Minutes of Executive Meeting of the Offa’s Dyke Association held on Sunday 11th February 2007 at 1.30pm.

 

1        (a) Present and apologies

Present: Ian Dormor (Chairman), Ken Harris, Bruce Lawson, Dave McGlade, Julia Roberts, Sarah Scotford, Wendy Smith (Centre Manager), Alan Tippett, (Treasurer), Barbara Vessey, (Minutes), Peter Weetman, (Secretary), Barbara Whitehouse. Observers: Alice Goldstone, Gary Cowell.

Apologies: Rob Dingle, Laura Higgins, Carol Ann Madeley

(b) Minutes of Meeting 8th October 2006 previously circulated – approved.

            Matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda:

            The returns to the Charity Commissioners were made and approved.

 

The Chairman moved that item 4(a) be dealt with next.

 

4        (a) Offa’s Dyke Centre – National Trail Officer’s accommodation.

ID had circulated a letter from PCC to all committee members prior to the meeting, from which we learned that the new National Trail Officer would not be based in the office in Knighton as we had been led to understand, but would work out of PCC in Llandrindod Wells, alongside the Glyndŵr’s Way Officer. PCC wish to maintain a hot desk only, alongside that of the Registrar – currently in what is the Centre’s kitchen. They also wish to vacate two-thirds of the large workshop space underneath the main display area. These decisions have significant effects on our income, and just as importantly on the role of the Centre in relation to the National Trail.

It was felt that the basing of the Officer at the Centre had significant importance in the attitude of the public towards the work of the Association, that removing the Officer diminished the importance of the post and undermines much of what has been achieved in the past. The impression given is that the role of the National Trail Officer has been reduced by the changes being proposed by PCC. One of the roles of the NTO has always been the promotion of the Path, not simply maintaining its physical state.

The committee agreed that there are serious implications in the proposals from PCC which could not possibly be dealt with in the short time suggested – as from 1st April next. The requirements of the lease need to be carefully considered, the attitude of CCW and Natural England to the changes, and how far the Association can continue to maintain the Centre if financial support is reduced.

It was decided that a small sub-committee be formed of DMcG, KH, BL and ID, to plan a strategy and to make sure that all facts are clear on the lease, etc. and what meetings need to be set up. WS to be kept informed in case of press interest in the meantime. DMcG would go ahead immediately and contact the others to form plan. ID to place an informative article in the next Newsletter, so that the whole matter can be discussed at the AGM weekend by the committee and the Association.

 

2        The Association

(a) Officers and Committee 2007-8. ID proposed that we invite our current President, Sophie Blain, to remain for a further year in view of the problems and also the plans for revamping the Centre. It was agreed that June Noble be invited to become a Vice President. We have lost two Vice Presidents during the current year – Stan Woodhouse and Lady Venables Llewellyn. Gary Cowell agreed to join the committee and Ian Bapty had expressed a willingness to serve – both welcomed by those present. There are two other possible new members, Dave Sharratt from Knighton and Kim March from Church Stretton. This is very encouraging. PW agreed to serve one further year as Secretary on the suggestion that BL take over next year. It was felt that more local involvement would be helpful to the Association.

WS said an Events Officer and an Education Officer would be welcome support for the proposed expansion of activities at the Centre and she had met a lady from Llangunllo, who is part of a local enactment group, who might be interested in the latter role. It was agreed she pursue this.

(b) Plans for the AGM were finalised. Professor Nicholas Brooks from Birmingham University will talk about King Offa’s accession to the throne after the AGM meeting, and would like to be involved over the rest of the weekend. It was agreed to apply for a grant to cover his fees and expenses – DMcG. In the evening a Medieval banquet was to be arranged at the Knighton Hotel. On Sunday a visit to Stapleton Castle had been arranged, together with a walk, possibly including part of the Dyke – details not yet finalised. A cold buffet at the Centre on the Sunday evening, as in past years, would be followed by an illustrated talk by Jim Saunders. On Monday it was hoped to organise a coffee morning at the Centre, with visits to the Knighton Castle site. WS has arranged insurance cover, and small groups would be accompanied from the Centre by members of the Committee to avoid the current owners of the property being overwhelmed by local people.

