ST. MONANS AND ABERCROMBIE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Minute of the ordinary general meeting held in the Church Hall, Station Road on

Monday 15 th January 2024 at 7.30 pm

Present: Marjory Ashworth (Chair), Morven Syme (Vice President), Eileen Montador (Secretary), David
Robertson (Treasurer), Niamh Syme (Social Media), Cllr Alycia Hayes, Diane Martin (Minute
Secretary)

Apologies: Mervyn Blank, Cllr Sean Dillon, Cllr Fiona Corps
Members of the public: 8

1. Welcome and apologies.
   Marjory Ashworth opened the meeting and wished everyone present a Happy New Year.
   Apologies were received and recorded.
2. Declarations of interest
   There were no declarations of interest.
3. Visiting Speakers/Groups
   SMAKE (St. Monans Auld Kirk Enterprise) – report by Marjory Ashworth
   A meeting was held on Thursday 11 th January. The General Trustees are going to obtain a valuation for the
   property and once this is received the group will know what they are aiming for. The group are currently
   seeking funding to ensure that Fife Historic Buildings can continue to provide support with the business
   plan. The group have been asked by another organisation to provide a PowerPoint showing the journey so
   far, and this should be available in April.
   Arts Festival – report by Helen Marshall
   The St. Monans Arts Festival is a weekend event normally held the first weekend in September. It is very
   much a community-based festival, where the emphasis is in local people getting involved. The event is free
   for both artists, craftspeople and people attending workshops etc. This is made possible by the amazing
   generosity of the locals who give their time and talents to allow people to participate in something creative
   e.g., painting, flower arranging, crystals, poetry etc. The event is largely funded by the café. Local people
   bake, cook and serve for free, and the profits finance the rest of the event. For all events and exhibits,
   priority is given to local people.
   AGM to plan event – Thursday 29 th February at 7pm in the Bowling Club. New committee members and
   helpers are needed to keep the festival alive and fresh. More publicity will follow.
   Sea Queen – report read by Eileen Montador
   This year’s fund raiser, the International Food Festival, is scheduled for April 6th in the Town Hall. Last year
   saw a huge interest in the Food Festival and the Family Quiz, with a large queue running into the street and
   unfortunately some people had to be turned away. This year the IFF will therefore be a ticketed event to
   ensure that people are able to gain access quickly and ensure that no one will be left disappointed on the
   night. A date has still to be set for this year’s Sea Queen Day, but it will be announced as soon as possible.
   Several members of the Sea Queen Committee have taken the decision to resign from the committee this
   year, so we are actively looking to welcome new volunteers onto the committee.
4. Without new volunteers there is a very real possibility that Sea Queen Day will not be able to proceed which would be extremely sad as this is a village tradition that in its current format goes back to 1959. 
5. The Sea Queen Committee would be particularly keen to hear from volunteers from families that have
6. children at St Monans Primary School or Waid Academy. If anybody would be interested in joining the
7. committee or would like to learn more, please contact Vicky Robertson, Linda Anderson, Kim Cameron or
8. Billy Morris.
9. It was agreed that it would be helpful if a list of the posts/jobs required to support this event could be made
10. available for people to see. If there aren’t enough volunteers, it may be necessary to alter the usual format
11. of the event.
12. Niamh Syme will re-post the event details and the need for volunteers on social media.
13. Vicky Robertson will speak to the primary school HT to seek the support of parents.
14. Gardening Group – report by Alison Child
15. It has been a quieter time for the group due to the festive season and the awful weather. However, the
16. group have started refreshing the Welly Boot Garden, which continues to be popular with visitors even at
17. this time of year. Thank you to the anonymous donor, who donated 52 wellies! These now have to be
18. washed, drilled, painted and planted.
19. Normally at this time of year thoughts turn to the summer display, i.e., hanging baskets and tubs. This has
20. been very costly in the past. Marjory Ashworth advised that a decision has been taken to provide 16
21. hanging baskets at the entrance to the town. There is a volunteer who is willing to water these. As for
22. tubs, the group are hoping to grow lots more flowers from seed to cut costs. The lack of a greenhouse
23. continues to be a constraint and the group would love to hear from anyone who could help out with this.
24. Marjory Ashworth advised that there are two businesses already willing to sponsor a tub. Niamh Syme has
25. a letter drafted to issue to local businesses to seek their support. The group are also hoping they might get
26. access to the polytunnel at the allotments.
27. Autumn Club – report by Eleanor Mathers
28. This group, which has been running for over 40 years, currently meets in Braehead Church at 2pm every
29. Thursday. There are regularly 20-24 people who attend to hear a visiting speaker and enjoy tea, a biscuit
30. and a blether. The cost is £2 per person. Twice per year, the group go on an outing to Monturpie. It would
31. be great if more people could attend. The group is open primarily to senior citizens, but anyone can attend.
32. Transport issues were discussed, including the use of the Flexibus.
33. St Monans Heritage Collection – a full report by Billy Morris was read by Marjory Ashworth
34. In summary:
35.  2023 proved a frustrating time for the collection.
36.  Number of volunteers reduced.
37.  Collection welcomed over 800 visitors but only raised £380 in donations.
38.  Reduced opening hours meant a drop in visitors and donations.
39.  More staff and local support are required – shifts are 10.30-1.30 and 1.30 – 4pm
40.  Collection is responsibility of the CC and has been for 25 years.
41.  There are issues re the utilities.
42.  Hopeful for the launch of Heritage Gin sometime in April / May with any profits supporting the
43. collection/community projects.
44.  Seek information on the CC’s intentions and plans for the future of the Heritage collection.
45.  Going forward help needed by way of
46. Volunteers
47. Funding (Gin sales)
48. Funding (Easton Book)
49. Promotional materials and merchandise
50. Development – 5-year development plan

