BCAF Quarterly Forum meeting, 6th October 2007

The BCAF quarterly forum meeting on Saturday 6th October 2007 focussed on a variety of issues affecting the Burngreave community. Following David Blunkett MP’s impromptu appearance, David Reid opened the meeting by welcoming all present and setting out what would be the agenda for the day.

The chair’s report was read out by the chair, Jean Wildgoose. This centred mostly on staffing for the forum, with the creation of two new positions currently in the recruitment stage (a Development Manager and an Administrator), the position of the current reception at 12/14 Burngreave Road which has been closed since May and will be reopening shortly, and setting the scene for the rest of the meeting with mentions of New Deal and BCAF’s funding proposal.

Following the report, the floor was opened to questions or comments. Tim Woolliscroft asked for BCAF’s view on the Spital Hill Partnership with particular regard to the Tesco development. He said, “I feel it’d have a negative impact on the area. It’d result in the closure of local shops, and I’m also concerned about the council imposing parking charges on the streets outside the shops when Tesco will have a free car park for its customers.”

Following a presentation by City of Sanctuary, support for whom was agreed by those present, a representative of the now disbanded Fir Vale Forum, Dave Woodall, talked to the meeting about the future of the Fir Vale Forum’s assets. “When Fir Vale Forum folded in December 2006, its assets were passed to BCAF. I’d like to propose that these assets be used in the Fir Vale area to continue the Fir Vale Festival and for Green City Action’s work in the area, on the In Bloom competition in particular.” Following group discussions, it was agreed that Dave would speak to Green City Action to discuss how the money would be split, and how much work would be involved.

Also discussed was BCAF’s funding proposal to BNDfC, in order to plan the future of the area. Given that BCAF is currently recruiting for two new staff positions, it was said that BCAF don’t want to constrain the new staff members too much until it becomes clear what skills they’ll be able to offer the organisation, but that we’re only three years away from the end of New Deal and the future would need to be planned beyond that.

It was agreed that BCAF will work beyond New Deal, and look at constituency and ward boundary changes which are currently in the pipeline. The relationship between BCAF and the Area Panel was also clarified – that BCAF reflects the concerns of local residents, works in partnership with other local groups and service delivery organisations, and that there should be no limiting conditions on it.

A representative from SWAMP Circus Trust, Tim Woolliscroft, also spoke about its forthcoming Circus Skills & Community Leadership course. He said that circus and theatre would be used as mechanisms for expression and involvement. The course will run on Thursday evenings in SADACCA, is open to anyone over the age of 18, and will be free of charge. The course will begin on Thursday 18th October, from 6-8.30pm. To reserve a place call 01709 828477, or e-mail info@swamptrust.org.uk