Minutes 15 September 2008
Cittaslow Linlithgow
Meeting of Steering Group
15.9.08
Low Port Centre, Linlithgow 7.15pm
Present: Phil Murray(PM)(Chair),John Masson (JM), JL(Jean Long)Jim Hay(JH), Catriona Staddon (CS), Ann Daly(AD)
1.Apologies: David Tait,Alan Young,Ken Richardson, Michael Bennett
2.Plastic Bag Free Campaign
PM introduced AD to the Group and invited her to speak on her past experience from both a community and commercial perspective of similar campaigns elsewhere. In a wide ranging and informative presentation, AD outlined the key elements of such campaigns, including the options available to replace single use plastic bags, the importance of preparatory work and of co-ordinated publicity and information dissemination, the various replacement bag specifications, design constraints, sponsorship potential, the need for a realistic campaign timetable, the need to spend time with individual retailers to ascertain their current ‘bag practice’ and their specific needs in terms of any replacement bag. In the course of lengthy subsequent discussion, PM circulated a revised Draft Strategy Framework for information, which he intends to amend further in the light of AD’s advice. Action: PM
PM has also established contact with Banchory Campaign co-ordinator (the most recent successful campaign in Scotland) and will also seek advice from Selkirk, who went ‘plastic bag free’ in Spring 2008. Action: PM
JH indicated that LBA could potentially play a role at the appropriate stage, in the proposed survey of retailers, and in the establishment/maintenance of procedures to ensure the ready availability of adequate stocks of the agreed replacement bags, while the Group as a whole confirmed their willingness to participate in street surveys, relevant publicity measures, launch event preparations etc. Action(in due course): All
JM will undertake to investigate the possible use of WLC’s Town Centres Capital Fund to assist in the purchase of the initial stock of alternative bags(indicative costs-currently approx £1800 for 2000 bags Action:JM
AD indicated that while her existing commitments will prevent her taking an active role in the campaign, she is happy, time permitting, to assist with advice, contacts, guidance and professional input on an ad hoc basis Action:AD
PM confirmed that the Linlithgow Climate Change Waste Minimisation Sub Group had also expressed their support for such a campaign. It was also suggested that an approach be made to other known campaign ‘enthusiasts’ to get them actively involved Action: PM
PM thanked AD for her input and offer of continued support, and in the light of the discussion undertook to revise the strategy document, putting as much ‘flesh on the bones’ as can be done at this stage. Action:PM
3.Minutes of Previous Meeting (18.8.09)
Agreed as an accurate record-No Matters Arising
4.Update Reports
- Funding – PM reported that only outlay since last meeting was hire of LowPort meeting facility (£8.75 per session) Current Balance: £1454.80
- Slowfood Linlithgow – CS advised that previously proposed link up between Slowfood and Linlithgow Folk Festival proved impractical due to differing expectations and concern on part of Slowfood that they could inadvertently take business away from existing outlets.Slowfood intend to continue successful sampling days in association with Farmers’Market. Also will investigate possibility of stall at Advent Fayre in November and are looking at the possibility of a fund raising Slowfood lunch/raffle early in New Year. For the benefit of the Group CS also outlined the independent status of Slowfood, and its requirements to adhere to a set of defined criteria/regulations, but confirmed that there remains a core tie-in with Cittaslow, based on common interests and concerns, not simply on the requirement for any Cittaslow town to have a Slowfood convivium in place.
Action: CS
- Constitution Preparation-In response to PM’s previously circulated draft as discussed in August, JH outlined an alternative approach in which Cittaslow Linlithgow takes on a catalyst role for a whole range of local groups/initiatives stemming from the community, effectively representing the community ‘constituency’ together with the Business, Academic and Public Sector ‘constituencies’ in working towards a 20 year Vision for Linlithgow (stemming in part from earlier ‘constitution’ discussions PM/DT/JH/KR and in part from the SUN meeting on 8.9.08). This approach provoked considerable interest and discussion, implying as it does an altogether higher profile role for Cittaslow Linlithgow than was originally envisaged, changing the whole basis of potential Cittaslow Champions/Supporters/Membership as set out previously, and requiring a very significant level of dialogue /interaction/co-ordination between respective community groups. JH indicated that this is very much ‘work in progress’ and in the light of initial interest/comments/further deliberations, undertook to develop his ideas for consideration at a future meeting. Action:JH
- External Liaison – PM advised that, in response to requests from the Allotments Group and Linlithgow Climate Challenge Group for support for their respective submissions to WLC and the Climate Challenge Fund, he had sent appropriate letters of support on behalf of Cittaslow Linlithgow.
- Publicity/Website- In MB/DTs absence, discussion on this issue was limited; however the question of whether the Cittaslow Linlithgow website could readily sit within the linlithgow .com website, with potentially more impact and an ‘in built’ editorial capability (subject to negotiation) was raised; the implications of such a strategy need to be further discussed with MB before any procedural change is proposed. Action: PM/MB
5.Feedback from SUN debate 8.9.08
Time constraints prevented a full discussion of this Item. Those present who had attended confirmed that it had been a constructive session-further feedback/outcomes to be reported at next meeting Action: JH/DT/JL
6.Any Other Business
No items raised
7.Dates of Next Meetings
Monday October 13, Monday November 10, 7.15 Lab 2,Low Port Centre