Minutes of Caerlaverock Community Association
AGM and Meeting
at The Nith Hotel, Glencaple
on Wednesday 28th November 2018
Present: David Gilbert, Douglas Anderson, Malcolm Laurie, Chris Jackson, Rob Wells, Ian Brown, Cllr John Campbell, Cllr Malcolm Johnstone, Ward Officer Chris Woodness, Stephen Powell, Sue Gilbert, Rona Carson, John Carson, David Buoy, Culver Curry, Billy Little, Shirley Little, Sue Greig, Kelly Green, Jane Baxter, Alison Robertson, Mila Gerson, Daniel Kadden, Judith Mylne, PC Christopher Trosh
Apologies: Cllr Elaine Murray, Cllr John Martin, Revd David Logan, Gordon Tennant, Hilary Roberts, Alanna Rogerson, Gill Lines, Beryl Walker, Lynne Sydes, Lady Clare, Gordon Kerr
Welcome and thanks given for coming out on a stormy night.
AGM
David Gilbert stated in his chairperson’s report a sense of achievement that so much is done within the community by individuals – the sense of community here is unique. Over the year, the CCA website has recorded over 391 posts and events – highlights were read out, thanks were accepted.
Finances
£3096.62 Balance at start of period
£1114.20 Plus Income this period (entirely from Motorhome donations)
£4201.82 Total
£1615.55 Less expenditure this period
£2595.27 = Balance at end of period
Expenditure
£85.41 – Kit bought to tarmac potholes (Council notified and filled 2 of the 14 potholes at Blackshaw).
£500 – Donation to Caerlaverock Primary School
£72 – Printing of ‘20 is Plenty’ campaign documents
£35 – Poppy wreath
£45.99 – Quay End beacon expenses
£661 – IT/ security/ website/ social media costs
£216.06 – weatherproof noticeboards x2
Constitution
Some amendments to the constitution (it still fits on one side of A4!).
Committee
Douglas Anderson stood down after more than 10 years involvement in Caerlaverock Community Council, and as Chair for years prior to and during the changeover to Caerlaverock Community Association in 2016. Doug’s contributions cannot be overstated. He will continue to do the work ‘behind the scenes’ in the community. Many thanks were given.
Karen Grieve also officially stood down, following 10 years as secretary (in a ‘stand in’ capacity!). Thank you, Karen!
Sue Greig agreed to stand as secretary.
Both Kelly Green and David Buoy have agreed to join the committee.
Chairperson – David Gilbert
Vice Chair, Website & Communications – Malcolm Laurie
Treasurer – Chris Jackson
Secretary – Sue Greig
Committee Members – Rob Wells, Ian Brown, Helen Clarke, Ronnie Clarke, Kelly Green, David Buoy
If someone couldn’t be at the meeting, but wishes to join the committee, it was agreed that they could be co-opted on at a later date.
Malcolm Laurie proposed to set up a group email list to help communications and keep decision-making open, and to enable others in the community to participate in working groups and take a more active role in projects that come up. Look out for a post about this on our website, coming soon.
Minutes of last meeting – agreed.
Matters arising – to follow
Community Police Report
PC Christopher Trosh from the Dumfries Community Unit wanted to highlight the ongoing fraudulent schemes:
‘The best defence again fraud is awareness. It’s been happening in Dumfries and Galloway quite frequently just now’…
Fraudsters may ring you up and pretend to be from people you trust – your bank, the police, HMRC etc.
They may claim your bank account has been ‘frozen’ or ‘suspended’ or ‘blocked’ and ask you to pay money out of that account to ‘keep it safe’. If you do that, what actually will have happened is that you have paid your money into the fraudster’s account.
Remember:
Your bank/ reputable companies etc will…
- Never change your account name
- Nor call you and ask for your details over the phone
- Nor ask you to move your money into another account, or a ‘safe account’
- Not send you emails with links to click to transfer funds/ change your account details etc
- and will not give you an ultimatum (etc reply within 12 hours or
Also:
- Never share any of your details or logins or codes or passwords with anyone – even if they claim they are phoning from your bank
- Don’t pay your money into a ‘safe account’ following a phone-call
- Don’t phone a number given to you by the caller (if it’s a fraud, this will just take you to another person who is part of the fraud)
- Don’t click on links in emails – go to the page independently (or email/ call the bank using the details on their own website to ask their advice)
What to do:
- Hang up immediately (it’s not rude. If it was a genuine call, they’ll understand)
- Use a different phone (eg a landline or mobile, or a friend or family member’s phone) to call your bank using the number on the company website, or on the back of your bank card
- Call 101 – the police want to know (so they can make an action plan of which areas to target)
or - Close the email
- Go to the website and contact the real company by emailing them or by phonecall – YOU are instigating the conversation using trusted email/ phone number to check if this was a scam/ fraud. If it was a genuine email, they will advise you what to do next.