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A full copy of Mr Morris’ report can be obtained from the CC chair if required.
The Heritage Collection cannot gain charitable status while it is under the Community Council.

4. Previous minutes and matters arising
   Money for the Autumn Club – Now received.
   Coal Farm drain cleared.
   The November minute was proposed by Morven Syme and seconded by David Robertson.
5. Police matters and report
   There were no representatives from the police present and Morven Syme provided a brief report on their
   behalf:
   There were 21 calls made to the police in the previous month from St Monans, with 2 crimes recorded.
   There were 2 calls to police from Abercrombie, with 2 crimes recorded.
   There has been a request that Police monitor the speed of traffic at the caravan side of the main road and
   Morven Syme will contact them in this regard.
6. Chairperson’s report
   Marjory Ashworth has been contacted by Scott Duncan, Rector at Waid Academy, who wishes to speak to
   the CC about the difficulties of being a rural school. Marjory will invite Mr Duncan to attend the February or
   March meeting.
   Marjory Ashworth and David Robertson recently met with members of Fife Council/Fife Voluntary Action to
   find out more about funding etc. This was time well spent.
   The Burns Supper will be held on Saturday 3 rd February at 5.45pm for a 6.30 pm start.
7. Treasurer’s report
   Floral Accounts
   Balance @ 08 th December 2023 – £4189.20 – Confirmed
   Cheque issued to Pathhead Nurseries – 30 th November 2023 for £3743.82. Cheque dropped off the following
   day. This cheque remains uncashed as of 08 th December 2023.
   Final payment of £1380.00 approved & released from Fife Council in relation to 2023 common good funding
   for flowers.
   Floral grant funding for 2024 applied for & approved/released – This amount is fixed at £250.00 annually.
   We are missing the latest bank statement; I am unable ascertain if the above funding has been received to
   date.
   On the 31 st of May 2022, the amount of £626.61 was paid from the St Monans & Abercrombie CC cash flow
   account into the Floral account, this was to cover the Pathhead Nurseries outstanding account. Due to the
   floral account now being in the position to cover this cost, I would like to suggest that a cheque is raised for
   £626.61 from the Floral account & paid into the St Monans & Abercrombie CC cash flow account.
   Heritage Accounts
   Balance @ 08 th December 2023 – £748.03 – Confirmed
   Donations over the summer amounted to £382.90 – Credited to account on 17 th October 2023
   Business Stream September invoice – £61.64 – Cheque issued 14 th January 2024
   Business Stream December invoice – £63.69 – Cheque issued 14 th January 2024

