Present: Paul Smith (Chair), Olive Robertson (Soroptimist Int), Julie Morton (Newtown QED), Barbara Judge (United Nations Assoc.), Eric Tomlinson (Dartford Paper Mill), Graeme Laidlaw (Secretary), Richard Wiltshire (Dartford Allotments Steering Committee), John Prance (DBC), David Meade (Woodland Trust - Joydens Wood), Steve Weiss (National Power - Littlebook), John Gunn (United Nations Assoc.), Alan Cremer (DBC)
1) Apologies: John Strong
2) Notes from the Last Meeting: No comment received.
3) Changes to Terms of Reference / Title of Group
Alan Cremer explained how the Pollution QED group had been combined with the Waste group. The Pollution group's Terms of Reference were different from those of the Waste Management group, therefore the Terms of Reference for this group will require changes to reflect the combining of these groups. Alan Cremer mentioned that a new group is to be formed called the Biodiversity group. It was agreed to wait for the Terms of Reference for this group to be drawn up before modifying the Waste Management's Terms of Reference. David Meade expressed a wish to ensure that land and water pollution is not lost from the QED process. Julie Morton requested that noise and light pollution remain within the group's remit. It was suggested that a joint meeting be held with other groups, possibly twice a year. John Gunn took the opportunity to raise a subject close to his heart, that being pollution of the River Thames. It was brought to the group's attention that the river is exposed to a number of forms of pollution, including thermal and copper. John Gunn also expressed his concern for the flow of the River Darenth and the level of suspended chalk particles in the river. It was unknown to what extent the wash-off from Blue Water would affect the river. David Meade mentioned the Environment Agency's plan and asked if there was any merit in getting hold of the statistics from their analysis. The group was not sure if the statistics would help. Richard Wiltshire thought the group should focus on achievable goals. A date for the Biodiversity group had not yet been scheduled. The date for the launch of the Health group being 28th January, 1998.
4) Darenth Country Park
Richard Wiltshire distributed an abbreviated copy of a report produced relating to the Darenth Country Park. The full document was not distributed, but it is envisaged that this will be distributed by the next meeting. The report contained a list of items that are covered by the group's interests. Community composting was highlighted, as were the other interested bodies outside of the group. The group's attention was also drawn towards the Green Waste Collection System recommended for the park. This was mentioned in the context of the funding for the park by the Millennium Commission. The project has a requirement to have a "feel for the year 2000". The question was asked as to which items would be deliverable by the year 2000. It was thought that the composting/waste collection project would be core to the system. It was thought that this would not necessarily be a short term item, as the houses would not be built by the turn of the Millennium.
It was also highlighted that QED is one of several participants involved in the Country Park. Groundwork and the council were named as other parties involved. It was mentioned that the park management has an advisory group and that representatives from QED (possibly 2 QED group's chairmen) have been invited to attend the next group to convey ideas from QED. The date for the next meeting was confirmed as 3rd February, 1998. The location was not known, however. David Meade mentioned that there would be potential interest shown by both the Biodiversity and Health groups in the project. Other interested parties may be those with learning difficulties and those involved in copicing, etc.
John Prance mentioned that a site visit would be worthwhile, either in the spring or summer. Richard Wiltshire mentioned that a visit had been planned to see the Apiary and vines at Clockhouse Allotments during March. Richard also mentioned that a WEB site on the Internet is soon to be produced for QED Allotments. Alan Cremer commended the full report and thanked all those who participated. QED obtained a mention in the week's Amateur Gardening.
5) Disposal of Horticultural Chemicals
John Prance reported on his meeting with Kent County Council with regard to the publicity for the facility for disposal of horticultural chemicals at the Dartford civic amenity site. Concern had been expressed as to overloading the KCC budget, due to the expense involved in disposing of unknown chemicals. KCC were happy with the proposed flyer and would like to monitor usage once publicised. It was mentioned that the existing 4 facilities may be increased to 14 in time. The QED Allotments group offered to circulate the flyer through local allotment societies. It was also suggested that libraries be given copies of the flyer. DBC to copy flyer and publicity department to look at press releases. It was suggested that QED have its own section/identity in press releases. Phil Kessel is to meet with Public Relations to discuss future press releases and a possibility for a regular corner in Borough News. The Environmental Services notice boards were mentioned by Richard as a potential target for flyers. Alan Cremer raised the issue that some libraries within the local area were not aware of LA21/QED. It was decided that some graphics would need to be added to the flyers to make them more readable. A size was not agreed for the flyer.
The group's attention was drawn to the fact that KCC will eventually be looking towards reducing the quantity of land-fill used, but that at the present time land-fill is still the cheapest form of disposal (about a half to a third cheaper than other methods).
Barbara Judge brought up the issues relating to local builders and how there are no services available for them to dispose of their waste, other than hiring a skip. Richard Wiltshire mentioned an alternative of recycling many of the items.
a) Business Awareness Flyer
This was distributed to the group. Richard Wiltshire mentioned that the information might be published in business publications, such as the Chamber of Commerce's newsletter, etc. Another place to distribute the flyer would be through builders merchants or plumbers. It was agreed to change the wording of "businessmen" to "businesses". It was suggested that the leaflet be sent out with bills to businesses.
b) Oil Recycling
Dave Thomas has compiled a list of 9 local garages that are willing to collect oil for recycling. John Prance to include list with the minutes for distribution.
At this point it was agreed by the group that a carousel be purchased for QED to include such items. Paul Smith to write to Chris Martin to request a carousel. Julie Morton suggest an "Adopt a carousel" scheme for maintaining items.
C) National Spring Clean
It was mentioned that 2 skips would possibly be required for 2 different allotment sites during this period. The group concerned with Nation Spring Clean had been contacted, however the response had been very slow.
7) 1998 Dartford Festival
It was reported that a "green" circus had been hired, which involves "hands on" demonstrations of environmentally friendly ideas. Detail to come. It was suggested that Paddy Hurlihy attend the next meeting. The dates for the festival have been confirmed as 25th - 26th July, 1998. John Prance to pursue source for 6' globe.
8) Any Other Business
John Gunn mentioned the Kent Reduction of Waste Network's newsletter. A copy of the newsletter to be distributed with the minutes.
Eric Tomlinson discussed the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan and the response to national plant habitat protection and specific species.
Alan Cremer reported that Dartford Paper Mill had received an environmental award and congratulated them for achieving ISO 14001 status.
9) Future Meetings
25th February, 1998 7:30pm
25th March, 1998 (QED AGM) 7:00pm
8th April, 1998 7:30pm