Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 13th December 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Doreen Haynes, Alison Thomas, Derek Keene, Michael Thomas, Paul Liptrot councillor, Paul Green, Jan Green, Joe Shovelton, Derek Bent, Brian Musgrove, Dawn Bootle, Duncan Poole, Trisha Poole, Andrew Moakes chair of S and DCA, Margaret Carter organiser of fete and North West in Bloom, Sheila Milnes secretary of S and DCA, D Bent, E Heeton, Alex Cornish, Carole Miles Shevington Parish Councillor, John Whitely, Chris Rotherham, Norman Hart, Ira Whitely and Joe Shovelton.

Apologies from
Revd John Hilton, Chris Robinson Adactus, Mike and Winnie Smith, Mike Crosby, Graham Foster, Sandra Musgrove.

Minutes of last Meeting.
It was proposed to be a true and accurate record, by Brian Musgrove and seconded by ST.

Matter Arising
None.

Reports

Treasurer
This was read out by JH as Graham could not attend the meeting.

The small grant fund of £240 has been received - we did apply for £420 for the running of the Association and the monthly meetings but we failed to secure the full amount due to carrying some reserves in the bank.

Tools have now been purchased with the Adactus grant - a huge thank you again to Adactus for their support.

The Brighter Borough grant we applied for has been approved - this was for the projection equipment - we have not as yet received payment from Wigan Council.

The Christmas card sales have gone extremely well and there are only a handful of packs remaining; we are currently showing a profit of just over £500 - a huge thank you to Paul Green for his efforts in selling the cards door to door.

This concluded the 'Treasurer's Report'.

Shevington Parish Council
Mike Thomas related there was not much happening at the SPC.

Shevington and District Community Association.
JH said 2012 was going to be a busy year. He talked about proposals for events in the village. See later on in minutes. Two meetings were mentioned - 27th January S and DCA meeting re Queen’s Jubilee, and 24th January - meeting re fete.

Website
S & D C A gave an award to Paul Green for the CVRA Website, on Lancashire Day, 25th November at the Methodist Chapel in Shevington . Thanks to PG for his absolutely wonderful website. Two notices had been put on the notice board –the quiz answers and winners, also the new library times from January. PG has put 10 new photos of Crooke on the website. PG added a link to SPC and S & DCA. The dvd has still to be edited.

Fund Raising/Grants
JH told us we have a grant from Wigan Metro which covers the payment of the room we meet in at the pub. Brighter Borough money was still to come for the projector. ST said he has collected £41 for the quiz. Thanks to him for all his effort.

Proposals for 2012.
JH talked about an exciting year ahead in 2012 in Crooke and in the country. We must do something for the Queen’s Jubilee, The Olympic Games and North West in Bloom. Much discussion followed, but the meeting concluded that the next meeting in January would specifically attend to these issues. JH and DK would look into a £2000 grant from Wigan Metro for a stone for Crooke. PL would look into finding funding from outside (Ventor was named). A letter was to be circulated to the villagers of Crooke re Queen’s Jubilee, The Olympics and North West in Bloom. JH and GF to write this letter.

AOB
Discussion followed about who owned the land at the entrance to the village as it was a mess. PL will send JH a plan from the Ordnance Survey Office, and look at Land Registry. PL suggested we get in touch with John O’Neil re a Heritage grant. JH said we will have to do something about Lawn’s Wood. MTh JH and GF had cleared some of the entrance to Lawn’s Wood and Wigan Metro had put mesh on the board walks and will resurface foot paths. Paul Collins mentioned Transition – a green venture in Totnes. James Noakes is person on Wigan Metro dealing with this issue. Crooke could be a part of this green initiative. Joe Shovelton mentioned, someone had mentioned to him, about the electricity box next to the Christmas tree. This was the responsibility of Shevington Parish but JH would speak to Krystina Pilkington about the removal of it. The ugly fencing was discussed and the meeting concluded that better fencing would be erected next year. Derek Bent from Ambush , the Heritage boat, would like somewhere to moor in Crooke. A meeting was arranged to discuss the matter.

The meeting concluded at 8.15 with a light buffet and film -750 years history of Wigan.

Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 10th January 2012 at 7 pm in the Crooke Hall Inn.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 8th November 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Doreen Haynes, Alison Thomas, Derek Keene, Graham Foster, Michael Thomas, Paul Collins councillor, Paul Liptrot councillor, Mike Crosby councillor, Paul Green, Jan Green, Joe Shovelton, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Dawn and Mark Tate, Ben and Katie Foster.

Apologies from
Norman Hart, Revd John Hilton, Chris Robinson Adactus, Christine Keene.

Minutes of last Meeting.
It was proposed to be a true and accurate record, by Paul Green and seconded by Brian Musgrove.

Matter Arising
None.

Reports

Treasurer
Grant from Adactus for tools of £790.

Brighter Borough Fund - grant pending.

Small Grants application - pending.

Net Cash £480.

JH thanked GF for all he has done in the financial side of CVRA.

Shevington Parish Council
Person from Orica discussed planning. Power driving was discussed – very noisy. More trees were to come down, grenades had been found. PL told the CVRA meeting that the next planning meeting would be in the Town Hall at 2pm on Tuesday 15th November.

Shevington and District Community Association.
Wigan in Bloom. This was the main topic of the meeting. Mike and Alison Thomas went to Southport to collect our certificate. The village had received the certificate for level 4. We had to aspire to level 5 next year. MT then asked the meeting for people to put forward ideas of work needed in the village. Wigan Metro invited members of CVRA to the Town Hall to receive a certificate, but we also received a trophy for best developing community project in Wigan and Leigh, and from a firm in Wigan, another trophy. Lianne was to display the trophies in a display cabinet in Crooke Hall pub. Thanks to all who were involved in Wigan in Bloom especially JH.

Website
S & D C A is giving an award to Paul Green for the CVRA Website, on Lancashire Day, 25th November at the Methodist Chapel in Shevington . Thanks to PG for his absolutely wonderful website. JH is to put a flyer of CVRA achievement to all the villagers. Payment for adverts to the website is due.

Christmas Cards
Paul Green has sold 76 sets out of 168 sets. There are still between 30 and 40 of last year’s set. AT will put some in her hairdressing salon.

Fund Raising
Christmas cards see above. ST has quiz number 2 ready to use. Grants – see under Treasurer’s report.

Northwest in Bloom Result and proposals for 2012.
See above for results – certificate and trophies. There is a meeting in Hindley on the 15th November. JH to attend. Discussion followed about hanging baskets and flower beds. Letters will be sent to villagers and Adactus about the hanging baskets. PL asked the meeting to check with local authority about public liability. JH to talk to Damien Jenkinson from Wigan Metro. JS asked about damage to the render of the houses which may be caused by hanging baskets.

JH said the next big thing for the village is Lawn’s Wood. Andy Smallshaw and Ross Smallshaw are liaising with JH. PL to follow up too. The entrance to the village was untidy. This will be addressed asap. MTh to talk to Daniel at The Owd Barn. Signs at the entrance to be tidied .Another litter picking session in the field is due. Mike Smith suggested spring bulbs, and ST suggested wild primroses could be planted to brighten the entrance to the village.

It was agreed by the meeting that the placement of the Christmas tree outside the church was the best position. But better security for the tree should be investigated.

PG suggested we get someone to give a talk on gardening etc.

MS offered to give his gardening advice to JH.

Railway Line
This has been put aside until next year, after kerbstones and drainage problems have been addressed. JH is getting a quote for the unadopted road past his house. There are 4 Adactus houses and 5 private houses on the untarmaced road.

AOB
Ben Foster told the meeting about a missing Jack Russell. Signs were going to be put up in the village and in the notice board.

PL asked Andy Smallshaw(Wigan Metro) to do something about the trees hanging over Wigan Lower Road . PL to chase Simon?

PL mentioned the top of Vicarage Lane being flooded and stuff being dumped there. PL to investigate. Liz Parry has got an officer to investigate the improvement of the path from Crooke to Shevington.

PG said that the DVD with Angela Burn was ongoing.

The meeting concluded with supper and a DVD of Bygone Times – Wigan and Leigh District.

Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday, 13th December 2011 at the Crooke Hall Inn at 7pm.

The minutes for the Annual General Meeting 2011, have as yet, not been approved but are hereby posted keeping the village records up to date.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 11th October 2011

Attendees
Rev John Hilton, Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Jan Green, Paul Green, Mike Thomas, Alison Thomas , Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Brian Musgrave, Sandra Musgrave, Joe Shovelton, Winnie Smith, Mike Smith, Elsie Heaton, Irene Wilson, Hilda Snowdon, Sheila Milne (Shevington and District Community Association), Paul Liptrot (councillor) Paul Collins (councillor), Carole Miles, Maurice Hilton, Alex Cornish, Duncan Poole.

Apologies from
Mike Crosby

Welcome from the Chairman

The Chairman's Report.

I would like to welcome all of you to this the 2nd AGM of The Crooke Village Residents Association.
When I sat down to prepare this report I really didn’t think that there would be a great deal to report but when I looked at it I realised that we have in fact done quite a bit.
Towards the end of 2010 we produced a set of Christmas cards of scenes of Crooke Village in winter. These were so well received that we intend to produce a new set for this year.
The Christmas tree was moved to its new home on the green in front of the church and this along with the new notice board, a new tree, the daffodils repositioned and a knee high fence have improved that area.
Over 2,000 daffodil bulbs were planted around the village and we hope that in the spring of 2012 we will be able to enjoy the results.
The Newsletter was produced in February and it is hoped that this will continue at least on an annual basis if not more regular if we can find enough news to fill it.
Because of the clean up work that we had been doing we decided to speak to Wigan Metro which resulted in being awarded a licence to “clear & maintain including replanting to the areas of open space at Crooke Village, including Lawns Wood”.
We then successfully applied to Adactus for a grant to buy hand tools to help carry out this work.
More recently we were awarded a further grant from Adactus to buy power tools to further help with this work.
We have already started by clearing back the footpath in Lawns Wood and hope to be prepared for more work early in 2012.
In conjunction with the Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust an Interpretation Board was produced and this is positioned near to the site of the Coal Tippler. It is encouraging to see how many people stop to read it as they visit the village be it in cars, cycles, on foot or by water.
For many years the footpath at the far end of the park turned into a bog in wet weather so we applied to the Township Forum for funding and were able to get the area drained, the footpath repaired and a gate fitted to the footbridge to stop children running out onto the road.
We were asked by Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust if we would hold a “Heritage Day” in May. Funding came from our three ward Councillors and the Duchy of Lancaster. This allowed us to buy display boards, a projector and pay for photographs to be printed. The Day was well attended with about 100 visitors.
This equipment will be used in future to create other displays of interest.
In July we had stalls at the Crooke Hall Inn Beer Festival and were able to raise money for a number of charities.
The 26th July saw the judges for North West in Bloom visit the village and we have heard that we have won an award under the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” section which will be presented to us in October.
The Shevington & District Fete was held in August and we took the heritage display which proved to be of great interest. The Fete is planned to be an annual event and I hope that we can be involved in it in the future.
The Reverend John Hilton achieved what seemed to be impossible by getting all the parties together to get the roads around the Church and the Village Nursery resurfaced. The village owes John a big thank you for getting this work done.
We are represented on the Policies Committee of the Shevington Parish Council, who have sanctioned more litter bins, provided another planter, provided a new notice board and moved the Christmas tree.
We also attend the Shevington and District Community Association who provided money for the short fall in work on around the Church green.
Being represented on these bodies gives us a voice into what happens in our area.
We also attend various meetings organised by Wigan Metro.
Paul Green is in the middle of producing a new DVD about the village and I look forward to its release.

