TOWER HAMLETS WHEELERS
Monthly Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, 14 September 2011 7.30pm
Held at St Margaret's House, 21 Old Ford Road.

PRESENT: Rob (Co-ordinator), Owen (Secretary), David T (Chair), Keith (Events), Gerry (Special Projects)
         Alex, Terry, Richard, Tomomi, Bob

APOLOGIES: Caroline (Rides), Dave A (Treasurer)

CHAIR:     David T
MINUTES:   Owen


1. Workshop

This Saturday, 17th - plenty of the usual volunteers available.



2. Rides

Boundary ride, held on 27 August - LBTH No Place for Hate banner went missing.
ACTION: Terry will follow up about missing banner...

Fright ride - to be held on 8 October starting at 10pm ~30 miles. Possible themes of "claiming back the night", "ghost bikes", illuminations on bikes", Halloween fancy dress.
ACTION: Richard to carry on organising.

Mid-week daytime rides - Alex thinks there is a demand.
ACTION: Alex to organise a date to try it out.



3. Events

St Barnabas Fete was well attended, lots of interest in the workshop.

24 September - London Yard estate, Isle of Dogs.  Rob has offered to put on a cycle information stall at a residents party.
ACTION: Rob to organise volunteers, David T and Owen probably around.

No more events that we know of for the rest of this season.



4. Movers & Shakers Project

Richard has been in contact with the three Isle of Dogs Conservative councillors about meeting to discuss cycling.
Also an opportunity to introduce them to the project and offer them cycle training.

ACTION: Richard and Terry to organise a date.

Gerry has followed up with her GP about the project.  Was told that best to go through the Practice Manager.

ACTION: Rob to send template letter introducing the project for people to give to their GP/Practice Manager's.



5. Cycling Rangers Project

Audit forms are being put online.



6. Networking

Gerry reports:

Fieldgate Project (TfL funded, LCC administrated) at Fieldgate Mansions, Whitechapel - providing cycle training for women and bike maintenance training for young boys.  Gerry met the project leader.  She would like some help with her end of project activities.

Community Cycle Projects - feedback from this project still highlights lack of coordination between projects and local groups/communities by LCC.  We would like more information so we can get involved!

ACTION: Gerry to draft a letter to LCC, Rob to forward.

Arnold Circus - met with Robin
ACTION: Gerry to track down a contact for Robin

Meath Gardens Portraits unveiling event
- Gerry introduced herself to Jim Fitzpatrick MP and raised CS3/Narrow Street issues.  He invited Wheelers to tea on the "terrace".
- Gerry introduced herself to the Mayor.

ACTION: Gerry to arrange a date with Jim Fitzpatrick.



7. No Place for Hate Boundary Ride

Very successful event, over 20 riders.  Pledges signed.  

ACTION: Owen to draft an addition to our Equal Opportunities statement to include NPfH commitment.

ACTION: Gerry and Richard to organise photo opp with pledges.



8. Newsletter

LCC not coming forward with next newsletter deadlines for inclusion in LC magazine.  We won't work to those deadlines then.

ACTION: David T and Rob collating articles.



9. Stratford International access

Access from Stratford International station currently impossible with a bike.  Alex has been informed that you should be able to walk through the new Westfield Shopping mall.  

ACTION: Alex, Terry to follow up.



10. AOB

Cycle Embassy of Great Britain - newly launched, aiming "to make riding a bike as easy as riding a bike" - full mission statement.  Terry gave an overview and proposes Wheelers look at their mission statement and see where we stand with their ideas.

Olympic year - Keith raises the point that there will be plenty of events going on with funding etc.  We need to tap into them asap.  All asked 

Cycling Connections - Gerry points out that October will be a year since there was to be a review of this LBTH document - still waiting...



Meeting ended at 9.16pm