Minutes from the meeting of Linlithgow Climate Challenge
Low Port Centre - General Purpose Room
Monday 9th November 2009 at 7.30

Present Peter Fairweather, Kirsty Leonard, Mel McEwan, William Ross, Dave du Feu, Alan Brown, Dorte Al-Gailani, Rose Hill, Sheila Redfern, Corinne Anderson, Jenny Hammond, John Fleming, Peter Roberts.
Apologies John Buckley, Elizabeth Ross, George Adam, Christopher Mylne, Kerstin Bonau,

1. Welcome
There was a period of action to engage people in their thoughts about LCC which was lead by Alan and Mel. This got the meeting off to a very active start.

2. Minutes and Matters Arising from 5th October 2009 meeting (10:10)
The minutes were accepted with no matters arising apart from the discussion of whether or not LCC should sign up to the 10:10 campaign. This discussion led to our turning some of the lights off as a way of saving 10% energy so worthwhile and agreed to sign up.. More importantly John Fleming agreed to pull together an article for the Gazette to come out just prior to the showing of The Age of Stupid on 2nd December.

3. Finance Report
A brief summary of the state of the finances was given. The main expenses were the salaries for the coordinator and 1 of the pt. time assistants together with cost for the film nights amounting to £4182. There were some small income from new memberships and ticket sales for the film nights amounting to £137. The finances are in line with projected costs and activities.

4. Update from Subgroups – News Round up – actions
i. Steering -Co-ordinator Report
This was a verbal report as Green Streets submission had been very time consuming. The report covered all the usual aspects of progressing the shop use, film nights, energy audits, food conference Dunbar, problems with IT computer issues and networking with Aspires, Civic Trust and the town plans etc.

ii. Sub- group updates
Food & gardening

The report covered the attendance at the Dunbar Food Conference and the ideas behind community supported agriculture CSA which might be suitable for the Linlithgow area. Whitmuir organics have developed a system where people commit to spend a specific sum on their purchases from Whitmuir so allowing the supplier to gauge demand and plan over the longer term. 36 bare fruited apples trees have been ordered and will be delivered at the end of the month. Further search of land for an allotment goes on.

Renewables
The design and development of ideas for the energy showcase, provisionally booked for the 20th March will be undertaken in the New Year.

Waste and recycling
Progressing with the main area of activity is Kitchen Canny food saving and efficient use.

Transport
The plans for the sustainable transport strategy from Springfield into the east end of the town are progressing with routes identified and draft leaflets and signs being developed. A suitable cycle and super market trolley has been identified which should make the links by bike to the town from Springfield more attractive. A meeting for the car club consultation conference has been facilitated by Alan to hold a session in Linlithgow on Thursday 3rd December in St Michael’s Kirk Hall.

Energy saving
The audits are continuing and much is being learnt about housing stock and more difficult to insulate houses etc.

5. Future Events – updates
Farmers markets/Advent Fair - 28th November This will be a festive themed event with promotion of the Wave demonstration.
Film nights in November “In Transition” & “Age of Stupid” will follow the format of the first night with Dorte and John looking after the detail.
Alan will attend a meeting in Stirling with Martine Steadman on social marketing
The Wave event 5th December has now got a starting venue from Ballahouston Park in Glasgows south side.
29th November will be a day of prayer at St Michaels Church.
Support for Debates in the Academy in December on climate change is being followed up.
9th December LCC will field a team in the LBA quiz night ably lead by Rose.

6. AOCB – no items raised

7. Date of next meetings - 7th December agreed at the Canal tearoom with festive nature.