Members & Representatives Meetings
The Members and representative meeting are held on a bi-monthly basis.
The meetings will be held around the area and anyone who lives or works in the Upcher catchment are welcome, either to represent an organisation or group, or as an individual who wishes to contribute.
Members meeting 29th July held at Gresham Village Hall.
Janet Farrow, Partnership Manager, opened the meeting by welcoming all to Gresham Village Hall for this meeting. In addition to members she welcomed five District and County Councillors plus Parish Council members as well. She reported that the projects we are involved in at the moment are:
Credit Union:-
Volunteers have been forthcoming and training will commence on 30th July and if successful we should be ready to be up and running by the end of the summer. If anyone else is prepared to volunteer please contact us at the shop 01263 825952
Arts and Literary Festival:-
This is a joint project set up by Poppyland Partnership and ourselves, with the join town councils of Cromer and Sheringham. The first working group is set for Tuesday 4th August and this will focus on content and funding oppotunities for the Festival. It is hoped that this will take place in October 2010.
Walk in the Countryside:-
We are hoping to produce a leaflet of local walks that are not necessarily well known, but would be put together by using peoples own favourite walks around where they live and not just coastal walks. Gresham is working on their own at the moment and we would be looking for walks to cover the whole of the Partnership area.
Sustainable Communities Group:-
A new working group,chaired by Audrey Brayne is looking at ways that our communities can become more self sustainable based on the Transition Town ideas. If anyone wishes for more information or to be involved in the project please contact the shop.
Website www.upchercp.co.uk:-
The site is now up and running and contains information about the Partnership and area as a whole, including project updates and events in the area. If anyone wishes to place an entry please contact Janet, again on 01263 825952
Visitor Survey:-
We have published a small visitor survey, mainly centred on Sheringham, but it does ask questions applicable to the area as a whole. This will be used as a basis to see how we can expand Experience Sheringham leaflets and website www.experiencesheringham.com to encompass the Partnership area. Any Parish or group wishing to publicise any event or happening on this site or to advertise if you are a B&B or similar please contact Jason on 01263 825952. Once all responses are in and analysed a working group will be established to look at publicising and promoting the area, and would include representatives from the Accommodation and Attraction industry,B&B's, Hotels, Chamber of Trade and anyone else interested in promoting the area. The condition of the toilets in Sheringham was raised and it was suggested that as much pressure as possible be exerted on NNDC who are responsible for their upkeep.
Heritage Art and Sculpture Trail:-
We are acting as a partner with the Environment working group who are anxious to extend the trail on Sheringham seafront and are applying for funding for this purpose. We understand that the Sheringham in Bloom judges commented very favourably on what had been acheived so far.
Sheringham Community Smallholding Group:-
Upcher is working with several partners on this project which has been suggested by Sheringham High School pupils and will explore all aspects of small holding activities from vegetables to meat preparation. They are at present awaiting a response from a funding application.
Speedwatch:-
Much discussion took place as to the usefulness of this activity. Gresham do have a team but numbers have fallen, but when they are out in action speeds do drop. The members felt this was not something to pursue. John Perry-Warnes County Councillor, did report that central government were considering the reduction of the 60mph limit to 50mph on many rural roads and that this may well come into force in the area.
Publicity for Parish Events
All were reminded that the Upcher Partnership shop in Sheringham has a large community notice board which is available to publicise any events being held in the Parishes. In addition both the Upcher and Experience Sheringham websites were available for this purpose as well. It was reported that we are in discussion with NNDC as to the possibility of the Upcher shop becoming a smaller version of the Tourist Information Centre during the winter months. We would provide a basic information service regarding available accommodation and events during the months the TIC is closed, and this may prove that we require volunteers for the extra hours that the shop would be open, for instance at the weekends. This also would be part of our project to make the shop an advice and information centre in due course.
Community Chest
This if now up and running and applications have been received. The maximum amount we can pay out on this scheme is £250 and this has to be match funded by the applicants. The first applications will be considered in late August and then in October. Forms are available from the shop. Members were reminded that their membership is channelled into the Community Chest so the more members the better.
Next Meeting
It was reported that the next meeting, probably in October, will be our first AGM. At the meeting the present Directors will stand down and a new set be appointed. The excisting Directors can offer themselves for election if they desire but new ones can be proposed. The date and further information will be circulated nearer the time.
Janet Farrow closed the meeting by thanking all for their attendance and contribution to the evening.
Members Meeting 10th June 2009 held at Oddfellows Hall Sheringham.
Janet Farrow, Partnership Manager,lcomed some nineteen members and non members to the June Meeting. Her first duty was to introduce Sue Reid from Hilltop Adventure Centre who was there to assist with the draw for the prize-winner in connection with the recent Pretty Corner consultation. Sue gave a little insight into the work at Hilltop and its popularity with children and adults alike. The winner was Elaine Reynolds from Sheringham.
Mrs Anne Webster, a Director of Upcher Partnership, then gave a small presentation on the idea of a project to co-ordinate walks in the Partnership Area, and to produce an informative leaflet. These walks would be those that individuals know as their own and those more clearly defined walks using designated footpaths. She then introduced Dr John Gardiner, who had been jointly responsible for the setting up of the Sheringham Trials booklets, and who gave an insight into the points to consider when setting up such leaflets. It was suggested that anyone who had a favourite walk should record directions, drop them into the Partnership shop, and this could form the basis of this project. It was emphasised that the area as a whole would be covered as walks existed in all the parishes.
Janet then gave an update of the projects the Partnership was involved with at the moment.