Our thanks go to John O’Neil who since his involvement with the Association has proved to be a font of information, someone who can unlock what seem to be barred doors and is unstinting in his efforts to get things done.
A big thank you to Councillors Paul Liptrot, Mike Crosby and Paul Collins for their involvement with the village, especially their assistance in part funding the resurfacing of the roads around the Church and their help in funding the equipment for the Heritage Day..
All of these Councillors have attended our meetings when possible and I feel that we owe them a big thank you.

Morag Tebbit, our secretary, for trying to keep up with taking minutes at meeting and organising us.
Graham Foster, our treasurer, who has spent a lot of his valuable time in handling our finances, dealing with grant applications and being involved in every project.
Paul Green, for the work in running and developing our web site, “crookevillage.co.uk”. A great deal of effort has gone into creating it adding to it and keeping it updated. Paul is currently working on the new DVD.
Mike Thomas, our Vice Chair person, who has taken over as our representative on the Policy Committee of the Shevington Parish Council. Mike is heavily involved in everything that we do and his expertise is invaluable. Derek & Christine Keene, who have been involved in everything that we have done this year, Sandra & Brian for their fund raising efforts and to everyone else who have worked to getting us to the position that we are in now.

The work around the park and in Lawns Wood are major tasks for 2012 as is the ongoing work of litter picking the canal towpath and other areas around the village.
Derek Keene would like to identify the area where the Coal Tippler was by putting down railway lines.
Having a DVD show or a speaker at our monthly meetings perhaps with a bite to eat.
Whilst we do need more people in the village to become involved I appreciate that after working all day it is hard to drag oneself out to a meeting.
I would however ask that you support the Crooke Village Residents Association as best you can. It is your village and all that we want to do is to improve the community spirit and the quality of life in the Village. Please don’t leave it to someone else because there may not be anyone willing to do it and then what will happen?
Thank you all for listening and I truly hope that the new Committee carry out what has been started and look forward to seeing the rewards in future years.

This concluded The Chairmans Report.

Treasurer's Report.
The income for 2011 was £2,542 and this was generated as follows:

Grants - £1,330
SPC/CA - £ 383
£ 829 from the sale of Christmas cards, the Heritage Day, Beer Festival and other donations.

The expenditure for 2011 was £1,630 and this was made up from the following:

Moving the Christmas tree
Room hire for meetings
The cost of running the Heritage day, includes refreshments, room hire, display boards and pictures.
The Beer Festival stalls and the prizes
The purchase of tools, this includes strimmers, spades, wheel barrow and other landscaping equipment.

We have also made charitable donations of £150.

£50 to Friends of Chernobyl Children
£50 to Wigan and Leigh Hospice
£50 to Derian House

Taking into account the provisions against the un-used funds from the Aductus grant we are left with a net cash position of £742.81.

In addition to the cash fund, we are also holding assets with a net book value of £648.90 – FTR the assets are being written down on a straight line basis over a four year period.

This concluded the Treasurers Roport.

Vice Chair's Responce.
Mike thanked Jim for his tireless work for the village. He thanked people for their support, especially in tidying the village. He asked people to tell the committee if anything was needed and for people to get involved.

Secretary’s Report.
Morag thanked Jim for his work he is doing for the village. She thanked our councillors for their unstinting support, ie Paul Liptrot, Paul Collins and Mike Crosby. She thanked Sheila Milnes for her support too.

Standing Down of Present Officers and Election of New Officers.
Derek Keen proposed that all members of the present committee stay on. This was seconded by Paul Green, all present agreed.

Amendment to the constitution.
No amendments

AOB
Joe Shovelton said that someone had dumped trees/grass near playground. JH will contact Paul Calderbank at Wigan Metro. AC said there were leaflets available to tell you what to to do with grass cuttings. JS suggested we put up a sign saying, “No Fly Tipping”. DK asked who was responsibile for the trees over footpath. PL suggested we get in touch with Gillian Harrison.
M Th said that if anything is needed to be done get in touch with CVRA. And for everyone to get involved.
ST reintroduced the idea of a village directory. He will pursue the possibility.
JH mentioned that new dates for the tidying up of the village were to be arranged.
Paul Green and Mike Smith to initate a greeting pack for newcomers to the village.
ST launched his village quiz number 2.
PL said that Barry Jones our PCSO has moved on, a lady has been appointed, name unknown.
Carole Miles , Sheila Milne and Maurice Hilton told the meeting about promoting people who deserved accolades, ie OBE.
The members of the meeting looked at photographs of Crooke in Winter and voted for up to 4, with a view to publish them as Christmas cards.
Then pies and mushy peas were consumed.

Date of Next Meeting.
Tuesday, 13th December 2011 at the Crooke Hall Inn at 7pm.

The posting of the minutes for our September meeting have been delayed until now because of the Annual General Meeting. The Minutes acceptance for September were not accepted and agreed until the November meeting, hence, the delay.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 13th September 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Christine Keen, Derek Keene, Graham Foster, Michael Thomas, Paul Collins councillor, Paul Green, Jan Green, Sheila Milnes S and D CA, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove.

Apologies from
Norman Hart, Alison Thomas, Mike Crosby, Paul Liptrot, Mike and Winnie Smith, Doreen Haynes, Revd John Hilton.

Minutes of last Meeting.
It was proposed to be a true and accurate record, by Derek Keen and seconded by Jim Haynes.

Matter Arising
None.

Reports

Treasurer
GF had obtained liability cover costing £75 for 5 million pounds cover. There is £1790 in the deposit account and £277 in petty cash. (However £1000 is the unused allotment grant and £519 green grant will purchase a shed). So the true cash position is £548.81.

Shevington Parish Council
New members have been appointed.

Shevington and District Community Association.
There is an open meeting to discuss ideas for improving our area in the Methodist Church in Shevington on Wednesday 28th September at 7.30 to which anyone is invited. Discussion followed about Township Forums and allocation of monies. JH said that now, organisations with a project for which they wanted funding, went to the local council association who would put it to Wigan Council. We have had funding from the Township Forum which was used for fencing etc.

Website
Paul Green is meeting Angela Byrne this weekend. She has already videoed the Beer Festival and Crooke Methodist Church Summer Fair. Paul Elsie has paid in advance 2 years subscription for the Website. This is a gift. Thank you Paul Elsey.

Un-adopted Roads
There are drainage problems up past 99 but Wigan Metro know about the problem and are dealing with it.

Fund Raising
ST has quiz number 2 ready to use.

Discussion followed about a social event. Michael Thomas was going to investigate.

Postcards of the village to sell was discussed but it was concluded that there would not be a market.

Christmas cards were discussed too. PG will take photos to the Annual General Meeting for people to choose the ones to publish.

North West In Bloom -Neighbourhood category.
We have received an award. Michael and Alison Thomas are going to Stockport on the 19th October to collect it.

Railway Line
Derek has already talked with Neil Hickson, and Steve Mooney. He has to approach Lyn Knowles at property in Wigan Metro. Everyone present thought this was a good idea. JH was going to a meeting at the Coalfield Regeneration Trust next week and would inquire about funding. Once we get some idea of the cost of putting tracks and a small wagon near where the tippler was, we would leaflet the village for their ideas of the proposed venture.

AOB
MT said she has sent Chris Robinson at Adactus minutes etc but has not heard from him.

PG and JH went to Wigan to see a video about Wigan. This was 1 and half hours long but was excellent. PG has a copy and will arrange for people to see it. DK said that the bridge out of the park to the main road was very dangerous and slippery. Paul Collins said he would let people in Wigan know as it was their responsibility. Discussion followed about the proposed pharmacy to be placed at the surgery on Houghton Lane. A meeting was to be held at the library in Shevington on Saturday but PC had no times. He said he would email the time to SM and JH. SM said we could go to the Wigan website and look at the Planning issues.

JH said that there were grants available from Wigan Metro for small projects like stationery etc.

There was some discussion about Designated Public Place Order to become law in the 1st September to control drinking outside premises.

Date of Next Meeting - the AGM
Tuesday, 11th October 2011 at the Crooke Hall Inn at 7pm.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Methodist Church
7:00pm. 9th August 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Christine Keen, Derek Keene, Alona Shovelton, Paula Richmond, Sandra Makin, Sam Clark, Mike Smith, Winnie Smith, Paul Collins, councillor, Revd John Hilton, Alex Cornish, Paul Green, Jan Green.

Apologies from
Norman and Joyce Hart, Mike and Alison Thomas, Graham Foster, Mike Crosby, Paul Liptrot.

Minutes of last Meeting.
There were three amendments to the minutes of the 12th July 2011 meeting.

Paul Liptrot said, under the heading Northwest in Bloom, it should say that the Beat It team came to the ward 3/4 times a year and can be asked to do things in the village if he was advised early enough.

Sandra Makin said, under the heading Unadopted Roads, it should say the “group” needed to get in touch with Land Registry and not “she”.

Sandra Makin said, under the heading Beer Festival, it should say that “people“ meet with Allgates and not “she”.

With the amendments, it was proposed to be a true and accurate record, by Christine Keen and seconded by Doreen Haynes.

Matter Arising
None.

Reports

Treasurer
As Graham was not present a report would be given at the next meeting.

Shevington Parish Council
People from the SPC visited Shevington Moor, Shevington Vale and Crooke under the Wigan in Bloom umbrella.

Shevington and District Community Association.
Information about the Fete will be covered later.

Website
Paul Green is still waiting for video from Angela.

Un-adopted Roads
Nothing has happened about the other un-adopted roads in the village. The road outside the church and the nursery were a great success. Revd John said he had got in touch with Dave Hibbert from Wigan Metro regarding Metro adopting it but it was not done up to main road standard. Kath Godfrey who was to tidy up the grass area in front of the church, has the funds to put railings up etc. Rev John, Paula Richmond and Steve Tebbit to liaise re the location of railings etc.

Fund Raising
Paula has sent Jim Haynes information about grants. JH said that the money was available but specific projects have to be in place to access these specific monies. ST said he had a new village quiz. It was suggested to leave this until the Autumn. MT mentioned postcards and/or notelets. This will be discussed at the next meeting. Mike Smith reminded the meeting that getting the right publisher and terms, regarding the printing of postcards was very important.

Shevington Fete
Jim Haynes said that only Joe and Alona Shovelton and Chris Keen from the village were in attendance. The fete itself was well attended and some good interest was shown at Crooke’s history stall. A lot of ex Crookers who were living in Shevington were very interested. A header actually saying History of the Village of Crooke would have been useful. People said in the vegetable/flower show they would exhibit again.

North West In Bloom -Neighbourhood category.
A small group of people tidied the village prior to this day, a great big thank you to them for their care and hard work. The people who came to visit the village were indeed impressed. The planters at the far end of the village were painted by Doreen Haynes and Christine Keen, thank you. JH said there was paint to paint the remaining planters. Our thanks to JH for organising it. The village would get a certificate for entering.

Railway Line
Derek suggested a full size rail track could be laid to go towards the spot where the tippler would have been. British Rail could donate this. Discussion followed and Paul Collins said he was interested in the project. He suggested maybe a working model of the tippler. Discussion followed and it was suggested that interested parties could go and investigate the project and come to the next meeting with their findings, where the project would be discussed further.

AOB
Alex Cornish had approached John Rigby College before the holidays re the survey of people and bikes etc in and out of the village before the holidays but would get in touch with the school when the new term begins in September.

