Minutes 24th Feb. 2009

18th Cowal Red Squirrel Committee Minutes 24th Feb. 2009

Present/Attending
John Massey, Jan Ferguson, Heather Smith.

1. Apologies: Susan Fitzpatrick, Dinah MacDonald, Jimmy Sim, Jim Downie.

2. Minutes of Meeting 20th January 2009:
Proposed    Heather Smith        Seconded    Jan Ferguson
Changes     None

3. Matters Arising: Ray Woods our Treasurer sadly passed away since our last meeting. John agreed to take up duties until a new Treasurer is found.

4. Business of the group
4.1. Members: Current membership = 91
4.2. Finance: On Account    £933.72    Bills Paid     J McCluskey £30.00                     Total                £933.72
4.3. Other: John reported that he had spoken to Ray’s widow and that he had received all relevant paperwork to continue Treasurers duties. John proposed that we donate a feeder box in memory of Ray to his widow, and this was agreed. He also reported that he had been in touch with the bank to redirect all mail to him in the interim. John also informed the group that Jimmy Sim had agreed to region the committee, but that he had a prior commitment for this meeting.

A.G.M. This is due to take place in April. Discussions took place and it was agreed to hold it at Uig Hall if it is available, with the same format as last year. John agreed to contact as many members by E Mail as possible to save on postage, and the remainder by Royal Mail.  John will also place an advert in the local paper at the appropriate time.

5. Planning Applications and Department: Jim still to let John have planning details number for Whistlefield site. John will contact David Eaglesham at Argyll & Bute planning to try and arrange a meeting.

6. Rope Bridges Update: Nothing to report.

7. Feeding Boxes Update: John reported that at the last National Park meeting Dave Anderson pointed out that we were selling the boxes as cheap or cheaper than he could purchase them. It was agreed to sell them for £15.00. Dinah had been in touch with John about payment for nuts which she had purchased on behalf of the group.

8. Training Update: John reported that Jim had completed his last visit to Puck’s Glen with the school and that the hairs collected were due to be analysed. Jim also plans to continue with the hair analysis training and will contact individuals accordingly.

9. Website Update: Nothing to report.

10. Hunter’s Quay Woodland Plan: Nothing to report.

11. Future Planned Activities: Heather has agreed to attend the Homecoming event at Broxwood on the 9th May and Jan the Gala on the 13th June.

12. Any other business: John reported that he had used the projector at the last Area Network at Uig Hall and had borrowed a camera tripod to mount it on. This proved to be very successful and it was agreed that we purchase a tripod for future use. John agreed to investigate this and report back.

13. Date, Place and time of next meeting: Tuesday 7th April 7.00 pm Sandbank Village Hall.