Minutes of Open Meeting 28 November 2017, at Christine's house.
Present: Caroline (228), Christine (137), Jean (82), Rosemary (115), Sandy (261), Bill (262), Sue (255),
1. Apologies: Bob (117), Jane (118), Sonja (121), William (252), Brian (70) and Valerie (258)
2. Matters arising from previous minutes:
a) Questionnaire to members
The questionnaire has already been sent out using Survey Monkey and a print copy of the questionnaire will be sent out with the newsletter so a report on the responses should be available at the next Open meeting.
b) Members Handbook update
Bob circulated a draft Handbook update at the last meeting and this had been posted on Cyclos for members to view and comment. Caroline said she had already sent her comments to Bob. Jean's comments (summary below) were discussed and agreed. Jean to forward details to Bob. The aim is to produce a final copy for agreement at the 2018 AGM.
Handbook amendments:
Intro: Include reference to the wider lets network, and other local schemes
section 3: list all roles, including those currently vacant, and delete para 3.2
section 8.2: reword
3. Officers’ reports and claims for payment
Sonja, the Sterling treasurer, reported that we have £246.29 in the bank.
Sue reported that she had posted pictures of the Mevan meal on the Facebook page.
No other reports received.
November Buzzard payments agreed:
Christine (228) - hosting & chairing Open meeting - 6bz
Jean (82) - minute taking - 6bz,
4. T o agree a fair policy for guests at letsbuzz events (Caroline 228)
Caroline expressed some concerns that non-members (eg family and friends of letsbuzz members) were able to attend any number of letsbuzz social events. Other members present disagreed. We agreed to keep this on the agenda for further discussion when other members were present.
5. To examine whether the book and music groups serve the whole membership or whether they should be treated as private trading activity and not used in publicity material (Caroline 228)
At present letsbuzz publicity (eg website and leaflets) refer to the book and music groups run by letsbuzz members giving the impression that they are open to anyone to attend. Although they are not officially 'closed' groups they are both full to capacity so might at most accept one more member. We agreed that the wording referring to these groups should be changed to mention these as examples of the sort of groups that have been set up by members and to explain that any interested members can set up groups.
6. Events
a) November meal at Mevan restaurant: - 11 members (and partners) attended and enjoyed this evening.
b) December: Wreath making - Sunday 17 December 2.00-4.00 pm at Bob and Jane's house
c) January 28 - Bring and share meal at St Barnabas community hall, 12.30-3.30pm. Sue to book the hall.
d) February - no events planned at present.
e) March - Janet (102) has offered to host an event Jean to contact Janet to agree a date, and details. Ideally one of the first two weekends in March.
f) April - AGM date to be agreed and venue booked.
Other possible events - no dates fixed
- Caroline suggested a Sunday buffet lunch at the Raj
- Quiz
- Croquet
7. Publicity
Jane (118) created a letsbuzz tree for display at the All Saints Tree festival, along with leaflets and membership forms.
Other ideas: have another one-off stall at Leighton Buzzard market (several members joined the last time we did this); display letsbuzz leaflet on noticeboard in Linslade fish and chip shop; check whether Nature's harvest has our leaflets.
8. Dates and hosts for future meetings
Wednesday 17 January, 8.00-9.30pm, Jean's house, 20 Springfield Rd, LU7 2QS
Monday 5 March, 8.00-9.30pm at Rosemary's flat, Flat 2, Town Bridge Mill, Leighton Buzzard
The meeting closed at 9:20pm