Drugs were an issue in the village, Paul Collins said he was aware of it and so was Barry our PCSO.

Sheila Milne has produced a flier advertising “Share your ideas about improving your area” on behalf of Shevington and District Community Association. This was to be held at the Methodist Church in Shevington, at 7.30pm on 28th September. This was shown to the meeting and hopefully people will attend.

Unlicensed motorbikes have become a nuisance in the village and Barry our PCSO has delivered a letter describing the problem, what the villagers should do and the consequences which may happen. Hopefully the motif at the bottom of the letter will be made into a sign which can be put up at all the entrances to the village to act as a deterrent. People need to log events and phone the number at the bottom of the letter if unlicensed motorbikes are seen in the village.

The canal towpath through the village was noted as being of an inferior standard to other sections of towpath in the area. But the meeting concluded that BW probably were aware of the problem but there was insufficient funds for improvements.

Date of Next Meeting.
Tuesday, 13th September 2011 at the Crooke Hall Inn at 7pm.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Methodist Church
7:00pm. 14th June 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Doreen Haynes, Michael Thomas, Alison Thomas, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Christine Keen, Derek Keene, Cllr. Mike Crosby, Cllr. Paul Liptrot, Sheila Milnes (Shevington & District Community Association), Alona Shovelton, Brenda Tyrer, Paula Richmond, Sandra Makin, Peter Makin, J Clark, S Clark, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Dawn Bootle.

Apologies from
Norman and Joyce Hart, Alex Cornish, Mike and Winnie Smith, Jan and Paul Green, Councillor Paul Collins.

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed as a true and accurate record by Graham Foster and seconded by Steve Tebbit.

Matter Arising
None.

Reports

Treasurer
We raised £286.44 at the Beer Festival. Given an expenditure of £141.44 the profit was £145. It had been agreed that we would give 20% to charities agreed with Lianne McPhelin from the pub but after some discussion the meeting agreed that the 2 charities and another charity Derrien House would get all our profit divided equally between them.

GF said he had investigated Public Liability with 1 quote forthcoming of £189 per year. He was to ask Krystina Pilkington at Shevington Parish Council with whom they were insured.

Shevington Parish Council
Nothing new.

Shevington and District Community Association.
Sheila Milne told us that printing was complete of notices and fliers re fete on 6th August. North West in Bloom. Ongoing working groups were tidying around Shevington in preparation for the judging on 26th July. Dates mentioned were Sunday 17th July – the Recreation Ground Tidy-up, and 21st July –the Big Tidy-up. All help appreciated.

Website
Paul Green is continually updating this excellent website.

Unadopted Roads
JH reminded the meeting how Revd John Hilton pulled everything together to make the tarring of the un-adopted the road outside the nursery and church happen. He got the church, our councillors, Adactus, The Village Nursery and the local residents to work together and raise enough money in order to achieve something that had been talked about for years. Thanks to Revd John, PL, MC and PC The Village Nursery and Adactus.

There was discussion about the road to the Marina. Sandra Makin told the meeting that this road was privately owned by Mr & Mrs Vernon at the marina but access to it was open to all. PL mentioned about the legality of the “un-adopted” road. Sandra Makin said she would check with Land Registry. The other un-adopted roads in the village, up past 103, and up past 81, would have to be discussed by residents and Adactus. This would be done at a later date.

Fund Raising
JH said that everyone in the village had had what is now the 3rd newsletter delivered. In this leaflet was information about what has happened in the village. Sandra Makin said any fund raising ventures must be negotiated with the villagers. JH said anyone who can help with fundraising would be welcome. Peter Makin wanted to know why we were donating all our profits from the Beer Festival to charities. GF said that the small sum involved would be more appreciated by the charities. It could not go to the un-adopted road as that was paid for already.

The Village Quiz raised £27, with more to come from the pub. Dawn Bootle won first prize, Sandra Musgrove won second prize, which she immediately gave back, and Dave Pickup won the 3rd prize. Well done to all of them. Paula Richmond said they had great fun doing the quiz but had not finished it. ST said there was another quiz in the offing.

Interpretation Board
This had been put in place, thanks to JH, GF, PG and MTh. JH was still trying to approach Paul Lees chairman of Adactus to unveil the board, as he had been instrumental in Adactus acquiring the village cooperative. This board, which is similar to the one in Shevington, was funded by the Township Forum, Shevington and District Community Association, and the information put together by John O’Neil. Thanks go to John O Neil for his hard work, and the organisations which funded it. Thanks should specifically go to JH whose hard work in talking with these and other organisations in order to ask for grants etc has been outstanding.

Beer Festival
This proved to be a huge talking point. Paula said that “everyone” in the village thought that CVRA ran the Beer Festival in conjunction with the pub. This was not true.

The CVRA had asked the pub initially if it could have a couple of stalls at this event. It turned out that there was no-one to run the stalls the pub provided. Two of CVRA ran 5 stalls. Car parking was a problem, but this is nothing new. CVRA people were allocated to help with the parking. Discussion followed about issues involving parking. PL said that if you know an event was about to take place, get in touch with the licensing authority to see if they need an extra licence.PL suggested that a liaising committee should be arranged between all concerned parties, including the pub, re parking. JH said he would do that. The charity event arranged for this Sunday, 17th July was then discussed. Sandra Makin suggested she meet with Allgates, re events. The use of the field was discussed, and only Wigan Metro have the key to the gate. Wigan Metro had said in the past that the village could possibly use the field for parking but this would have to be discussed with them when an actual event was being planned.

Troublemakers and anti social behaviour in the village was discussed again. PL reminded us to phone the police, or the local community support officers, every time an incident happens and not just one person but as many as possible.

Shevington Fete
See comment from Sheila under Shevington and District Community Association. The fete is at the Methodist Church on Sat 6th August from 10am to 4pm.CVRA will have 1 stall there with the history boards and possibly the DVD playing.

North West In Bloom -Neighbourhood category.
There will be a working party, everyone welcome, to clear the path in Lawn’s Wood (Wigan Metro have responsibility of this area.) of the very invasive Himalayan Balsam. There will be a working party to tidy the village also. Brenda asked about hanging baskets. Peter asked about planters. PL said that the people who were employed by Wigan were responsible for the planters etc.

Discussion followed about the state of the entrance to the village nettles etc. PL also said that the Beat It team came at his request to clear up the village 3 or 4 times a year.

ST said he would spray the nettles. JH said he would strim the nettles.

AOB
Alex Cornish had 2 suggestions put forward by JH.

1), for CVRA to produce a welcome pack for new villagers, including the current DVD.

2) That we approach a local secondary school, Shevington High School or John Rigby, to do a survey of traffic in and out of Crooke at all exit points, so we can have statistical information to approach either BW or Wigan Metro for solutions for any problems.

GF asked our councillors about planters. MC PL and PC will discuss planters from Brighter Borough money. Thanks to all our councillors who regularly attend our CVRA meetings and have provided a great deal of money for the road and other projects.

Discussion followed about communication between everyone being important.

Date of Next Meeting.
Tuesday, the 9th of July at 7pm, Venue to be decided.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 14th June 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Doreen Haynes, Michael Thomas, Paul Green, Jan Green, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Christine Keen, Derek Keene, Cllr. Mike Crosby, Cllr. Paul Liptrot, Cllr Paul Collins, Sheila Milnes Community Association, Winnie Smith and Mike Smith, Alex Cornish, Lianne.

Apologies from
Norman and Joyce Hart, Brian and Sandra Musgrove, Mark and Dawn Tate, Alison Thomas.

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed as a true and accurate record by Christine Keen and seconded by Graham Foster.

Matter Arising
None.

Reports

Treasurer

We raised £90 on Heritage Day, from donations. There is £340 in disposable cash.

Shevington Parish Council

There was an open meeting hosted by Orica. See attached report from Graham Foster. Mike Crosby has requested another site visit with PL Paul Collins had requested an inspection by inspection officers. That took place on the 14th June. There will be a replanting of saplings to replace the trees removed. Sheila Milnes said that there would be no further building after the stipulated number of houses which fills the “footprint” now. CVRA were asked to provide a representative to sit on the General Purposes Committee. Jane Young had been elected but has resigned. Jim Haynes attended for a while. Mike Thomas was proposed by JH to be our representative on that committee, Derek Keen seconded it and the motion was carried unanimously.

Shevington and District Community Association.

It was noted with regret that Mary Burgess had died. JH asked this committee for monies for the un- adopted roads. See attached letter. If the budget achieved by Revd John Hilton was not quite sufficient, then CVRA had a small amount to give to him.

Website
Paul Green is continually updating this excellent website. The Interpretation Board was to be put on.

Unadopted Roads
JH proposed that the other un-adopted roads in the village needed to be seen to – the one to the marina, the road at the side of the Hammonds house and the road up to 113. A gulley down the side the road would greatly alleviate the problem of rain water flowing down the road. GF, MTh, ST and JH to acquire quotes. Timescale for this project? Adactus’ next financial year. At this point Samantha Hornby from Adactus was mentioned. She is Adactus’ representative. I have not sent her the minutes up to this meeting but I will send her these minutes and ask if she could come to the next meeting.

Interpretation Board

JH said that it was completed and he was in possession of it. It had a brief resume of the history of Crooke on it. The location of the board ,would be where the tippler board was going to be put. Wigan Metro had agreed to its positioning. JH suggested he would approach Paul Lees chairman of Adactus to unveil the board, as he had been instrumental in Adactus acquiring the village

Heritage Day
This day was very successful. JH said that it was held in conjunction with Wigan Borough Environment and Heritage Network. John O’Neil who is chairman of that organisation sent CVRA a congratulatory letter. (see attached letter) Thanks to our councillors for proposing to give us funds to cover hiring a projector, boards, another interpretation board and producing a dvd of Paul Green’s excellent slide show. Mike Crosby said we should hear by the end of the month. The dvd was pctures only with appropriate music. It was suggested that a commentary would be useful. Alex Cornish said he could approach a film maker in the village to suggest an actor to do a commentary. Paul Liptrot said he would approach the Wigan Little Theatre. The dvd could be offered to schools. Mike Smith suggested that Lawn’s Wood and other walks be added to the dvd. He said that everyone who has come into the village has said what a lovely village we have. We all agreed that we had immense pride in our village.

Shevington Fete
This would take place on 6th August.

The Community Association is holding an event on Friday 17th June at 7pm at which we are having our display boards, 4 tables and the DVD running.

North West In Bloom
26th July, 9.15 am. JH had spoken to Damian Jenkinson re Crooke entering under the Neighbourhood banner. This would have nature as a prominent feature, meaning it would be a tidying of the village brief rather than a planting one. Pictures would be shown to the inspection people – JH and PG to liaise. Mike Smith said it would be a good idea to make a wild life meadow across the road from the church. JH said that the idea was to extend the area from Lawn’s Wood and Meadows to the “park” We are friends and Volunteers of Wigan Metro and have a letter saying we have a licence to allow us to tidy places in the village including Lawn’s Wood. GF has forms to request from Adactus monies to buy strimmers, hedge cutters and a petrol blower.

Beer Festival 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July
It was noted that the beer festival coincided on one day with the Church Summer Fair. It was concluded that this could be a good thing for both events, but that parking would be a problem but would have to be addressed. Discussion followed about what stalls were to be run, by the pub and the association, the prizes to be given etc. Mike Smith gave £20 as a donation for a prize. Derek Keen offered 2500 glass warmer/coolers as prizes. The minutiae was to be discussed after the meeting

AOB
Paul Liptrot mentioned that planters would be placed at The Royal Oak and the fence post in the park had been fixed.

