Meeting Minutes 19th September 2011

• We spoke about how it was best to leave members who were not always able to attend meetings on the mailing list as they would still want to know what was going on. If anybody would like to be taken off or added to  the contacts list please e mail Beth at bethbarlow@bethbarlow.com.
• Julia showed us the lovely ideas for the  make your own Christmas craft stall, these included lovely Christmas trees from old books. Heather is going to try and find out how we source books from Oxfam's partner company, wastesavers. Also to look into what Oxfam does with regards to giving books to people in this country and abroad. We need volunteers to cut up books ready for the event.
• As the co-op is the only supermarket to have taken up the opportunity to have singing, craft and face painting we are going to work with them and not pursue Tesco's, Asda and Morrisons. Beth and Julia are going to meet with the manager at 1pm on Thursday 22nd.
• Middlewich Garden centre already have a charity they support so can't add to that at the moment.
• The Bookstore at Oakmere may be interested. Beth to keep everyone up to date on progress.
• Ian contacted Development Arts Northwich (DAN). They gave him the contact for the city centre. Weaver Square is being transformed for Christmas, with a chance to sing and do craft, face painting on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th December. We decided to consider two of these dates 10th and the 17th.  ( since the meeting Rivendell singers have confirmed that they are busy on the 10th and 17th but there may be more scope for the 3rd Should we change for the 3rd?) Beth and Julia are going to see Oxfam shop manager to see if there are any points of mutual benefit for us to work on. Ian is going to liase with city centre contact.
• Julia and Ian are going to contact the good news singers to see if they can sing. Beth is going to contact Ian B to see about a PA system and other players to go with  a trumpet.We need musically talented volunteers if you know any.
• Beth went off on one about knitted bobble hats and salves. One for her to ponder.
• We spoke about craft kits to sell. One for further discussion.
• Ian to think about a list of 5 or 6 simple songs which everybody will know.
• Beth told the group about a charities event at St John's church Church Hall in Sandiway. On Wednesday  5th October 2-4.30pm there is a "Knit and Stitch" for charity event. This a chance for people to see how they can use their craft skills to help charities. Then on Saturday 8th October from 10am there is a craft stall and coffee morning. Beth and Heather to look into how crafts are used by Oxfam for possible inclusion in the Wednesday event.
• Beth would also like to tell the group about a Clothes Swap event at St John's on Monday 3rd October at 7.30pm. Bring some clothes to swap.
• Heather told us about the East Africa awareness sessions running throughout the country. Invite above to this if there if anybody who wants to go and find out more about what Oxfam is doing for this cause. Its at the Victoria baths in Manchester which is an old renovated swimming baths, well worth a visit.
• Heather is hoping to organise a new group get together which will be more accessible some time in the future.

Next meeting Monday 17th October, Blue cap at 7.30pm
Apologies please to Beth so that we know who to hang on for.