PC Trosh also spoke about Christmas (markets etc) being high tariff events for terrorists to target at this time of year. Although not pertinent to Caerlaverock, if you see something suspicious when you’re out and about, please let the police know – phone 101 (or 999 if it’s warranted).
In response to a question regarding the speed signs at Kelton Bank – it was advised that we get in touch with the Traffic Police who will come down with speed guns to prosecute speeders. Advised also to pass the info. to the Community Team so they can act upon it.
Financial report – as above
Caerlaverock Primary School Report
News from the school is basically the build up to Christmas!…
– We will be present at the Barbour Hall Craft Fayre on Saturday and any money we raise from selling the children’s crafts will go into the pot for the ‘Playground regeneration’.
– Our Christmas night is on Wednesday 19th December 2018 at the Barbour Hall – 6.30pm start. This is an invite to parents/carers and all of the Caerlaverock community if they wish to come along! It’s free entry and the main event will be a ‘Snowman Drive’. There will be drinks and nibbles available and even some of Mrs. Mitchell’s homemade soup! We will also have our hamper draw that evening as well.
– There is an example hamper currently in the Boathouse with hamper sheets that people can buy if they wish. We have also asked the community to donate any items to our hampers if they so wish, (on our leaflets we have posted through everyone’s doors!) and these can be handed into the school.
– We will also be singing some carols and Christmas songs at the Hutton Hall’s Senior Citizen Meal on Tuesday 11th December.
– We hope to be involved in the ‘Soup Social’ at the Barbour Hall on Thursday 10th January where the kids may make a pot of soup to be part of the feeding frenzy!
Caerlaverock Kirk Report
On Friday 5th October, I welcomed the children, staff and parents of Caerlaverock and Brownhall Primaries to our church, which was specially decorated. The Harvest Loaf was presented by Caerlaverock Primary School and the gifts that had been brought were sent out on Harvest Sunday 7 October along with those brought by the Congregation. It was a delight to see members of the CCA attending the Harvest Service representing the community.
At our Communion service on 28 October, two of our Elders, Sheila Wilson and Cath Haining were presented with certificates of Long Service signed by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland.
As a regular visitor to Caerlaverock and Brownhall primaries, I was invited to lead a Remembrance service in both schools. These were billed as ‘community events’ and were well attended by staff, pupils, parents and members of the public.
Remembrance Sunday. I led a service at the church and thereafter at the War Memorial. Both were well attended. I later attended the excellent event at Glencaple Pier. I suggest that this becomes an annual event with our beacon being lit. With regards to the War Memorial – it is situated on a dangerous bend with poor visibility for approaching drivers. May I suggest that we explore the possibility of moving the memorial further back into the field and creating a small area in front for persons wishing to pay their respects.
A new larger sign will soon be erected giving directions to the church from the Bankend Road.
Charity Calendar sales. The Calendars have virtually all gone which means there will be £1000 to give to local charities. Arrangements are in hand to have a presentation evening. Malcolm Laurie and I are organising this.
Community cinema. Again Malcolm Laurie and I are organising an initial film showing at the Barbour Hall on 26 November to test interest in this project.
A Country Kirk at Christmas. This family service, will take place in the church at 19:00 on Christmas Eve. The church will be specially decorated for Christmas and will be candle lit. If coming, please share transport as parking is limited. The service will be about one hour and will be suitable for children with lots of your favourite Christmas Carols. Free mince pies and hot spiced apple juice after the service.
The New Year: Plans are in hand for a presentation evening to hand over cheques to our local charities. This will be on Tuesday 15th January 2019.
Caerlaverock Kirk’s Burns Supper will be held at the Nith Hotel on Friday 15th February 2019. Further details in due course.
There will be a lambing service at the church on Sunday 3rd March.