Date of Next Meeting.
Tuesday, the 12th July at 7pm, at Crooke Methodist Church.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 10th May 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Doreen Haynes, Michael Thomas, Paul Green, Jan Green, Morag Tebbit, Stephen Tebbit, Brian Musgrove, Sandra Musgrove, Revd John Hilton, Christine Keen, Derek Keene, Dawn Tate, Mark Tate, Cllr. Mike Crosby, Cllr. Paul Liptrot.

Apologies from
Mike Smith, Winnie Smith, Norman Hart. Joyce Hart.

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed as a true and accurate record by Paul Green and seconded by Paul Liptrot.

Matter Arising
Do we request another bin? Discussion followed and JH was to get in touch with Paulette Dean about location and responsibility.

Reports

Treasurer

£450 will be spent on Heritage Day, on 2 display boards, £30 for use of church hall. The balance would be £200.

Shevington Parish Council

The Notice Board has been erected and looks very good.

The electricity box –Krystina Pilkington is working with Chris Pennington deciding on its position, leaving a plate on the floor, and reconnecting every year.

The Parish Council Elections –in the South Ward, John Ball, Carole Miles and Roy Bridge were elected (commiserations to Mike Thomas). For results in other wards see full list on Parish Council Website. Our district Councillor is Paul Collins.

Shevington and District Community Association.

There is an event in the Memorial Park in Shevington this Saturday.

Website
Paul Green is continually updating this excellent website. There is a link to Ginn Pit Village and Shevington Parish Council. GF was going to investigate if CVRA domain, or Crooke Village.co.uk were available as an address to reply to.

Unadopted Roads
Rev. John Hilton has told us that the estimated start date for work on the roads around the Church & Village Nursery is 16th May. White lines were to be painted on the new road and parking bays. Letters have been delivered to the whole village informing them of this work. It should be completed in 4 days, 2 days to prepare, and 2 days to complete. At the edge of the field between the church and the nursery there would be a kerb, this to be financed by the church. There would be a stronger compound used at the junction of the new road and Crooke road because of the cars turning in. Kath Godfrey will arrange the finishing of the tidying of that area after the road is finished. Discussion about the Spec followed, and it was concluded that the authority might adopt the road in the future. Revd John would get in touch with Dave Hibbert, highway engineer to be present at part of the road building and inspect the Spec. JH said that after the resurfacing of the roads in question, we should look at the other un-adopted roads. Thanks to the 2 councillors who donated monies to the project, and Adactus and the Nursery. Thanks to Revd John for getting this project to near completion, after many years. He is contacting the newspaper to publicise this event. Discussion followed as to the need to publicise village events. JH proposed Derek Keen to be press officer and Mike Thomas seconded the proposition. The motion was carried unanimously.

Fund Raising
PL suggested a raffle at every meeting of CVRA but that would be just us contributing.

Mark Tate suggested a tombola at the Beer Festival, 1st weekend in July. The charities which were being given to are, Wigan Hospice, and Chernobyl children. The village would be given a share too. Discussion followed about permission to be granted for raising money for charity. Lianne from Crooke Hall Inn and Graham Foster were going to investigate whose responsibility it was. PL gave GF the name Peter Hibbert to ask about a licence for fund raising.

Heritage Day
JH asked if there was any possibility of more Brighter Borough monies being available for the purchase of display boards. Paul Collins to be approached by MC , MC and PL had said yes to £150 each. MC suggested money from Brighter Borough Fund to be available for the lamination of photographs. PG, GF and JH to liaise about content of display. (Monday 16th evening). Steve Tebbit is going to produce a Village Quiz to be sold at the Heritage Day. Three prizes were offered –1,Derek and Christine Keen to donate a porcelain doll, 2, - Barnet Fayre to donate a cut and blow/shampoo and 3 -the CVRA association (PG) to donate a dvd of the village.

Leaflet and flyer to be written and distributed to advertise this date. JH and GF to organise.

There was to be a notice about the Heritage Day at the entrance to the village, and advertised in the newspaper. Our new press officer, DK to organise. PG to put it on the website. Notices to be out up in Shevington Library and Barnet Fayre and other places.

Shevington Fete
Revd John said that it was fine for CVRA to have a stall at this and use the display from the Heritage Day.

North West In Bloom
Mike Thomas to circulate comments.

AOB
Mark Tate to ask permission from Alex Cornish, the Hammonds and the Keens to put a stall on the triangle opposite their houses on the first weekend in July for the Beer Festival.

On the 11th June the Interpretation Board will be erected. John O’Neil will produce leaflets about the board which will be available on the Heritage Day and will be distributed throughout the village.

Discussion followed about the prompt responses from the police concerning issues like JH’s break-in, the motorbikes and one weekend when there was a girl screaming. Thanks to Barry and Helen our community support officers.

Discussion followed about the speed cars came into and out of the village, primarily to the nursery. The new road being made the week beginning the 16th May, would have speed bumps, so would stop speeding in the close environs of the nursery and church. The problem at the exit/entrance on to the main road could not be resolved.

Date of Next Meeting.
Tuesday 14th May at 7pm at Crooke Hall Inn.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 12th April 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Michael Thomas, Paul Green, Jan Green, Norman Hart, Brian Musgrove, Alex Cornish, Derek Keene, Cllr. Mike Crosby, Cllr. Paul Liptrot.

Apologies from
Graham Foster, Morag Tebbit, Steve Tebbit, Rev. John Hilton, Alison Thomas, Christine Keene, Sandra Musgrove.

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed as a true and accurate record by Brian Musgrove and seconded by Paul Green.

Matter Arising
Ref. towpath being used to exercise horses, British Waterways have been approached but to date have not replied, Paul Liptrot suggested that we contact Liz Parry, Footpath Officer at Wigan Metro, as she may know.

Shevington Parish Council
The Notice Board should be erected on Wednesday 20th. April. We are still awaiting details of when & how the electric box will be moved.

Shevington and District Community Association.
The S & D C A has agreed to financially assist the CVRA in North West in Bloom. Paul Liptrot said that he did not think that the CA paid enough attention to the outlying areas.

Township Forum.
The Township Forum has now ceased and we are awaiting future developments.

Entrance to Lawns Wood & Green in front of the Church
The Township Forum funded work to the entrance to Lawns Wood. Draining alongside & under the footpath, clearing saplings & undergrowth at the entrance to the wood & fitting a pedestrian gate at the exit to the main road. This work has been carried out by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

The Township Forum funded work to reposition the daffodils & fit a knee high fence on the green in front of the church. The daffodils have been moved but the fence is not being fitted until the roads have been resurfaced.

Website.
More praises have been received for the site, one person said that is the best village website that they have seen.

Unadopted Roads
Rev. John Hilton has told us that the estimated start date for work on the roads around the Church & Village Nursery is 16th. May.

Fund Raising
Because of the number of absentees this item was not discussed.

Heritage Day
In conjunction with John O’Neil this is planned for the 21st. May to coincide with the unveiling of the Interpretation Board. It was decided that the presentation would take the form of ‘photos and narrative displayed on boards and the village DVD would run all the time. Paul Green, Mike Thomas, Graham Foster & Jim Haynes to select the ‘photos and narrative from Paul Green library of information. Jim Haynes has applied to the Duchy of Lancaster fund for monies for the production of the display.

Shevington Fete
This will be held on the 9th August in and around the Methodist Church in Shevington. It is planned for CVRA to have a stall and it was suggested that we use the display from the Heritage Day.

North West In Bloom
Damian Jenkinson of Wigan Metro suggested that we canvas the village re hanging baskets, again through lack of numbers it was decided to hold this over until the next meeting.

AOB
Paul Liptrot suggested we get press coverage for Heritage Day.

Alex Cornish suggested we invite all businesses in the village to also be involved.

Alex also suggested approaching all villagers for any artefacts which could be displayed on the day.

Lianne requested more litter bins, Paul Liptrot to see if anything can be done.

There was a discussion in respect of the recent increase in people on the green making noise and leaving litter.

Michael Thomas proposed that the next meeting be held in Crooke Hall Inn, this was seconded by Brian Musgrove and was carried unanimously.

The meeting was closed at 8.30pm

Date of Next Meeting.
7pm at the Crooke Hall Inn on Tuesday the 10th May 2011.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Hall Inn
7:00pm. 8th March 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Michael Thomas, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Jan Green, Paul Green, Derek Keen, Chris Keen, Brian Musgrove, Sandra Musgrove, John McDonald, Elsie Heaton, Irene Wilson, Paul Catterall, Irene Catterall (54), Alison Thomas, Trevor Holehouse, Mike Smith,Winnie Smith.

Apologies from
Norman and Joyce Hart, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Paul Liptrot, Mike Crosby, John Hilton

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed by BM and seconded by ST. ( The minute regarding Graham Foster stating that the canal towpath is regarded as a bridlepath by British Waterways is to be checked with Graham, This matter was raised by John MacDonald )

Matter Arising
Since the last meeting few motorbikes have gone through the village.

Shevington Parish Council
Notice Board – still waiting. Electric box –the removal of this to a more appropriate place ( near nursery) will be done any day now.
There will be meeting of this committee on 10th March, 6.45 in the Library in Shevington. JH asked people to attend this meeting as there is going to be the election of members in May . All members will have to stand down at this meeting and be re-elected at the May meeting.

Shevington and District Community Association.
The report from the AGM was given.

Township Forum.
See below.

Lawn’s Wood and Meadows.
The BTCV is to submit a price for work on the entrance to Lawns Wood including drainage to and the repair of the path just outside the wood , this will also include a gate on the bridge over Mill Brook .This will be put to the Township Forum on the 16th March for posssible funding.

Notice Board.
Still waiting.

Green in front of church.
The Christmas tree electric box will be relocated soonest. The daffodil bulbs are going to be relocated so as not to form an arrow but be planted on the extremities of the green to allow mowing. BTCV to submit a price for this and also to include a knee high fence in front of the church, to match the existing fence, with access to the green opposite the church entrance. Bulb planting at the entrance to the village plus a stone with “Crooke Village” on it will also be included. The prices of these will be submitted to the Township Forum for possible funding. John O’Neil has promissed a new tree for the Church Green.Once funding is in place there will be a meeting for all residents to have an input.

Village Interpretaion Board.
John O’Neil suggested a History day in the village when the Interpretation Board would be unveiled on the green adjacent to 99a..A date in May was to be arranged with the church. MT to find out free dates in May. JH to produce a flyer.

Website.
Paul Green keeps it up to date. Thank you .PG to put pictures of the clean up, bulb planting and litter pick.

Unadopted Roads
Revd John Hilton was progressing with this and has earmarked funding.

Fund Raising
Steve Tebbit reminded the meeting of a quiz he had written, this could possibly tie in with the history day. BBQ and gazebos were discussed.
The Rotary Club Dragon’s Den have £500 for projects (from a £4000 pot) .JH MTh and GF to put forward a wish list, to be in before 31st March. The final is on 19th May where there will be 3 minute presentations.
JH has a meeting with Damian Jenkinson of Wigan in Bloom on Tuesday 15th March at 2pm to discuss what we want to do and how they can help.

AOB
No trial bikes have been seen in the village since the last meeting. PG was meeting with JO to discuss other boards. There will be a board at the entrance to Lawn’s Wood. The procurement of beehives was on the back boiler as Wigan Metro will not allow livestock of any kind on their land, including allotments.
3500 bulbs were planted last week after the litter pick.

