SECRETARY'S ANNUAL REPORT

September 2010 to June 2011

Highlights of the year as reported to Menstrie Community Council - AGM on 4th October 2011

LS and CC met with Brian Forbes from Clackmannanshire Council regarding the running of the Dumyat Centre.
LS consulted with the residents of Windsor Street on the ongoing problem of crows.
An objection was submitted to a planning application for a wind turbine.
The lack of dog bins and grit bins was again discussed.
Annual subscription was made to the Friends of the Ochils
Funding was applied for from Paths for All.

LS attended the Remembrance Day Service and laid the wreath on behalf of the Community Council.
Complaint was received that the Council gardeners were throwing the leaves they collected onto the railway line.
A PA system was purchased.
A clean up day was held for the woodland - turnout of villagers was very disappointing.
A Table Top sale was held.
Draft paper on proposals for the Dumyat Centre was presented to the members for consideration.

Clackmannanshire Council agreed to treat the bridge at Burnside Road when it is icy.
A representative from the Digital Switchover Scheme attended and gave a presentation on the switchover.
It was agreed that we would change our banking arrangements to the Unity Trust Bank.
A draft proposal for the Dumyat Centre was submitted to Clacks Council.
An application was made for funding for equipment and storage for the Woodland.
The Christmas Tree was erected in the gardens.
A very successful Carols Round the Christmas Tree was held with Santa giving the children a gift. This was followed by mulled wine and Christmas pies courtesy of the Church.

Our audited accounts were submitted to Clacks Council for payment of our annual grant.
Our Treasurer's account was closed with the Bank of Scotland.
CC attended a series of four Training Courses on "Getting the Best out of Communities".
Discussion took place regarding the formation of sub-committees.
Funding of £965 was received from Paths for All for the woodland; Tools and a metal shed were purchased.
Work commenced on upgrading the Menstrie branch railway line in preparation of creating a walk/cycle path.

Complaints were received in relation to parking issues at the Primary School.
It was agreed that we should transfer our banking to the Unity Trust Bank.
A further Bingo Tea was held for Gala funds.
Clackmannanshire Council held a community consultation session on the Development Plan proposals.
We were donated a table and chairs for the Committee Room.

Alison Stupart resigned from the Council due to work commitments.
A letter was sent from Clackmannanshire Council to the residents of Windsor Street explaining the actions taken by the Council regarding the trees.
The relevant documentation for our banking transfer were signed.
It came to our attention that Glenochil Nursery was to close at the end of March.
Menstrie Matters was distributed.
A fund-raising Table Top sale was held in the Community Room.
We hosted a seminar on "How to Engage Effectively with the local Community".

LS and TM walked the woodland path and identified where work needed to be done.
Plans were well in hand for the Fete and Gala.
Mr. Heddleston very kindly made us 10 easels for the Art Exhibition.
A "Calendar of Events" chart was purchased.
We hosted a Gardening Club meeting which was very poorly attended.
LS and CC met with the Chief Executive and Gary Dallas for further discussions on the Dumyat Centre.
The NHS agreed to re-route the Hospital bus so that it comes through the village.

A successful Fete Week and Gala was held.
LS was elected Vice-Chair of the Ochils Landscape Partnership.
LS and CC met with Brian Forbes to have further discussions about the Dumyat Centre.
An informal Gala de-brief was held.
Some members tidied the cupboard in the Dumyat Centre which contained the Gala equipment.

Caroline Crawford,
Secretary,
Menstrie Community Council

October 2011