Apologies for Absence

There were no apologies for absence
Sarah Green from English Heritage was welcomed to the meeting

Minutes of the last General Meeting

The minutes of the meeting to establish FLIF were made available beforehand. There being no objections or alterations, these were proposed by Amanda Rigby and seconded by Will Palin as being a correct account of the proceedings, and were duly signed off by the Chair

Chairman's report

The Chair commenced his report by stating that constant vigilance and a pro-active attitude were required to protect global, regional and local environments. This was especially true of Lincoln's in Fields where despite the victory in the House of Lords there was a requirement on us all to ensure FLIF represented the users of the fields and ensure its continued protection.

He then thanked a number of people on the committee.

He stated that the highlights of FLIF to date were firstly its existence and the sound principles on which the constitution is based. Sue Parkers inaugural lecture was outstanding and further events like this are needed. Further highlights were the fact there had been no marquees this year.

FLIF have started to create dialogue between ourselves and Camden. A good number of committee members attended the Park Planning event Mr Stanton attended one of the committee meetings

On the negative the matter of private parking for the restaurant staff had not been addressed and the caravan is still illegally parked in the centre of the Fields.

To finalise he stated that we need to encourage more individual members and each Committee person was tasked with recruiting 5 people over the next two weeks.

Treasurers Report

The priority was to open a bank account and this has been done with a bank that had historical links with the Fields, namely Childe's & Co. In the 17th and 18th centuries Childes family lived and worked in the Fields before the bank was moved to Fleet Street

The Financial report ran from the start of the Association to the 30th April 2007. All future Financial reports will have a year end of the 30th April.

Subscriptions run from the 1st January to 31st of December with those joining at the beginning of October will have their membership carried over into the following year.

English Heritage & the Fields - Sarah Green

Sarah was welcomed to the meeting. She provided a brief summary of their new campaign, The Campaign for London Squares which is aimed at conserving and enhancing London squares. She is particularly interested in improving LIF.

English Heritage will partly fund these enhancements and have produced a conservation plan which they are trying to discuss with Camden. It will require feedback from local residents.

Election of Committee Members

Marea, Jill and Will were all proposed and elected by acclamation

AoB & Future ideas for Lincolns Inn Fields & FLIF

Amanda requested a Charity rate for some corporate members who had limited funds. Robert stated that his would be discussed at the next committee meeeting

It was suggested that there was a big apron of paving outside Farrers that could perhaps be utilised in some way

It was suggested that the two old drinking fountains be renovated. There may be possible H & S issues with drinking from Public fountains

There was a request for information on how Camden are using the money provided by the LSE for specific restoration in the Fields. FLIF and LSE to both write

The caravan may require legal Action to get it moved. Sam Kung volunteered to help.

There being no further business the meting was closed

The meeting was followed by a Private Guided Tour of the Hunterian Museum