The minutes are to be,
a) distributed to every villager,
b) put up on the village notice board,
c) put up on the notice board outside the pub (thanks to Liane from the pub for doing this)
d) put up in the Methodist Church.

Date of Next Meeting.
7pm at the Church on Tuesday the 12th April 2011.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Marina
7:00pm. 8th Febuary 2011

Attendees
Michael Thomas (in chair), Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Jan Green, Paul Green, Derek Keen, Rev John Hilton, Brian Musgrove, Sandra Musgrove, Paul Liptrot (councillor), Mike Crosby(councillor), John McDonald, Yvonne Vernon.

Apologies from
Norman and Joyce Hart, Doreen Haynes, Alison Thomas, Debbie Fairhurst, Mark Tate, Chris Keen.

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed by GF and seconded by JH

Matter Arrising
None.

Shevington Parish Council
JH awaiting date from Krystina Pilkington for taking down of Christmas Tree box, which will be taken down and erected annually.Chris Pennington to arrange.
Precept was discussed. £70000 was the budget, down from last year.JH has a copy of a £74000 precept which has a similar breakdown. The precept is on the SPC website.

Shevington and District Community Association.
Nothing to report, although it does have money which could be accessed.

Township Forum.
The meeting is on the 9th February at the Methodist Church in Standish. PL said they are being rationalised, probably the last meeting. PL has projects needing funding, including resurfacing of unmade roads, planters in Shevington Village, Shevington Moor and The Royal Oak, and gates in Shevington Moor.

Notice Board.
JH to speak to KP.

Christmas Tree.
The box will be relocated, Chris Pennington, Wigan Metro to organise and KP to agree. PL to follow up.

Village Information Board.
John O’Neil has it in hand. JO has 3 projects on the go, Shevington Moor, Shevington Vale and Lawn’s .The location of the Crooke board has to be decided by the village as soon as possible. A possible site is on the green where the temporary shed from Adactus stood.

Website.
Paul Green keeps it up to date. Thank you .Dates from Methodist Chapel for this year will be sent to PG by MT asap.

Canal Towpath Clean Up.
14 people came, 157 bags were collected.PG and MT took the bags away. Thank you ladies for the superb refreshments. Matt Taylor from BW attended, all the way from Burnley, thank you very much. He has also said that BW will supply tools.

Unadopted Roads.
Revd John Hilton had received a quote from Darlingtons which was very good.£11000 plus vat. This could be extended to the other unadopted roads, not just the road outside the church. The nursery were now eager to be part of this project. The church would probably put the major share. Adactus was going to be approached by the Rev J Hilton. The residents who live opposite the nursery were to be approached personally by the Rev. PL said there needs to be written permission from any interested parties.PL and JH to liaise regarding planning permission. PL has money earmarked for the project even if the resurfacing did not start until after March. There was a shortfall of £2000. MC said he would make a donation. PL believes there needs to be a clerk of works. Steve Tebbit was asked to do that job.Andy Richmond who lives next door to the church, said he was happy about the resurfacing and mentioned having sleeping policemen to slow vehicles down.

Fund Raising.
Sandra and Brian raised £45.10 from raffle of Teacher’s whisky at the folk club. Thank you very much.

Green Grant Application
£980 has been accessed for tools and a shed and needs to be spent in 6 months. £480 for tools and £500 for a shed, site still under negotiation (JH leading that.PL reminded the meeting of the need for planning permission.

AOB
Trial bikes were beginning to be a problem, Everyone should complain to Non Urgent Police at 01618725050 individually. The larger the number who complain the more the department will take notice.
Horses on the towpath was mentioned by JM. Since the horse driven boat was taken to Liverpool a few years ago the gates were all opened. GF said they were never shut as it transpired that the tow paths may be bridle paths. The Douglas River Bridge maybe widened because of that fact.
The newsletter was being printed by Adactus and would be distributed by our members, to the village as soon as they were received. Thank you Charlotte and Adactus for the work they do.
The next clear up would be 26th February, meet at 9.30 at Crooke Hall Inn.
Brian Seed thanked CVRA for their rent for the use of the church hall. Yvonne thanked CVRA for their cheque for the rent of the facilities at the Marina, this would be given to the Wigan Hospice.

The minutes are to be,
a) distributed to every villager,
b) put up on the village notice board,
c) put up on the notice board outside the pub (thanks to Liane from the pub for doing this)
d) put up in the Methodist Church.

Date of Next Meeting.
7pm at the Crkke Hall Inn on Tuesday 8th March 2011.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Methodist Church
7:00pm. 11th January 2011

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Brian Musgrove, Alison Thomas, Michael Thomas, John McDonald, Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Paul Green, Jan Green, and Councillor Paul Liptrot.

Apologies from
Councillor Mike Crosby, Councillor Debbie Fairhurst, Mike and Win Smith and Norman and Joyce Hart.

Minutes of last Meeting.
Proposed by GF and seconded by ST

Matter Arrising
None.

Shevington Parish Council
MTh, DK, JH and PL attended this meeting. Nothing concerning Crooke, partcicularly, to report.

Shevington and District Community Association.
Nothing to report, although it does have money which could be accessed.

Township Forum.
There might be no further meetings of this forum, after the next meeting on the 25th January at the Methodist Hall in Shevington this year, as there is to be a re-jigging of neighbourhoods.

Lawn’s Wood and Meadows.
Wigan Metro are currently dealing with this topic.

Notice Board.
JH to speak to KP on Thursday 13th January.

Christmas Tree.
The box will be relocated, Chris Pennington, Wigan Metro to organise and KP to agree. PL to follow up.

Village Information Board.
John O’Neil has it in hand. JH will speak to him at the next S & DCA meeting.

Website.
Paul Green keeps it up to date. Thank you .Dates from Methodist Chapel for this year will be sent to PG by MT asap.

Burns Night.
Due to refurbishment at the pub, this event will have to wait til next year. St George’s Day was discussed but no decision made.

Canal Towpath Clean Up.
This will now be a village wide clean up .PG acquiring pick up tools, he has 2. PL is going to ask council for more.BW to be approached by JH regarding a barge to help. It was agreed that a flyer would be delivered to the village and the clean up would be a village affair. Date agreed Saturday 5th February, starting 9.30 am.

Unadopted Roads.
MT ans ST mentioned that the Revd John Hilton had received a quote from Darlingtons which was very good. This could be extended to the other unadopted roads, not just the road outside the church. JH to liaise with JH(Revd John Hilton). PL reminded the meeting to involve everyone who had an interest in this issue. PL said he would consider giving a donation from his Brighter Borough money.

Christmas Cards.
GF said that 170 sets and envelopes had been sold and 10 sets without envelopes. 32 sets remain unsold. 1 set was wastage.
A net profit of £289.03 was made.

A provision of £1,000 is being held aganst the Adactus Green Grant.
Thanks to GF treasurer for the report.

The meeting agreed to pay the Methodist Church £10 a meeting, 3 times £10 to be paid for use already.
£10 per meeting at the Marina to be offered to Yvonne.
It was agreed to pay Alex Cornish £70 for the removal of a hazardous wall.

AOB
PL told us of the Electrification of Liverpool/Manchester Link Railway is going ahead.
He gave us a leaflet about a private firm - Home Instead (senior care)
He asked about the village newsletter. JH will produce one for distribution.

The minutes are to be,
a) distributed to every villager,
b) put up on the village notice board,
c) put up on the notice board outside the pub (thanks to Liane from the pub for doing this)
d) put up in the Methodist Church.

Date of Next Meeting.
7pm at the Marina on Tuesday 8th February 2011.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Marina
7 pm. 14th December 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Jan Green, Paul Green, , Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Brian Musgrove, Sandra Musgrove, Paul Liptrot (councillor) Alison Thomas, Michael Thomas, John McDonald, Mike Crosby (councillor)

Apologies from
Councillor Mike Crosby, Councillor Debbie Fairhurst, Charlotte Sweeny (Adactus) and Norman Hart.

Shevington Parish Council
JH did not attend due to ill health. At the meeting however both Jim and Veronica resigned as Chair and councillor due to their commitment as carers to their parents who are both ill. PL said that John Ball,vice chair, took the meeting. There was talk at the meeting about Orica. Footpaths in the area had been cleaned. MC said that someone needed to be on the council. DK and MT to attend (Mike Thomas).GF and JH to write a letter to Jim and Veronica. MT, JH, and DK to attend meeting on 16th December.

Shevington and District Community Assocaition
JH did not attend due to ill health. PL said a number of topics were discussed, none concerning Crooke. John O’Neil had a number of topics he wants to take to the next meeting of the Township Forum.

Township Forum
Next meeting is on Wednesday 15th December JH and MT to attend.

Notice Board
Shevington should have money from Adactus. JH to mention this at SPC on the 16th December.

Christmas Tree
It was agreed that the Christmas tree looked great. The fence around it, had to be there for health and safety reasons. The box would be moved to the perimeter of the grass after the Christmas tree is taken away in January.

Village Information Board
John O’Neil has it in hand.

Website
Paul Green keeps it up to date. Thank you.

Probation Service
A meeting will be held on Monday 20th December to discuss cleaning the canal tow path. The Probation Srvice will be organising insurance and people etc. JH and GF to attend and anyone else with Geoff Oliver from said service.

Unadopted Roads
Postponed until it thaws. A discussion followed about cobbles .... Nothing decided.

Christmas Cards
The sale of Christmas cards had proved very successful. 180 sets had been produced and £200 profit had been made. Discussion followed about calendars, but this would not be profitable. Notelets were to be investigated.
Burns night at the pub was to be investigated by ST.

AOB
Grants. JH told us about £1000 avalable for tools and a shed. GF and JH to complete application form by Thursday 16th December. Discussion followed about placement of shed, including at Crooke Cruising Club. JM to follow this up. PG told us about a building that Paul Elsie has. PL said there were planning issues to be investigated, as well as health and safety issues and neighbours views to be taken.
Salt. People who are not from the village, have been seen taking salt from the Crooke boxes. Authority have topped up bins. Car number plates of people seen taking the salt should be given to the Shevington Council.
Discussion followed about circulation of minutes of this meeting. At present, the agendas are put up on the noticeboard on the green outside the church and put on the website. Subsequent minutes are likewise displayed. The secretary emails the minutes to all who have given her an email address. She also makes hard copies to give to attendees of the meeting. Adactus have offered to fund the production of the minutes so that everyone in the village gets a copy delivered. The agenda and minutes will be put up in the Chapel (if the members agree) and the pub notice Board if landlady of Crooke Hall Inn agrees.
JH was to produce the next newsletter.
It was agreed as a group, we would set 12 months of meeting dates and venues in advance.
Door to Door Santa was back. Money raised would go to “living with stroke” a Lord Mayor project.
Tel 886452 on weekdays and 894262 at weekends. £5 per child and a minimum of 4.
PL said that Beat it Team would not clean the canal. March would be the next time a general tidy of footpaths, undergrowth etc would take place. BM suggested that October would be a good time for a clean up too , before everything was dumped in the canal before Winter.
PL said that the future of the library service was being looked into, and circulated forms for people to fill in and return to the library.
Discussion about a nativity around tree(JM) Lighting and funding were issues against this good idea.
Discussion about 40 ton trucks using “The Bends” road followed and Reality Logistics starting up a base nearby.
Minutes specifically to be sent to Charlotte Sweeney, to be made into 60 copies for distribution around village.

