The Alford Town Appraisal steering group would like to invite everyone to its launch in the Corn Exchange on Thursday 12^th November starting at 7.30pm

Members of the Steering Group will give a short presentation and explain the seven key areas that it believes will strengthen the future of Alford.

We would welcome participation from all those who wish to get involved in shaping Alford in the next 10 years.

Refreshments will be served and the prize draw for the £100 will take place at the end of the evening.

Every household will get a copy of the final document delivered to their door shortly after the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Many thanks, Graham Hounslow

Again I have taken notes, apologies in advance for mistakes and omissions, that’s what you get if i do the notes. I’ve set this entry out in logical order, not necessarily in the order of events or decisions.

Also attending, Paul Lane – Magpies, Paul Rice – Alford Signs, Margret Hall – Alford Scouts, Jan Buckley and Pam Calvert – JJ Flower Design, Sarah Blair-Manning – Manor House, Geoff Dees – Five Sail Mill, Alan Whitcombe – Simply Heaven, Bob Clifford – Windmill Hotel, Christine Jones adn Partner, Stuart Hodgkins, St Wilfreds Church,  Angie – Safe Lincs and Quackers, Sarah, ACC and Councillor. Two Young persons – Youth Council,  Apologies Owen Stokes – Studio Coffee House.

again, no formal agenda. Aim, to arrange the running order for the day and appoint responsible persons.

The Corn Exchange is to be open all day, with events running from 10 am through ’till about 9pm or later

A running order, with persons willing to assist with the organisation follows.

10am – 12 noon    Pre-school open event.  Angie kindly offered to communicate with Quackers and Sarah has offered to try to arrage Sure Start Presence, Glynn Handley ( not present ) had previously offered his assistance liasing with Quackers. No one mentioned a contact within Bon ami.

12noon – 2pm  Arts, Crafts , Demonstrations of Wreath making, Painting, Music, Magic and the like, Jan buckly has offered to organise this period, I offered to assist her. It was suggested that Mt Duncalfe be contacted to ask if Primary Children could entertain with their “Oliver”

2pm – 4pm  Tea dance, PCO Phillips has this in hand.

4pm – 6.30pm Young persons, Father Christmas, Youth Council , Youth Band, Alford CC Band,

6.30pm – 7pm  Handbell Ringers

7pm – 8.30 pm Alford’s Got Talent, Final, Bob Clifford and Christine Jones.

8.30pm – 9pm Handbell Ringers

9pm – 9.30pm Alford’s Got Talent , Prize giving.

this is in no way definitive, only a working guideline, all reporting to Paul Lane please.

Sarah Blair-Manning offered a £100 prize fund and suggested a number of things, Radio and TV coverage, a “different” type of attraction for the market square as most of the traditional attractions were now in the manor house and to duplicate the type of attraction would detract from the quality of the day. she suggested, Tastes of Lincolnshire, Magic shows, Bands and either decorated windows or a Lantern Parade. It was suggested the traders dress to suit the theme of the Manor house event.

Other items, Paul Lane said he might have s a supply of bales that could be used for market suare seating.

The Church bell can be sounded at pre arranged times to suit santas arrival.

Jan Buckley might be able to borrow a roll-a-penny and Spilsby Lions might have an old fashioned shooting gallery.

Someone will contact Kelly Cockerton  at the Youth Center 463539 so they have the opportunity to become involved.

Next Meeting  Monday 19th October, Corn Exchange

present, Bob Clifford, Peter Milson, Alan Whitcombe, Rob Ray, Graham Hounslow.

No Agenda, therefore notes taken are in random order.

AACP Grant application for funding

Bob concerened regarding individual insurance

If Alford Town Council ran the Christmas event, then insurance for that event could be covered by Alford Town Councils policy. At least on member of the Town Council would have to be part of the oganising group, Sarah Deveroux, Paul lane and Mayor Hounslow would all likle involvement.

A “Car Rally” will be arranged for May 2nd or may 3rd 2010.

Alford Town Council might arrange a Farmers Market on easter Monday 2010

Jen Cooper to be contacted for links to and from Alford Town Council website.

