Present: Barry Higgs (Secretary), Dick Baxter, Milo Keynes, John Lawton (representing Erica Hunter). Apologies for Absence from Brian Smale-Adams who was unavoidably absent due to family illness but authorised the Secretary to vote on his behalf and from Rosemary Davidson who was unable to attend due to the short notice given.

1. Previous Minutes.

The minutes of 14^th November 2007 Committee Meeting were approved subject to FoMC establishing and circulating the current situation regarding tree replacement on Midsummer Common as it is understood plans may have changed.
Action: The Secretary to ascertain the current situation regarding tree replacement.

2. Resignation of Geoffrey King as Chair.

The Committee accepted with regret the resignation of Geoffrey King. Notwithstanding the achievements, such as the regular Common Walks and FoMC’s Tree Replanting Fund, Geoffrey expressed his disappointment at the failure of the Council to allocate adequate funds and effort to the management and regeneration of the Common. Similarly, he felt that the concerns expressed by FoMC regarding Strawberry Fair and the associated scale of crime and nuisance it causes, fell on deaf ears at the 9^th January meeting with the Council.

3. Appointment of Acting Chair.

Dick Baxter agreed to serve as acting Chair.
Action: Dick Baxter was asked to convey to Geoffrey King the Committee’s appreciation of his achievements in establishing and chairing FoMC.

4. Consequential Actions.

The Secretary was instructed to communicate to Councillors, officials, and others as appropriate, the resignation of Geoffrey King as Chair and the revised FoMC points of contact.

5. Priorites and Progress.

The Committee confirmed that its primary priorities were the state of Midsummer Common and the frequency and impact of events held thereon.

1. Condition of the Common. At the 9^th January 2008 meeting with the Council FoMC pointed out that the condition of the Common was deteriorating largely because the mowing regime recommended by Dr Ian Richards at FoMC’s inaugural meeting on 24^th January 2007 had not been implemented. Only two cuts were made, rather than the four recommended, and these were too late to limit the further infestation of weeds especially thistles and nettles. FoMC offered to invite Dr Richards to draft a further remedial programme once he was made aware of what constraints applied in respect of herbicide use and the equipment available. This information was awaited from the Council. The committee thought that the introduction of a ‘Park Keeper’, possibly to cover both Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, should be considered as an official presence could reduce litter and other abuse.
   Action: The Secretary to pursue these matters.
2. Litter and Dogs’ Mess Bins. It is understood that the ‘Boaters’ had proposed that recycling bins might be located in the pound adjacent to Midsummer House Restaurant. The Committee endorsed this proposal subject to suitable arrangements for the gate to be kept closed. There was a need for a ‘dogs’ mess bin’ where Brunswick Walk meets Maids’ Causeway.
   Action: The Secretary to communicate these views to the Council.
3. Strawberry Fair 2008. At the awaited ‘Stakeholder’s Meeting’, FoMC would be looking for significant changes that effectively address the many concerns that it had expressed. It would also ask that an objective post-event assessment he undertaken as soon as possible and certainly before planning for the subsequent event has started.

6. Committee Membership.

There were vacancies on the Committee. Nominations might be made at the AGM but it was understood that Susan Stobbs might be willing to join. And a Camboater representative was interested in joining.
Action: John Lawton, on behalf of Erica Hunter, to ask Susan Stobbs if she would be willing to serve.

7. Annual General Meeting.

According to FoMC’s Constitution this needed to be held before the end of March 2008.
Action: The Secretary to organise. (Provisionally arranged for 1930hrs on Tuesday 18th March 2008 in the Octagon Room at Wesley Church. TBC by Rachel Clark on return to work.)

B Higgs, Secretary.
Approved: R Baxter, acting Chair.
24 January 2008