Date of next meeting
7pm at the Methodist Chapel on Tuesday 11th January.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Marina
7 pm. 9th November 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Paul Green, Jan Green, and Councillor Paul Liptrot.

Apologies from
Councillor Mike Crosby, Councillor Debbie Fairhurst, Charlotte Sweeny (Adactus) and Norman Hart.

The following topics are on the attached sheets.

Shevington Parish Council meeting of 21st October.
Agreed that the CVRA would dig the pit for the Christmas Tree because of difficulty getting quotes. (Pit is now dug & concreted, surplus concrete used to fill some holes in road to Nursery/Chapel.) We will be paid for material on presentation of receipts. P. C. plan to have electricity to pit by w/e 13th Nov.
No date for the notice board
Orica development was discussed with concern shown over the decontamination of the site.

Shevington & District Community Association meeting of 26th October.
The meeting was told that one of our biggest priorities is the unadopted roads.

Standish Aspull & Shevington Township Forum meeting of 27th October.
Inspector Glen Jones discussed the role of neighbourhood policing.
Various topics were discussed and it will be beneficial to the CVRA to be involved.

Contact names.
A meeting with Jeremy Bell of Wigan Metro was useful & produced contact names. (Wildlife Trust, Probation Service & various Funders)

Unadopted Roads
Graeme Condron of the Highways Dept visited to advise on the resurfacing of the roads. He told us little more than we already knew.

Canal Bank
Cath Simm of the Youth Offending Team & British Waterways have agreed to a litter pick on the canal bank. Perhaps best in the early New Year when there is no vegetation.

Bulb Planting
John O'Neil has arranged a bulb planting with Cath Simm of the Youth Offending Team. Graham Foster has also obtained bulbs.

Lawns Wood & Meadows.
We have had a message from Ros Smallwood, the ecologist at Wigan Metro & they will be putting a programme together.

Village Information Board
John O’Neil has it in hand.

Website
Paul Green keeps it up to date, liaising with the chapel for events. The additions page is great. Thank you Paul.

Tippler Board
PG to create this and other boards when John O’Neil has produced the village board. PG to liaise with JO. Funding is in place for the Village Board. Getting written evidence of planning permission for the erection of boards is in hand(thanks to PL for raising subject).

Unadopted Roads
Some work has been done on the road near the chapel. JH to follow up quotation from Brighter Borough. PL to investigate further. A sub committee was to be set up to put proposals together. PL said to be cautious as Groundwork got into difficulties because of having no specialist. We have ST who is a specialist.
ST,GF,DK,PG,JH and BM (PL maybe) to meet on Tuesday 16th Novenber at 2pm at chapel.

Fund Raising
Burn’s Night. New landlady at pub to be approached.

Christmas Cards
GF produced them . £4.99 for 12. Excellent value. Beautiful cards. Thank you to GF, MF and PG.

AOB
BM offered a bottle of whisky for raffle on Burn’s night.
DK was concerned about a motorcyclist who regularly rode through the village.(no tax etc) 01618725050 was the number to ring to inform the Police.
0161 856 7124 is the number for Neighbourhood Watch.
Email e.wigan.apt@gmp.police.uk
Mike Thomas was to be thanked for putting in 2 litter bins. JH to ask MT to remove the old bins.

Date of next meeting
14th December, at 7pm in the Crooke Hall Inn.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Annual General Meeting
Crooke Methodist Chapel
7 pm. 12th October 2010

Attendees
Norman Hart, Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Jan Green, Paul Green, Mike Thomas, Alison Thomas , Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Brian Musgrave, Sandra Musgrave, John MacDonald, Joe Shovelton, Winnie Smith, Mike Smith, Kath Bradley , Elsie Heaton, Irene Wilson, C Jarvis, Sheila Milne(Shevington and District Community Association), Paul Liptrot (councillor) and Mike Crosby (councellor)

Apologies from
Joyce Hart, Jim and Veronica Maloney (chair of Shevingon Parish Council, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and his wife).

Welcome from the Chairman The Chairman welcomed everyone for attending the meeting and then proceeded to deliver his report.

The Residents Association was formed out of the committee members of the Calor competition and have worked relentlessly over the last year to try to improve the community spirit and quality of life in the village.

The first job that we did was to continue clearing the path around the park and litter picking.

The October, November & December meetings were devoted to setting up the Association, producing our Constitution and establishing a bank account.

At the same time we were looking at things that could be done for the Village and the suggestion of a Community Garden / Allotment was discussed. There was an overgrown allotment in the Village which had not been used for some 3 years which we applied for. We also applied to Adactus for a grant to create the Community Garden / Allotment and were successful receiving £1,000. Wigan Metro then told us that we were number 16 on the waiting list for the land and at this stage we started to look at other possible areas to build the Garden. One was the field behind the Village Nursery, but the plan put together by Kath Godfrey of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers proved to be too ambitious. It created a degree of objection within the Village and the land owner seemed `to be reluctant to offer the long term lease that would be needed to get the grant aid.

Whilst another area of land behind the Chapel was suggested by Wigan Metro the Committee felt that the location was not suitable as it was exposed to vandalism.

A project which is near to the heart of Graham Foster, our Treasurer, has always been the repair to the footpath in Lawns Wood along with the possibility of extending it to create a circular path in the wood and linking up with other paths in the area.

In the early stages we met with little response from Wigan Metro and it was only when John O’Neil became involved that things started to happen.

It is now being looked at to make Lawns Wood into a Local Nature Reserve and with this in mind the Residents Association created a sub group, “The Friends of Lawns Wood & Meadows”. This was done on the advice of John O’Neil and Graham Workman of the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust as this should give us access to funding.

An annual event is planned and it is hoped that in 2011 it can be linked with the possible developments in Lawns Wood.

We also got a new planter from Shevington Parish Council.

In August a working party, in conjunction with British Waterways, started to paint the canal bridge. We are now recognised by British Waterways as a volunteer group who are authorised and insured by them to carry out works on the canal. This will allow us to look at cleaning up the towpath in the area and paint the bridge at the Wigan end of the Village.

We are represented on the Policies Committee of the Shevington Parish Council, the Shevington and District Community Association and soon we will also be represented on the Standish Aspull & Shevington Township Forum. These bodies give us a voice into what happens in our area.

To date we have arranged for the moving of the Christmas tree to a more suitable site on the green in front of the Chapel.

The notice board is to be replaced with monies from the earlier rounds of the Calor Village of the Year competition plus an equivalent amount from Adactus and a contribution from Shevington Parish Council.

Probably the biggest problem that the Village has is the four unadopted roads. The cost of bringing these up to the standard of normal roads is about £37,000. At this stage this is an amount of money beyond our means. The Committee is trying to get this work done and is investigating all avenues, the one thing that is certain is that Wigan Metro, along with all other local authorities, are not spending money on unadopted roads. We are looking at other solutions that may be affordable and are in discussions with the businesses, property owners and other parties.

We are looking at Beekeeping as a project and it is hoped that this will be developed over the winter months.

About 2,000 bulbs will be planted in the village this autumn, some of these have been organised by John O’Neil through the Brighter Borough Fund, the rest by the Residents Association.

A very special thank you must go to Yvonne Vernon who allowed us to use the facilities at the Crooke Village Marina during the lead up to the Calor Village of the year competition. We have held a number of functions there and Yvonne has been ever generous providing food & drink at these events.

Our thanks go to John O’Neil who since his involvement with the Association has proved to be a font of information, someone who can unlock what seem to be barred doors and is unstinting in his efforts to get things done.

Thanks to Councillor Paul Liptrot and past Councillor Angela Bland for their prompt action to stop the footpath leading from Crooke Village to Shevington from being completely ruined when the farmer was moving manure in very bad weather. Since that time the path has been resurfaced and apart from a piece near to Crooke Village is in a much better state.

Councillor Liptrot has attended many of our meetings and has been helpful in getting works done in the Village.

Councillor Mike Crosby was elected earlier this year also has helped the Village. Mike was instrumental in getting us permission to paint the canal bridge. He has offered financial assistance from his Brighter Borough Fund to aid in the re surfacing of the unadopted roads in the Village.

Thanks must go to the Methodist Chapel for letting us use their meeting room also Steve Derricott of Crooke Hall Inn for the use of the Cellar Bar.

A very special thank you to Paul Heaton of Adactus, who was the catalyst in the Calor competition presentation and the forming of the Crooke Village Residents Association. Unfortunately Paul has moved on but we do owe him a very big vote of thanks.

Ruth Mycock was our Neighbourhood Officer and was also involved with us in the early days.

Charlotte Sweeney has replaced Ruth and is proving to be willing to get involved and very helpful.

Morag Tebbit, our secretary, for trying to keep up with taking minutes at meeting and organising us.

Graham Foster, our treasurer, who has spent a lot of his valuable time in dealing with grant applications and being involved in every project. Apart from looking after our money Graham has also boosted our coffers by raising money on bike rides.

Paul Green for the work in running and developing our web site “www.crookevillage.co.uk”. A great deal of effort has gone into creating it adding to it and keeping it updated.

Mike Thomas, our Vice Chairperson, only joined in the middle of the year but already has shown his eagerness to develop the Association. Mike has obtained a number of litter bins which will be sited to try to encourage people to keep the village tidier, especially dog owners.

Steve Tebbit, John Mac Donald, Brian & Sandra Musgrove, Jan Green, Doreen Haynes, Norman Hart, Alison Thomas and newcomers Derek & Christine Keen have all proved to be more than willing in getting involved in the activities.

I would welcome Mike & Winnie Smith who moved into the village in July and joined us at the September meeting.

Whilst we do need more people in the Village to become involved I appreciate that after working all day it is hard to drag yourself out to a meeting, especially when it’s dark and raining. If it coincides with Emmerdale & Coronation Street then it’s a no hoper.

I would however ask that you support the Crooke Village Residents Association as best you can. It is your village and all that we want to do is to improve the community spirit and the quality of life in the Village. Please don’t leave it to someone else because there may not be anyone willing to do it and then what will happen?

Thank you all for listening and I truly hope that the new Committee carry out what has been started and I look forward to seeing the rewards in future years.

The trearure's report was made up of a spread sheet highlighting monies in the account totalling £1,409.00. the amount was made up by a donation from Adactus toward a Green Grant of £1,000.00, £20.00 from two advertisments posted on the link page of the web site, £220.00 donated from sponcered events and £144.00 from the Adactus Residents Grant. A further £25.00 was donated by a resident resulting in the grand total. There is however, a provision that if the £1,000.00 donated by Adactus towards the Green Grant was not used by its allotted run out date, that money will have to be returned. If that were to happen, the Residents Association will be left with £409.00 in the bank account.

We have come a long way from being named Calor County village of the year. It has been quite a year. I would like to thank all the people involved in making Crooke a better place to live.
First of all thanks to Jim Haynes our chair. He has worked tirelessly, and contacted loads of people in various councils, Wigan Metro, Shevington Parish Council, Shevington and District Community Association, specialists, Adactus, British Waterways and chased funding. He has made such a difference to the village. Graeme Foster has worked tirelessly too, regarding funding and meetings. Paul Green has developed the Crooke Village website. It is well worth a visit. He has researched the input for the Tippler Interpretation Board and is working on other boards for around the village.
Areas we have covered have been wide and various, some have been successful and others regrettably not.
We are still waiting for a notice board to be put up in the village, but that will happen.
Investigation into having an allotment for the village to use, was unsuccessful, as was the setting up of a Village Directory.
Lawn’s Wood Project has been a great success. It has gone from being a “tidy up project” helped by Wigan Metro, to perhaps being made into a Nature Reserve.
Our relationship with British Waterways has developed and we put together working parties to paint the bridge and tidy the tow path.
Working together with Adactus has been a positive, not just for tenants but for members of the whole village.
Discussions have been made about holding an annual event, probably a social in the pub. When Lawn’s Wood is up and running as a nature reserve there will be a celebration of that.
A fund raising venture for Christmas will be the putting together of a pack of Christmas cards of photos of Crooke in winter. Thanks to Graham, Michelle,(Graham’s wife) and Paul.
Being a part of this association has meant a great deal to me. Even though Steve and I have not been around the village in the last couple of months, we have helped in the village tidy up and the field tidy up. We did not helping painting of the canal bridge and fencing, but it looks really good, thanks to CVRA and BW.
As I said being a part of this association is important to me (and Steve), as I am proud of living in Crooke.