Veterens Day, Army Day,  Heroes Day  26th 27th june 2010, Military show, Hire Corn Exchange, 1940’s dance

Campsite required to accommodate 3-4000 people.

Morris Men, august Bank Holiday Weekend.

Easter Pancake race

Easter mystery play, Mark Rowe?

Town Cryer competition.

Co-op has an open day Dec 6th.

Simon Adderley and Jamie Fraser joined the meeting. again , no set Agenda, random notes.

Significance of Alford to the development of America, We live in history, an amazing marketing tool, Founders day, 4th July, Footsteps of History, Alford History to Americans, Alford Family Tree, Involve Alice Walmsley, Jameston connections, Arts Council Funding, Dinner Placemats and town signage, Involve Visit Lincolnshire, Highlight Smuggling connections, Sarah and Philip Crome, Alford 1 and 2 possible use of material. Conatct EMDA for assistance once a game plan has been set in motion so they can see proper action and intent.

Alford setting history straight, Alford twin town in America. Links with Saltfleet Haven and Castle Carlton

Attending this meeting, in seated order, Ron The Gnome, Paul Rice -  Alford Signs, Terry Wilburn – Perseus Star, Sarah Devereaux – Councilor, Stuart – Church ,Cecil Mundy – Methodist Church, Pam Calvert – JJ Flower Design,  Jan Buckley – JJ Flower Design, Angeline Handley – Ageline’s Patisserie Glyn Handley – Angeline’s Patisserie and Alford Town FC, Graham Hounslow  – Mayor, Eric Cooper – Deputy Mayor,  Alan Witcombe – Simply Heaven, Rob Ray, Bob Clifford – Windmill Hotel, Jill Clifford – Windmill Hotel, Christine – Singer, Alan Reeson – Resident, Owen Stokes – Studio Coffee House, Paul Lane – Magpies Nest, PCO Phillips.

Paul Lane thanked all for coming and the meeting agreed that Paul should become Chairperson. He outlined the aim of this meeting as constructing a framework of events and identifying persons responsible for making the events happen.

The Corn Exchanged has been booked for the whole day, so something should be happening throughout the day, suggestions were as follows, in no particular order, Children’s morning, Choir, Churches Together organise something, Musical Recital, Santa for 180 plus children, Tea Dance, Football Club involvement, Handbell ringers, Magic Show, Cubs Involvement, Fire Brigade, Schools Competition for switching on Tree Lights, Riggals invitation, Steam Engines and probably a few more I missed due to cross talking at the table.

Certain People metaphorically put their hands up for certain jobs,

Paul Lane,   Chairperson

PCO Phillips,   Tea Dance

Glyn, Communication to Quackers and Alford Town FC

Cecil , Church Co-ordinator

Mayor Hounslow, Santa’s presents, Road Closures, Funding available, Town Clerk assistance and probably more besides.

Terry, assist with publicity

Alan, organisation of Stalls

It was noted that The Manor House has an event arranged on the same day and it was agreed that if possible the Town Centre event should compliment the Manor House event.

The meeting ended with the next meeting arranged for 5th Oct, in the Corn Exchange if possible, elsewhere if not, and a meeting for the 2nd Nov is already arranged for the 2nd Nov at 7.30 pm in the Corn Exchange.

The agenda includes: discussion of membership of Alford Chamber under the
umbrella of Lincolnshire Chamber, when to join and what the subsequent fees
will be.
If you are not on the list and would like to be, please let us know, if you do not have email and would like to be on the mailing list, Please let Alan at Simply Heaven know, or any committee member.

Agenda

Meeting 22nd September 2008

7pm at The Manor House

• Chairman, Bob Clifford
• Vice Chairman, Alan Whitcombe
• Treasurer, Paul Rice
• Secretary, Tony
• Members Secretary, Rob Ray
• PR, Terry Wilburn

Apologies.

