The two exploratory meetings for the Friends of Baildon Moor were really well attended which bodes well for the future of the group but also shows the concern felt by many about the future of Baildon Moor. After listening to Malcolm and Owen at the first meeting there was quite a lively discussion which highlighted to people the many and varied interests. It showed that there are potentially conflicting requirements that will take careful managing to reverse the deterioration of the Moor and protect it for future generations

The Friends have now formed their steering committee which will create the constitution and then hand over to a management committee who will take the group forwards.

If you are interested in becoming part of this feel free to contact Ruth Batterley the Parish Council Clerk at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it She will then pass your details on to The Friends.

They should soon have their own web site where you will be able to make more direct contact.

First meeting:-

Friends of Baildon Moor Exploratory Meeting

A group of interested people are trying to get a Friends of Baildon Moor going. This is supported by Baildon Parish Council and a meeting is to be held on Wednesday 20th May at 7:15pm in Baildon Link on Cliffe Avenue.

AGENDA
1. Introduction by Councillor Paul Marfell, Chair Baildon Parish Council.
2. Presentations by:
    Malcolm Leyland
    Owen Wells, Friends of Ilkley Moor on the preservation of the moor
3. Discussions about forming a Friends of Baildon Moor group and the purpose of the group
4. Summary of discussions
5. Date of next meeting – Wednesday 17th June at 7:15pm

Friends of Baildon Moor - Minutes of Meeting held 17th June 2009 at Baildon Link

1) Review of minutes of meeting held on 20/05/09.

There were no comments on the minutes of this meeting. Another interest group of rocketry was mentioned.

2) Review Councillor Marfell’s comments on the meeting held on 20/05/09.

There were no comments on this item.

3) Discussion of the objectives of the Friends of Baildon Moor group.

a) to work in collaboration with Bradford Metropolitan District Council and others to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of Baildon Moor

b) to manage Baildon Moor as an open space amenity of education, recreation and leisure time in the interests of social welfare and with the objective of enhancing the quality of life of those working, living or visiting Baildon Moor.

It was explained that the two definitions above had been taken from the Friends of Ilkley Moor’s constitution. There was discussion about the value of appointing a steering committee. Councillor Marfell indicated that a steering committee would only run for as long as it took to get the group up and running with some agreed objectives.

There was agreement that the objectives should be as outlined in points 3a) and b).

It was agreed that the preservation of the moor is the most important issue and that there is a potential conflict between a and b. There was discussion about the need to educate people with possible ideas being

• Interpretation boards
• A website
• Publicise on the radio

Paul Stephens from Shipley Voluntary Services advised that he is happy to support the group and that a constitution will give the group clarity of purpose.

4) Discussion of purpose of steering committee

It was noted that a steering committee is time limited. The purpose of the committee would be to decide on matters such as:

• Membership
• Constitution
• Voting arrangements
• How the group’s objectives are to be achieved
• Opinion gathering
  

5) Election of the steering committee

Malcolm Leyland- Chair
David Rose- Secretary
Bob Green- Treasurer
Heather Howes
Andrew Pickles
Vicky Sykes
David Sturge
Glynis Wilkinson
Richard Freeman
Arnold Gill