DCA Mins Feb 2012

							Delph Community Association
Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, February 21st 2012

Attended by: Phillida Shipp, Gillian Clark, Graham Griffiths, Keith Begley, Janet Reid,
Michael Clegg, Sue Lund, Joan Lally, John Martindale, Geoff Bailey.
Apologies from: Mike Buckley, Maurice Reid.

Tributes for Ken Hulme:
Ken was a staunch friend of the DCA. Even on the day he was admitted to hospital he
was at the Library for the presentation of a cheque by Anne Sykes from the Duchy of
Lancaster Benevolent Fund for £500 towards the cost of new bookshelves for the Library.
A formal vote of thanks was recorded for all Ken’s hard work over the years on behalf of
the DCA.
Action: Gill to write to Hannah and George expressing DCA’s thanks.

Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday January 11th were accepted as a true
record (proposed by Janet Reid, seconded by John Martindale).

Matters Arising:
Phillida showed a Litter Picking Arm Band which is to be worn by volunteers - she has
two spare arm bands should anyone require them.
A letter of thanks to Willy Russell has been sent by Gill on behalf of the DCA.

Treasurer’s Report:
Mike Clegg reported that the gas bill has been significantly reduced (spending up to now
is £141) and the electricity cost is also reasonable. Peter Whiffen has an estimate of £60
for a new water heater for the toilets. Mike has agreed this expenditure and the heater
now needs to be installed. The cost of the new bespoke shelves and castors is £1472.
Phillida thought this addition worked very well in the Library. Mike said that in principal
any work to be undertaken should have more than one quote and any amount over £1,000
should have a minimum of three quotes.
Balance February 2012
NatWest Current Account                    528.34
Reserve Account                                 8,528.60
(nb shelves to be deduced from this)
Total                                   9,056.94

United Utilities:
Tessa Smith has not attended this meeting. However, Gill will invite her to our next
meeting.
Action: Gill to invite Tessa to meeting on April 11th.
Police Report:
                                                   Saddleworth North
Monthly Crime Figures.
                                              FEBRUARY 2012 Update


        CRIME                  AUG           SEPT            OCT           NOV            DEC           JAN




BURGLARY
                                 4             4              3              4              1             8
(Of Homes)



BURGLARY OTHER
(Shed, Garage,                   6             2              3              1              2             1
Business)



THEFT FROM A
                                 3             1              4              1              4             1
MOTOR VEHICLE




THEFT OF A MOTOR
                                 1             3              1              1              2             1
VEHICLE