- Pretty Corner Woods Consultation. This had been completed and generally it appeared that most wished it to remain as it is. 173 questionnaires had been returned which was 17% response which is good. Results were 32% used the woods for walking, 22% to take their children, 18% to fish, and 13% to walk their dogs. This information had now been forwarded to the Woodland Trust and we await developments.
- Arts and Literary Festival. This is a joint project between Cromer and Sheringham Town Councils with the invovlment from the two Area Partnerships. A working group has been set up and will be setting up a programme of events during the half term school holiday in October 2010, and will involve all types of art and literature.
- Credit Union. This is a worldwide organisation which assists those on a lower income bracket with banking facilities. Upcher has agreed to take part and has obtained six volunteers who will be trained and then the 'Community Bank' can be set up. It will operate from the Upcher shop although no cash will be involved and the volunteers will simply assist in the completion of forms and general advice.
- Upcher Partnership Web Site. This is now up and running www.upchercp.co.uk It contains details of all parishes and will carry reports of meetings etc and facilities for events to be publicised, together with links to other sites. It was emphasised that this is the site of the Area Partnership and all parishes are able to suggest items for inclusion.
- Community Chest. North Norfolk Community Partnership has made available funds to operate a Community Chest. This will be for small applications up to £250 and must be match funded. Application forms are now available from the Upcher shop, and any organisation can apply.
It was pointed out that all are eligible to become members, whether an organisation or as an individual member. Membership fees are placed in to the Community Chest and all members will have a vote at the AGM which will be held in September. At the meeting the present directors will stand down and a new board elected.
The question of Speedwatch was raised, and it was reported that at the moment the training team are very busy, but we may ask an existing speedwatch team to talk at the next meeting to give everybody an idea of what is involved.
It is hoped that the next meeting, probably in six to eight weeks time could be held in one of the parishes if possible. Date, Time, and venue will be confirmed.
The date of the first Upcher Community Parntership AGM has been set for Wednesday 28th October 2009 at the Oddfellows Hall 7-7.30pm start. Anyone is welcome but only fully paid up members of the Partnership will be able to vote.
Next members meeting open to all at Weybourne Village Hall on Thursday 14th January 2010, 7pm for Coffee and Biscuits 7.30pm meeting start.
Members meeting Weybourne Village Hall 14th January 2010 7-7.30pm
There were 9 members present at the meeting which was disappointing as the Partnership Manager had walked around the village with invitaions to the meeting through all the residents doors.
Apologies:
Brian Hannah, Peter Burns, Barbara Young, Avil Millar, Judith Millar, Josh, Pat Palmer,John Gardiner,
Janet the Partnership Manager welcomed and thanked everyone for turning out in such inclement weather. There were no new members in attendance so janet felt it was unnecessary to talk through all the items on the comprehensive handout "Update on progress of Upcher projects" (attached). However Janet enlarged upon certain items in which she had further information since the printout was compiled.
1. Art and Literary Festival
It is all hoped that this will become an annual event and Janet requested that if any member knew of groups or people that would like to become involved, they should contact her.
2. Sustainable Communities group
They are proud to have received backing from Swaffham and hope to put on a Road Show in the Spring that will advise on energy saving as well as how to shop and cook more sustainably.
3. Visitor Survey
There were 85 replies and allfrom regular visitors. There is a need to find ways to attract new visitors to the town possibly through a working group made up of relevant associations e.g. B&B etc. The one big criticism was about the poor state of the public toilets.
4. Community Chest
Need for more uptake and applications Next date for applications must be in by March 16th.
5. Empty Shops
Having received permission by NNDC for uptake on this project there are currently no empty shops available in Sheringham
6. Job Information
A new initiativen and Upcher will now receive notification of jobs available in hard copy so that those not computer literate may have better access.
7. Tourist Information
Upcher shop will hold transport timetables and details of accomodation but will not be taking on the role of taking bookings as does TIC in season.
8. North Walsham Area Community Transport Association
Dial a pickup is now available in the area. There will be regular drivers on all routes, concessions recognised and day trips arrived. At the next meeting there will be a presentation on this project for members.
9. Simply Outstanding day in N Norfolk.
Upcher will be renting a stand and will willingly represent any groups who would like to advertise.
MEMBERS QUESTIONS
1. Has the Upcher Partnership taken over the management of Oddfellows Hall? The legal documents are in hand with the solicitors and the date of take over was 1st January 2010
2. Could you explain criteria for applying for Community Chest? The criteria is fairly simply in that any volutary group or organisation can apply for funding up to £250 as long as the amount is match funded, this can be by volunteer hours. Further information can be obtained from the Upcher shop.
3. How can we find out about various associations that appear in Sheringham in order to notify the public? e.g Van from association for deaf and partially hearing was seen on Station Road car park. Contacted NNDC who own the car park and the onus of notfying the public is on the organisation, they are advised to contact the town council. Upecher will liase with the TC.
4. Was there any reference to a health check survey being distributed? The survey's are now in the process of being distributed around the Upcher area. Janet is hoping to have them all out by the end of February.
5.Notice made as to importance of village shops in bad weather situations. The point was made how critical the local shops become for elderly, and immobile residents during periods of bad weather.
6. Would it be a good idea to have an Upcher Newsletter? A Newsletter is available on the website and on the board outside the shop. The parish councils also have any information to put on the village notice boards.
7. Were we aware that there is a training availability for the Smallholders group? Upcher is supporting a project through the High School which includes working with the Smallholders group.
Date of Next Meeting to be announced, decsion taking to move the meetings to quarterly during 2010.