Chairman Bob to open meeting

1. Members Secretary Rob Ray to address meeting re: new web site (Laptop presentation) and the way forward for the Chamber’s members and registration.
2. Forms to co–opt members to the committee for future events in a voluntary capacity.
3. Treasurer Paul: nothing to report as yet.
4. (PR) Terry and (MS) Rob to report on meeting with Skegness Standard’s Helen Bell.
5. On the table information (please do not remove)
6. Any other business.
7. Date set for next meeting

Meeting 7pm, Monday 15th September

Present:

• Chairman, Bob Clifford
• Vice Chairman, Alan Whitcombe
• Treasurer, Paul Rice
• Secretary, Tony
• Members Secretary, Rob Ray
• PR, Terry Wilburn

Chairman declared meeting open at 7pm

1. Terry: why meeting had been called in order for objectives to be ironed out where possible before the next open meeting.

2. Rob explained in depth about time he has spent since last meeting talking with relevant people as to our standing and registration
   On Chamber of commerce Business. Rob also informed meeting that there was now a web site in operation www.alfordchamber.co.uk

   A decision is to be made when all facts have been investigated as to whether we remain independent or join under the umbrella of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce. Rob to research this further and to set up meeting with Simon Beardsley for a date to be confirmed

   Also Rob advises the Committee about Business Links and possible grants available, again this is to be further looked into via Rob’s contact Simon Wesley.

3. Vice Chairman Alan thanked Rob for all his hard work.

4. The committee discussed the constitution but decided to hold off until registration had been decide on.

5. Terry brought up whether the market traders should be asked to join and it was agreed by all that they should.

6. Terry and Rob have meeting with Helen Bell Skegness Standard on Wed 17th 9.30am

7. It was suggested that Phillip and Sarah Crome be approached to design a logo and everyone agreed.

8. It was decided by all that at this present time we are to be looked upon as the steering committee for the organisation and that as of yet nothing is set out and no membership fee could be asked for until something more concrete can be offered to its members.

9. Nothing to report from the treasurer (Paul) at this stage and it was agreed that no bank account is to be opened yet also that the ATEC money to be transferred to Chamber of Commerce account is to be left in ATEC account as a holding account for the time being.

10. All committee confirmed its aim was to benefit the businesses, the Town in general and all the residents in the LN13 area of all age groups.

11. The next step for the Town council Parish Plan is to send out questionnaires to all businesses. Terry is to make contact with Jenny and let them have the Chamber’s data on businesses in our area thus covering all.

12. It was agreed that a form should be designed by the next open meeting namely a Declaration of interest form for people to register their interest in any way they can. This form will also be available on the web site in order that it may be downloaded.

13. It was noted that all the committee were very enthusiastic and a number of ideas were put forward that will be relevant in the future when the steering committee has finalised all the research needed and the Alford Chamber of Commerce if formally registered.

14. Alan (Vice Chairman) is to ask Sarah at the Manor House if there is any provision for laptops to be made available for the next open meeting for everyone to be able to access the new web site.

Meeting closed at 8.25pm

The meeting moved to the agenda for the next open meeting at the Manor House Monday 22nd Sept 1900hrs.

From http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/

Community Interest Companies (CICS) are limited companies, with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage. This is achieved by a “community interest test” and “asset lock”, which ensure that the CIC is established for community purposes and the assets and profits are dedicated to these purposes. Registration of a company as a CIC has to be approved by the Regulator who also has a continuing monitoring and enforcement role

A downloadable guidance is at http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/Leaflets/OverviewLeafletMarch2008.pdf

THE BENEFITS OF A COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY (CIC)
is outlined here http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/Leaflets/CICBenefits.pdf

notes for funders downloadable here
http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/Leaflets/FundersLeafletMarch2008.pdf

FAQ’s on CIC here
http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/faq.shtml#one

What is involved when creating a CIC
http://www.cicregulator.gov.uk/CIC%20guidance/Chapter%204%20-%20creating%20a%20CIC/Chapter%204%20-%20August%202008%20(version%203).pdf

Bob had organised and delivered about one hundred letters of introduction, including the objectives of the Chamber, our apologies to anyone who would have liked to be informed but had not, we will endeavour to include all interested parties in future.

Bob was elected Chairperson and other posts were filled by willing local business people, any person wishing to be co-opted onto the Committee will be most welcome, please contact us or any Committee member.

The Committee has arranged the next open meeting for Monday 22nd September.