(1) Present
Those present signed the attendance sheet.
(2) Apologies
Lynne and David Horsely, Peter Lawrence.
(3) Chairman’s Address
Richard welcomed all back to our monthly meetings after the long Covid break, especially the Revd Gareth Erlandson and the new Members and our Councill, Gail
(a) Defibrillators
He went on to explain that we had been active over Covid in installing defibrillators at Sure Hope and Queen’s Court Nursing Home which had been funded by Cllr. Bob Barton decd. and other Town Councillors together with funding obtained by the Welsh Ambulance Service.
(b) Graffiti
A local engineering firm had donated £200 towards graffiti at the A55 underpass near Queens Road. We now have the go ahead from the authorities to commence.
(c) Imagine
The Secretary had been busy with “Imagine” ensuring that Old Colwyn is well represented and also organizing Heritage Walks in the village. He has also been engaged with others in writing and recording war memories of the area.
(d) OWL
We have tried to encourage a replacement for the now defunct “Owl” but there seems to be little response or enthusiasm from the police.
(e) Poster Competition
£100 had been donated by Hilary Hughes decd. For a children’s poster competition to which £20 had been added by Members. Now we are back to normal arrangements with St Joseph’s will be made to present the prize(s).
(f) BID
He explained that B.I.D. is now finished, but we must ensure that Colwyn benefits from available cash.
(g) Funding
The Chairman explained that OCRA had no funding other than voluntary donations provided by Members attending meetings.
(4) Secretary’s Report
(a) Defibrillator Plaque
Referring to the defibrillators we should ensure that a suitable plaque is prepared and installed commemorating Bob Barton and the Councillors whose donations made this possible together with suitable wording.
(b) OWL
He had tried hard to interest the police in establishing and alternative to Owl, now abandoned by them. It was not efficient in that information appearing therein had to pass through the chains of command before being published, losing valuable time and public interest. Communications to the former Police Commissioner went unanswered and we never see a police presence at our meetings or reports as in former years.
(c) Building Plots
He had been in contact with Darren Millar AS concerning building plots with laid foundations who pay no rates sometimes for decades. National legislation is in force recently to remedy this, but it is not a devolved matter, so there is no action the Assembly can take.
(5) Treasurer’s Report
Brian distributed the accounts to the Members present. He explained that they took £15 p.a. in charges, plus a charge for every transaction. The figures for this year are:
- Assocation Monkey: £313.87
- War Memorial Fund: £1338.00
- Graffiti: £200
- Defibrillator: £2,321.20
- Poster Prize Comp: £120.00
Various charges and deductions amount to: £1,058.20
(6) AGM
The required notice had been given of this, the Annual General Meeting, and no one had put their name forward for office. The current officers and Committee had indicated their willingness to stay in situ except Mark Chapman.
(a) Co-Option
It was agreed that Cllr. Sandra McAllister would be co-opted onto the Committee in his place.
(b) Cllr. David Carr
A Member noted that Cllr. David Carr was not in attendance. Secretary would contact him inviting him to future meetings.
(c) Christmas Market
It was noted that after the Covid break it was now too late to organise our usual Christmas Market. We now look forward to 2023.
(d) Summer Fair
Cllr Gail Jones informed us that she was organising a Summer Fair for 3rd September 2022. the details of which will be notified to all soon
(e) Wynn Gardens
A Member enquired re the current whereabouts of the damaged stone edifice at Wynn Gardens. Enquiries to be made. It was noted that a wooden carved post had been stolen from Wynn Gardens. The number of a suspect car had been recorded and the matter was now in police hands.
(f) Digital Notice Boards
The new integrated digital boards are now in place in Cefn Road. A Member suggested that notices may be placed concerning this organisation. Secretary would implement.
(g) Coed Pella Building
Members wondered when the Council building at Coed Coch Road would return to normal working conditions after the Covid restrictions. This is vital, especially for the disadvantaged members of our community.
(h) Promenade Cyclists
It was noted that cyclists ignore the signs restricting its use to pedestrians. This is dangerous, especially for the elderly or those of poor sight or hearing. Noted that these include electric cycles. Are signs mandatory rather than advisory? Secretary to enquire.
(i) St. Catherine’s Church
Gareth told us that Saint Catherine’s Church has now been sold. The new owner has yet to formulate plans as to its use. Gareth and Members of our Committee to attend a meeting on 9th June 2022. Further developments to be reported regarding this and our War Memorial.
(j) Promenade Works
It was reported that the promenade at Colwyn was to be raised considerably. A “fishing platform” would be provided together with steps crossing the stone breakers. Toilets would also be provided. This would also be a possible site for a defibrillator in due course.
(k) St. Catherine’s Church Litter
A Member noted the excessive amounts of litter thrown over the wall into the grounds of Saint Catherine’s Church. Merfyn attends to cleaning the Memorial, but it was pointed out that the grounds are now in new ownership and therefore private ground.
(l) Berthes Road Car Park
The Berthes Road car park is being used as a long term parking location. One vehicle has been there for 6 months. It was said that unless they are not taxed or insured, nothing may be done. Enquiries to be made.
(7) Meeting Closed
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 8.25pm, and the next meeting would be on Tuesday, 5th July 2022 at this location at 7.30pm.