Present:- Andrew Mitchell of Duns CC in the Chair; Alan Dewar, Ian Jarvie & Marian Blair of Edrom, Allanton & Whitsome; Mrs Una Robinson & Bridget R Darling of Gavinton, Fogo & Polworth; Jeff Payne of Greenlaw & Hume; J.Ferris & C.Anderson of Coldingham; Norman Jarvis & George Patterson of Liethholm, Birgham & Eccies; R A Reid of Swinton & Ladykirk; Jean Mole of Reston & Auchencrow; Pauline Evans of Cockburnspath; Arlene Rawlins & John Mack of Grantshouse; Sheila Pate & Richard Nicholson (Secretary BCCF) of Cranshaws & Longformacus; Scottish Borders Councillors Alastair Forsyth, John Elliot, Catherine Home-Robertson, Jim Nairn and David Aitchison - 23 attendees.

Guest Speakers Sue Sadler, Action Network Co-ordinator Rural Forum (Perth) and Wendy Reid, Berwickshire Field Worker, Scottish Borders Rural Partnership.

The meeting was opened at 7.31 pm by Andrew Mitchell, Chairman, who welcomed everyone and introduced the first guest speaker, Wendy Reid, who introduced herself as the newly appointed Field Worker for Berwickshire who can be contacted at the BAVS office in Duns or at the Rural Centre in St. Boswells. Wendy went on to say that the first workshop will be held in Swinton Village hall on Tuesday 2nd December from 6.30 - 9.30 pm and will look at Community appraisals and benefits and other aspects which follow on, the workshop is free but refreshments will be £2.

Further training workshops will be held in the future one is likely to he on funding for new projects and Community Councils are strongly encouraged to suggest other requirements.

The Chairman then introduced the second speaker Sue Sadler. Sue explained how she was standing in for Ruth Anderson who was sick, and as Action Network Co-ordinator she had been involved with Ruth in the Report on "Alternative Economy Systems in Rural Scotland" but not nearly as closely as Ruth.

She gave a slide presentation covering the aspects of her work and mentioned the Members Directory which currently has 500 members but only two members in Berwickshire and encouraged more to join. Membership provides a copy of the Directory, information and advice, Rural Action News and a support line.

She went on to talk about Research and Development, Education and Training which is providing a Seminar Series on Community Involvement, these are being held at venues all over Scotland arid one is planned for the Borders in the spring. Other departments cover a Rural Housing service, Youth appraisals and Alternative Economy systems in Scotland which is an organisational system and not for individuals.

Questions were asked by various members of the meeting and discussion took place on Rural transport raised by Catherine Home-Robertson.

The Chairman thanked Sue Sadler and the meeting adjourned for coffee.

2. Apologies were received from Jim Morton of Burnmouth CC and Scottish Borders Councillors Logan Forrest, Roy Garden and Donald Moffat.

3. Minutes of the meeting on 27th August 1997 were approved.

4. Area Committee. The Chairman asked Bridget Darling to report on the SBC representation.

"There were three half days of training for all the committee members at Scottish Borders Council with presentations by each SBC department. This gave the Community Councillors much background information and a chance to meet SBC Officials and Councillors.

The first meeting in September had a very lengthy agenda mainly with committee procedures. One planning application was recommended for refusal and it was a disappointment that the SBC Planning Committee overturned this decision.

The second meeting was at Eyemouth and attendance of a handful of the public was good to see.

Next week will see the first Open Forum with a presentation on the Environmental Health Function and three questions submitted by Edrom, Allanton & Whitsome CC.

Bridget urged the Forum members to lobby her on local matters as although your three Community Councillors do not have a vote they have a voice."

Discussion took place on the fact that Area Committee notices were only received with one weeks notice. Councillor Nairn said CCs could obtain a calendar of meetings from Central Services department and added that the life of Area Committees would depend on CC involvement. The meeting endorsed the point that Area Committees have decision making power and it was Undemocratic to reverse their decisions at SBC Committee level.

Sheila Pate asked if Area Committees have an appeal power open to them. The answer was NO.

5. Finance - Appointment of a new Auditor. Ian Jarvie explained that the Forum's Auditor was no longer a Community Councillor and constitutionally could no longer continue in office. The Chair asked CCs present to discuss with their Councils and propose a new Auditor. (Councillor Elliot asked about item 8 on the last Agenda carried forward and Ian Jarvie explained that it involved expenses to attend the Rural Forum Conference and had been satisfactorily resolved.)

