| RTF.27 | There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting. |
| RTF.29 | Derek Burke, Chief Officer for Bury Third Sector Development Agency, informed the meeting of the Community First Funding initiative. It was reported that Community First is an £80m Government funded initiative that will run for four years, until March 2015. The programme will help communities come together to identify their strengths and local priorities in order to plan for their future and become more resilient. It will fund both new and existing community groups.
In Bury, funding will be distributed via four Panels, currently being set up across the Borough - 2 of which will be in Radcliffe East and Radcliffe West. Each Panel will be constituted using previous community plans. Councillor Shori informed the meeting that each Panel needs five members from the local community and welcomed volunteers from the meeting to become involved. It was reported that this year’s funding allocation could be lost if the Panels were not formed and constituted.
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| RTF.30 | The Township Co-ordinator submitted the Radcliffe Township Area Plan, the working document adopted by the Township Forum which detailed the key achievable priorities as identified by members of the Forum. The report included an update on the priorities since the last meeting of the Township Forum on the 29 February, 2012.
It was reported that the Radcliffe Town Centre bid, as part of the Portas Pilot Scheme, had been unsuccessful although this bid would now go to the next round.
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| RTF.31 | A report from the Programme Support Officer was submitted providing an update on Council funding to support the work of voluntary and community groups in Radcliffe, since the last meeting of the Township Forum. The Township Co-ordinator informed the meeting that available funds needed to be allocated to groups or the funding would be lost.
Councillor M Bailey reported that applications for funding from constituted groups in Radcliffe were still available and requested that those present at the meeting inform anyone they think may be interested in applying for this funding, in Radcliffe.
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| RTF.32 | Michael Dunne, Project Manager for the Radcliffe Heritage Dig attended the meeting to provide information in relation to the project. It was reported that the initiative, supported by funding obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund would be on similar lines to a ‘Time Team’ dig and would take place in Radcliffe’s Close Park from 7 - 14 July, 2012. 12 local schools were involved in the Dig during the week, with an Open Day being held on 14 July. The event was generating a lot of interest and contact details and literature was provided at the meeting. In response to a question relating to the Tythe Barn in Radcliffe, it was reported that the possibility of turning this into a Heritage Centre was something currently being considered. Any updates on this would be provided at future meetings of the Forum. |
| RTF.33 | Councillor M Bailey reported on the following events taking place in Radcliffe during the Jubilee Week:-
• Ainsworth Community Association would be holding a community picnic and games event in Ainsworth Recreation Park on Sunday 3 June at 12.00 pm.
• A ‘Picnic in the Park’ event in Close Park, Monday 3 June from 12.00 to 2.00 pm, with Besses Brass Band. Everyone is invited to bring a picnic and listen to the music.
• Gill Stainthorpe, representing Withins Community Association, of the Scouts ‘Beacon Lighting’ event at Giants Seat on Monday 3 June. Local schools had been involved in organising the event. Tickets were 1 each and were available in advance or at the event. The event would start at 7pm, the lighting ceremony taking place at approximately 10 pm.
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| RTF.34 | The Chair invited questions, comments and representations from members of the public present at the meeting. Questions were asked and comments made on the issues detailed below. The Township Forum Co-ordinator undertook to obtain a reply to matters which could not be dealt with at the meeting.
• Gill Stainthorpe, representing Withins Community Association asked if more could be done in terms of advertising meetings of the Township Forum?
In response, the Chair reported on ways in which members of the public were informed of the meeting and access to agenda papers and reports for each meeting. Suggestions were welcomed from members of the community on how to inform them of the work of the Forum (please pass them on to the Township Co-ordinator) and all options/ideas would be considered. Colette Jones commented on the need to go out and meet local people face-to-face and suggested putting up a stand in local supermarkets. Cllr Briggs suggested contacting local radio stations to advertise.
• Gill Stainthorpe enquired about planting schemes in Radclliffe having noticed certain areas in the Borough had been left to grow to wildflower.
In response, Cllr Lewis reported that the Council are currently experimenting with ideas on encouraging wildflowers and wildlife in Parks and Open Spaces. The Council were also currently working with wildlife organisations on ideas.
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| RTF.35 | Nominations were invited from members of the Radcliffe Township Forum to appoint the Chair and Vice-Chair for the Forum for the 2012/13 Municipal Year. |
| RTF.36 | There were no other items to be considered at the meeting. |