Apologies; Dave Higley, Jamie Henderson, Antoinette Smith, Richard Keighley
Attending: Roger Moors, Carol Brewer, Jill Walden, Phillip Doorbar, Phoebe McMillan, Ann Nelson, Melanie Parker, Simon Hudson,
RM welcomed all, inviting introductions from the group as there were some new faces since last full meeting. Minutes of 16th May were agreed.
Latest partnership meeting was attended by RM and the Amion report was discussed within the confidentiality remit allowed. The report is now concluded and felt to be very comprehensive and informative regarding the viability of the project. Still confidential and of a sensitive nature, the report outlines a variety of uses, narrowed down from the feedback and data gathered during the consultation period and identifies the financial gap/conservation deficit. A condensed, non-technical summary report is expected to be in the public domain later this summer and OBM is likely to be involved as a means of imparting the information.
AVBC are now participating fully in the partnership meetings which is very useful, however the the FI application still remains under consideration with the current anticipated date of determination stated as September 2024, although it is felt that this may be extended again. FI will have sight of the Amion report.
Pauline Latham, no longer an MP, was voted for and will continue as Chair in a public capacity.
The next partnership meeting is anticipated early autumn, with RM in attendance.
Belper North Mill Trust chair, Ian Hill met with RM recently to discuss ways in which OBM and BNMT might work closely together in the future. It is clear that the two organisations have many areas of commonality, however OBM acts as a conduit for information and feedback representing the public voice regarding the future preservation of the mills, whilst BNMT are focussed on delivering hands on heritage through museum displays, walks, talks and educational visits.
BNMT are currently revising their structure for the future and it was felt that there could be potential for a joined up heritage offer, encompassing the varied history, architectural assets, ancient buildings, protected wildlife etc., to include BNMT, OBM, Adrian Farmer, Belper Historical Society, BTC (see St John’s Chapel item below), Transition Belper and other relevant groups, to work together as part of a co-ordinated approach with possible small development grant or associated funding this would attract. This may also be a project (possibly linked to their funding streams) that the University of Derby could be involved in.
Following agreement by the committee that this was an idea to progress, RM will formally write to Ian Hill to investigate the potential further. Once this has been established, contact with UOD can then be made with a specific target project for discussion.
St John’s Chapel is one the oldest buildings in Belper, currently being used by BTC as offices. The peppercorn rent, 135 year lease arrangement, means that liability for maintenance lies with BTC who recently reached out to RM to see OBM might be interested in being involved and assist in some way. During a recent meeting, certain members of BTC voted not to engage with any other partners, resulting in BTC now solely liable for the costly upkeep and repairs of this heritage asset and are now having to make their own application to the Heritage Lottery fund on their own merits, which may be challenging. As stated in the item above, this could be part of the combined heritage offer in the future.
Volunteering, recruitment and support was discussed, with Ann Nelson as volunteer co- ordinator identifying some of the roles for OBM volunteers. It was felt that a volunteer fund raising opportunity still exists, with a clear fund raising target identified, equating to the costs involved in OBM securing public liability insurance. AN was thanked for her work in providing an initial information fact sheet to help new volunteers as they begin to talk to the public about the role of OBM.
It was felt that the ‘buddy’ system of teaming up with an experienced OBM group member, was the best way to help new volunteers. PD mentioned that BNMT have an induction process and also follow the ‘buddy’ system and it was agreed that PD and AN will meet to discuss how this could work for OBM. It was also agreed that OBM members could be present on upcoming BNMT stalls and at their events, to provide specific OBM support and information, as both organisations are asked about each other frequently. PD to provide CB with BNMT stall and event dates to co-ordinate a presence.
University of Derby have shown serious interest in working with OBM in a variety of mutually beneficial projects in the future, however it is proving difficult to arrange meetings with the relevant departmental team leaders for a variety of reasons. We will continue to progress this relationship and hope to have specific projects in mind to discus with them which may be open to their funding streams.
Unfortunately, the recent application to the UOD Civic Community Fund (maximum value £1000) made by RM was unsuccesful.
Finance and funding was discussed and currently the OBM bank balance remains at approximately £1700.
As stated above, our recent application via the UOD was not succesful, however it was felt that alternative sources of funding should be pursued in order to fund resources to develop the business connections within the town including additional leaflet printing, window stickers, etc. Possible suggestions mentioned included Love Belper and Federation of Small Businesses. MP will contact FSB. CB will contact Dave Higley who has been involved with Love Belper, to see if it is still operating and worth pursuing.
Politics in general was discussed,following recent heavy campaigning and issues related to various parties trying to align themselves with OBM. It was felt that continuing the polite re-inforcement of our non political position and welcoming all action by any party investing effort and action supporting the mills, was the best way forward. By commenting on their posts, rather than inviting their impact on our page, was the most effective. The new Labour MP for Mid- Derbyshire, Jonathan Davies, had verbally pledged to CB that he would arrange for the new Combined Authority Mayor to visit when appropriate and that OBM would be involved in this. The Mayor, Claire Ward actually attended the OBM AGM last year and it is hoped that relationships will develop further in the future based on the manifesto promises to support local heritage.
Newsletter – Autumn 2024 draft is under way with a content deadline for beginning of September, proof reading and final publication for end September. CB will liase with Rachel Hodgkinson re her articles and PD will create BNMT content which will feature as a welcome regular item going forward.
AGM for 2024 will be scheduled for late November, with a planning meeting Tuesday 6th August 7pm – 8pm specifically to discuss venue and format. It was recognised that stall holders sales were negatively impacted by the three presentations last year (Ashley Franklin, DCC Consultation launch & AGM), and alternative features to attract the public/OBM members should be considered.
Events to date included Belper Goes Green in June which was very well attended. RM, CB & AN represented OBM and were well received. In July, RM was invited as guest speaker for Belper Women’s Group where a lively but warm reception, with many interesting questions ensued, together with a generous donation of £30.
Events remaining are Pride (3 Aug) and Belper Food Festival (8th Sept), where it is hoped we can rely on our regular spot outside the Railway for an OBM presence (CB to contact Pete at Railway). AN to arrange rota for both events, Pride – 10,30am – 2.30pm and Food festival – 10 am – 2pm. Those who are free, please indicate your availability directly to AN. We may also use this as an oportunity to ‘buddy’ any new volunteers. Further details to follow.
OBM Brollies will be sourced by PM in time for both events stated above. OBM funds agreed.
Next OBM meeting is the AGM PLANNING meeting – Tuesday 6th August, 7pm at Strutts
ACTION;
- PD to send BNMT newsletter article to CB by first week September
- RM to Ian Hill BNMT re potential combined heritage solution
- PD & AN to discus volunteer support & training
- PD to provide CB with dates for BNMT stalls & events for potential OBM input
- MP to contact FSB re funding possibilities
- CB to Dave Higley re Love Belper re funding possibilities
- CB to contact Railway for Pride & Food Festival
- ANYONE available for Pride 3rd August) & Food Festival (8th Sept) to let AN know
- PM to source red OBM brollies and stickers
- CB to contact Rachel re newsletter items