Committee Minutes
Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 January 2008 at 9 Frosterley Close, Newton Hall, Durham
Present: D Gibson, J Hogg, R Logan, R
Cowen, D Sowerbutts
1. Apologies:
None
2. Minutes of last meeting
Accepted.
3. Matters arising
» Ray mentioned there was no change in the Subscriptions problem.
» Richard noted Carol Bamber's suggestion at the last meeting about Future Directions IV had been overlooked and agreed to write to Carol to check the position.
» At the moment it was not felt necessary to pursue the digital projector issue.
4. Correspondence
Only issue to note was HQ's AGM on 4 to 6 April at York. Members invited to attend and various programmes are arranged.
5. Minibus
Julie confirmed trip to Potterick Carr was OK. Permits will cost £1.50 provided there are more than 10 going but the rise in fuel costs will mean the trip will be more expensive than originally estimated. Julie and Richard to drive.
6. Weekend away
David S said there had been interest in this proposal. It is probably too late to do this year as trips have been arranged and announced but the Committee should consider arranging a long weekend (say 3 nights) probably to Norfolk in May next year.
7. Field Trips
The following were agreed - all to leave from University
» 8.5.08 - Pont Burn Woods Derwent Valley, leaving 6.30pm
» 21.5.08 - Low Barnes, leaving 6.45 pm
» 3.6.08 - South Durham Coastal Walk, leaving 6.30 pm
8. Speakers
David G agreed to arrange in lieu of Julie. It was agreed the following should be approached:
» Noel Jackson - Galapagos
» David Hirst - Regional Office
» Durham Wildlife Trust
» Steve Percival - Brent Geese on Holy Island?
» Steve Metcalf - Castle Eden?
» Mike Leahy - Wetland Bird Survey Teesmouth?
» John Edwards - Hawk and Owl Trust
9. AOB
Richard mentioned the proposal to construct a Film and TV Studio near Seaham, by Hawthorn Dene. This is probably the biggest proposal in the County claiming to create 2400 jobs. The application stated there was little bird life there apart from some farmland birds and it was not noted for owls or bats. While not opposing the proposal in principle, he had drawn this to attention as it appears to be such a major proposal near to a sensitive area at Hawthorn Dene. He was concerned about the potential for flooding of sensitive areas such as the Dene and Coast and the possible effect of lights, an issue that was in fact mentioned in the application's Environmental statement. He had contacted Regional Office who had agreed to consider this proposal. Richard proposed to look at the site on Saturday.
10. Date of next meeting
1 April 2008 at 9 Frosterley Close.
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