The meeting was held on the 21st March 2016. See the full minutes here.

“Newtown Isn’t Rubbish But Its Streets Are” 

Jeanie McCafferty circulated the first draft of a report about our dissatisfaction and questions about the way WCC is dealing with rubbish, street maintenance, etc, as discussed at February meeting.

There was wide ranging discussion – see the minutes for details.  The meeting decided that the next step is to ask the WCC Chief Executive Kevin Lavery to come to a meeting so we can discuss our questions and concerns with him.

Newtown Festival

Martin Hanley reported on a very successful Festival, and thanked all who were involved in helping on Fair Day and in organising other events.

This year it was possible to make searchable lists of all the stalls and of the Festival programme for use on smart phones and other devices, and these are still available on the Festival Website.

The next step for the Festival Committee is an application to WCC for the next 3 year contract funding.

There is work being done towards setting up a Trust for the Festival in the future.

A vote of thanks to those organising the Fair was passed by acclamation.

Newtown Residents’ Association Budget 

Jane Patterson, the Association Treasurer,  outlined expected income and expenditure.

Proposed additional expenses include the design and purchase of a teardrop flag to use when the Association has a public presence.

The meeting agreed that honoraria could be paid for preparation of the Newsletter, and for a future co-ordinator of Keep Newtown Clean.  It was also agreed that a ‘Meet the Candidates’ meeting for the local body elections would be a good use of funds.

Keep Newtown Clean 

We are expecting this to continue on a quarterly basis, the next one being on the first Saturday in June.  We are going to think about a new name, perhaps a new focus – the original need for cleaning graffiti is not so urgent, the contractors are doing a good job. Perhaps a broader ‘Action Day’ would be of benefit to the community.

Neighbours’ Day on 19th March

Rhona Carson, Association President, thanked those who contributed to the Saturday Tea Party at St Thomas’s for Neighbours Day. An enjoyable event, thanks and congratulations to the team from St Thomas’s who hosted it.

Newtown Free WiFi

David Wilcock reported that there is now free WiFi outside his shop, Amadeus Hair Saloon  David is encouraging more retailers to move their Internet to Netstar, who will add free WiFi to their shops too.

There is also a web site that David is developing, listing Newtown businesses.  A beta release will be soon after Easter.

Meeting ended at 9:15

Next meeting Monday April 18th, 7.30pm, at the Newtown Hall, 71 Daniell St.