Caerlaverock Community Association [CCA] Minutes of Meeting held at the Nith Hotel, Glencaple on 30th May 2018

Present:
David Gilbert, Douglas Anderson, Malcolm Laurie, Ian Brown, Rob Wells, Ronnie Clark, Helen Clark
Cllr Elaine Murray, Cllr John Campbell, Cllr Malcolm Johnstone, Ward Officer Chris Woodness
Gordon Kerr, Stephen Powell, Neil Lawson, Jenny Lawson, Culver Curry, May Curry, David Buoy, Shirley Little, Jackie Gemmell, Gail Stewart, Lindsay Henderson, Kelly Green, Jane Baxter, Sue Greig, Gwen Stores, Judith Mylne, Lynne Sydes, Claire Clarke, Steve Clarke

Apologies:
Karen Grieve, Chris Jackson, Hilary Roberts, Joe Bilous, Lady Clare Kerr, Sue Gilbert

Welcome
Chairperson, David Gilbert thanked everyone for coming. “We’re all here to make this community better, I’m not here to speak for you, I’m here to speak on your behalf”.

Matters arising from last meeting on 28th February 2018

Fibre Broadband – Letters of concerns to MSP and MP re broadband and mobile signals sent. Acknowledgements received, response will be posted on CCA website www.caerlaverock.org.uk as and when they arrive.

Green Waste Dump – on south side of Glencaple has been pushed back.

Shore Clean-up – Great success, though highlights plastic problem.

Newsletter
• Finding a balance between hard copy newsletters sent out and what is posted online. Concerns that some people can’t access the information online, yet the newsletter is costly in terms of time and effort to produce and distribute.
• Hilary Roberts, who has been tirelessly producing the newsletter, is happy to continue, but suggests that a ‘monthly bulletin/ update’ might be a good way forward – a ‘round up’/ digest of the website in a single-page monthly sheet.
• All in agreement.
• Suggestions to pin to all noticeboards, WWT/ NNR/ Castle, a pile at the shop/ hotel etc. If we post a printable version online, neighbours, friends and family can ensure that outlying areas and less mobile members of the community are included, or let us know and we can arrange it. Let’s give it a shot and see how it goes.

Police Report – David Gilbert to share relevant information from D&G Police Facebook reports to website.

Potholes – Potholes remain a problem. Keep alerting the council.

Speed Limit at Kelton Bank – New solar powered ‘slow down’ signs now in operation at Kelton Bank.

Wellington Street Car Parking – Please park sensibly.

Matters Arising

Report from Caerlaverock Estate

• Gordon Kerr reported that the Estate are keen to continue good communications with CCA.
• The Boathouse has opened, hoping it will be a success for the community as well as the Estate acknowledging that it needs to be a sustainable and viable business.
• Signage re Motorhomes at the Quay End are being developed with CCA.
• A unique relationship between the Estate and the community.
• DG reported that whilst the Estate is still in the hands of the executors, Lady Clare is very keen to foster a good relationship with the community and is grateful for support with The Boathouse. DG is happy to raise any issues with the Estate, please get in touch (contact at end).
• Grass cutting around the Quay End brought up as an issue. DA will work with GK to work out a suitable arrangement.
• GK – the Estate have provided Castle Corner free of charge, absorbing maintenance costs here and presently pay the public liability insurance on behalf of CCA.
• In response to an enquiry about the shop, GK reported that the business has been exceptionally busy and done well in the 6 weeks since it’s opened. Milk, bread, gin and chocolate are selling well! Thank you to those supporting the shop, please come in and have a look around if you haven’t already.
• Very keen to get feedback from the community. Opinion varies…
• Please all use the suggestion/ feedback book on the counter.

Treasurer’s Report

Expenses:
£169 – online expenses (website running costs and Facebook boosting)
£75 – The Hub – defibrillator training
£50 – McLatchie’s leaving gift
£15.24 – plants purchased for the Quay End boat

£309.24 total expenses

Income:

£727 – sole income from Motorhome donations (including from new online paypal donation facility)

Balance:

£1632.35

DG commented that Malcolm Laurie’s business is absorbing roughly 50% of the cost of hosting/ running the website. Due to changes in recent privacy laws, ML explained that more security is needed so more costs have come in. The CCA will cover these costs.