The question of SBC support for the Forum was raised and the Chair suggested this should be considered and discussed at the AGM in March.

6. Any Other Business. Councillor Elliot drew the meetings attention to the Drugs Seminar, organised by the Police, that had taken place that afternoon and was by selected invitation to CCs and other bodies. Literature was available in the meeting room.

He also gave the date of the next Jim Clark Rally - 3, 4 & 5 July 1998 -and said the organisers wished to heighten the profile and they would be interested in coming to speak at the March Forum meeting. He also emphasised that they were keen to obtain information on accommodation, such as caravans, available to support teams.

Ian Jarvie spoke on the Scottish Borders Rural Partnership and said there were now six staff in post and that the Berwickshire Field Worker Wendy Reid could be contacted at Berwickshire Association of Voluntary Services, 9 Curry Street, Duns, Tel. No. 01361 883137

He went on to remind CC's about the training workshops available - the first one Tuesday 2nd December at Swinton. Wendy Reid and Kevin McCall are doing a paper on the proposal for a local Webb site. The BCCF are part of the group looking at Community accessible databases in the Borders and one of the first jobs will be to commission a report on the existing IT available in the Borders. He invited any other Councillor interested in these matters to contact him.

The Chair outlined the Internet facilities and training with evening access that would be available at the Berwickshire High School in March 1998.

Councillor Home Robertson suggested that thought should be given to the Millennium celebrations and activities such as Bell ringing should be considered. This was endorsed by Sheila Pate. The Chair suggested broader ideas on this theme should be discussed at the AGM in March.

Bridget Darling referring to an article in the Berwickshire News (Copy enclosed) requested that CCs should try to make local contributions.

Richard Nicholson asked CCs to give consideration to the Forum posts of Secretary and Treasurer that would require to be filled at the AGM in March.

The Chair asked for consideration to be given for a guest speaker at the AGM and Sheila Pate suggested Conservation of the Environment and Waste Disposal as a subject.

7. Date of Next Meeting- AGM

The meeting closed at 9.27 pm

After the meeting Chris Anderson of Coldingham CC offered to become the new Auditor.

A copy of the letter headed "Recording details of every Scottish War Memorial" from the Berwickshire News is enclosed and Community Councils are encouraged to respond to the request.

On Wednesday 18th March 1998 at 7.30 pm

Present:- Andrew Mitchell of Duns CC in the Chair; Alan Dewar, Ian Jarvie & Ray Davidson of Edrom, Allanton & Whitsome; Una Robinson & Bridget R Darling of Gavinton, Fogo & Polworth; Jeff Payne of Greenlaw & Hume; J.Ferris & C.Anderson of Coldingham; Norman Jarvis & George Patterson of Leitholm, Birgham & Eccles; R A Reid of Swinton & Ladykirk; Arlene Rawlins & John Mack of Grantshouse; Bill Johnson of Eyemouth; Jim Morton & Thomas Dixon of Burnmouth; Sheila Pate & Richard Nicholson (Secretary BCCF) of Cranshaws & Longformacus; Scottish Borders Councillors Alastair Forsyth, John Elliot, Catherine Home-Robertson, Roy Garden, George Finlay, Logan Forrest -25 attendees.

Guest Speakers:- John Cook, Protective Services, Scottish Borders Council and Bob Noble, Borders Area Secretary, National Farmers Union.

The meeting was opened at 7.32 pm by Andrew Mitchell, Chairman, who welcomed everyone and introduced the first guest speaker John Cook who is Assistant Director and has responsibility for the Cleansing section. He covered the facts and figures of his department and told us they disposed of 116 tons of refuse per week into three land fill sites throughout the Borders. Recycling facilities are available in most towns but because of the large area covered it is difficult to make it cost effective and the recycling centres are large distances away making the costs high @ £10 per ton. SBC spent £300,000 on recycling last year and are looking for local markets. Recent Government decision to increase landfill tax makes it even more difficult for rural councils.

Questions from the meeting covered the size of areas for recycling, the disposal of fluorescent lighting tubes and clinical or medical waste. Special collections by SBC and the local Health centre can be locally arranged. Coldingham CC asked if metal can collections could be arranged and this can be done with a private contractor - details supplied. The question of plastic recycling is difficult because it has to be sorted into four different grades and because of this SBC don't offer this service. George Finlay said there was a report which suggested burning of waste was the best solution and SBC are looking at this solution.

