Agenda and minutes

Andy Thomas welcomed everyone to the Assembly, and gave a quick recap of what a Local Assembly is for. He then introduced the new Downham Ward Assembly Co-ordinator, Matt Henaughan, who has taken over from Jason Fleming

Andy shared a booklet detailing the successes over the past 2 years against the Downham Assembly Action Plan, giving a quick overview of the achievements and picked a few to provide further detail on, also asking Joe Cobham and Ruth Webber to provide more information about their projects.

Cllr Clutten provided tables with an overview document of the Mapping Exercise for comment or additions via a short table discussion with feedback then invited to the room (up to date copies are available via Matt Henaughan).

The previous discussions highlighted the need to look to add to the current priorities. Amendments were proposed and agreed resulting in the new Downham priorities below;

- Environment

- Youth Activities

- Older People

- Communication and Adult Education

- Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime

- Health and Wellbeing.

Matt gave an overview of the new process for 2013/14, detailing how it’s a commissioned process against the identified areas of need from the Assembly. This new process allows us to really deliver against the issues/wants that have been highlighted.

Andy introduced the discussion as an opportunity to play ‘secret millionaire’ taking the issues highlighted to help decide what you would fund that would make a difference in Downham. Additionally it was asked what actions are their that don’t need funding, that may need community action or an exchange of information.

The resulting feedback has been collated into the Project Prioritisation sheet which will be used to decide what projects should be commissioned at the October Assembly.

- Ruth Webber has some learning on Dog Fouling to share at a later date (as it’s a topical nuisance in the Ward)

- Joe Cobham provided details of the ‘Community First’ fund and asked for people to complete the questionnaire, and that there are 3 vacancies on the funding panel. Please contact him jcobham@et4g.co.uk

- Cllr Clutten asked for people to leave their details if they were interested in communication, scheduling and the Downham Inter-agency, for Jane Hearn to then action.

- Jane Fifield from Rushey Green Time Bank introduced Time Banking to the Assembly, and highlighted that they were looking to start a new Time Bank at the Goldsmiths Community Centre, and that anyone interested should get in contact – jane@rgtb.orguk

- Cllr Fletcher highlighted that there were opportunities for people to be a part of the Downham Celebrates Committee (with Festivals happening on the 2^nd Saturday in both June and December), and that for anyone interested the next meeting would be at 2pm 25 July in the Café at Downham Health and Leisure Centre.

- Ruth Webber announced the Downham Health and Leisure Centre are making a concerted effort to make the Café/Centre healthier and invited any ideas/thoughts.

- The new ‘Summers Alive’ brochure is out at the end of the week.

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