Minutes of a Committee meeting held on 1 July 2009

Present: Dick Baxter (chair), Barry Higgs (Secretary), Brian Smale-Adams (Treasurer) and Luther Phillips. Apologies were received from Erica Hunter, Nick Levine and Susan Stobbs.

1. Recent Events.

The Committee concluded the following:

1. Strawberry Fair. The arrangements for 2009 resulted in a much better experience for local residents than hitherto but there were still too few toilets for women. It would be important that the improved arrangements became standard for future events. FoMC would attend a post-event 'wash-up'.
2. Midsummer Fair. The event went well but there were the usual tensions on Saturday for the 'Pot-Fair' element. Parking on the common raised many problems. It can satisfy only a small part of the need and back-up on Victoria Avenue occurred and exit and entry conflicted. It may be better to ban parking and encourage use of the 'park & rides' and possibly Cambridge City Football Ground. It was also noted that the fair trade outlets lacked variety. Action: The secretary to write to the Council regarding parking.
3. Race for Life. Use of the common for this event was welcome and uneventful.
4. Grass Cutting. The eastern pound, having been left long to discourage camping, has now been mown but further cutting is needed elsewhere to set-back the weeds. Action: The grass cutting regime would be covered in the Management Plan.

2. Midsummer Common Management Plan.

Post-Committee Meeting Report. On 2nd July the Chair and Secretary attended the first of the quarterly meetings with Council officials and others to progress implementation of the 2009 Management Plan for Midsummer Common. The main outcome was that the Eastern Pound would be generally tidied to facilitate its use for grazing and for subsequent establishment of a wildflower meadow. The first such meadow would be established on Butts Green later this year. The creation of the proposed orchard on the southern pound (adjacent to the allotments) was approved in principle but council officials have yet to form a view, agree on extent and varieties and set a timeframe. FoMC doubted the commitment of officials to the project but was pleased it would be taken forward even if many details need to be decided upon. Action: FoMC would be making a submission on the subject.

3. FoMC Finances.

It was agreed that FoMC should seek funding to cover administrative expenses and to allow it to carry out the volunteer tasks required under the Management Plan. Action: The Chair would apply as necessary including an application for a Grass Roots Grant.

4. Treasurer.

Regretfully the Committee accepted the resignation of Brian Smale-Adams from the post of Treasurer due to health problems. He agreed to remain on the Committee and Susan Stobbs had agreed to take over treasurer post.

B Higgs, Secretary.
Approved: R Baxter, Chair.
4 July 2009