minutes+24th+April+2004


 * __Report of HFRA Annual General Meeting – 24th April 2004__**


 * //__RA Delegates Present__://** Joyce Oyeyi Effiong - **Suffolk Rd RA, N15;** Carmel Cudden - **Arnold Rd RA, N15;** Patricia Costa – **Bowes Park CA, N22;** Jane Laporte – **Woodlands Park RA, N15;** Pat Ayinde - **Bruce Grove Residents Network, N17;** Donald Pelmear and Max Harvey – **Ducketts Common RA, N8;** Laurie Owen - **Parkside Malvern RA, N8;** Simon Fedida and Vivienne Cuming - **Avenue Gardens RA, N22;** Frances Lewis and Dave Morris – **Chestnuts Northside RA, N15;** Peter Thompson - **Muswell Hill & Fortis Green Association, N2;** Paul Burnham – **Partridge Way RA, N22;** Stephen Whittle - **West Green RA, N15;** Andrew Bischard – **CASCH, N8 //__And:__//** Jacob O’Callaghan (considering setting up RA); Anthea Book – Friends of Parks Forum; Mel Martin – LBH Parks Projects Officer **//__Reps from the following RAs sent apologies:__//** Alexandra RA, N10; Bidwell Gdns RA, N11; Black Boy Lane RA, N15; Blenheim Rise RA, N15; Bounds Green & District RA, N11; Buckingham Lodge RA, N10; Burleigh Rd Area RA, N8; CASCH, N8; Chesnuts Area RA, N17; Chitts Hill RA, N22: Chine and Cascade RA, N10; Clyde Area RA, N15; Coldfall RA, N10; Commerce Rd T&RA, N22; Edgecote Grove RA, N15; Ferry Lane Action Group, N17; Friends of Alexander Park Rd RA, N10; Gardens RA, N4; Hillcrest T&RA, N6; Hornsey Lane Assoc, N6; Hornsey Vale CA and Centre, N8; Ida Rd Leaseholders Assoc, N15; Imperial Wharf RA, N15; Lomond Close and Brunswick RA, N15; Palace Gates RA, N22; Palace View RA, N8; Robert Burns House RA, N17; Rookfield RA, N10; Seaford Area RA, N15; St George’s Lodge RA, N10; The Sandlings RA, N22; Thetford Close RA, N13; Tower Gardens Residents Network, N17; Warner Estate RA, N8; **//__Plus:__//** Fairfax Rd RA (in formation); St Ann’s RA (in formation)


 * 1. Minutes of last HFRA AGM (2003)** Distributed and accepted as a true record.

All those attending received a package of relevant Federation documents, including attendance lists, officer reports, Community Action bulletin, 2003 traffic conference report and 2004 planning conference statement, minutes of AGM 2003, and HFRA constitution. Other documents included: Friends of Parks Forum minutes (see enclosed) and Haringey Defend Council Housing open letter (see enclosed).
 * 2. Delegates pack**

An Annual Report was distributed to delegates (see below). It has been another very busy and productive year in which the Federation has consolidated and expanded its activities and presence in the borough. We have been taking up some of the key issues of community concern in more depth, in particular regarding traffic calming / safer streets, planning matters, council housing, rubbish and waste, and most recently post office branch closures. A total of 71 local associations have now attended or sent apologies since the Federation was set up in 2001. 120 local RAs now receive our monthly mailings, and 40 participate on our internal email list to promote communication and co-ordination between meetings. The conclusion was that there was enormous potential in the coming year if local groups get actively involved. After the Secretary summarised the Report there was discussion. The Report was adopted.
 * 3. Secretary’s Report**

The Treasurer’s Report was distributed to delegates. HFRA currently has £2,732.04 (of which £2,560 is a grant for specific expenses between April-Sept 2004). Bills outstanding total £416.91. This means we have a shortfall, and are looking to fundraise to pay off debts and to have flexible ongoing finances. Our mailings to each association cost around £12-£15 per year per address. Following discussion it was agreed to raise our annual affiliation/subscription to £20 (funded RAs) and £10 (unfunded RAs), due by the end of each financial year – April 1st. In the interests of inclusivity, it was agreed that annual subs would remain voluntary – but are urgently needed! Longer term grants are being sought. The Report was adopted.
 * 4. Treasurer’s Report**

There was a vote of thanks to all officers for the work they’ve put in, and in particular to Tim Wilmott who was standing down as Chair. The following were elected nem con: //__Chair__//__:__ Pat Ayinde (Bruce Grove RN) //__Vice Chair__//__:__ Jane Laporte (Woodlands Pk RA) //__Secretary:__// Dave Morris (Chestnuts Northside RA) //__Treasurer__//__:__ Simon Fedida (Avenue Gdns RA) //__Account Signatories:__// Pat Costa (Bowes Pk RA), Laurie Owen (Parkside Malvern RA), Simon Fedida (AGRA), Dave Morris (CNRA). **Co-opted officers:** The following are the current co-opted officers: //__Rubbish and Waste Rep:__// Stephen Whittle (West Green RA) //__Planning Issues Rep__//__:__ Simon Fedida (AGRA). //__Traffic calming / Safer Streets Rep:__// Dave Morris (CNRA). There are other positions vacant, hopefully to be filled by volunteers at the discretion of general meetings, including: //__local services__//; //__council housing__//; //__green spaces__//; //__Community Action editor__//…
 * 4.** **Elections**

Our invited speakers addressed the AGM on issues to do with parks throughout the borough, and the efforts by local ‘Friends’ groups to campaign for improvements. Both speakers extolled the many virtues of local parks, but recognised there had been neglect in recent years. There’s great potential for improvement and increased usage. The number of active local ‘Friends’ groups has increased from 4 to 20 since 2000. The groups organise events, keep park users informed and involved, and put pressure on funding bodies to provide the resources parks need. Indeed, many of the parks need a huge investment of funds, and most could do with dedicated staff (park keeper/manager).
 * 6.** **The Future of Haringey’s Parks – Q&A and discussion with Anthea Brook (Friends of**
 * Parks Forum) and Mel Martin (LBH Parks Projects Officer)**

However, the LBH parks dept has seen its funds cut year on year. With very little additional capital to expend (only approx £200,000 pa to cover around 40 parks) they have to concentrate on maintenance. But there are other ‘external’ sources of funds which the Parks dept can access, especially if local Friends groups have demonstrated a need. The Friends of Parks Forum is a great step forward in improving communication and co-operation among the local groups and identifying key issues to take up with the Council etc. Local community gardens groups are also welcome to attend. People present at the AGM generally agreed that parks were an important issue for local RAs, and that we should liase with and support Friends groups. There was a great deal of overlap, and that what united us was the need to build up the sense of ‘ownership’ by local communities over our neighbourhoods and parks.


 * 7.** **AOB**
 * a.** We agreed to continue to support the Haringey Community Empowerment Network.
 * b.** We noted the successful efforts of Suffolk Rd RA to access substantial funding to regenerate their neighbourhood.
 * c.** We heard an update from the Haringey Defend Council Housing campaign.