The Chairman thanked John Cook and introduced the second speaker Bob Noble who told the meeting that problems in farming today are very complex. He started his talk by explaining the history of World, European and UK food production since the second world war when the U99 German submarine sunk five ships of food at the end of the war. This resulted in the farming policy to produce as much food as possible until the 1980s.

He traced the effect of UK's entry into the Common Market in 1974 and the effects of CAP and GAF - world trade organisation through until today with most recently the effects of the BSE crisis and finally beef on the bone. He emphasised how dependent the Border's economy was on agriculture and the inherent danger of this and went on to talk about the problems of animal waste disposal. He concluded by saying we must all promote unity by making sure MPs and MEPs are kept informed.

Questions from the meeting covered a wide range from the effects of Agenda 2000 to how was the NFU funded - by voluntary contributions. it was emphasised that everyone should question supermarkets on the source of their supplies of food and force them to buy locally produced food wherever possible and that SBC should tighten up on sourcing of food especially meat for schools.

The Chairman thanked Bob Noble and the meeting adjourned for coffee at 8.30 pm.

The AGM business started at 8.45 pm.

The Chairman asked Ray Davidson to outline the plans for the Keep Berwickshire Tidy Campaign. It will run from 16th April until 24th May with judging starting on 25th May. Information and notices are enclosed with these minutes.

1. Apologies were received from John Williams of Foulden CC and Scottish Borders Councillor Jim Nairn.

2. Minutes of the meeting on 19th November 1997 were approved.

3. Matters Arising
Area Committees - Bridget Darling reported that the CC members had attended all the meetings and was critical of the fact that they had no voting rights. She urged CCs to ring her up beforehand with subjects for discussion. The next meeting is on 24th November in Eyemouth. The Chairman urged CC attendance at this meeting. From April onwards there will be an Open Forum at each meeting.

Rural Partnership - Ian Jarvie gave a comprehensive update. A computer at the Rural Resource Centre is now connected to the Internet - Email address: rrc@clara.net. The library at the centre is growing and publications can be loaned for a short period. Copies of appraisals are held there for reference. He went on to describe various projects undertaken.

4. Chairman's Report.
"Since taking office at the last AGM we have held two meetings and all the Community Councils have been subject to complete revision having to reform under the new SBC scheme. To date there are still two communities without Community Councils in place or about to be reformed.

We have been fortunate to have attracted an interesting variety of speakers to our meetings, in August Stan Yates on Emergency Planning and Mrs Nicol from the Tweed Foundation and Colin Torrance from the Borders Forum on Sustainable Development. In November Sue Sadler from the Rural Forum and Wendy Reid, our Field Worker, from the Borders Rural Partnership. Finally tonight John Cook of SBC Protective Services and Bob Noble from the NFU.

Two major initiatives have involved us over the last twelve months - Area Committees the forum was asked to co-ordinate the appointment of the small Communities representative to the Berwickshire Committee and Mrs Bridget Darling was elected.

Scottish Borders Rural Partnership. Ian Jarvie represents us on the partnership and is a member of the Management Group. Ian has kept us updated on the progress of the activities of the partnership.

5. Secretary's Report
Compared to 1996 - 1997 this last year has been fairly quiet from the Secretary's point of view - no contentious issues such as Berwickshire Community Councils being threatened with 25% less grant than other Borders Community Councils! The first year of Area Committees has passed fairly uneventfully, but I am not really sure how effectively?

My three years as Secretary of the Forum have come to an end and as long as one has computer facilities at one's elbow the task is not too arduous and as Scottish Borders Council are now well settled in I don't see the workload increasing so I trust someone is going to step forward to take my place! I have recently become local area Chairman of the Country Alliance and although Mr Foster's bill to ban hunting has been successfully repulsed the battle is by no means over as those who don't understand or know anything about the countryside are sure to try again. So I am going to be busy in a different arena but I feel a very important one for the Countryside.

I am confident that under Andrew Mitchell's very experienced and capable guidance the Forum will continue to make a very worthwhile contribution to the Borders Community Council scene and I have much enjoyed working with him and Ian Jarvie, who has contributed so much to the successful emergence of the Forum.

The Chairman thanked the Secretary very much for his contribution during the year.

6. Treasurer 's Report
There is one item to add to the printed Income and Expenditure accounts and that is £51.22 for Secretary and Treasurer's expenses leaving a Balance of £276.75 to be carried forward. The Treasurer added that there were currently no concrete projects involving expenditure that merited asking SBC for funds.