Standing Down of Present Officers and Election of New Officers
Derek Keen proposed that all members of the present committee stay on. This was seconded by Christine Keen, all present agreed.

Amendment to the constitution
One was put forward to the meeting by the treasurer and was agreed by the meeting.

AOB
Mike Thomas suggested that if anything needed done , a verbal request or written request shoud be submitted to the committee.
The members of the meeting looked at photographs of Crooke in Winter and voted for up to 8, with a view to publish them as Christmas cards.

Date of next meeting
9th November, venue to be arranged.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Methodist Church
7 pm. 15th September 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Mike Thomas, Alison Thomas, Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Paul Green, Jan Green, Norman Hart, Joyce Hart, Alderman John O'Neil, Councillor Paul Liptrit, John MacDonald, Joe Shovelton, Winnie Smith, Mike Smith

Apologies from
Mike Crosby (Councillor), Debbie Fairhurst (Councillor), Charlotte Sweeny (Adactus)

Minutes of last meeting
An apology for the absence from Councillor Liptrot was added.
The minutes were proposed by GF and seconded by DK as a true & accurate record, agreed by all and signed by the chair and secretary.

Matters Arising
None

We welcomed Mike and Winnie Smith as members, proposed by GF and seconded by ST. Mike and Winnie have just moved into the village.

Report from Shevington Parish Council Meeting.
Information about Christman Tree and Notice Board, items which are on the agenda.

Report from Shevington and District Community Association
JH did not attend as he was in hospital and GF was unavailable.
Councillor Liptrot advised of the leaflet on Crooke Village which is being produced by the Community Association.

Township Forum Representation
We are still waiting for confirmation of our group’s acceptance as members, this will be after their October meeting.

Lawn's Wood
GF,JH, Alderman J O'Neil had a meeting with Wigan Metro to discuss possible classification of Lawn's Wood as a Local Nature Reserve.
There will be a site to visit on 11th October. After that meeting an intensive survey will be done as to what is actually in Lawn's Wood.
Councillor Paul Liptrot said that Wigan Metro had said they would tidy Lawn's Wood some time ago. (JH said that only 1 step had been replaced following that)

Notice Board.
This is in hand by Shevington Parish Council.

Christmas Tree
This is in hand by Shevington Parish Council.

Website
PG has added some history and also mentioned the meeting we were attending.

Village Interpretation Board
Alderman John O’Neil circulated photocopies of his proposed Interpretation Board based upon the Board that was produced for Shevington. He said that he is producing a leaflet about Crooke Village, containing about a thousand words. This would be condensed into 525 words for the actual board. The board would have a mixture of words, pictures and maps. He will be helped by Lisa Keys and an archivist from Leigh. Shelley Signs could produce the board, having produced the Shevington Board, at the cost of £1000 - £1100. The concrete base could possibly be erected by Laurel Ltd costing £50. Planning permission may not be needed but Wigan Metro needs to be approached, Councillor Paul Liptrot is to investigate this.
Individual boards about the tippler, the church, etc would be produced later.
Discussion of the positioning of the Intepretation Board followed but no decision was reached. Aldeman O’Neil said schools in the area would receive copies of the leaflet. Mike Smith said that schools should be involved in the surveys etc.

Annual Event.
Lawn’s Wood opening in 2011 should be targeted.

Fund Raising
GF had raised money on his bike ride.
GF suggested again a social evening. ST ,GF and MTh to organise.
MS suggested putting together pictures of the village under snow, and producing Christmas cards. GF volunteered his wife to research publishers of said cards. GF, MF and PG to liaise.

AOB
3 litter bins had been obtained by MTh.
1 to replace the dog bin near playground, (positioned at a higher level because of flooding in the area).
2nd to be near bridge going out of the village at top corner of the Park.
3rd
Joe Shovelton suggested the involvement of the dog warden. Councillor Liptrot to investigate. Councilor Liptrot also said that he would try to get dog bins installed by Wigan Metro.
The plans for a Communal Garden/Allotment is to be scrapped because the original allotment is not available and the alternative proposed site is unsuitable.
JH said the painting of the bridge would be finished, when the weather is more clement. British Waterways have put up the rail and have been supportive in the CVRA painting the woodwork.
GF said there was still £5000 available as a grant from the Coalfield Regeneration Trust. He has applied for this grant to be used for the development of beekeeping in the Village. He had investigated the purchasing of beehives.
The meeting agreed this was a good idea. The positioning of the hives was discussed and the conclusion was that they needed to be in a secure area. AT knew a lady who keeps bees who could come and talk to the meeting. JH & DK had met with a member of the Ormskirk & Croston Beekeeping Association who would be willing to give a talk on beekeeping.

The surfacing of the unadopted roads was discussed. Councillor Liptrot said that Wigan Metro took the view that planings were “diseased “as they had been used before and it could also be classed as fly tipping, this conflicted with the information supplied by Councillor Crosby who has offered up to £200 from his Brighter Borough Fund towards using Rroad planings for road repair.
The Village Nursery have been approached and they said that they would contribute to road improvement. Once a final figure for the repair of the roads in and around the Village Nursery and Chapel has been obtained then all parties will be approached. The view of the meeting was to tarmac the roads but that could prove to be too costly. A short term solution may be more feasible.
PL ,MTh and ST to investigate wet-mix Macadam as an alternative.

Date of next meeting
12th October, at 7pm at Crooke Methodist Chapel.
This would be the AGM, with reports from the chair, the treasurer and the secretary.
There would be an election of all members.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Methodist Church
7 pm. 3rd August 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Doreen Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Mike Thomas, Alison Thomas, Derek Keen, Christine Keen, Paul Green, Jan Green, Joan Byrne.

Apologies from
Mike Crosby and Paul Liptrot

Review of last minutes
Proposed by PG and seconded by DH as a true & accurate record , agreed by all and signed by chair and secretary.

Matters Arising
None

We welcomed Christine Keen who had just arrived in the village and ST proposed her to be elected to the CVRA committee, seconded by DLI, agreed by all.

Report from Shevington Parish Council Meeting.
No meeting in July

Report from Shevington and District Community Association
No meeting in July

Website
PG said he has updated it quite considerably and now needs to create links with other websites. GF said that the site is looking good and the meeting agreed. Thanks to PG.

Township Forum Representation
We are still waiting for confirmation of our group’s acceptance as members.

Lawn's Wood
JH and GE met John O’Neil and Graham Workman from Leisure and Culture Trust, to talk about footpaths, circular walks to Shevington and bat boxes. GW can tap into available funding. We would have to form a local nature reserve. Leisure and Culture Trust will take liability. ‘Friends of Lawn’s Wood and Meadows’ was suggested as name of this group. All present except DH and Joan Byrne wanted to be on it. JH to arrange a meeting with GW.

Mike Crosby would like to be a part of this new initiative.

Krystyna Pilkington, Paul Liptrot and John O’Neil are to be approached to be involved.

Notice Board.
No Adactus representative was present at the meeting.
KP had said it would cost £1300. There was £575 in kitty, Adactus had said it would match that figure, and Shevington would make up the difference.

Christmas Tree
This will be placed on the green in front of the Chapel in line with the front door. Neon Lights will be put on the tree, electricity to be accessed from the lamp post.

Website
PG’s update is quite considerable. Still a lot to do. GF echoed views of the members by saying brilliant work. PG will now create links with other websites.

Tippler Interpretation Board
John O’Neil was working on a general information board for Crooke, funded by Wigan Metro. He had already done the Shevington board. PG would concentrate on the Tippler board. Other smaller boards would be considered for other parts of the village.

Annual Event.
DK said that Bewleys would provide a Fairground free of charge, but charging customers. Steve at the pub did not yet know if there would be a beer festival in August as last year’s was such a wash out. However if there was a festival any stall from CVRA would be welcome. MTh suggested something to do with Lawn’s Wood. MTe suggested a social event. JH suggested it be held in the Cellar Bar.

Fund Raising
AT said that she had investigated the cinema venture but the cine equipment would cost £1500. and the PRS licence would be too expensive.

AOB
JH, GE and MTh met up with Mike Crosby and Matthew Taylor from BW to discuss painting the canal bridge. The date arranged was Saturday 21st August, a notice to be put up on the notice board, and a flyer to be circulated in the village inviting anyone in the village to come and help.
PG had found another bench and would approach his employer for the procurement of it. JH is meeting Paula Dean from Wigan Metro on the 4th August to discuss dead trees, the path around park, gates, dog bins etc.
There was a discussion about road planings, - the cost and quantity needed, to put on the unadopted roads.

Date of next meeting
14th September, at the Marina.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Methodist Church
7 pm. 13th July 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, Sandra Musgrove,Brian Musgrove, Mike Thomas, Alison Thomas , Derek Keen.

Apologies from
John MacDonald, Jan and Paul Green, Doreen Haynes, Yvonne Vernon

Review of last minutes
Proposed by GF and seconded by BM as a true & accurate record , agreed by all and signed by chair and secretary.

Matters Arising
None

We welcomed Derek Keen who had just arrived in the village and JH proposed him to be elected to the CVRA committee, seconded by GF, agreed by all.

Election of Vice Chair
JH proposed MT as Vice Chair, seconded by GF, unanimously voted on. MT accepted the position.

Report from Shevington Parish Council Meeting.
From JH. SPC were in discussion with Wigan Metro in repect of the allotments, Jim Maloney advised that they should fall under the duristriction of the Parish Council. Orica has been sent back planning from Wigan Metro, for Orica to produce more details about the proposed removal of contamination on site.

Report from Shevington and District Community Association
Paul Liptrot is still chasing 4 planters ( at a school in Lowton). If available it was suggested that 1 will go opposite Norman Hart’s home, 2 will go near the canal bridge, and the other 1 will go on the triangle beside the Marina.

Website
GF said that the site is looking good and the meeting agreed. Thanks to PG.

Township Forum Representation
There are 10 in Wigan and their objective is to work with Wigan Metro and councils to improve the quality of life within the Borough.
Crooke is in Standish, Aspull and Shevington Township Forum. CVRA has been invited to apply for representation on this Forum.
MT proposed that JH represented Crooke Village on the Township Forum GF seconded, all agreed. GF agreed to replace JH on the Shevington & District Community Association from October.
Among many other things the Township Forum propose that all villages have Notice Boards, a Flag Pole and seating.

Tippler Interpretation Board
PL had said that there may be funding from the Township Forum Fund.
John O’Neil seems to be the best option for getting the Board.

Annual Event.
Wigan Metro advised that there should be no objection to useing the field for an annual event in the summer months. Planning permission would not be required for this.
Permission would probable not be given for useing the field for parking in November for bonfire function because of the damage that might be caused from the quantity of vehicles.

