Back Sunderland Residents Federation 6th December 2011 Present: K. Slater V. Cousins J. Allen G. Brewis D. Maddison O. Dodds B. Taylor A. Carr L. Griffiths T. Kinnair W. Eastick           Apologies: J. Falade Sr. A. Williams K. Dagg        Doris opened the meeting at 10.00am. The minutes of the meeting on 1st November were reviewed. The following comments were made:  Item 2. Ramps now CAN be placed in corridors of flats. The Fire brigade has stated that the ramps must be there for the disabled. Doris said that, unfortunately, she had a fall at the Civic Centre on Remembrance Day, our wreath was laid by one of the Green Berets. Doris said we needed a speaker on mental health problems especially of those leaving the armed forces.  We need to be aware of what support we can give to them. SRF must send a letter to NEXUS to clarify the confusion relating to the 50p fare charged  to Concessionary Pass Holders before 9.30am by some bus companies (Arriva and Northern), while others (Stagecoach) charge the full fare.  Nexus must be asked to put a statement in the Echo so everyone knows what the rule is. Retirement Village visit.  This is agreed in principle.  However, we need to have more information about any similar schemes that are more local that we could visit. Details of Coach prices are also needed. We need more information about local care schemes in general for example Newcastle, Hartlepool and Gateshead. Billy Eastick said we should visit Grace House when it opens. With reference to our target charity for 2012. There was concern expressed about The Blue Lamp. It was suggested that further discussion should take place at the next meeting and Grace House and Sunningdale School were suggested as alternatives. Anyone interested could go to the Age Concern Carol Service at 2.00pm today. We should investigate resourcing of services in Sunderland, specifically funding and control of the Children’s Centre with reference to changes in government legislation. It was suggested that the price of raffle tickets should go up to £2.  Following discussion it was decided that the tickets would stay at £1. Treasurer’s Report:       Bank Account.  £3152.02 Petty Cash         £   41.01                              £3193.03 It was also noted that there were bills to be paid.   The next General Meeting will be at Mary Magdalene Church on 3rd January at 10.00am The next committee meeting will be on 7th February at D’Arcy Court at 10.00am