Minutes – Draft

Northern Locality Forum

23rd May 2016 5:45pm –Old Billingham Community Centre, East Avenue

Chair:
Kevin Pitt (BELP)
Members:
Pat Chambers (Billingham Legacy Foundation),Fred Gook (Neighbourhood Watch),Pam Gook (Low Grange Residents Association),Jim Scollen (Billingham Voice),Val Scollen (Old Billingham Community Centre), Bert Smailes (SBP),Cllr Barry Woodhouse (SBC),
*Members are representing their nominating body.
Advisors:
Sophie Haste(Stockton Borough Council),
Observer:
Apologies
Gil Smith, Colin Pollard, Hayley Paterson, Kelly Smith
ITEM/ISSUE / ACTION
  1. Welcome and Introductions
Kevin Pitt (KP) welcomed everyone to the meeting and all members introduced themselves. / Noted
2. Apologies
As noted above. / Noted
3. Declaration of interests
KP declared an interest as a director of BELP
Jim and Val Scollen declared an interest as Customer Council Member for Thirteen / Noted
Noted
4. Minutes of Previous meeting and Matters arising
KP reported that he has switched energy suppliers at Hereford Terrace and has managed to reduce both the gas and electric by around 30%. KP will be passing this information on to other community centres within Billingham.
BW reported that he is still waiting on an update on the University of Durham, Queen’s Campus from the relevant Cabinet Member.
Minutes of previous meeting agreed. / Noted
Noted
Agreed
5. Northern Locality Action Plan – Task and Finish Group Update
Fuel Poverty
No further updates
Obesity
The statistics from the National Child Measurement Programme for Billingham Schools will not be ready until September. KP noted that some of the funding for 4 Children ceasing in September and it is not clear what the impact of this will be. It was requested that at the next meeting,the Northern Locality Forum will review the objectives and outcomes for this priority and the impact that funding may have.
Best Start in Life
No further updates
Maximising Household Income
VS attended the cluster meeting of School Heads to talk about the success of the Community Bank collection points in Oakdene and Clarences Primary schools. A new collection point is now up and running at Bewley Primary School and St. Michaels and Roseberry Primary School should be set up in September2016 and St. John’s will be set up in June 2016. BS congratulated VS and JS on their work with Tees Credit Union. Two of the young people who volunteer for the project have been nominated for a Catalyst Young Volunteer award. KP agreed to speak to Community Bank regarding rolling out of the scheme across all schools in Billingham. It was noted that funding was still available for the £3 incentive for the Young People to join the Credit Union, it was discussed that the underspendcould be used as an incentive for adults to join and would cover the joining fee.
It was noted that Karen from Tees Credit Union is doing a fantastic job and is a valuable asset to the Community Bank and the Northern Locality Forum would definitely endorse keeping her post. It was discussed that more Community Groups in Billingham should look at using the Community Bank to hold their reserves.
Support for Under 35’s
It was noted that in order to progress with this priority some additional information is required on what are the issues for under 35s and also to identify the number of eligible residents in Billingham. SH will arrange for statistics to be made available for discussion at the next meeting.
PC discussed a group she is aware of from South Croyden which provides a range of support to families on a Sunday morning which encourages families to play together and interact together and is aimed at families who may work long hours, spending little time as a family and are working to stay afloat. The sessions provide support on a range of subjects including finance, mental health and general health and is proving to be an excellent way of forming networks. The Forum discussed the potential of running something like this in Billingham. KP informed the Forum that BELP have been successful in acquiring CowpenBewley Woodland Park Visitor Centre and that something similar could be run from this venue. / Noted
Noted
Noted
Noted
SH
Noted
6. Northern Locality Action Plan
This was circulated for comment / Noted
7. Any Other Business
KP gave an update on the Legacy Fund which has received 4 applications since April 2016 and has funded 2 of them. A very successful golf charity day has raised £1000 for the fund.
PC reminded everyone of the Big Lunch street party which is taking place in Billingham Town Centre on Saturday 12th June 2016 at 12 o’clock. It has a fantastic line up of local talent with face painting, the bubble man, More Life, Walking Football and many more activities for all ages. Residents can reserve a table by contacting PC.
The Bishop of Durham Paul Butler carried out a Community Prayer work in Billngham and visited the Community Gardens at Port Clarence and East Avenue Community Centre.
The Locality Forum requested copies of maps which highlights the Local Ward Councillor boundaries for Billingham as there appears to be some confusion amongst residents. SH to arrange maps to be circulated. / Noted
Noted
Noted
Noted
8. Date and Time of Next Meeting
Tuesday 26th July 2016, 5.45 p.m. Low Grange Community Centre, Billingham / Noted

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