Issue - meetings

The Bracknell Forest Local Countryside Access Forum (LCAF) Terms of Reference were attached to the agenda to remind members of its content. The Forum was always keen to expand on its membership and another representative with cycling interests was being sought to fill in the gap left by Joe Dodson who resigned as a Forum member. There was an advert on the BFC website. If anyone was interested in being a member of the Forum they should contact the Parks and Countryside Service.

Mart Speyers, who led the leisure cycle ride at the Outdoor and Walking Festival, was keen to find out more about LCAF and its membership. Mart owned a local business Total Fitness and was a keen cyclist and general outdoor pursuit’s enthusiast. Rose would forward him information regarding the Forum. An advert would be placed in the next Town and Country regarding membership recruitment. Simon Pettigrew had been contacted at Be Heard to gauge interest in attending Forum meetings as a disabled interest representative. It was suggested that David Putt be contacted, to see whether he would like to join the Forum. His current role as Manager of the Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare Project would mean he could represent the interests of community groups. It was also suggested that Nick Hazlitt could be contacted as a Forestry representative.

(Action: Rose Wicks)

People could become members of the Forum in their own right as well as representing a specialist interest. It was discussed about whether there should be greater representation across different Town and Parish Councils on the Forum. It was also suggested that schools and local colleges could perhaps be contacted in order to attract a younger membership to the Forum.

It was suggested that a greater mix of membership may be useful, such as people of different ethnic backgrounds and disabled groups. A large landowner representative would be useful; Sharon had approached Thames Water who were landowners in the borough but they did not have anyone available.