1. Welcome & Introductions
20 cyclists attended. Julian Dobson chaired.
2. July Minutes
July minutes agreed.
3. Rides
Hilary reported on Tour de Greenwich events July 25 organised by John Hearns, 8-10 participants including 3 new faces.
Barry reported on Dunwich Dynamo, 350 starters including last-minute rush so 2 extra buses ordered, excellent start with good atmosphere, cloudy and chilly sunrise and convoy back worked well, nobody left behind in toilets, and a healthy surplus on £3,800 turnover. One rider hospitalised after hitting kerb, later okay. Delegation came down from Leicester, a radio reporter attended,cafe served 500 eggs. Next year's Dunwich will be July 23.
Forthcoming rides - Easygoer on August 7 (Anthony), Surrey Villages via train to Godalming, August 22 (Hilary), Bala, Bike Events London-Windsor.
Action Point - Xoi to scan websites including cycle goups Tower Hamlets, Souhtwark, Lambeth to add to GC rides page. Page to have invitation to riders to "bring your own supplies" such as cycle repair and basic first aid kit.
4. Off yer Chest
Xoi Ly complained about one bike shop, followed by discussion about merits of classifying bike dealers on our website.
Action Point - William offered to write to all bike shops in our area with a view to listing them neutrally on our website for the benefit of readers, also offering a link to their website for a nominal fee of £10.
Barry said The Forum would no longer accept and hold our mail, citing lack of space and two new resident groups.
Action Point - Julian to investigate West Greenwich Community Centre, Anthony to check with Forum, both to report back on pricing and availability of locations for future monthly meetings.
Impromptu. Introducted by Julian, Indian bikers Prantosh Chanda and Ranjit Dutta spoke about their world tour representing "World Lovers Forum" to meet politicians and interest groups and promote peace and cycling - "the best vehicle in this world, no pollution." Visitors invited us to a 2006 cycle event Calcutta to Darjeeling, 800 kms.
Action Point - Julian held an informal collection, and will add an endorsement on GC notepaper to their list of sponsors.
5. Finances
Derek said he had consulted with Hilary about the allocation of incoming grants and there were no errors. The net position remains that Greenwich Cyclists have no funds that strictly can be called our own. A separate account for grants has been opened and this will in future make the overall position clearer. Barry said every grant should partly accrue to the group on the basis of the London voluntary rate of £7 per hour. Nick pointed out that the matched funding required by donors already implied we are providing our time.
Action Point - Hilary to consult donors of previous grants with a view to securing agreement to allocate part of the total to GC general administration. Hilary said she would draw up a "lessons learned" document for future grant applications.
6. Ceilidh
Barry said the W.Greenwich hall is booked for December 11, The Muckers likewise. Karen Marks to lead organising group of Karen Servadei, Barry and Danuta Orlowska.
7. Council Liaison
Nick said Greenwich Council's cycle officer David Moorhouse is moving to a new job.
Action Point - Nick to write to Deputy Council Leader Peter Brooks listing our interest that the job become broader based to cover all aspects of Council activity rather than transport alone.