FAP – AGM 2004 – Review APPENDIX 2 ANNUAL REPORT NOVEMBER 2003 Practical highlights were the ability to administer a significant amount of funding to a range of worthwhile projects providing social an[.]
APPENDIX ANNUAL REPORT NOVEMBER 2003 Practical highlights were the ability to administer a significant amount of funding to a range of worthwhile projects providing social and environmental benefits within the area (including Belhelvie Community Council – Play Equipment; Collieston Amenities – Play and Picnic Equipment at Harbour Area; Woodhead & Windyhill Trust – Interpretation; Parent Advisory Group for Education and Socialisation (PAGES) – Sensory Garden at Esslemont; Turriff Town Pride – Hanging Baskets; and Rural Youth Transport Grants), and the recruitment of Craig Whyte as a full time development officer The constitutional changes indicated at the last AGM have not been achieved It had been hoped that Reid Hutchison would be able to assist in this but this was not realised due to pressure of work Latterly, the project was picked up by Craig Whyte but given the need for a familiarisation period and day to day activities, progress has been limited to date Efforts to increase Community Council participation had limited success, combined meetings while offering the potential to reduce ‘meeting fatigue’, limited the range of venue options and also severely reduced the ability for discussion and inclusion of informative presentations Planning for Real exercises were organised and carried out by Rothienorman Community Council and the Woodhead and Windyhills Community Trust The former was very successful, the latter, perhaps due to conflicting events and wonderful weather, rather less so Having said that, both events provided a range of information on how the wider community would like to see them develop Oldmeldrum exercise is still being developed The LIFE funded Ythan Project has been effective in engaging public interest, workshops to identify preferences regarding environmental projects along the length of the river, River Fun Day at Fyvie, were well attended Those who took the opportunity to witness a mechanised tree eater in action at Gight were well rewarded and the work done there should assist in limiting downstream flooding in future The two way exchange of information and visits between the project and Hunze en Aas in the Netherlands while raising the international profile, also gave food for thought on both sides Tamsin being invited to participate in a Downing Street reception, while not having the cachet of a Royal Garden Party, does indicate that London recognises the existence of the North East Attended two conferences, the first, at Pitlochry organised by the Scottish Executive was a pretty lack lustre affair with little, if any, benefit being gained The second, at Carnoustie was a significant improvement, the promised ministerial presentation did take place and the range of projects visited (in an area not too unlike Formartine) plus the discussion opportunities were worthwhile Tourism Group – Has joined the tourist board and reprinted leaflets giving details of walks and features of interest in the area Continue to develop ideas but cash strapped pending success in achieving grant aid However, an element most deserving of recognition is, I think, the number of individuals and organisations who are prepared to give their time and expertise in attending regular meetings Also, those who provide assistance in their own particular way, either by volunteering for the hands on jobs, helping behind the scenes or other personal contributions ... area not too unlike Formartine) plus the discussion opportunities were worthwhile Tourism Group – Has joined the tourist board and reprinted leaflets giving details of walks and features of interest