Community Council Minutes, February 2025
MINUTE OF THE MEETING
held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 12th February 2025 in the Murray Hall Annexe
1. In Attendance & Apologies:
Present: Simon Brooke, Chair (SB); George Makins, Treasurer (GM); Adam Turnbull, Secretary (AT); Paul Jardine (PJ); Shameen Syed (SD); Jane Burton (JB); Rosie McClure (RM) and James Higgs (JH); Pamela Vaughan (PV).
Apologies: Susan Small (SS)
Visitors: Anne Williams (Chair, Auchencairn Initiative); Lee Paton (ACT representative); Yvonne Parr (Auchencairn Bowling Club); Jade Middleton; and Jim Tollan.
2. Approval of the Minute(s) of the Previous Meeting and Matters Arising:
The Minutes of the Meetings held on 11th December 2024 and 8th January 2025 were accepted as being a true and accurate record of the meetings. Approved by GM, seconded by PJ.
3. Police Report
Nothing to report.
4. D & G Council
Nothing to report. No Councillor was in attendance.
5. Planning
David Beresford had been advised withdraw and resubmit the application that he had submitted for 5 family homes to be built. David is planning to return to the plan. It was agreed that ACC would make representation to the council to support the development. RM and SB will meet with David to discuss.
6. Finances
GM provided a review of the income and expenditure since the last meeting. The discretionary grant funding from D&G Council in the sum of £469.34 had been received, but would be reduced next year due to the period that ACC was not quorate. £117 had been received for hall lets, with an additional £80 (Christmas Lunch proceeds) and £60 (loan repayment) received from the Auchencairn Initiative.
There was currently a balance of £14,232.58 in the Murray Hall Account; and £10,157.77 in the current account.
GM, also expressed a view in connection with the utilisation of funds in the Heughan Trust for the maintenance of the Murray Hall to the effect that there were funds available for that if needs be.
7. Auchencairn Initiative
AW reported that, as expected, the trade in the shop was reduced in January, but that was normal for the time of year. The installation of the solar panels and battery unit were completed today. There was already a noticeable benefit in terms of significantly reduced grid consumption and the AI were delighted with the results so far.
8. ACT Feedback
LP reported that the SCIO application should hopefully be completed by the end of the week. ACT’s new logo has now been circulated. The Bike Shed is now fully fitted with solar panels. From 8th to 22nd April ACT would be sponsoring an Art Exhibition in the Murray Hall. All members of the community are invited to submit any form of art with their interpretation of ‘Beneath One Sky’.
There was then a detailed discussion about the appropriate level of rent that the Exhibition should pay, having regard to the standard commercial rates that would be payable by default (and the likely inability of the Exhibition to pay those rates) against the potential community benefit. Consideration was given to restricting the duration of the Exhibition, but on the basis that publicity had already been circulated it was agreed that £200 would be charged in rent, with ACC receiving any donations made during the Exhibition in addition. In effect, ACC would be co-sponsoring the event (akin to the Flower show) with the Murray Hall being made available at reduced rates as a donation in kind.
9. Village Matters
a. Murray Hall
JH has inspected the Murray Hall and the toilet block, as well as installing donation boxes in the Hall and Annexe. He has reported that the annexe roof is in good condition. The main hall roof is suffering from damp sarking due to lack of proper ventilation. There is localised rot. Roof slates are generally in good condition but ridge panels need some attention. The rubber membrane roof of the toilet block is in fairly good condition. It was agreed that GM would approach JDR Goodman to see if he would be interested in quoting for the required repairs. .
b. Murray Hall Public Meeting
SB has circulated the feedback by email. So far 4 volunteers had put themselves forward for the cleaning rota.
c. Local Place Plan
The questionnaire is now ready and will receive a final check before community consultation at the public meeting arranged for the 22nd March.
d. Acoustics
RM reported that, after the site meeting, the revised quote was £6112.27 from Koru Accoustics. It was agreed that Koru could be instructed to proceed. RM will also look into a quote for a sound system.
e. Anniversaries
Yvonne Parr reported that Auchencairn Bowling Club is looking to increase their village membership. This year they will be celebrating 150 years and are looking to host celebratory events including a BBQ in July. Their season opening day is Saturday 19th April from 1pm.
f. Time Capsule
The Time Capsule was opened last week with children from Auchencairn
Primary School. This will be featured in tomorrow’s Galloway News.
10. AOCB
Mr Bresnahan at 63 Main Street does not require an assistance from ACC with any planning issues.
Jade Middleton will take on the website from Janet Kerr.
11. Date and time of next meeting
Wednesday 12th March 2025 at 7.00pm in the Murray Hall Annexe.
Meeting closed at 8:40pm.