Project Committee Meeting   Tuesday 26th August 2004

Present:            D. Bryce, K. Duncan, K. Gordon, A Jamieson, M. Jones, D. Lamb (Kinellar), M. Lloyd, J. Loveday (Aberdeenshire), N. Masson, C MacBain, D MacInnes, K. Miller (Scouts), K Newton (Aberdeenshire), J Penman, D. Scott.

Apologies:         Y. MacDonald, I. Gordon.

 K. Gordon welcomed those present with particular words of welcome to guests: Dorothy Lamb, John Loveday and Keith Newton. The minutes of the EGM held on 17th August 2004 were read with no matters arising.

Speakers:        

John Loveday outlined his role in the Community Association and as interface with Aberdeenshire Council. He will help with issues on raising money and planning. He gave particular emphasis to the need to be watchful of ongoing costs such as insurance and heating. John asked to be kept informed of meetings and dates with as much early notice as possible. John will assist with grant applications to Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Executive.

Dorothy Lamb, Chairperson of Kinellar Community Association presented an interesting and informative brief history of the new hall project at Blackburn. She reported having had valuable assistance and cooperation from their Area Manager and other Aberdeenshire Council staff. She praised the professionalism of Architect, Willie Lippe who designed and oversaw the building work. Dorothy divulged that local fundraising had realised a sum of £45,000; a significant donation came from Marshall Trailers, and the ground was donated by a local farmer. The Church of Scotland have use of part of the hall and made a contribution of £200,000 and a further fund source came from Planning Gain due to the substantial housing expansion in the village which now has a population around 2,600. The remainder of money required to meet the total cost of £911K came from grant allocations.  Dorothy reminded us of the value of involving as many people in the community as possible.  It is most important to keep everyone informed as we progress. Public meetings should be by invitation via door drops. Our success in obtaining grants is greatly assisted if we can demonstrate a  good level of parishioner involvement and show that we have kept them well informed.

Keith Newton, Area Manager offered his help and ability to bring in Council staff as necessary. In particular assistance in looking for funds is available through Formartine Partnership and a further area where help can be given is in organising events such as workshops. Keith will make known the need of support for Daviot Hall at the next meeting of Formartine Partnership

 The Chairman outlined our role to identify all options available for the improvement of hall facilities. So far the following options have been listed for consideration

1.         Extend and refurbish existing building

2.         Erect new hall on existing site and demolish present hall

3.         Erect new hall on new site obtained from Stuart Farms

4.         Erect new hall on new site belonging to the community

5.         Build new hall on site obtained from George Rich.

It was agreed that each member of this committee will draw up a list of benefits and disadvantages for each option for open discussion at the next meeting.

Further Action:

It was agreed that user groups should be sent a questionnaire asking for facilities. Dorothy Lamb will provide a copy of one used at Kinellar and Diane Scott will make modifications to suit for discussion at next meeting.

Keith Newton, Formartine Area Manager will bring to the next meeting a Map of Daviot Parish with boundaries marked (A1 size) and Establish if there are any possible objections on planning grounds for building houses on existing village hall site.

John Penman will approach George Rich to establish if 2 acres of land adjacent to the existing playing field could be made available to the community.

 John Loveday will be asked at the next meeting for an update on the transfer of Community Land from Edinmore Properties.

 The meeting was brought to a close at 9.35pm.