1. Introductions and Background

A. Geoffrey King welcomed: Michael Graven, Barry Higgs, Milo Keynes and Brian Smale-Adams. Dick Baxter sent apologies for his absence.
B. He then outlined past and recent events that led him to propose the establishment of the Friends of Midsummer Common as a successor to the defunct Butt Green and Midsummer Common Protection Society. Principle among these were concerns over:

• Shortcomings in the organisation of major events on BG & MC.
• Authorisation by Council officials of other uses, such as a Film Base Unit. Such activities were not in accordance with the Council's Amenities and Recreation Committee Report approved on 28th November 1980 (copy attached together with email Geoffrey King to Alistair Wilson - See Agenda Item 4 below). It is understood that this policy document has not been superseded.
• Excessive vehicular access to Midsummer House restaurant and the Fort St George public house.
• The general condition of BG and MC.
• The use of access routes by those trading in drugs.
• The broad remit and method of working of the Brunswick and North Kite Residents Association which meant that it did not meet the specific needs of BG & MC.

2. Name, Constitution, Officers and Finances

Decisions:

1. It was agreed that the 'Friends of Midsummer Common' should be established to address the items at 1B above and other relevant matters and concerns.
2. Election of Officers. The following were elected: Chair: Geoffrey King; Secretary: Barry Higgs; Treasurer: Brian Smale-Adams.
3. The Committee should initially comprise those present and Dick Baxter. It was also agreed that the Chair would invite Rosemary Davidson to join the Committee. Action: Geoffrey King.
4. Committee members present each contributed £50 as core funding.
5. The Treasurer would take advice from Friends of Jesus Green, and possibly other organisations, as to the most suitable and correct constitution for FoMC, an appropriate budget and then make proposals. Action: Brian Smale-Adams.

3. Methods of Working

It was agreed that FoMC would seek to establish amicable relationships with all other similar voluntary organisations such as BRUNK and Friends of Jesus Green, and where appropriate learn from their experiences. Armed with such knowledge draft objectives and methods of working would be prepared by Michael Craven and Barry Higgs for consideration by the Committee.Decisions:

1. It was agreed that an approach should be made to Friends of Jesus Green regarding their objectives and methods of working. Action: Michael Craven.
2. Draft objectives, methods of working and delineation of the Committee's area of interest should be prepared. Action: Michael Craven and Barry Higgs.

4. Other Contacts

The Committee agreed that it would need to establish appropriate contacts with the police, the media, Midsummer House Restaurant, Fort St George Public House, and council personalities. The principal personalities in the Council with particular influence over FoMC matters are: Julie Smith (Executive Councillor for the Arts and Recreation Committee); Alistair Wilson (Council Green Space Manager); Anthony French (Green Space Performance Manager); Simon Pugh (Head of Legal Affairs Cambridge City Council); The Pinder (new appointment due in 2007). Other individuals involved: Robert McLennon (Partner Solicitor in Hewitsons who provided an initial legal opinion confirming the current relevance of the 1980 Committee Report); Angelika von Heimendahl (interested in running cattle on BG & MC - see 5B).

5. Future Business

A. The committee was asked to consider for future discussion how FoMC should publicise its activities, raise funds and organise enjoyable events that promoted a sense of community and common purpose. Action: all members.
B. The Committee was advised that Angelika von Heimendahi was hoping to run four English Long Horn cattle on the Common (see Item 4 above) and it agreed that, in principle, it was greatly in favour. However, it was acknowledged that several issues may need to be resolved before this came about. The Committee asked to be kept informed. Action: Geoffrey King.

6. Next Meeting

The Chair would propose a date for the next meeting once progress had been made with the Actions listed above on which he asked to be kept informed. Action: Addressees and Geoffrey King.

B. Higgs - Secretary
Approved by G King - Chair
5th October 2006