Present: Paul Smith (Chair), Albert Dixon (Respond), Judith Kendall (Respond), Olive Robertson (Soroptimist Int), Julie Morton (Newtown QED), Bob Gagg (Pinden), Barbara Judge (United Nations Assoc.), Eric Tomlinson (Dartford Paper Mill), Barry Ringrose (Wilmot Road Allotments), Graeme Laidlaw (Secretary), John Strong (Chair - QED Transport), Richard Wiltshire (Dartford Allotments Steering Committee), Dayn Clarke (DBC), John Prance (DBC), Margaret Stock (Councilor).

1) Apologies: None.

2) Minutes of the Last Meeting: Received and approved.

Matters arising:Terms of Reference to go before the Steering Group at the end of November. Eric has some pallets for Richard. Eric to contact Richard.

3) Respond (talk by Albert Dixon)

Albert gave a short talk on the work Respond and some of the needs that they have. Based in Thamesmead, Respond collects unwanted furniture in usable condition for homeless and needy people. They collect in the Dartford , Greenwich and Lewisham areas. They also collect "White Goods" such as fridges, cookers, etc. They cannot get enough "White Goods", however. They collect goods from locations using their 4 vans, which are stored in Thamesmead. Small electrical goods can be repaired and redistributed, but at present, fridges cannot be repaired. Carpets can be collected, but are difficult to use. Barry Ringrose expressed an interest in carpets for use on the allotment site for ground cover (hessian backed, not rubber/foam back).

Margaret Stock expressed the hard work involved by both Albert and Judith in setting up the organisation. Albert explained that there was a need for some form of warehouse within the Dartford area to store furniture for local viewing, to avoid unnecessary transportation. Julie Morton to approach Comet with regard to recycling project/goods (eg toasters, etc).

4) Future Projects

i) Business Awareness Flyer

Richard Wiltshire to prepare a draft for the next meeting. John Prance to contact Richard to arrange a meeting. Richard expressed a wish to involve someone from business.

In connection with the above, John Prance mentioned the "Waste Minimisation Project" which WS Atkins had offered to a limited number of businesses. Their services had been offered free of charge to do a waste minimisation study, 3 in the Ashford area had taken up the offer. Eric explained Dartford Paper Mills already had a study underway by WS Atkins. Bob Gagg said that Littlebrook Power Station might be interested.

ii) Local Cleanliness Monitoring Groups

It was proposed that an invitation be extended to the public to monitor areas, which might in turn expand the number of members in the group.

iii) Newtown Alley Project

Letters are to be sent out to local residents next week. The project is due to start in January/February if enough response is received.

iv) Oil Recycling

8 companies are currently involved, with garages offering free oil disposal. Dave Thomas to expedite flyer.

v) National Spring Clean

In 1998, National Spring Clean will run for the whole month of April. Literature will be distributed as soon as it arrives. John Prance explained that council contractors were not able to clean up private areas, but there was no reason why voluntary groups could not work on "hotspot" areas if the owner's permission is given.

Barbara Judge mentioned the river as an area that needed attention. The responsibility of the Environment Agency was raised. It was mentioned that the Youth Group had shown an interest in cleaning the river, but there were concerns with regard to the safety of those cleaning deep waters.

Eric mentioned "DRIPS" and that he would be attending their AGM. Eric also mentioned the North West Countryside Group and the work they perform on similar activities.

5) Dartford Festival

John Strong expressed a wish to expand the QED display at the back of the Marquee, by rearranging the vehicles and increasing the area covered.

Julie Morton suggested an idea directed at children involving a type of competition where they can design and build a toy/truck from waste materials. The articles to be judged over the weekend and prizes to be given to different age ranges. Another suggestion was to have a competition in the period prior to the festival.

A copy of the list of participants is to be distributed with these minutes to give the groups ideas for floats and exhibits for the festival.

Dayn Clarke to investigate obtaining a 6ft globe for the festival.

6) Disposal of Horticultural Chemicals

Richard Wiltshire explained that a plotholder had been given incorrect advice with regard to the disposal of garden chemicals. A proposed flyer to explain safer ways to dispose of these products was met with some concern. John Prance to liaise with KCC with regard to their reaction to such a flyer.

Richard Wiltshire explained how the area on the map used to be cultivated as allotments by hospital patients. The proposed area could be used for community gardens and space for disabled groups. Allocation for a community composting scheme is to be included in the plans, which the residents of the new adjacent houses (300) will be able to use. Kent Social Services have expressed an interest in using land for horticultural therapy. The proposed project will also have links to the proposed Health and Biodiversity groups. The land reclamation could be achieved by using carpets (supplied by Respond). The site is approximately 3.5 acres in total. A report will be given to the QED Steering Committee at the end of the November. The group expressed an interest in taking on the project. Bob Gagg highlighted the regulations involved with regard to waste disposal.

8) Future Meetings

14th January, 1997.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE DARTFORD FESTIVAL (1997)

Kent Fire Brigade Wilmington Hall School

Linda Fryday School of Irish Dancing Dartford Irish Club

Marie Martin School of Irish Dancing Dart Radio

Co-op Travelcare Dartford West Girl Guides

Rowhill School Dartford Age Concern

Dartford East Girl Guides Two Guns - Roger Bird

Reynolds Fitness Centre & Theatre Academy Orchard Theatre

Flight Aid Charlton Athletic

British Red Cross MJD & Sons Ltd

Loot Ltd QED (Kentish Bus)

Dansonette Royales Royal Mail

Dartford & Gravesham Mind Longfield Youth Centre

Dartford Disabled Club Dartford Sea Cadets

R.N.L.I.

Bexley & Dartford MD Group

Livingstone Hospital

North Heath Spinners

Bridge Court Resource Centre

Bhangra Dancers

222 Field Squadron

Unwins

Dartford FC

Beechcare Nursing Home