1.

WELCOME ADDRESS BY CHAIRMAN

Bryan Barkes started the meeting by welcoming our guests.

2.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The Chairman reviewed the Minutes of the last meeting, and they were approved.

3. 

TREASURER’S REPORT

Income for the year was £305 from some 60 residences plus £3 in bank interest.    Costs were the WURA subscription of £20, website costs of £40, HACAN subscription of £32, and the 2009 AGM £180.   The total funds held are £5,131 against £5,095 last year.  

4.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The whole Committee were re-elected.   Bryan Barkes confirmed his resignation as Chairman.  Clive Hilton was elected as Chairman and Caroline Hilton will continue as Treasurer.   Juliet Willis has agreed to be Minutes Secretary but the Committee is seeking a Secretary.

5.

CAMPER VANS ON THE CAUSEWAY

There was a lot of discussion about the above.   The Secretary has had discussions with the police, the Conservators and our local Councillor, and there seems to be little that can be done about this nuisance.   However, it was pointed out by one resident that effluent from at least one camper van had been seen to be disposed of down a storm drain.  The Secretary agreed to write to the Council about this as a matter of public hygiene.

6.

CAMP ROAD

The Secretary said that he had been approached by the local police regarding parking by the parents of children at The Study School during school delivery and collection times.   The police felt that they are causing an obstruction to Camp Road such as to prevent access by emergency vehicles.  The Secretary has spoken to the headmistress of The Study and she has agreed that aggressive action by traffic wardens and police should be taken against parents who park in an inconsiderate fashion, both on the highway and on the pavement.  This has been agreed with the police and the Council, and week commencing 14th June will be the first week of this new regime.  After this blitz on parking, we will review the efficacy of this solution.

7.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The Chairman introduced our guest speakers – Councillor Richard Chellew and Jonathan Bodansky.

Richard Chellew told us about the history and importance of Merton Priory.   He then described his considerable efforts to get the Priory onto the UK Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Status.  He was disappointed to have to report that the new regime in Merton Council has decided not to pursue this, but the application may proceed without the blessing of Merton Council.

The meeting greatly enjoyed this presentation and wished Richard well with his application.

Jonathan Bodansky then told us about the Cannizaro Festival 2010.   He explained the difficulties of making this venture a viable proposition because of the limited seating.   He urged us all to support the Festival by buying tickets.

8.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Wimbledon Village Fair will be held on the 19th  June.   

Discussion was held regarding events on the Common.   It was agreed that we should adopt a policy of peaceful co-existence, acknowledging that the Conservators need to raise considerable sums beyond the income from the Commons rates, and that therefore we should be sympathetic to the holding of events providing they are not too large, of too long a duration, too frequent, and too disruptive to the neighbourhood.

The Secretary said that there was a proposal to introduce a temporary drinking ban on Rushmere to deal with the problem of young drinkers at the weekends.   This is a delicate matter for negotiation between the police, the Conservators and the Council, and these negotiations will certainly not be concluded in time for any temporary ban to be implemented during 2010.   It is hoped that it will be in place for 2011.

Bryan Barkes expressed our gratitude to Jeff Ward and to all the staff at Cannizaro House for hosting this meeting and all of our Committee meetings throughout the year, and to Susan and the staff of Robert Holmes & Co for their support.  He also thanked the Committee and, in particular, the Treasurer and Secretary for their valued support.