Minutes of Tunbridge Wells FoE meeting at Royal Wells Hotel Library Bar
Wednesday 16 October 2019
Attendees: Kate (Chair), Claire, John, Colin (minutes), Carole B, Marguerita,
Joanna, Phil, Geoff
Apologies: Marieke, Steve, Caroline, Aimee, Rod, Jayne, Tess
Minutes of 10 September – approved
Feedback on Climate Emergency Day – Sunday 6 October at The Forum
Good speakers
Well organised
A bit disjointed, with band / speakers / band
Would be better in summer
How to attract more (new) people?
Youth Town Forum – feedback from meeting 11.10 between Adrian Berendt
(Chair of TW Town Forum), Marieke and Claire
Town Forum visit 12.09 by school children was positively received
Possible initial interest from following schools that have environment co-
ordinates: Beechwood, SKA, Skinners’, Bennett, St. Gregory’s, TWGGS,
Holmewood House, Langton Green Primary, St. James Primary – schools to
be contacted
Proposal to have “Swishing” (2 nd hand) event Easter 2020
Liaise with Town Forum to try to arrange kick-off get together for all
interested young people
Plastic Pollution Bill: Carole B to contact Greg Clark on behalf of TW FoE
Plastic Free TW (Joanna)
Zero waster shop is planned in Pantiles -> possible launch venue?
Proposed to start with focus on one area (e.g. Pantiles)
Need to get support from:-
o AXA (Aimee actioning)
o 1/3 of schools
o Community groups (e.g. scouts, round table)
o Council (need champion – Marguerita – and for council to pass
motion supporting)
o Website / Facebook page currently in preparation (Joanna to ask
Liz to send link to Marieke)
o Contact TW Together to try to get their support
Refill Scheme (Phil)
Now have 42 signed up in TW
Incorporate publicity into Plastic Free TW activities
Climate Emergency Declaration
First meeting scheduled for 24.10
Matt Bailey has taken over from Ronan Basu as cabinet member with
responsibility for sustainability
Matt considered to be unlikely to actively “drive” the issue, so will
probably need “pressurising”
Marieke to advise of any “useful guidance” she is aware of from FoE head
office
Social Media and Website (Geoff)
Current followers:-
211 (+24) on Facebook (+1100 engagements in past 28 days / +3100 reach)
120 (+37) on Twitter
112 (+9) on Instagram
There is a Facebook TW tree planting group, organised by Mischa Bray, with 67
people. (Geoff to contact)
Ecosia search engine recommended, as it funds tree planting
Consultation on the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan
Colin gave feedback from meeting on 09.10
Consultation period end has been extended from 01.11 to 15.11
Marieke to prepare and circulate proposed TW FoE response
Members to consider including in their responses objections to
development of Great Hall car park and surrounding area (which already
has planning permission)
Next Meetings: Wednesday 20 th November regular monthly meeting;
Wednesday 18 th December social event
