• Monica Parrish – Albany Court
• Alan Sutcliffe – Westwood Court
• John Bailey – Beaulieu Court, Winn Road
• Linda Norris – The Mayor of Southampton
• Cathie McEwing – The Sherriff of Southampton
• PCSO Helen Kemble – Portswood Neighbourhood Policing Team

Attendance

• Gil Dekel – Westwood Road
• Cara Sandys – Winn Road
• Sue Underwood – Winn Road
• M King – Winn Road
• M Campion – Winn Road
• S Fuller – Winn Road
• J Stanton – Winn Road
• M. Remington
• Julie Ross – Winn Road
• Robert Smith – Westwood Road
• Geoff Chaplin – Westwood Road
• Paul Felstead
• John and Kate Kent – Winn Road
• David and Rosemary Corfe – Winn Road
• Edward Knowlton
• Mark Howak –Winn Road
• Valentina Bono
• Amy Hearst
• R. Cunnell & J Davenport – Westwood Road
• Kirstine Hazlehurst – Westwood Road
• Debbie Collis – Southampton City Council, Community development worker
• Alan Whitehead – MP Southampton Test
• Phine Dahle – Outer Avenue Residents Association representative

Welcome and Introduction Gil Dekel thanked everyone for attending and introduced himself as a resident that lives in Westwood Road for over 8 years. The purpose of the open meeting was to explore if there was any interest in setting up residents’ group to cover Westwood and Winn Roads. Gil said that as he walked the street one day on the way to work, he looked at one flat and thought to himself that behind the window lives a family – and that they must have special skills/interests that they could share with other people on the street. The feeling is that houses are not empty shells, rather people live in houses, and they have many ‘gifts’ they can share. Gil suggested that all people have a skill or special interest that they could share with others, as a basis for developing social cohesion events for the area. Having a residents’ group can create a sense of community and can help with specific issues residents face. It is a tool to organise people to share ideas through social activities. Together, people are stronger, and have a stronger voice in dealing with issues. Gil explained that he met with Highfield Residents’ Association (HRA) and identified core activities and needs, on Winn/Westwood level, that will not duplicate or compete with HRA. HRA are in favour for setting local association as it gives them local representatives that makes their work easier. Explanation of what is required to set up as a residents’ association Debbie Collis explained that if there is a general consensus of setting up a residents’ association that there would need to be six members voted at least: three officers (the Chairperson, secretary and treasurer), and at least three committee members. If there are enough members then additional roles can be added such as publicity officer, and Vice chairperson. If a residents’ association is to be set up an inaugural meeting would need to be organised whereby the officers and committee members that wish to put their names forward for these roles do so, and then voting for these persons will take place. At the inaugural meeting, a constitution and equal policy for the group would be adopted. To enable the group to be able to apply for funding (including covering the cost of running the group i.e. hall hire, printing of leaflets, minutes etc.) they will need to be constituted. A bank account will need to be set up in the group’s name, with three signatories to be able to access the money. None of these persons are allowed to be related. Debbie explained that support could be given, a draft constitution and equal opportunity policy could be sent to the group for their perusal and allowing for any suggested amendments. This would then enable the group to apply for the Southampton City Council community chest funding (nearest closing date for applications is 16-11-2015). The next date for applications will be May 2016. Gil asked the attendees how many would like to set up a residents’ association. By a show of hands, there were 15 persons interested. An inaugural meeting will be arranged for mid Oct. Ideas and Suggestions for the area Gil has given an example with a photo of an area near 20 Winn Road that currently has a small circled seating area. A suggestion was that this could hold social events with a stage and microphone maybe, for community gathering, activities, maybe poetry readings. A resident commented this area is maintained and permission would need to be sought. A resident commented that at Hartley Court they hold BBQ’s. Other ideas and issues raised were: the grass verges along the side of both of the roads could have wild flowers grown on them. To look into how to deal with the speeding along Winn Road. A way to break the ice could be hold a beetle drive. Any other business Debbie asked if there was anyone who would like to help deliver the leaflets for the Inaugural meeting. Four persons offered to help and gave their contact details. Gil suggested that in order for this to happen, people will need to step forward and take actions. Talking only, Gil said, will not do, rather actions must take place. Meeting closed

‎‎We are delighted that the following have confirmed their attendance: – The Sheriff of Southampton, Councillor Cathie McEwing, – Dr. Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, – PCSO Helen Kemble, Portswood Neighbourhood Policing Team.

How do we develop prosperous and happy community? Well, we start by sharing what we ‎already do best with those who live nearby…‎

The proposed new Residents Association could be named ‘Community Sharing Network’. ‎The idea is to form grass-root sharing system that will work on local level (Win/Westwood roads), and develop social-‎cohesion and activities. The vision is to foster local skills and talents, and match them with ‎local ‘demands’. ‎

We can consider doing any one (or more) of the following:‎

• Exchange skills and knowledge efficiently, based on our proximity
• Raise issues of concern or interest
• Consider social events (evening meetings, kids activities, or child-care share)‎
• Organise street art activities, or DIY sessions
• Develop events that look at tools to make changes in the community, such as: ‎promoting creativity, business skills, and mindfulness.‎
• Develop a recommendation list of local trades-people used by other who are satisfied ‎with their work.‎
• Offers of help for older people.‎

> Why not come to our Open Meeting to: • Express your opinions, ideas and thoughts • Meet like-minded people • Build strong healthy community where people care about each other.‎

> When? 21 Sep 2015, 7.30pm. > Where? Portswood. For venue info, contact Dr. Gil Dekel here, and/or Debbie Collis (Community Development Worker, Southampton City Council).