7. Auditor's Report
Chris Anderson said these were the simplest accounts he had ever been required to audit. Approval of the accounts was proposed by Chris Anderson and seconded by Sandy Reid.

8. Database Group
The Scottish Borders Rural Partnership Database Group has the aim of allowing members access to the information on each other's databases. It is seen as a way of avoiding duplication of effort in the Borders where there is not an over-abundance of resources.

A bid was made for European Money and for Rural Challenge Funds- 50% of the cost from each - but this has not been accepted outright and we have been placed on a reserve list.

In the Borders access to the Internet is mostly via British Telecom and until the telephone exchanges become fully digital the data speeds are slow and the costs as a result higher.

The Group have made BT management aware of the needs in the Borders - such as GP surgeries and Health Centres and more schools obtaining equipment to get them connected to the Internet - and have got talks organised between Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Borders Enterprise and BT to expedite the modernisation of the old fashioned telephone exchanges. The Group intends to ensure that Scottish Borders are not left out of future developments.

The Chairman asked how many CCs have PCs and are on the Internet? Currently only the Treasurer. Discussion took place on future CC involvement with Email.

9. Any Other Business.
Greenlaw Project. Jeff Payne reported that the Heritage Lottery Fund application had been turned down because of the basic problem of lack of potential uses for the hall and that lack of ideas for this are blocking progress. Expansion of the scheme beyond the hall to surrounding ground is being explored.

Community Council Activities.
The Chairman opened by outlining what Duns CC been doing. Tree grants of £750 for the last two years had been obtained from SBC who had also provided a 50% grant for a strimmer. The CC had been involved in the Swimming Pool Trust and the development of the Motor Sport Museum. A feasibility study and application for Lottery money have been made.
Coldingham reported on their problems with new pavements being dug up by the Water Authority. Speed monitoring and associated actions. They have co-opted a youth member on the Council and obtained a grant of £850 for flood lighting on the sports ground. They are producing a brochure to publicise footpaths. They have succeeded in getting the frequency of bus services improved from 4 to 2 hourly.
Gavinton reported on problems with water pipes - success with improvements to Play area in the park - development of Neighbourhood watch - village trail - plans to expand on previous success in Scotland in bloom. Their involvement in road improvements at the Westruther road junction is at last bearing fruit and is nearing completion.
Eyemouth reported on a number of projects which sub committees were developing - tree planting, play area £7000 raised from fund raising and grants, flower planting at entrances to the town, a photographic competition, youth member co-opted on the Council.
Leitholm, Eccles & Birgham reported they had had a visit from East of Scotland Water regarding waste disposal at Eccles they also had taken advantage of the tree grant and involved children in tree planting. They had organised a walk about in their three villages which had been very successful and created greater awareness. They have started a system of measuring complaints, requests etc and the actions and results.
Grantshouse asked for advice on how to respond to the SBC demand to cut down the row of trees beside the road from Duns into the village. Suggested they should consult with Jim Knight SBC Landscape Architect and Mr Grant from Technical Services. Their Neighbourhood Watch had a successful fund raising event and they are in discussion with Ian Jarvie on crime prevention.
Burnmouth, Seascape project caters for children with special needs. run by SBC with support from CC but SRC now withdrawn support. SBC have erected netting down the brae to stop stones falling onto the road. CC are developing the play area down the brae. The footpath developed by Jim Smith, Walking Officer, along the coast from Eyemouth to Burnmouth is now well used and it is hoped to continue it to Berwick.
Edrom, Allanton & Whitsome, two young people have been co-opted onto their CC.
Chirnside, Roy Garden reported on their behalf successful tree planting and refurbishment in the play park.

10. Election of Office Bearers
As there were no other nominations Ian Jarvie was re-elected as Treasurer proposed by the Chairman and seconded by the Secretary. The Chairman asked for nominations for Secretary. There were none and the Chairman and Treasurer agreed to try to recruit someone before the next meeting in August.

11. Date of Next Meeting 7.30 pm Wednesday 26th August 1998 to elect an Area Committee member for the rural Community Councils and the Chairman asked for suggestions for speakers. East of Scotland Water Authority and Health and Safety in Village Halls were suggested.

Subsequent. meeting dates - Wednesday 25th November 1998 and AGM

Wednesday 24th March 1999 The meeting closed at 10.05 pm