Present: Dick Baxter (chair), Barry Higgs (Secretary), Susan Stobbs (Treasurer), Sarah Green, Erica Hunter and Andy Rankin. Apologies from Nick Levine.

1. Financial statement.

There was slightly under £200 invested and about £1000 in the current account but most of this was the 'Orchard' fund.

2. Special Area Committee Meeting for Tree Planting and Management to be held on 23rd September.

The Committee endorsed the draft position paper prepared by the Chair which broadly supported the Council's proposals. This will largely inform FoMC's position; minor changes will be proposed but such objections should not cause delay to the vital autumn planting programme.

3. Management Committee Meeting with Council Officers.

A routine meeting was held on 16th September. FoMC was appreciative of the improved condition of the Common. Some detailed issues were discussed but the on-going re-organisation of the Council is preventing the establishment of essential new long-term plans and relationships.

4. The Orchard.

The trees were in generally good condition and further fruit tree and hedge stock for planting this winter has been ordered. At 3 above it was agreed with officers that this new area would be temporarily fenced and some brambles cut back.

1. School Visit. 60 primary age children from Milton Road School were hosted on 8th September and enjoyed the occasion.
2. Picnic. The 22nd August informal picnic went well and the Secretary agreed to organise a similar event for 2011 possibly in early September.
3. Espaliered Pear Trees. The posts have been acquired and the Pinder has agreed to install them ready for winter tree planting.

5. Meeting with Jesus Green Association.

At a meeting with JGA it was agreed that there were matters of common concern worth raising with senior Council Officers. The Chair wrote a joint paper covering such matters and submitted it to Council but so far there has been no response.

6. Berkeley Homes Meeting.

The Chair and Secretary attended a routine 'neighbourhood' meeting. The boundary of the site with Common was discussed: the developer's intentions conform to previous plans and are satisfactory. Berkeley Homes was subsequently invited to donate a small shed to store FoMC's gardening tools used in maintaining the orchard next to their site. A reply is awaited.

7. Council Re-Organisation.

There is still considerable doubt regarding the final structure and responsibilities following the current re-organisation within the Council. FoMC will move quickly to establish new contacts once the process is complete.

B Higgs, Secretary.
Approved: R Baxter, Chair.
22 September 2010