(Dee Ross, Esther Mann, John Craythorne, Caroline Romijn, Terry
Hadley, Louise Cumberland, Helen Tuffin, Gill Westcott)
1. Matters arising from AGM (15/10/2020) and previous Core Group
meeting (07/07/2020)
a) Seed Share 2021. Boniface Centre booked for Sat 28/2, but
unlikely that big indoor event can go ahead. Therefore agreed to
book market square provisionally for Sat 14 March. Action Dee
liaise w Market Cttee.
b) Mel Stride. MS wrote on 4/11 to congratulate Sus Cred on new
planting @ Landscore Road. But what we want is for him to meet us
and pursue greener policies. Caroline's draft response agreed.
Action: Dee to send off.
c) Vegetable Growing/ Incredible Edible talk. Louise had
contacted Mary Clear who is willing in principle. Actions: (1)
Louise to see if MC can do Monday 30th Nov @ 7.30pm (2) If so John
to publicise (3) Gill Westcott offered to potential use of New
Prosperity Devon's Zoom - better than our time-limited free
version. Agreed that members of Transition Exeter also v welcome to
attend the Zoom. Louise, John, Caroline, Gill to liaise re
arrangements.
d) Tree Planting. Caroline & John had visited plot above QE
Drive, as recommended by Dee. Looks suitable. Actions: Dee to
retrieve ok for records of recommendations of Simon O'Sullivan
& others, then seek agreement from Steve Densham MDDC for
planting, after which Caroline to draft leaflet to QE Drive
residents to seek support; when agreement in place John to
advertise a planting "event" to engage Sus Cred vols.
e) Community Larder. Time feels ripe, but still need dedicated
group of vols and project leader. Helen willing to assist but
unable to take lead role. Agreed to invite membership to Zoom in
New Year, to raise interest and hopefully find a volunteer leader.
Action: Dee to liaise with Clare Groom to present inspirational
Zoom.
f) Co-Cars: Update from John. This is a work in progress; busy
liaising with Co-Cars Rep. Considering launch event at Farmers'
Market, probably after end of lockdown. Action: John to circulate
info as soon as firmed up.
2. Pollinator project - update from Dee
Moving ahead in spite of lockdown: new plot at Landscore planted
up. Most reaction enthusiastic through Esther had noticed one
negative letter in the Courier. (Action: ignore it) Further MDDC
plots to be offered to Town council (and will need Sus Cred
involvement to avoid token geranium syndrome) New plot at
Westernlea plot to be pursued.
Gill mentioned residents' group in Cheriton Bishop keen to plant
wildflowers; Dee confirmed that Sus Cred will welcome links/
provide assistance if possible. Action: Gill to see if group would
value linkage, and if so put in touch with Sus Cred.
Agreed that separate Zoom meeting for Pollinator matters would
be helpful, as there are so many developments. Action: Dee to set
up Pollinator Zoom on Tuesday December 1st, 7:30 pm
3. Waste Group - update from Esther
Frustrating time, hard to DO anything! Action: Esther to attend
next meeting of Devon CAG (Community Action Group) in hopes of
inspiration.
4. Woodland Management Group. Update from John
John mentioned the sad loss of Pete Mason, who will be greatly
missed by the group.
Activities meanwhile in abeyance; work party on 2nd Nov
cancelled due to strong winds; no more scheduled during lockdown.
If poss extra days may be fitted into December, following
discussion with Wendy (Moor Farm owner). Insurance company have
explicitly confirmed that current chain saw licences, even though
technically out of date, are adequate, so cover remains valid. John
is working with Terry to tighten up the group's Risk
Assessments.
5. Collaboration with other local sustainability groups
All keen; good to have forum to share ideas on how to move
Mid-Devon forward, what to press for and how. Also possible linkage
via Elizabeth Wainwright's Climate Conversations? Action: Gill to
speak with Sus-Tiv to take forward.
6. AOB : Esther: Sus Cred had been approached by "Art &
Energy" group, who want to run small workshops enabling people to
create small solar projects etc. Needed support of 'umbrella' group
in order to gain funding. Dee had taken Chairman's action to
approve.
7. Next meeting: Thursday 17th December at 7:30pm, by Zoom.
Agreed to invite membership. Action: John.