Present: Paul Smith (Chair), Barbara Judge (United Nations Assoc.), Graeme Laidlaw (Secretary), Richard Wiltshire (Dartford Allotments Steering Committee), David Meade (Woodland Trust - Joydens Wood), Steve Weiss (National Power - Littlebook), John Gunn (United Nations Assoc.), Alan Cremer (DBC), John Strong (QED Transport)
1) Apologies: Councilor Defty, John Prance, Olive Robertson
2) Notes from the Last Meeting: Richard Wiltshire reported that he had designed a structure for a QED Web Page, which was circulated. He highlighted the relevant group's pages and possible links to other organisations pages. Any literature, text or photos for inclusion should be forwarded to Richard. With regard to the leaflet on horticultural chemicals, it was reported that the Publicity Department had agreed to arrange a regular column in the Informer for QED information. The first issue to be covered will be the QED Waste flyer on Garden Chemicals. Different means of distribution were discussed with the Publicity Department. A publicity day at the Civic Amenity Site was suggested, to distribute leaflets. I was agreed that the leaflet would need to be reprinted with the nuclear symbol removed and replaced with a more appropriate skull and crossbones. Alan Cremer to take up the matter with Duncan Phillips.
3 Future Projects
a) Business Awareness Flyer
John Prance to arrange for inclusion in the Chamber of Commerce's newsletter. Alan Cremer to approach Harcross Builders Merchants to see if leaflets can be distributed with bills. Groundwork to be contacted by Richard Wiltshire to put in Business Bulletin. Alan Cremer reported that QED (car emissions testing) is to be added to the reverse of Council car park tickets. It was reported that a draft report for Forum for the Future, by the Local Government Management Board, had been received and required redrafting due to some misrepresentations of QED. It was also reported that Dartford Council had won a Green Apple Award. The winning poster from the Energy Awareness Committee's Competition was circulated.
B) Oil Recycling
Dave Thomas had been reminded. Posters were in the process of being laminated. Paul Smith to contact Dave Thomas.
C) National Spring Clean
400 leaflets had been distributed. Jackets are with Alan Cremer, but Alan highlighted potential shortfall in demand, so it would be necessary to obtain early. Richard Wiltshire reported that Dartford Road Allotments would be getting a skip in April anyway, so photos could be taken if needed. The subject of the River Cleaning was mentioned if the weather is fine, but it was mentioned that many birds nest in the river's banks during April. It was thought that the Environment Agency were willing to sponsor river cleaning. Any ideas for Spring Clean should be forwarded to John Prance.
D) Leaflet Carousels
Concern was raised with regard to the co-ordination of all the leaflets pertaining to QED issues. It was suggested that the group chairs work with Russell Bowie (in Public Relations) on information relating to QED. QED publicity literature to be sent to all QED chairs. The carousels found in the Tourist Information Center are to be used for QED, once approved. Uses include the library, Swanscombe and the Council reception. David Meade reported that Joydens Wood library have a carousel that might be of use.
4) Dartford Festival
Paul Smith had been in contact with the "Green Roadshow" with regard to the items that are to be included. He reported that he is still awaiting a reply from the people who run the show. Richard Wiltshire highlighted that duplication of ideas that are in the Green Roadshow would be a problem. Paul Smith to ensure that contents of the show are to be sent out before the next meeting. John Strong perceived a problem with organisations promoting their own causes rather than QED. The question of QED Awareness was raised. It was requested that the area assigned to QED should not be next to the "Green Roadshow".
5) Darenth Country Park
Richard Wiltshire reported that the QED Allotments group had identified how they could put together an Allotment Site in the park and what input could come from other interested groups. The Biodiversity and Health groups were highlighted as potentially interested parties. Two documents were circulated, one highlighted the areas of involvement for other QED groups. In the short term, it was envisaged that little was required. The low cost option for site clearance was discussed. The use of carpet from Respond to cover overgrown areas was highlighted. The question was raised with regard to possible pollutants/poisons on the site. Groundwork/DBC to advise to potential hazards. Pallets and a source of wood for shed construction to be a task for Waste Group. A formal system for administration will be required in the future. It was mentioned that an area on the Arrow Riding Center might be necessary for composting (hard- standing). Paul and Richard to pay a visit to the center. Concerned had been expressed as to how the bees would integrate into the park. Mixed responses had been received from many sources on the internet as to how bees and horses mix. A trip to Kenthouse leisure gardens has been arranged for Saturday 28th March, 1998 to see bees and talk to individuals on allotments. Steve Weiss mentioned that bees are present on his site and suggested a contact if necessary. Issues relating to insurance and liability were raised. A proposed strategy for the bee keepers was to move their teaching apiary from Longfield. A potential problem of vandalism was a major concern, so it was that that security would be a high priority.
6) Any Other Business
The subject of a new European Law relating to electrical goods was raised. This new law will involve the manufacturer having to take away old appliances when a customer buys a new one.