December Minutes 2010

Meeting:  6.12.2010

Present: George Coxwell, Brian Hyde, Lorraine Kemble, Howard Lambert, Tony Arens, Gauri-das and Alistair Pinkerton

Absent: Mickey Green & Jo Posner

1.  The previous minutes were read and approved.

2.  Newsletter: before Christmas a newsletter will be distributed to the locality informing residents about the service provided by the conservation society. For this George Coxwell will write a report, Brian will provide information of events, Gauri will arrange the layout and printing of copies, and George will coordinate the distribution. The newsletter will also contain the details of the society's blog and the contact numbers for the members. It should also encourage people to be in touch with PARCS.

3.   Shooting: in follow-up to the concern raised in the previous meeting about the shooting of pigeons, a discussion was had with Alistair about the activity. Alistair explained in great detail the necessity for the shooting because the pigeons destroy whatever crops he plants in the fields. The activity is fully legitimate, police monitored, and he maintains the strictest standards on his farm. Previously he had used an exploding device to scare off the pigeons, however due to the many complaints it was discontinued.

4.   Equestrian centre: as Derek is no longer managing the equestrian centre, Brian will speak to the owner to provide another representative to participate in PARCS.

5.   Morning noise: a resident of Patchett's raised concern about the noise of machinery operating at the equestrian centre early in the morning. George will make enquiries at the centre and request that the use of such machinery is avoided in the wee hours of the morning.

6.   Christmas gathering: Brown announced that there will be a Christmas gathering held on the hard standing outside the Three Compasses public house on Saturday 18th of December, 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited and there will be carol singing, a Christmas tree, mince pies and mulled wine.

7.   There were no planning matters to report.

October Minutes 2010

Meeting:  04.10.2010

Present: George Coxwell, Brian Hyde, Lorraine Kemble, Howard Lambert, Tony Arens, Gauri-das.

Absent: Alistair Pinkerton, Micky Green.

1.       Previous minutes were read

2.       Bank Account: George and Howard are in the process of formalising the account and the new signatories will be: George, Lorraine and Howard.

3.       Elstree Sub Station: George wrote to the Council raising the Society’s concerns about the proposed development. The location of the development was thought to be to closed to Hilfield lane, and would require the removal of several trees. The Council did not respond to the letter and were neither helpful over the phone. Permission had been granted as they were of the opinion that the development fell well within the planning remit of the power station.  Due to the lake of response and fast tracking of the application, we will continue looking into the matter.

4.       Patchetts Equestrian Centre: a new garbage disposal unit has been applied for by the Centre. As far as it has been understood the development is out of sight for villagers, as it is stationed admist the high barns on the property. George will, however, inquire further into the details of the matter. If we are correct about the location, and no concerns are raised by either villagers or caravan park residents, we will not take issue.

5.       Speed Limit on the B462: Concern was raised about the 50 mph speed limit on the B456 Radlett Road. All members were of the opinion that it should be reduced to 30mph. There have been several near-miss situations, and because of this accident proneness of the area, the Society will begin to lobby for a change.

6.       Local Shooting: Around Patchetts there have been numerous occasions of the recreational shooting of local wildlife. The Society will raise the question of the appropriateness of such a sport in the locality, considering both the wildlife and local pedestrians.

7.       Otterspool and Wall hall: residents of these localities will be included in the Society’s mailing list.

8.       Newsletter: a newsletter will be prepared for distribution before Christmas.

9.       Next Meeting: 6 December at Tony’s place.