Nith Inshore Rescue Report

DG read out a summary.
Please see separate document online here:

caerlaverock.org.uk/nith-inshore-rescue-report-may-2018/

School Report

• Jackie Gemmell, new chair for the Caerlaverock School Parent Council told us that there are 3 P7s leaving this year, and 3 P1s coming in so the roll will stay at 25
• Some play equipment/ trim trail deemed unsafe, so fundraising is underway to purchase new equipment
• Fun Day arranged for Saturday 9th June 2018, 1pm start in the playground.
See this link for more info: caerlaverock.org.uk/caerlaverock-primary-school-summer-fun-day/
• Helpers and donations sought. Lots of stalls and fun. All welcome!
• Minimum £3000 needed
• Auction and raffle – Steven Jackson bird bath already donated
• Thanks to Hutton Hall for £300 donation
• CCA agreed to donate £500

Caerlaverock Kirk

Very best wishes extended to Rev David Logan and his family, given David’s illness.

Hutton Hall Report

• Kelly Green shared details of a successful Bingo and Quiz night on 12th May – 42 people in attendance – £570 raised!
• AGM not very well attended, KG continuing as chair, £300 donated to school fundraiser
• Events coming up:
– Sunday 28th October – Family Hallowe’en Party
– Tuesday 11th December – Senior Christmas Meal – please let Kelly know names
– Sunday 16th December – Children’s Christmas Party
• Other ideas always welcome – get in touch with Kelly (details below)

Barbour Hall

• DG explained that the committee have sought community views on refurbishment works – please respond. AGM Thurs 31st May 2018. caerlaverock.org.uk/barbour-hall-project-questionnaire/

Motorhomes

• DG reported that despite efforts via social media/ signage etc., e.g. on Bank Holiday weekend, 22 motorhomes were counted on the Quay – 17 more than recommended
• This position is not sustainable as The Nith Hotel, Boathouse and locals/ other visitors all rely on the parking spaces
• New signs to be prominently displayed – no parking in bays between 9am and 9pm, please keep off the grass e.t.c.
• Castle Corner is proving popular
• Views sought:
– This is the only income of the CCA
– More painting on the ground?
– Most motorhomers are responsible, they are spending money locally – the Nith Hotel/ Boathouse are an attraction
– ‘Awkwardly placed’ picnic tables will stop parking on grass!
– Our community is ‘leading the way’ in this, positive feedback from motorhomers
– Better to have a motorhome image on signs to make it clear/ targeted towards motorhomes
– ‘Victims of our own success’, but worth a go, can think again…

• To do:
– Large notice on toilet block stating parking in bays 9pm to 9am only
– Signs on grass to keep it for people – not vehicles
– Relocate kerb stones
– Relocate picnic tables
– Assess and report back at next meeting
– GK to contact Britstop ref its website entry

Public Conveniences

• Future of public conveniences uncertain
• Do we need them? Yes – used by everyone!
• An eyesore
– Need better maintained and kept in better condition – minimum a good facelift – inside and out
– Refurbish inside – cost?
– Pressure on Council to improve, especially as the area is so attractive otherwise to visitors
– Community could assist in works done
– If demolished, need to be replaced
– Bus shelter important too
• Community Asset Transfer from council?
– Short-term lease or medium long-term lease are available
– Charge on entry possible to raise funds
– Concern re CCA capacity to hold interests in land
– No long term guaranteed income
– DG recommends not, CCA constitution not set up for it
• Cleaning – If Ruby to retire would this place the facility at risk if Council does not support cleaning?? CW to look into this
• DG to find out about community assisting with decorative works if Council provides materials (white or off-white exterior suggested)
• Estate will work with the community as well.

