4th February '26 - Minutes

Hey everyone! Quick recap from our latest meeting. Lots of great discussions on community events, finances, and improving our communication!

🌟 Highlights:

• Summer Event Planning: Brainstormed ideas for a big summer event on Mottram Avenue (June 20th, near summer solstice! ☀️). Ideas included fun events, art themes (like Advent calendar), or even a circus show (quoted £800 cash! 🎪). Public liability insurance is a must.
• Unity Arts & Local Skills: Explored collaborating with Unity Arts (they do youth work, elders group, and circus skills!) and other local talented folks for events.
• New Funding Avenues: Discussed applying for Nest Grants and potential “Beautiful South” funding for community events from the council. Also, reaching out to local businesses for product support (e.g., hot dogs, drinks). 💰
• Mini Get-Togethers: Idea for small grants (e.g., £40) to encourage neighbours to host mini gatherings/tea parties in their homes/gardens/little greens to foster connections. ☕🍰
• Newsletter & Comms: Planning a newsletter by Easter with upcoming events, group info, and maybe individual bios. Also discussed better use of notice boards with posters & QR codes. 📣
• WhatsApp Group Management: Acknowledged concerns about high message volume late at night and confirmed the committee WhatsApp is for committee, not council access. Looking into making the main group more broadcast-focused for official announcements.

✅ Action Points:

• Summer Event: Meet again Feb 28th/March 28th to firm up plans & budget. Investigate artists/activities further.
• Public Liability: Someone to take action to find cheaper public liability insurance options (current is ~£550/year). 🛡️
• Council Funding: Keep an eye on new council funds for community events.
• Local Business Outreach: Approach local businesses for event support/donations. 🌭🥤
• Newsletter: Write content for the Easter newsletter, including a group photo & bios.
• Website/Documents: Harvy to create a shared online location for minutes & documents, pin a link in the main chat for easy access. 🔗
• Eid Celebration: Put a call out on the group for Muslim community members to help plan an Eid celebration. ☪️
• Easter Craft Event: Lead a craft event on March 14th for Easter decorations.
• Great British Spring Clean: Encourage participation from March 13th. 🗑️
• Notice Board Poster: Volunteer needed to design a poster for notice boards. 🖼️