Christmas Messages?

4) Health Regeneration Group Meeting

Mike Pratt explained the philosophy of Health Action Zones, and the importance of not neglecting the people who are already living in communities which are to be subject to development going on around them. Although the bid to obtain funding to become a Health Action Zone has not been successful the Health Authority is anxious to find ways of taking the initiative forward. An important matter for discussion will be the possibility of a Healthy Living Centre, which does not necessarily have to be a single building. It would be appropriate for QED to have input to this project.

Lynne Drewett brought up the problem of socially excluded young people who have health problems which they are reluctant, or do not know how, to take to health professionals. They also lack parenting skills largely due to disrupted family life. These problems are now being recognised and discussed.

5) Tree Planting Scheme

As was proposed early in the year suitable groups and organisations in Swanscombe and Greenhithe should be approached to put in bids for trees, as under the free tree scheme they should each be able to obtain 20 trees. It was agreed that a standard letter be produced, and Lynne Drewett volunteered to identify organisations to whom they should be sent. It was agreed that Mike Pratt and Alan Cremer will arrange a meeting with the school Head teacher Mr. Ogg, and possibly the Architect Mr. Sansom. Action: Lynne Drewett,Alan Cremer, Mike Pratt.

6) Future Activities

Mike Pratt raised the topic of Community Orchards and the meeting was asked to suggest any possible sites. It was agreed that he will look at the issue of Community Orchards, how they are funded etc.. If there is a possibility of such an initiative locally it will be necessary to identify interested landowners. Suggestions included: Land in Alkerden Lane (Dartford Borough Council), in Stanhope Road (Blue Circle), and in Greenhithe (Crest).

7) Date of Next Meeting

This was agreed as November 2, 1998 at 6.45 pm at the Oast House Day Centre.

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