Trees in the Community

• Miscommunication between parties concerned re permissions given for several trees to be cut down on Shore Road
• Police and SNH were informed
• Agreed that cutting down trees should be discouraged
• With potential for development in the community – what can be done to stop it happening again? Too late when trees have gone.
• GK explained that some trees are owned by council, others by Estate
– Council to look into who is responsible for these trees
– Compensation planting required, numbers and location to be confirmed – more than one for one
– Area to be cleaned up, wood processed, best use to be decided
– The Estate will be carrying out legitimate work on the trees along the length of the Shore Road and beyond Castle Wood in coming months – it is official work. Council has similar safety responsibility.
• Access to riverside discussed to be maintained when trees were removed on Shore Road.
• Estate and Council need to be clear that the Community wishes are that unless there is a genuine H&S issue, trees should be retained throughout.

Technology in the Community

• Both DG and David Buoy active in trying to improve connectivity throughout Caerlaverock
• Discussion re providing a facility in The Boathouse – they have good broadband
– CCA could provide a tablet for community use 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
– ML could help with how to use the internet etc.
– Children could be the teachers
– Could benefit those with poor internet
• Is there a need for this? Would it be used? Assess before expense incurred
• People might not go into the Boathouse
• Call out to the community
– How to reach these people who may find this useful?

Street Scene

First Council initiative with dept. of environment – bins/ litter/ burial grounds/ grass cutting/ landscaping/ street cleaning/ play areas etc.
DG attended and raised some issues:
– Frequently overflowing/ unemptied bins at Castle Corner and Big Rock
– Bins on the Quay inadequate
– Littering enforcement – has to be one of the council’s enforcement officers who witness someone littering…
– Toilet issues raised
– Quality and safety of children’s play area in Glencaple – CW to review and report back
• Could there be a joined-up approach with other bin lorries already visiting the area for at least weekly collections/checks?
• Community Safety Team informed
• Blackshaw – roads left uncleared and untreated during snow, 5000l milk dumped, WWT closed for 3 days, road was cleared by tractors. Everybody counts
• Littering – polystyrene boxes and single use plastic – could there be a drive by the Council to encourage cardboard instead? Highlight good practice
• CW – discussion is encouraged to optimise engagement and support from the local authority, to prioritise with resources available
– Lets tell Chris so that he knows what we need!
• Acknowledged that Caerlaverock Community care

AOB

• The park at Hutton Hall, Bankend is looking fantastic – the council have refreshed the bark chips again, Kelly’s Kidzcare have been weeding and keeping it tidy – it’s looking good! Childminders’ Dumfries also very impressed at their recent Teddy Bear’s picnic there!
• Parking on Shore Road potential issue – can we think ahead – during busy times locals have had to start using parking cones to save their parking space as visitors’ cars are using them
• Commercial bins outside The Boathouse overflowing – DG to raise with The Boathouse
• News re housing development? By end of year started?
• Slow down signs at Kelton Bank excellent, but maybe coming on at speeds that are too low?
– Councillors to raise the question and report back
• Castle Corner full of dog mess, unsafe for children to play caerlaverock.org.uk/a-messy-business/
– DG to be raise with SNH
• Speed sign at Bankend – solar power not working. KG to connect to her electricity supply. Thanks given
• Bankend Bus stop – to be painted by Kelly’s Kidzcare
• Noticeboards to be ordered for both Kelton and Bankend bus shelters by DG

Thankyous

• Thank you to everybody who does something for the community – grass cut, litter picking, poo picking, planting, steps mended etc.
• Thank you to everyone who contributed to the collection for Ann and Jim.
– A sum, just shy of four figures was collected
– Ann and Jim have purchased a greenhouse with this outstanding contribution from the community

Next meeting – last Wednesday in August (Wed. 29th August 2018)

Contact details:

Ward Officer Chris Woodness extended invite to everyone to get in touch with him, if he can help, he will.
o Email chris.woodness@dumgal.gov.uk
o Call 01387 256 059 or 07799 34 22 22

David Gilbert:
o Email: davidgilbert56@gmail.com
o Call: 01387 770 605 before 9pm please

Kelly Green:
o Email: greenkellyanne@yahoo.co.uk
o Call: 07584 93 22 03

Please keep sending information/ queries to CCA via caerlaverockcommunity@gmail.com and our Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/caerlaverockcommunity/ – we depend on you to keep us informed!