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 - Littlebrook), Alan Cremer (DBC), John Strong (QED Transport), Julie Morton (Newtown QED), John Prance (DBC), Olive Robertson (Soroptimist Int)
1) Apologies: John Gunn, Eric Thomlinson, Bob Gagg.
It was brought to the attention of the group that Chris Martin was no longer working at the Council.
2) Notes from the Last Meeting:
Business Awareness Flyer
GCAN had been approached with regard to distributing flyer in their newsletter. There had been no response from Russell Bowie/The Informer with regard to the flyer. Unfortunately the chemicals leaflet was not able to be sent out with the allotment newsletter, due to it being reprinting. No response had been received from Harcross or the Chamber of Commerce.
National Spring Clean
100 invitations had been sent out for National Spring Clean, but to date there are only 8 participants, including :-
i) NWK Countryside Project (Dartford Marshes)
ii) 1st Gallihill Cubs (Swanscombe)
iii) Highfield Youth Club (Highfield Road area)
iv) St Pauls Road Neighborhood Watch (St Pauls Road, Swanscombe)
v) Bean Allotments (Allotments and surrounding area)
vi) Wilmington Parish
vii) Sutton at Hone
viii) Southfleet
Skips had been arranged as follows. 1 skip for Bean allotments, 3 skips to NWK countryside group and 2 other around the locale. Bob Gagg of Pinbins to provide the skips at 1/2 price to QED. Rethmans provided gloves and cleaning gear. Richard Wiltshire requested the QED sign for the promotional photos at the Dartford Road site when their own skip arrives on Saturday.
Respond
Julie Morton reported that Comet will be donating up to 70 items regularly (including fridges, washing machines, toasters, etc) to Respond. A future project that is envisaged is to setup a training scheme for unemployed persons to repair such goods. The group wished to acknowledge the good work and achievement made by Julie in this area.
Leaflet Carousels
These have been obtained and are to be located in libraries, etc. Information has been sent to libraries. John strong offered to repair and respray the carousels.
3) Arrow Riding School
Paul Smith and Richard Wiltshire visited the site on Saturday to get the feelings/potential problems involved with the country park from the staff at the Riding Center. Their main concerns were with vandalism, with lights and windows being smashed. They also had another concern with other aspects of the park when Country Park comes into use. It was suggested that the park ranger may alleviate the problems. The Riding School mentioned that they had been inundated with membership applications. They feel threatened by the developments at the park. Richard Wiltshire said that the school showed an interest in composting. Groundwork are to erect compost bins. With regard to the residential compostable waste, there appeared to be difficulty in getting information to the park advisory group. Advice is required from this group. The issue of bees in the country park is to be dealt with at a later stage.
4) Dartford Festival
Paul Smith had been in contact with the Green Circus/Roadshow, but they had not been forthcoming with items that are in the roadshow. Phil Kessle had requested that a representative from the organisation attend a steering group meeting. It was suggested that QED restrict items for the show to local issues. Barbara Judge at this point gave a talk about the recycling of nuclear waste. It was suggested, however, that the matter should not be taken further through QED. John Prance suggested getting commercial recycling exhibits for the show. It was suggested that the QED marquee house the results/exhibits from the ìFields for Dreamsî competition. Barbara Judge suggested a recycled materials fashion show for different age groups. Barbara Judge to contact the youth group with proposal. Paul Smith suggested that Respond/Comet may contribute to QED tent. John Prance to contact Respond/Councilor Stock. Steve Weiss suggested an exhibit showing recycling statistics. John Prance explained why paper recycling had been problematic with the price dropping. A new contractor is now responsible for collecting paper : - Cleanaways.
5) Future Projects
Light Pollution
Julie Morton said that she has information on this subject. Energy wastage and floodlights were important issues to be addressed. Julie Morton to produce information for leaflet. John Prance to get Phil Kessle to send further information to Julie.
6) Internet Page
Richard mentioned that the page is currently under development, but there are currently problems with his machine, so updates are being delayed. Any new ideas will be added at a later date. It was suggested putting a machine in the QED tent showing the web page.
7) Any Other Business
Environmental Technical Best Practice Programme
John Prance passed around information to the group about waste minimisation. He mentioned that an information pack was available for anyone who might be interested. A copy of a seminar agenda to be attached to the minutes.
UNA / ALCAN
Barbara Judge mentioned that if Aluminum cans are taken to ALCAN, proceeds can be designated to the UNA if required.
Quest/B&Q
Alan Cremer mentioned that B&Q have appointed a LA21 officer in all their stores. There is an LA21 officer appointed in the Dartford store already. B&Q are to distribute leaflets with appropriate sales.
8) Future Meetings
20th May, 1998
17th June, 1998
Festival :- 25th - 26th July, 1998
NOTE: NEXT WASTE MEETING IS NOW 20TH May