In addition, I have restarted my Wednesday morning meeting point at the Nith Hotel from 10:00 until 11:30. If you want to catch up with me please just come along for a coffee or tea. [*Please note, David won’t be able to make it to the Nith on 12th December]
Kirk report also available online here
Hutton Hall Report
Currently busy preparing for the Children’s Christmas Party on Sunday 9th December – 29 replies to date.
Senior Citizens Christmas Meal also in progress. 135 invites sent so far. Please get in touch with Kelly if your name isn’t on the list. [Find Kelly’s contact details below]
The Hall will be open for decorating on Saturday evening – all welcome.
After New Year – Discussions with Oasis Youth Centre to provide transport into Dumfries and to bring the youth centre to Hutton Hall.
Discussions also underway with a Yoga and Pilates teacher.
20 is Plenty Update
DG reminded us that our 20 is Plenty document was handed into the council in September 2018 and a letter of support was also sent by MSP Joan McAlpine.
15th October, letter of acknowledgement received from Alistair Speedie
– thanks and the Network Strategy and Road Safety (NSRS) team will review the petition and document and will take a test study and site visit and thereafter respond in full.
We should ‘understand that this is just one of many such requests and it will be reviewed as soon as practicably possible’. DG has heard nothing since.
Cllr John Campbell advised that it was brought up at the Economy Environment and Infrastructure committee meeting recently – confirmed that petition and document received and the NSRS team will review (as above) and will respond ‘as and when appropriate and when resources become available’. Cllr JC isn’t on this committee but raised it at the Administration meeting, but it’s got to be done on a consensus. He wants action and the policy from 2012 should be reviewed and updated.
Due to the criteria, it looks unlikely that anything will change quickly.
Cllr Malcolm Johnstone has raised this at various meetings and won’t let it be forgotten. Cllr MJ suggested that if he and Cllr JC can work together on this, he would be more than happy to ‘get it sorted out’.
DG stated that the Council is in breach of its own policies – that there should be a 20mph limit outside all schools. Cllr JC pointed out that part of the criteria is the school roll – that Caerlaverock Primary School has low numbers, so hasn’t ‘been done yet’. This point did not go down well with the community attending. It is unlikely that the Roads Strategy Team will change their minds.
DG pointed out the material change of circumstances – the 24 houses being built, the additional traffic with The Boathouse opening and other changes as documented. He will write back to Alistair Speedie and keep the pressure on.
Cllr JC will find out if the CCA members and community can be a part of the review and site visit, Cllr MJ added that as elected members they should take ownership and take charge, it’s long overdue.
Ward Officer Chris Woodness suggested that we ask Alistair Speedie in what way he is following established guidelines as recognised by the Scottish Governement and agreed by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
It was noted that consultation and engagement is required before changes are made. A timeline should be requested.
Wildfowling Update
An agreement has been reached with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to overcome budget concerns. Voluntary wardens have been provided.
Christmas Hampers
As dynamics have changed, it was agreed that a donation of £300 is given to the Hutton Hall for the Senior Citizens Christmas Meal. It costs between £700 to £800 to run the event, including transport, meal, entertainment and bar. It was noted that the Barbour Hall donated £100. The money will be very welcome. An additional £100 will be earmarked for e.g. a houseplant to individuals who over 60 and e.g. are housebound. Please let us know if you know someone who falls into this category.
Many thanks given to Rob Wells and Sue Greig who have organised and distributed the hampers over the years.
Housing Development
Update – planning application for 24 houses put in, including 2 separate building plots for large, detached houses. Access will be from the B725 (Shore Road leading South from Glencaple) with a 2m wide footpath connecting to Wellington Street. Plans amended in November to include a 1m wide rural footpath on the river side of the B725.
Concerns –
– Trees/ path
– Drainage
– Works started without planning
– It’s nothing like the village statement
– There’s a lot of water coming off the field, coming across the road and polluting the river.
David Buoy has spoken to the site foreman and reported that they want to get the road in before Christmas so they can start building in January. As planning hasn’t been passed yet, there is no permission to start.
As vice chair of the planning committee, Cllr JC declared an interest, and is concerned about developers starting without approval/ going before the committee (clearing has been done with topsoil running onto the road and into the river).
Cllr JC will look at the water/ mud coming onto the road and will raise it with the planning committee next week.
DB has already taken photos.
As the CCA is not a statutory body, CCA are not automatically consulted on planning matters, although DG will request that we are.
DB will draft a letter for DG to sign.
See also this post on CCA website about the development.