Fund Raising
Steve at Crooke Hall Inn would be approached in respect of a stall at the Beer Festival in August.
Participation of Lancashire Day in November? Have a trip boat from Crooke to Dean Lock? Archery, Welly Throwing and golf were mentioned.
DK suggested that a cinema similar to the ones operating in Parbold & Standish be considered. AT to get information from her contacts in Standish. It was suggested that the Church Hall would be the best venue. ST to find out if this would be agreable with the Church Committee.
DK suggested that Mr Bewley of Shevington may be interested in allowing his fairground equipment to be used at events.

AOB
The History of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. A talk by Mike Clarke, will be given in the Methodist Chapel at 8pm on the 6th August.. John Mac Donald to be asked about cost.. JH to give information to PG, and to be put on Notice Board.

On Monday 19th at 11am JH and GF to meet with Mike Crosby, labour councillor, re 1) dead trees, 2) path around field, 3) gates across outlets, 4) dog poo bins.

On Tuesday 20th JH and GF to meet with John O’Neil and Graham Workman from Wigan Metro to look at Lawn’s Wood. Perhaps continue the walk to the left of the main road up to the houses at the beginning of a path taking you to Shevington. It is intended to discuss the Interpretation Board with John at that meeting.

Charlotte Sweeney, from Adactus, was welcomed to the meeting. She replaces Ruth Mycock. Green Grant from Adactus has been delayed. We have £1000 in our bank account for the allotment, but as we have made no progress on that, the group asked if we could have an extension .CS said she would find out. There was no money for a computer for the organisation, there was a possibility we could apply to the Neighbourhood Fund. Charlie Barlow will be our Resident Involvement Officer, not William Roberts as stated in a letter to CVRA.

Krystina Pilkington, Clerk to the Shevington Parish Council arrived with a picture of the proposed Notice Board. The cost is £1350, There is £575 from our prize money, but there was doubt about Adactus’ matching contribution. CS to find out. JH to approach Mike Crosby & Paul Liptrot to see if they will contribute from the Brighter Borough Fund.

Date of next meeting
Tuesdat 3rd August 2010 at the Crooke Methodist Church.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Methodist Church
7 pm. 8th June 2010

Attendees
Paul Liptrot Dist Collr, Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, John MacDonald, Paul Green, Jan Green, Doreen Haynes, Sandra Musgrove,Brian Musgrove,

Apologies from
Mike and Alison Thomas, Ruth Mycock, Debbie Fairhurst Dist Cllr.

Review of last minutes
Proposed by BM and seconded by GF. Agreed by all and signed by chair and secretary.

Matters Arising
None.

Election of Vice Chair
Because of Mike Thomas not being at the meeting, this was postponed til next meeting.

Report from Shevington Parish Council Meeting.
Noticeboard -this was in front of Wigsn Metro Planning Committee for approval.
Resiting of Christmas Tree – Electrics have to be shifted , SPC have £1600 in fund for that.
2 planters given, 1 to be opposite Norman Hart’s house, and 1 on green belonging to Sandra and Brian. JH to ask permission from SPC to paint planters and maintain the painting. SPC will plant them. These have not arrived yet.
The Parish Council AGM is on the 10th June.

Report from Shevington and District Community Association
1) The SDCA has produced a draft leaflet giving information and contact details about Shevington Moor, Shevington Vale, Crooke Village and Standish Lower Ground. Paul Liptrot will liaise with John O’Neil. Meetings of this association will be moved round the area, 1 to be held in Crooke.
2) There is a leaflet also about Elnup Wood . Groundwork is based here.
Next meeting will be on Tuesday 29th June.

Website
PG thanked MT for church dates and photographs of village for the website.JH said the site looked good. PG to take photographs of cyclists on Sunday 13th on their charity ride on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath.

Tippler Interpretation Board
PG still waiting for information.. Discussion followed regarding the expansion of the contents of this board to include businesses, chapel, nursery, church history, etc.
GF will go with PG to see Rachel. PL asked about cost, JH said £2500. PL told the meeting about monies which are available from the Township Forum, Brighter Borough and S&DCA which he will approach.

Annual Event.
If we use the field we have to get planning permission from the owner Wigan Metro.
People to approach regarding this are,
1) Lynn Knowles, Estates Officer,Property Division, Wigan Inestment Centre, Waterside Drive, WN3 5BA. Tel 01942 705573.
2) Simon Calderbank, Environment, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan.
3) Mike Jones, Civic Buildings, New Market Street, Wigan. Tel 01942 404278.
Planning permission would normally take 8 weeks.
Emergency planning permission would need to be asked for re November parking, for bonfire function.

Fund Raising
JH said we need to generate funds. GF mentioned sponsored bike ride. PL suggested a raffle. ST mentioned a quiz. And Crooke Independence Day.
There would be a stall at the Beer Festival in August.
Participation of Lancashire Day in November? Have a trip boat from Crooke to Dean Lock? Archery, Welly Throwing and golf were mentioned.

AOB
PL suggested we should have a sub committee for fund raising. After a little discussion, GF, JG and PG offered their services. They were proposed by MT and seconded by BM. All agreed.
JH read out a letter from Jim Maloney, SPC Chairman, which he had sent to Sarah Wilcox at Wigan Metro, asking for people to work together to develop the Community Garden we want to build using the 2 allotments.The 2 allotments are still untouched. Discussion followed about the latest dumping of manure at the top of the footpath to Shevington. The farmer has relaid the path, and it is a great job. PL to write to thank him. Angie Bland and PL have approached the Legal and Highway authorities to see if the farmer can be stopped from dumping this waste. Legal should repond by 10th June. Environmental Health said it was not pure faeces, but treated biologically.
Lawn’s Wood- This needs to be tidied up.1 sleeper has been put down.YOT (Youth Offending Team) might be approached to do community service in the woods.Perhaps also to paint canal bridge.GF was to approach the local scout group to see if they might help. Kath Godfrey from BT for Conservation Volunteers said it was a site of Biological interest, (formerly known as a site of special scientific interest).

Date of next meeting
Tuesday 13th July 2010. at the Marina.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Methodist Church
7 pm. 11th May 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, John MacDonald, Paul Green, Jan Green, Doreen Haynes, Michael Thomas, Alison C Thomas, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Yvonne Vernon.

Apologies from
Ruth Mycock(Adactus)

Review of last minutes
Proposed by GF and seconded by ST. Agreed by all and signed by chair and secretary.

Matters Arising
None

Report from Shevington Parish Council Meeting
Resiting of Christmas Tree in hand
2 planters given. 1 to be opposite Norman Hart's house and 1 on the green belonging to Sandra and Brian. JH to ask permission from SPC to paint planters and maintain the planters. SPC will plant them.
Brown Bins will be arriving in Crooke by the end of May PG told the meeting.

Report from Shevington and District Community Association
No report. JH was ill.

Website
PG in touch with the council, who are deciding if they have right to pictures, then permission would be given to publish them.
There will be a Beer Festival in August to be held by the pub. PG to gain more information about it and put it on the website.
Chapel events will be given to PG by Morag to be put on the website.

Tippler Interpretation Board
PG had sent a letter to Rachel Orme and sent a completed questionnaire to her on the 20th April. By 30th there was no response from her. But she eventually. she gave an indication that it would be 2 weeks before Paul heard anything. Mr. Miller archivist was approached by PG re pictures for it.

Community Garden
No news from Dubai, so plans in obeyance.
JH to pursue reinstating the pond.
If we can't get on with the Community Garden we will have to refund £1000 to Adactus.
Alternatives to the Community Garden were discussed. No conclusion reached.

Annual Event.
If the Beer Festival at the pub goes ahead it was discussed that CVRA could have a few stalls.

Election of Vice Chair
Steve Tebbit said he was interested in the post. Michael Thomas said he would think about it. Graham Foster was going to think about it too, so that would mean a treasurer would have to be found. Decision would be made at the next meeting.

AOB
PG still no contact from Paul Hesketh.
PG and JH's picture taken at the recycling unit is to be put in Wigan Life.
The notices on the field were reinstated by Wigan Metro.
Notice board from SPC still not up.
GF told the meeting about a sponsored bike ride from Burnley to Crooke.(40 miles) in aid of British Heart Foundation. He invited to join in. He was starting from Leeds and going to Burnley, then Crooke.

Date of next meeting
Tuesday 8th June 2010. at the Chapel.

Crooke Village Residents Association
Crooke Methodist Church
7 pm. 13th April 2010

Attendees
Jim Haynes, Graham Foster, Steve Tebbit, Morag Tebbit, John MacDonald, Paul Green, Jan Green, Doreen Haynes, Michael Thomas, Alison C Thomas, Sandra Musgrove, Brian Musgrove, Sandra Makin, Alona Shovelton.

Apologies from
Irene Wilson
Sam Hornsby Adactus (instead of Andrew Edwards)

Review of last minutes
Proposed by PG and seconded by GF. Agreed by all and signed by chair and secretary.

One correction, Jane Young had been co-opted on the policy committee of Shevington Parish Council and so Jim Haynes has been co-opted on to that committee following Jane's resignation.

Matters Arising
None

Report from Shevington Parish Council Meeting
None.

Report from Shevington and District Community Association
SDC had written to the parish council to express concern about the building of houses by Orica. But there will be 15 built on the Gathurst Road end and 87 built at Vicarage Road end.

Website
There are more pictures on the site. There was the first Advert. Paul Green had not been able to get in touch with Paul Hesketh.
Paul Green to put up the minutesof the CVRA meetings and archive them on the website. Ruth said she would put a link from Adactus to Crooke. PG said this link would be reciprocal.
GF and JH said Paul was doing a great job on the website. The meeting agreed. Thank you Paul.

Tippler Plaque Update
Interpretation Board. The approach to John O'Neil, archivist, was still being followed. Then the grant to be applied for by Graham Foster. This would be done by the end of April.

Allotment
There was discussion about the plans for this allotment. Sandra Makin and Alona Shovelton were opposed to this venture as it would bring undesirables into Crooke. Micheal Thomas said if there are objections to the allotment in conjunction with the nursery, then we should shelve the idea.
The 2 allotments behind the houses would be reinvestigated by JH. Ruth said that Groundwork would put in raised beds for nothing on these two allotments.

Paint for Projects
Jim said that he had resourced free white paint from Wigan Metro for projects in the village including painting the canal bridge.

Village Directory
It was felt by the meeting this innitiative should be put on hold, as the interest in it was very poor.

Adactus Green Grant and other Grant Applications
They were still there to be assessed but as yet there were no projects, except the interpretation board, with which GF was progressing.

Annual Event.
Steve Tebbit mentioned a village quiz.
GF mentioned a Barn Dance. Sandra Makin said we had 2 events in the village already, The Summer Fair and the Christmas Fair.
The pub is having a big event on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of May.
Nothing was decided for 2010 but definately an event to be arranged for 2011.

Homewatch
Sandr said she was thinking of standing down as representitive. She said she was repeatedly asked for help from the Police to tackle disruptive behaviour but was dissatisfied by the lack of response. Angie Bland and Paul Liptrot were to be approached by JH to get in touch with Police to have a greater presence in the village.

Election of Vice Chair
Steve Tebbit said he was interested in the post. Michael Thomas said he would think about it. Graham Foster was going to think about it too, so that would mean a treasurer would have to be found. Decision would be made at the next meeting.

AOB
Michael to give email address to Paul Green re advertising on the website.

Date of next meeting
7pm Tuesday 11th May 2010. at the Marina.