Sustainable Crediton

Core Group Meeting, by Zoom, Thursday 15th April 2021, 6:30 pm

Present: Dee Ross, Esther Mann, John Craythorne, Caroline Romijn, Jeanette Brown, Gill Westcott, John Ross

Apologies: Terry Hadley, Helen Tuffin

1. Matters arising from previous Core Group meeting (18 /02/21)

a) High Street shop for hub? Dee reported no shop premises available at the moment; agreed that we should consider having a presence at a Farmers' Market over the summer. Action: Review Farmers' Mkt plan at next Core (considering dates and Covid Regs)

b) Wildlife Wardens: Gill reported: Has linked with Andrew Birney of Sus Tiv: they're keen to participate. To progress, we need a steering group, in partnership with MDDC, in order to put together project outline and apply for funding. Gill has spoken to MDDC's new lead on Climate Change & Sustainability, Jason Ball, who is positive about the idea. (Teignbridge project under Audrey Compton going well; Devon Wildlife Trust should support in future.) Questions: Who from Sus Cred could take a lead role in steering group? And how best to introduce project to councillors? John Ross offered to raise with CTC Climate and Sustainability SubCttee; he suggests John Downes (on MDDC) might be approached for support; also suggests we'd need to involve the local parish councils. In due course, need to look for possible funders (eg SW Water? CAG? Den Brook?) Action: Gill W to forward info: to John Craythorne for Newsletter item to raise interest; to John Ross to take to CTC Subcttee (initially to get support, and possibly to get help with application for a small grant in 2022 - to be applied for in Sept 2021). Longer term we can start looking for pockets of land eg for a wildlife camera (link with Steve Densham?)

c) Autumn Plans: Provisional bookings made as follows:

· Autumn Fair: Town Square booked Sat 25th Sept. Actions: (1) Onto next Agenda for detailed planning. Plant stall? Good publicity for Clothes Swap/Relaunch? (2) John to sound out Bike Shed and CoCars about taking part.

· Clothes Swap and Relaunch (with food, music and inspirational speaker). Boniface Centre booked for 2/10, but Congregational Church may be equally suitable? Actions: 1) Esther to hold Boniface booking, but circulate info about Congregational Church. 2) John to contact Rob Hoskins re evening presentation.

d) Heart of Crediton Blog: Action: Caroline to ascertain whether Danuta has been able to post item about Tree Sisters.

2. Pollinator Project Update

Ø Pollinator group meetings continue first Thursday of the month.

Ø Wildflower seeding will take place on Saturday 17th 10am at Newcombes Meadow. Action: Esther will seek volunteers for planting and watering.

3. The SusCred framework for partner projects/ associated pollinator groups etc

It has become clear that where Sus Cred is taking responsibility for projects ( and supplying insurance cover or funding) we need to have a clear partnership framework in place. A first draft was circulated before the meeting. Agreed that draft is good basis to work on. John proposed 3 ideas: (1) Build in balance of what we offer alongside what we require (2) Add some words of welcome and appreciation at the start (3) Also welcome and allow for a situation where a group wanted to organise their own funding, but check with Core Group before doing - though we would not want to stand in their way! Action: John/ others to send possible extra/ alternative wording to Dee for final approval at next Core Group.

4. Waste Group Update (Esther)

Nothing to report.

5. Food Group update (Dee)

No news but Dee starting to think ahead to Seed Share 2022.

6. Woodland Management and Tree Planting (John)

a) Woodland Management Group in summer hibernation; John hopes to hold meeting shortly and revive in the autumn.

b) Newly planted bluebells at Beacon Park need watering; Esther & Caroline on the case. Trees need more mulch. Action: Caroline to reiterate request for wood chippings to Steve Densham.

7. Treasurer's Report

Sus Cred has received £250 from MDDC and expects £1000 grant from Crediton Town Council. Plan to use Transition funding for relaunch? Mid-term report due shortly. Dee suggests that we may want to apply for Tesco Bags of Life funding. Meanwhile we need to find an Auditor for 2020 accounts. Action: Seek help via May Newsletter.

8. Membership of Core Group

Core Group had put out feelers to see if other regular attenders would like to 'formally' join the team - and were really delighted to welcome Jeanette as a full member. Jeanette will act as joint newsletter editor with John, as well as contributing generally to the governance of Sus Cred. We will continue to seek additional members to take on roles including, for example, Health and Safety, preparations for COP 26, Wildlife warden leadership, community fridge, energy, cycle routes or other projects according to their interests. Action: Highlight the good news in next Newsletter and seek additional volunteers.

9. Date of next AGM

Agreed to plan to hold AGM at Relaunch event on 2nd October.

10. Brief Introduction to National Lottery Funding (Jeanette)

As a not for profit organisation with a proper constitution and bank account, we can apply for up to £10,000; it's a rolling application process. Jeanette will be happy to lead on application. Action: Add to next Core Agenda, to firm up exactly what we bid for. Possibly additional funding for Relaunch?

11. Transport Group (John)

No further update on Co-Cars, it has gone quiet. Gill mentioned that (hireable) electric bikes are wanted in Cheriton Bishop, but it was recognised that this is more risky proposition that electric cars! Laura Conyngham wants Sus Cred to take over continuing responsibility for the Boniface Trail campaign. Action: John (or ANOther?) to spearhead Boniface campaign.

12. AOB

(a) Esther checked on storage offer from Jeanette, who confirmed it would be available from start of May. Great news.

(b) John Ross: Has been Sus Cred Rep on CTC and is happy to remain as our Rep if we are happy with that (subject to complications relating to his health and the resumption of face to face meetings). John underlined that it's essential that he can state that there will be no conflict of interest. Core Group confirmed very grateful for his role to date and very happy for him to continue.

(c) Dee: Council Newsletter. If we want to advertise our Autumn Fair and Relaunch, or have other publicity, we need to advise CTC by 16th of month and submit copy by 23rd of month. Agreed to wait till mid-May and hope for publicity in June Newsletter. Action: Dee to advise CTC in mid May.

13. Next meeting: Thursday 20th May at 6:30 pm