Minute of Torry Matters Action Group Meeting held on Thursday 3rd June 2010 in Tullos Community Centre
1. Present
Jimmy, Fay, Mary, Sasha, June, Andy, Nick, Henry, Billie, Jackie, Sandra (end of meeting)
Apologies
Louisa, Dawn, Sherry, Betty.
In Attendance
Carol, Kate.
2. Glasgow Study Visit 7th-9th May 2010
Kate has received 3 report backs. Jimmy read out his one. He felt that the purpose built Whiteinch Centre was too much for Torry. Toryglen on the other hand was doing similar work, intergenerational work and gave people some ideas i.e. raised gardens, woodland activities that could be replicated in Torry. Kate and Louisa visited the Playbusters Project which did interesting work across the East End of Glasgow and would be worth another visit. Kate has emailed Toryglen and Playbusters thanking them didn’t have a contact for Whiteinch but will get John Connor’s details from June and thank them as well. Everyone had been very welcoming and the visit to People’s Palace had also been very interesting.
Romanian beggars were then discussed.
3. Torry Magazine
SHMU are going to produce first copy and distribute it. Two people turned up at meeting and they will look at content once it is gathered. Hope to get more people involved once 1st copy produced.
Please send information to SHMU by 11th June to be included in 1st magazine. This can be done via Kate if you want.
The cost of repairing the Swimming Pool was raised as a major issue in the area it had been reported in paper that it was now going to cost £1 million. Jimmy felt that there should be a letter of no confidence in the Council written from Torry Matters Action Group stating they now had no mandate in Torry as they hadn’t maintained the services as they were meant to. Roof has been allowed to deteriorate; Pool has been closed for more than a year. Some work has already been done, will it be wasted. Jimmy could draft letter or write article for magazine. Other issue that could be included in the magazine is the withdrawal of the option to have a shower cubicle when bathroom/kitchen conversions done at your property.
Next meeting about this issue is Thursday 17th June 1.00pm with John Quinn Head of Regeneration and Housing Investment. People have the option to say no if they don’t want a new kitchen or bathroom.
Nick reminded people that the other way to get information out to the public was through SHMU radio email torrytreasures@shmu.co.uk
Meeting to decide content of programme is Mondays 1.30pm in Torry Learning House.
4. Torry Community Learning Plan
Kate handed out copies for people to read at their leisure. She was particularly keen to get people involved in an Information Sharing Day/Open Day at the beginning of September.
5. Community Hubs
Recommendation is that the Hub will be in Torry Academy this would replace Torry Community Learning, Oscar Road.
Recommendation is that Abbey Place becomes a Leased Centre similarly managed to Balnagask CC.
Separate to the Hubs discussion Room 18 may be required by school next term because of the size of the roll and smaller Primary 1 classes. This would have an impact on the Community Learning Programme, negotiations going on to create workshop space in lower corridor for Torry Arts Groups and dividers for coffee bar if room needs to be given up.
Torry Library is not in paper for closure but Kate does know that there could be a move to have it used more when not open as a lending library.
6. Report Backs – Forthcoming Events
a) Tullos Summer Playscheme
Committee has worked hard and raised a lot of money from local companies. 4 trips organised and will add another trip if more money comes in. Having a stall at Gala to raise more money.
b) Torry Gala
Dawn organising, everything now in place.
Torry Arts Group doing stall involving Digital Photography and self portraits kids will love them.
Tai Chi, Keep Fit and other groups performing and there is also 5-a-side football.
c) Youth Group Presentation
Well done to the 2 Tullos Youth Groups who were presented by Councillor Jim Kiddie at the Town house with their Dynamic Youth Awards. Some of their parents were also there.
d) Torry Community Council
No-one had report back as meeting had clashed with other commitments.
e) Regeneration Matters
No report back. Inverness visit weekend of Gala only Sharlene from Torry going.
f) Fairer Scotland Bid
One of the bids from Torry had got money from Community Safety monies. Nick to find out which.
g) Conversions
Already been spoken about needs to be better communication as creating tension where ‘neighbours’ being offered different things. Carol to follow up with relevant staff.
h) High Energy Drinks
Billie raised this as an issue as they had seen a marked change in behaviour at the Under 12’s Disco because children drinking these drinks. Agreed that people would talk to Bryan Duncan and the Community Council about the issue. Drinks are now selling in local shops from 35-39p so more accessible than previously. Where else to raise it Consumer Protection? Kate agreed to raise it with Tasking Group that meets fortnightly to look at Torry/Kincorth issues.
7. Date, Time and Place of next meeting
Already agreed that there would be an evening meeting on Tuesday 22nd June 2010 at 6.30pm in Tullos Community Centre. As it is the last meeting before summer snacks will be available.
Item for the Agenda
Outdoor Toilets in Torry.