AGM January 2009

AGM requires three directors step down and can be re-elected. IatE NI requires a minimum of three directors but no maximum. Minnie, Lesley and Robert were due to step down and Minnie formally resigned not to be re-elected after completing three terms. Lesley Gray and Robert Jamieson have both agreed to remain as directors for rest of this term.

4. Appoint new directors

Dan declined the proposals for directors due to other commitments. The remaining directors are:

Lesley Gray

Paul Gill

Lawrence Robertson

Robert Jamieson

Roger Brimacombe

Ross Gazey

Martha Devine

Dot Davis agreed to come to next I@tE meeting to decide if she will come on as director for Yell.

Lawrence will put this on Unst Community Council agenda for their next meeting

5. Appoint Chairperson

Michelle requested that I@tE have a dedicated Chairperson for the remainder of the term rather than a rotating Chair as previous. Lawrence proposed Robert Jamieson for Chair and seconded by Paul. Robert agreed until to act as Chair until another director is willing to take over when a full compliment.

6. Minutes of AGM 2008

The minutes from the AGM held on 26^th January 2008 were approved by Gordon and Minnie.

7. AOCB

1) Annual Report - Michelle gave out copies for Year 2008 and a brief update on some projects:

Youth Enterprise Project (YEP) – a total of 14 courses have been offered including:

First Aid – two courses completed with 26 young folk benefiting (certificated)

Babysitting – 15 young folk completed (certificated)

Momentum Driving – 30 teenagers completed three courses (certificated)

Outdoor Activities – hugely popular course with 37 youngsters from S1 – S4 (certificated)

YUF Drama – 14 youngsters from Unst and Yell performed the play “It Snows” in Mid Yell over two evenings and went to Edinburgh to perform at The Lyceum with financial help from I@tE

Princes Trust XL Club– I@tE donated funds to take S4 group to Glasgow on an entrepreneurial and enterprise training trip

…/

7. AOCB

Youth Enterprise Project (YEP)

Entrepreneur Trip to North Mainland – bookings paid in advance for Michelle and Lesley to finalise trip in the Easter holidays

Design your own website – ten folk attended this course presented by Andy Ross at I@tE office

Unit 2 Launch Day – despite bad weather there was a good turnout of 50 folk attended. There were presentations on the Centre for Creative Industries, Shetland Geoparks Project, Shetland Organic Producers Group, NI Trails Project and a lunch with local produce.

NI Housing Survey & Report – Michelle noted a good response to the survey of 25% but not as many replies from the younger folk as hoped. Andrew noted this report is very well presented and demonstrates the need for housing in the NI. Full report will go to SIC, HHA and other relevant bodies.

Christmas Craft Fair - seven local producers came to this weekend singing workshop and craft fair and all agreed could be a possibility for similar things throughout the summer to attract visitors.

NI Trails – John gave brief update and currently setting up a website through the Shetland Community Portal which will have links with other related websites. It was agreed by all that Shetland needs to be more active in promoting tourism

Local Food Production ~ Yell Farmers Market – Michelle taken on admin for monthly Farmers Markets in Yell as part of I@tE duties.

Broadband Provision

Dot got reply from Tavish Scott stating actively pursuing better broadband access at the Gutcher Exchange as she is unable to get a bb connection from Gutcher. I@tE is up to date with this matter and will keep lobbying and supporting NI for better bb access.

Unst Festival 9^th-19^th July 2009

Gordon gave brief outline on this to promote and incorporate various events this summer, funding in place and hoping to have a paid co-ordinator for the festival.

Continuation Funding for I@tE NI

A source of funding has now been identified for seven fragile communities in Shetland that would qualify for support under the Shetland Community Regeneration Policy including the NI. I@tE will put together a business plan to bid for this funding which would be staged over three years. There were some conflicting views over who to apply to directly for this funding – Michelle will look into and confirm.

Unst Partnership – Hot Desk Facility

UP are to appoint a part time Community Power Down Officer for Unst and Gordon suggested this post could be based at this office with I@tE doing the payroll. UP will confirm this when post filled.

At the end of the meeting NI Councillor, Mr Josie Simpson noted that he didn’t realise I@tE had been involved in so much in the NI and was very impressed the Annual Report. Mr Simpson offered to help I@tE in any way he could. Minnie noted she has enjoyed her time as Director and will stay on as a member.

9. Date of next meeting

Tuesday 10^th March at 6.45pm in Unit 2

The meeting closed at 3.20pm.