Open meeting minutes September 2017

Minutes of Open Meeting 18^th September 2017

Present: Jean (82), Rosemary (115), Sue (255), Jane (118) and Bob (117)

Apologies: Valerie (258), Barbara (208), Christine (137), Joan (156), Sonja (121), Caroline (228) and William (252).

Matters arising from previous minutes:

The date of Jane’s wine tasting evening has changed from Saturday 7^th October to Friday 6^th October.

Officers’ reports

Sonja, the Sterling treasurer, reported that we have £237.29 in the bank. This is the same as last month.

Bob, the membership secretary announced that we have a new member: Vicky (260).

Joan, buzzard treasurer, sent in the following report:

17 members trade between 18^th August and 18^th September

This month the system showing 47 active members, I reported last month that it was 49.

Jean, contact person, reported that she had received an email from Bassett Road surgery asking for information about Letsbuzz so that they can include us in their booklet for older people. Jean has sent them some information.

Sue asked about buzzard payment for starting the Facebook page and for maintaining it (this had been agreed at a previous meeting). It was agreed that she should receive 6 buzzards for starting it up and 6 buzzards monthly for maintain it. Jean is going to speak to Joan (buzzard treasurer about this)

Questionnaire to members

Jean and Jane met up after the last meeting to make the alterations to the questionnaire that were agreed at the last meeting. A few further amendments were suggested at this meeting and then there was discussion about how it should be sent out. It was agreed that survey monkey would be ideal if we were able to get it free, with a paper copy for those who would prefer it. Bob and Jane will investigate further and report back at the next meeting.

Membership Handbook

Jean added this to the agenda as she had been looking at the handbook and realised that it was very old and, in some places, out of date. There was some discussion about whether we needed one as we have a web site and Cyclos. It was agreed that we should have a paper copy to be available to those who would prefer it in this format.  There was some discussion about the importance of not excluding members who were not able to access Cyclos for whatever reason. There was then some discussion about what should be included in the handbook and it was suggested that it should include: an explanation of our code of conduct; how to trade; contacting people; how you get paid; subscription; the AGM; decision making and social events.  Bob said that he would have a look at it and said that he thought that once it was revised, it should be presented at the AGM to be agreed.

Publicity

Rosemary and Sue have arranged to talk about Letsbuzz to ‘Carers in Bedfordshire’ on Thursday 28^th September. Jane will send a  Letsbuzz leaflet to Sue.

We agreed that we should participate in the tree festival again this year (it is on from 24^th to 26^th November). Sue is going to find out how we can book.

Janet (102) has volunteered to host an event. Jean will liaise with Janet about this.

Wine tasting has been organised for the evening of Friday 6^th October at Jane and Bob’s house.

Jean is organising a meal at Mevan restaurant in Leighton Buzzard on Friday 17^th November.

Dates for future meetings

Tuesday 31 October, 8.00-9.30pm Caroline’s house, Springside Hall, Springfield Rd, LU7 2QS

Monday 20th November: ‘Tree building’ for the Christmas tree festival at Bob and Jane’s house (2 Victoria Road, Linslade, LU7 2NT).

Open Meeting: Tuesday 28 November, 8.00-930pm, Christine’s house, 5 Church Avenue, LU7 1AD