Glamping Pods
Concerns
– Word heard ‘through the grapevine’ with nothing [initially] known officially
– Proposed site (Glenhowan) is elevated with impact on the national scenic area
– Terrible single-track road with blind corners, not made for use by so many cars with few passing places and it’s already overused – an accident waiting to happen. Especially with people who are unfamiliar with it/ don’t know how to drive on single track roads.
– How many units – [2 initially, up to 5 proposed]
– How large will the units be? For 2 to 4, [then up to 6]
– More sites planned in Caerlaverock – ‘various locations’?
– Imbalance between locals and tourism (and increase in traffic) – a significant impact on Caerlaverock
– Would like to have been informed, though now understand that as not a statutory body, CCA won’t necessarily hear automatically
– Disappointment that nobody from the Estate was here to discuss these matters
DG went on to read from a statement from Gordon Kerr (c/o Caerlaverock Estate):
Planning has been submitted for 2 units with designs to be finalised – they will be sympathetic, in keeping and of high quality. They will be well screened from public roads (trees will be planted).
DG will email Lady Clare drawing her attention to community concerns (DG has done so, response below). This was deemed very helpful.
“In response, there are plans for 2 ecopods which will be very sensitive to the local surroundings and environment in their design, they will be shielded by trees and should not be visible from the Shore Road. There are no plans for further ecopod sites on the Estate.”
Any other Business
Senior Citizens Christmas Meal – Reminder to please let Kelly Green know if you haven’t had/ know of anyone over 60 who would like an invite to the meal. [see Kelly’s contact details below]
Roads – Especially with increasing vehicles on the road from Dumfries to Glencaple, with the Boathouse and the new housing development coming, what can be done to keep the road passable? Flooding at Kelton, Kelton Bank and the Crichton, flooding from the fields at Netherwood together with local water and mud have made the road impassable at times recently. DG happy to write to the highways. It was suggested that the landowners are responsible and should be able to control the amount of surface water running off, a contentious point.
Trees – Update requested from the Estate please. Lady Clare has responded promptly advising that tree planting will take place in February and March 2019.
Speeding – Rona and John Carson have been very active in pursuing action to reduce the speed at the Kelton Bank Corner. Rona has requested specific data from the solar speed monitors and presented graphs of individual maximum speeds.
– in one week, there were 3195 vehicles travelling in one direction, and 36 violations…
– the violations were in the 60, 70s and one speeder doing 81mph
– this is between the two speed signs, on the corner
This evidence shows that their concerns are not unfounded – everybody on this road is vulnerable and at risk. Doubled with the flooding. Rona has conducted a lot of research and feels that given this evidence, there is no alternative now, but to demand that action be taken, and to agree to a reduced speed limit for all road users.
Videos have been taken by a cyclist where cars have been well over the white line at that corner – it’s not unusual – and the width of vehicles was also brought up as a further risk. The acceptable speed for tractors has been raised to 50km/h.
DG requested that Rona draft a letter for him to send, with the statistics, to Police Scotland. CW suggested sending it to Alistair Speedie too, to give an indication of the amount of traffic, as well as the speed of traffic travelling down to Glencaple.
Mirrors – DA reported that unfortunately the council have advised that mirrors (ear-marked for the bottom of Wellington Street and at the bad bend at Conheath) are only legal on private roads.
Thanks to the Nith Hotel for the use of the Function Suite.
Next meeting – Wednesday 27th February 2018 at The Nith Hotel, Glencaple.
Contact details
Ward Officer Chris Woodness extended his invite to everyone to get in touch with him, if he can help, he will.
Email: chris.woodness@dumgal.gov.uk
Call: 01387 256 059 or 07799 34 22 22
David Gilbert, Chair – Cedrum, Kelton, DG1 4UA
davidgilbert56@gmail.com or call: 01387 770 605 BEFORE 9pm
Malcolm Laurie, Vice Chair, Website and Communications – caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com or 0792 079 65 65
Chris Jackson, Treasurer, Invernith, Front Row, Glencaple DG1 4RD
Sue Greig, Secretary – sue_greig@yahoo.co.uk Mobile: 07971 094 529
or Landline: 01387 770 348
Kelly Green, Email: greenkellyanne@yahoo.co.uk Call: 07584 93 22 03
Communications team – including Hilary Roberts for the monthly Caerlaverock Catch-up – Email: caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com
Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/caerlaverockcommunity/
– we depend on you to keep us informed!
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