1. Welcome & Introductions
19 cyclists attended, including five new people. Two apologies.
2. September/October Minutes
These were approved.
3. Rides
Barry previewed Locks, Docks ride on Sunday Nov 7, and Greenwich-Whitstable on Nov 13, Whitstable-Dover Nov 14, return by train or Dover-Hastings Nov 15. Also flagged Dec 25 Deserted London ride ending at Edgware Road restaurant.
4. Off yer Chest
Anthony reported after one week in Berlin that the German capital seems light years ahead of Britain as regards bikes on pavements, bikes on trains, mutual tolerance between bikers and other road users, Deutsche Bahn even has bikes for hire. Karen Marks agreed.
5. Ceilidh
Karen Marks said 70 tickets already sold for a total £1050, compared with about 30 at same time last year, plus 45 with agents. This almost covers outgoings of £350 paid to caterer in advance, £360 more due to caterer, and £400 for band on night.
Action: Derek agreed that a cheque for Karen to pay the band will be available on December 11 subject to cheque-cleared funds being available at the time.
Barry urged support by Greenwich Cyclists office-holders for the fund-raising Ceilidh. He reported a conversation in which Anna Trafford, marketing manager of London Cycling Campaign, had quoted Derek as saying the Ceilidh might not go ahead. Derek said this was not correct, he had merely reiterated the management committee's decision that the event should be covered by ticket sales in advance of outgoing payments, and he would raise the matter with Anna Trafford.
Action: Karen M asked for volunteers for Dec 11 to decorate, clear up, staff door and bike park.
6. Planning
Nick said Greenwich Council has engaged a consultant on its cycling strategy. He will try to contact the consultant and possibly arrange a meeting. Greenwich Cyclists concerned about council underspend on London Cycle Network.
Greenwich Environment Management Services (GEMS) have asked if we want to work with them on a cycle rehabilitation programme at the council's Nathan Way site. Members expressed some scepticism about the cost benefit of recycling bikes for charity.
Action: Ray and Nick will talk to GEMS.
Anthony referred to the meeting between ourselves and council about cycling (Minutes on website), and the council's lack or urgency and scope in appointing a new cycling officer.
Action: Nick will contact council's meeting clerk for time of full council meeting in January with a view to Greenwich Cyclists who are also borough residents asking questions in public about progress on cycling issues since we last attended in January 2004.
7. Schools Project
Hilary said there was a possible underspend on the Thomas a Beckett school project. Meanwhile the Thomas Tallis school had enquired about a new project.
Action: Derek to meet Malvina, a teacher at Thomas Tallis, to discuss a possible new project.
Paul from Cycle Training UK has approached Hilary enquiring about a joint approach to Greenwich Council for funding. Some members said we effectively did a lot of marketing for Cycle Training without getting much back.
Action: Nick to talk to Paul about preparing a joint spec for future cycle training in the borough.
8. Grant Application
Karen S has prepared a bid to Awards For All (England) as follows:
Total £4988
ACTION: Agreed to make application to Awards For All.
9. Meeting Room Hire
Derek said a total of three donations meant we could cover the cost of ahll hire until end 2004.
Balance of funds available to Greenwich Cyclists (not earmarked for Schools Project) is £80. We have applied to LCC for a refund of £140 based on the number of LCC members in Greenwich.
10. AOB
Ray said he spotted a useful cycle maintenance book at the discount bookstore on Greenwich South Street opposite the cinema.