CRIMINAL DAMAGE                  3             2              1              1              4             2




ROBBERY                          0             0              1              0              0             1




Burglaries
Vehicle stolen after a set of keys were stolen from a property in Dobcross, they were taken through the
letterbox with hook and cane.
2 Burglaries in the Denshaw area, forced entry at one property and vehicle taken.
Burglary Other
Theft from an insecure shed in Dobcross
Vehicle crime
Front bumper and lights stolen from a vehicle in Denshaw.
Quad bike taken from the Diggle area.
Criminal Damage
1 x damage in Austerlands area.
1 x damage in Moorside area
Anti Social Behaviour
Neighbourhood officers are patrolling areas in order to reduce ASB incidents, confiscate alcohol and also
divert local youths into other activities.
If you are experiencing any problems with youths please contact us and let us know.
Saddleworthandlees.npt@gmp.police.uk
Or give us a call on 0161 856 4525
101 is the NEW police non-emergency number. 101 is to report less urgent crime or disorder, to contact the police with
general enquiries or to speak to local officer.
Always call 999 in emergency where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.
Future plans:
Delph Donkey Scarecrow Trail 2012.
Sue Lund has drafted a letter which will be sent to prospective hosts, the opening
paragraph reads ‘This year, from Friday June 1st - Sunday June 17th Delph will be
playing host to a variety of regal characters. The inspiration for this theme is the
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration which will be taking place during this time. Thus
the choice of character for your scarecrow should be any Royal person with an historical
or fictional background’.
It was suggested that additional people in the village could be asked if they would be
willing to play host to a scarecrow. For instance, the new cake shop or the band club.
Action: Graham to ask Bob/Band Club and Sue to approach cake shop.
Queen’s Jublilee:
A discussion ensued about how Delph village could organise some Diamond Jubilee
celebrations.
It will be essential to co-ordinate and liaise with other
Organisations in the village ie St. Thomas’s Church , Delph Band Club, Delph PTA,
Delph Nursery etc. Keith Begley gave three dates on which events are so far taking place.
Saturday June 23rd - Delph Methodists organising street fair in aid of refurbishment of
Chapel hall.
September 1st = Flower show.
September 16th - Party in the Park.
Keith said that decoration of the village could have a red/white and blue colour theme
running through. Hanging baskets could perhaps keep to these colours, also the flower
crescent in front of the library -(Sheila Stott to be asked).
Action: Keith to ask Council if they can keep this colour scheme with the five
baskets they supply.
Lights could be put up on the Sycamore tree, St. Thomas’s and the Arts Centre.
Geoff suggested that if anyone has decent flags they could be also be displayed.
Keith also suggested a community picnic or barbeque on Swan Meadow and incorporate
games/children’s sports.
Phillida said the decorations should be in place by Whit Friday as the following Tuesday
(5th June) is a holiday.
Three major ideas came out of the discussion:
1)       Decorating village
2)       Picnic
3)       Fancy dress/parade party.
Sue suggested an exhibition of photographs covering the last 60 years of Delph history
could be mounted. Janet suggested that a freestanding board in front of the shelves in
the library would be suitable.
Keith then suggested a community project could be undertaken with volunteers. For
example - to make good Pingle Glade path or the footpath near Eagle Mill.
It was decided that United Utilities should be approached to ask if they could fund new
benches for the village. (They could have their plaque displayed on the benches)
Action: Gill to approach Tessa of UU
Phillida said that at the next meeting (11th April) tasks would be allocated.

Traffic Report:
John Martindale gave the following report:
At the Traffic and Transport Sub-Committee on 8 Feb 2012, Gordon Anderson of United
Partnership, said that Sally Fletcher would definitely check the volume of HGV traffic
going through Delph. On asking why it had not already been done, he said that financing
may be a problem before April.
He also said that he would check further re additional signage on Denshaw Road leading
to the bridge.
At the sub-committee meeting on 8th Feb he told us that the 30 mph signs for
Stoneswood Road had not been ordered. The next day he sent an Email saying that the
new signs would be erected the following day, on the 10th. Geoff Bayley has confirmed
that this has been done.
Commenting on the proposed signage for the bridge Geoff Bayley said there should be
two signs - one on each side of the bridge.
Geoff said that the conservationists do not want more than one sign, so checks are being
made to see if it is lawful to have one sign only.

Library:
Phillida reported that the new shelves and castors recently installed give much more room
for books. Thanks to Peter Whiffen and his wife for decorating the walls above the new
bookshelves.
Phillida said she hopes to have Library Assistants in March.

Independent Chapel Graveyard:
Gill gave the following report of the meeting held
On Feb 12th.
Before he died, Ken Hulme worked very hard to improve the state of the graveyard.
The owner, Dr. Paula Rothermel was able to be present at a meeting on Feb 12th 2012
called by Mike Buckley.
She was very willing to explain her problems with the grave yard and there appeared to
be misunderstandings on all sides.
The outcome of the meeting is that Dr. Rothermel wishes to donate the rear part of the
old graveyard to The Saddleworth Trust.
The Chapel Garden is also under their care. Mike Buckley is a trustee. The aim is to
maintain it in perpetuity for the village. Mike also said that the gravestones around the
restricted area in the front of the chapel were not to be moved.
Action: Gill to write to Saddleworth Trust to ask for a clarification of the situation
and invite Mike to our next meeting.

Any other business:
Phillida has accepted a Charity Night at the theatre for their November play . Date -
Sunday 18 November.
Date of next Meeting:
Wednesday 11th April 2012 at 7.45 - Millgate Arts Centre Bar.