(c) DMcG said he had been in touch with a number or publications to get publicity for the 1250th anniversary commemorations for the accession of King Offa in AD757 and he, JS and IB were writing an article for the June issue of British Archaeology. In mid-April there would be press releases to include our guest speaker at the AGM, with a CD of pictures. WS said she had designed and ordered special commemorative T-shirts in black, white and red. KH said he thought that Knighton Forum would be interested in promoting a summer event – a Fair or re-enactment, perhaps with barbecue etc. outside the Centre. WS said she had ordered 1,000 King Offa coins, and it was suggested that every child in the Primary School (approx 250) be presented with one, the rest to be sold at the Centre.

(d) BL to write to Simon Rayner to thank him for all the work he does for the Association.

3        Financial Report – WS apologised for the fact that this had not been completed and passed to the Treasurer but they should be finished and fully computerised very shortly, and would be in time to be included in the next Newsletter.

4        Offa’s Dyke Centre                                                                           

(b) Centre Manager’s Report This was WS’s first report as Centre Manager. The accounts had not been finalised because WS had been unable to access the bank accounts fully until new signatories were in place, which has taken some time since Rebe left. The launch of JS’s book had been more successful than the official one in Llangollen, and the books were selling well. This month there is the launch of the television programme it accompanies in the Knighton Room. The use of the Knighton Room continues to expand. 2006 overall had not been quite as good as 2005 for sales and visitor numbers, but there was some encouragement in that the latter part of the year had been well up on 2006. Over the year counter sales were £19,252.66, postal sales £1742.43, World Pay £3,970.76 and Credit Card Sales £9,721.29. Subscriptions were £13,921. And donations £766.

WS has been to several gift fairs on the look out for new items to stock in the shop. WS also reported problems with vandalism and groups of young people congregating around the building, causing problems and leaving a lot of litter. The police had been involved on at least one occasion. Several suggestions have been made and CCTV cameras may well be the answer. WS was thanked for her hard work over the period since her appointment.

(c) Staffing the Centre. WS said she hoped Alice Goldstone would be one of two part-time seasonal staff, and she was looking for a second person. This would give greater flexibility over the summer period, with increased evening use of the Centre as well as holidays etc. to be covered. New wage rates were agreed.

Secretary’s Report

PW said he had spent a day in Prestatyn and also met Martin Collison, the lengthsman for that section of the Path. They were invited to stay (which Martin did) and also to a dinner with local interested parties before being part of a public meeting to discuss how the ODP could help Prestatyn in its aim to revitalise itself.  Over 60 people had attended the meeting, chaired by the local MP, which was very enthusiastic, and a committee was formed to see what else could be done. The TIC is rarely open and plans were being made to move it from its very nice building on the sea front, into the town, and to have it open more often. WS with liaise with regard to perhaps selling some of our commemorative items etc. ID had had a letter from Cllr Mrs Cahill, who attended one of our committee meetings a year or so ago, telling of very successful walking festival now on the calendar, and various other events. Two new B&B providers were in our Where to Stay guide. Of course, Prestatyn would like more people to start walking the Path at Prestatyn, rather than finish there, as at present, as this would mean more people staying in the town. At the moment, once people have completed the Path, they catch the next train home. But it is encouraging to know that things are happening to the benefit of the town.

5        Path and Dyke Matters

The realignment of the Path at Four Crosses was generally felt to be beneficial to the walkers and there were no objections. ID had responded to Stuart Mackintosh saying that the ODA supported the proposed realignment of the Path at Gornel Farm. RD had given ID a note of his recent activities. He has met all the other managing authorities, walked substantial sections of the Path and would begin the survey, along with all National Trails, in April.

6        Any other business

AT raised the question of the position of the Trustees should the Association run into difficulties. BL agreed to find out what needs to be done with regard to forming a Limited Liability Company.

KH said that when recent vandalism had been dealt with by PCC, the authority tried to say that the ODA were responsible for the repairs, but the lease is quite clear that the Association is only responsible for inside work, and PCC must deal with all outside matters.

8  Date of Next Meeting: Saturday 5th May 2007 at 10am.