FVRA Committee Minutes May 2025

Findon Valley Residents' Association

Protecting the interests of our community and the countryside around us

www.fvra.org.uk

Tuesday 14th May: Findon Valley Free Church

In attendance

In attendance

Lorraine Taylor (LT) Neil Worsfold (NW) Denise Edwards (DE) Terry Field (TF) Paula Barnes (PB) Paul Stanley (PS) Ruth Rhodes (RR) Steve Rhodes (SR)

Apologies

Matthew Ward (MW) Sean Philip (SP) Chloe Paddock (CP) Angela Atkinson (AA)

Minutes of last meeting

No matters arising.

Matters Arising from Officers Reports

·         From Highways Report

SR referred to his proposal in the Highways Report regarding the introduction of the “20 is Plenty” scheme for all roads in the Valley apart from the A24. It is free to join. It was agreed to add this as an Agenda item at next meeting. LT said it was important to gain the support of Elizabeth Sparkes (WSCC) and consult with her about the process of achieving a reduction in speed. Seeking a residents petition would cause difficulties with gaining her support.

Action Box 1

1.      Add “20 is Plenty” as an agenda item at next meeting (DE)

2.      Join “20 is Plenty” scheme and gather information about how it works, implementation, signage, consultation with residents, feedback etc. to present at next meeting. (SR)

3.       LT and SR to attend next panel meeting with WSCC and AWC councillors and arrange a meeting with Adam Beasley WSCC Highways Officer.

·         From Membership Report

People from VE Day filled in membership forms but we have not received payment yet. This maybe due to time lag in the CAF bank account, fees may show up in next month’s statement.

Action Box 2

1.      Email people who filled in membership forms if fees don’t come through at end of month. (NW)

Action Boxes from last meeting

Action Box 1

1.       Set up automatic opening of newsletter when clicked on, on the website. (SP)

To be completed for next meeting.

Action Box 2

1.      Approach RAFA in Salvington Rd to see if they would like to take part in VE celebrations (SR) As it was a busy time, SR did not approach RAFA.

2.      History group to provide a display of photos at VE Day celebrations, (TF) Completed

3.      Create a VE Day section on website (SP) Completed

Action Box 3

1.      FVRA to meet with Sharon Leppard to discuss costs and fees from the market. (LT/AA)

A meeting took place and it was agreed a 60/40% split with Sharon.

2.      Collect market banner from store and hang on Paul’s fence (PS)

 Completed/ongoing for all markets. The banner is in poor condition and needs replacing. SR and PS to research costings for a new one from Simple Signs.

3.      Contact Sussex Local Magazine regarding advertising FVRA events(DE)

DE contacted Sussex Local and discussed options for advertising, advertorial, costs etc. We already have a half page free advert. It was decided to keep the free option and maybe update it when necessary. DE to contact Liana Taylor at Inside Cissbury newspaper to research costs, options for advertising etc

4.      Supply addresses for leaflet drop along Long Meadow and Shephrds Mead (NW/LT)

Completed. No new memberships from these addresses yet.

Action Box 4

1.      Erect a sign in Community Garden (LT) Ongoing

Action Box 5

1.      Contact Charity Commission to update their website with new contact details (LT)

LT and RR met with Lance Allen, former Chair, who has agreed to be the appointed examiner of FVRA accounts. Guidance for accounts was agreed for this year. LT contacted Clive Sanders (former Treasurer) about a document relating to accounts required for charity commission, once received, LT will contact Charity Commission.

2.     Investigate acquiring 01903 telephone number for FVRA (LT) Ongoing

Action Box 6

1.      Approach Art Group to ask for a list of attendees for insurance purposes (LT)

LT contacted Group leader Terry Beaumont, he is putting together a list of contact details for attendees. He has his own fire door key. He will drop off contact list to RR.

2.      Ask Art group for a monthly report to come to committee. (LT)

LT thought that this might be unnecessary as it would probably say the same thing each time.

Action Box 7

1.      Produce a list of contents for welcome pack (DE) Completed.

LT to write a welcome to the Valley letter for inclusion. DE to source a map and bring a sample pack to next meeting. DE and LT to meet to discuss approaching Michael Jones and Jacobs Steel Estate Agents.

Webmaster Update

·         Double clicking on Newsletter to open it means that the number of clicks is recorded.

Action Box 1

1.      Send out Newsletter again via MailerLite (NW)

Action Box 2

1.      Add photos of AA, SR, RR and PS to website (SP)

Updating FVRA uniform and badges

·         ID cards and Lanyards

A discussion took place about committee members and volunteers having a lanyard and photo ID card and about colours and design. It was agreed that ID should contain FVRA logo, photo, name and role on a green lanyard with black writing. There should also be lanyards and ID cards for volunteers.

·         High Vis Waistcoats

It was agreed to order 10 new Friends of Findon Valley green waistcoats with FVRA logo on the front and Friends of Findon Valley on the back. There must be no Simple Signs logos on any of these items.

Action Box 3

1.      Get a quote for lanyards, ID cards, new market banner, jackets with pockets from Simple Signs in Findon Rd. (SR)

2.      Consult with Matthew Ward from the Friends group about colour of waistcoats. (SR)

Renovation of Noticeboards

·         There are 6 noticeboards, 1 by Merry Miller in Kings Parade, 2 by the store/toilets and 3 by the library. They all need either replacing or renovating. TF has fitted a magnetic back board to the one of the library boards, so that notices can be affixed.

Action Box 4

1.      Carry out an inspection of all noticeboards and report whether to renovate them or if they need replacing. (TF and PS)

Planning for Dog Show  The Gallops Sunday 18th May

·         LT reported that WI, St. Barnabas not attending.

·         Police Dogs are hoping to attend, it depends on work schedule.

·         Mini donkeys are unconfirmed.

·         People attending include Chestnut Tree House, Rechoired, Miss May celebrity dog, Findon Guides.

·         Judge in contact with Sheila from Umbrella Events and has offered £150 worth of training as a prize.

·         Husse Pet Supplies offering a prize.

·         Weather forecast is good and may be hot so will need to bring paddling pool and gazebos.

·         Sheila will be on the Gallops from 7.30am.  FVRA on site at 8am. Stall holders arriving from 9am.

·         FVRA to meet at store to load equipment at 7.45am.

·         TF to collect Sum-up from RR.

·         PS to lend water large containers.

·         TF to give battery for PA system to NW to check, NW can provide a spare battery.

·         LT has arranged for Clancy Docwra to lend barriers for arena.

·         SP to be on gate with walkie talkie.

·         FVRA to be available to help during event, will mingle with crowd.

·         Event to end at 4pm, Matthew and Friends are helping with clear up.

Action Box 5

1.      Update FVRA members with schedule /plan for the day (LT)

AOB

·         NW requested a poster for May market.

·         SR spoke to a workman checking the lighting columns for corrosion on behalf of WSCC.

·         TF to talk to Richard Moore from FVFC about posting History Group write-ups on website.

·         DE to donate a projector to FVRA if it’s working.

·         LT was invited to High Salvington Residents Association AGM and showed a copy of their AGM newsletter which includes accounts, crime stats and committee reports. It goes to every house in High Salvington at a cost of around £1000. 80% of households are members, this provides the main income stream. LT was invited to speak about the issue of dog fouling, dog waste bins etc.

·         PB asked about what activity to do at Findon Village School fair. It was agreed to do Magnet making. Ask school to provide small tables and chairs.

Date of next meeting

Tuesday 10th June 7pm FVFC

Please forward any AOB suggestions to chair by Friday 6th June for inclusion in this meeting. To ensure we finish promptly, some issues may be deferred to the next meeting.