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We are missing the latest bank statement.
Cash Flow Accounts
Balance @ 08 th November 2023 – £627.74 – Confirmed
Autumn Club Common good fund application removed – Reapplied & approved through the settlement
fund for £500.00. Cheque issued 31 st December 2023.
Cheque issued to Marjory Ashworth on the 10 th of January 2024 for £23.13. This is to cover purchase of tea,
coffee, and biscuits for CC meetings.
 Approval was sought to repay money from the Floral account back into the Cash flow account. This
was put to vote and there was unanimous approval.
 The CC annual grant application is currently on hold as there is a requirement for the bank accounts
to be updated with the new signatories.
 There is apparently nothing in the CC constitution which says that it is responsible for the Floral or
Heritage funds. However, the bank account names say Community Council on them. This could
impact the amount of grant funding that the CC can apply for.
 The Heritage lease/sub lease – this is leased to the Community Council. It would be preferable for
the Heritage to apply for Charitable Status but to do so would mean breaking away from the CC.
 There is currently no insurance for the Heritage collection and Maureen Burgess from Fife Voluntary
Action is looking into this.
 A discussion followed regarding the location of the Heritage collection and possible future sites.
 The damp wall in the Heritage rooms is being repaired during the 2 nd /3 rd week in February.

8. Secretary’s report
    Eileen Montador read out a letter from the Architect involved with the property at 23 Braehead
   confirming that all works carried out recently are in accordance with statutory requirements and, on
   behalf of their clients, apologising for any inconvenience caused to neighbours.
    Discussion regarding the increase in dog fouling in the town. Cllr Hayes added that this is a familiar
   problem for other towns and villages in Fife. Complaints about dog fouling can be directed to Fife
   Council by telephoning 03451 550 022 or completing the relevant form on their website.
9. Members’ Reports
   Niamh Syme (Social Media)
   Niamh has talked to Cllr Dillon re the noticeboards to report the disrepair. The Council has suggested that
   we apply to the local community planning budget to get finance to pay for the repairs. Attempts have been
   made to contact Lochee homes but to no avail.
   Marjory Ashworth (Chair)
   Memorial Garden – Hugh Wallace has been trying to get a formal lease but no progress as yet. Keep under
   review.
   Morven Syme (Vice President)
   Planning applications
    14 Braehead – application to cut back a 45-year-old Rowan Tree
    application submitted by Mr P Peddie to erect a house at Coal Farm.
   Query work being carried out at a house in Abercrombie, but no planning applications have been viewed by
   CC. Morven to look into this.
10. Councillors’ Reports
    Cllr. Alycia Hayes

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Fife Council primary one applications – now open!
If your child turns 5 between 1 March 2024 and 28 February 2025, the application process for enrolling
them into P1 is now open. If your child doesn’t turn five until after the school summer term starts you do
have the choice to defer for a year.
Applications for P1 must be received by 15 March 2024.
Check out the criteria and apply online www.fife.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Fife Council Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) applications are also now open.
Was your child born between 1 March 2021 and 28 February 2022?
If yes, ELC funded hours can be accessed through Fife Council nurseries as well as private nurseries,
playgroups and childminders working in partnership with Fife Council.
Applications for three- and four-year-old children must be received by 31 January 2024.
Check out the criteria and apply online www.fife.gov.uk/nurseryapplications
If you don’t have access to a smartphone or computer, you can ask the nursery you’d like your child to go to
to post out a paper copy of the form. You can use this form to make more than one placing request.
Fife Families Information Service
 I also include below some links to sources of funding. Through the year, you may find that there are
projects you might aspire to, to improve facilities and opportunities in the area. As we know- everything
requires money! Here are some places to look.
The first two have a very close deadline. It’s only a small amount, but if you wanted to do something
around flooding/ ice etc, it might help:
The National Centre for Resilience currently has two funds open until the end of January, one being aimed
at Community Councils – National Centre for Resilience (gla.ac.uk) 
 
New Scotland-wide community research funding available!
‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People’ Awards are designed to support healthy environments and healthy
communities. Apply for up to £5,000 to enable your community-led research projects on the following
themes:  climate;  nature;  or food.
Deadline: 22 January 2024
Funding & Collaboration – Royal Society of Edinburgh (rse.org.uk) 
 
https://funding.scot/
 
https://www.royalcountrysidefund.org.uk/how-we-help/rural-communities/
 
https://www.inspiringscotland.org.uk/news/funding-for-rural-communities/
 

funding/fife-grants
 
AZETS have done this year’s external Audit of Fife’s Council’s finances and once again have found no cause
for concern but have made one criticism.
I would like to close by pointing out that I am available to anyone that requires my help. Advertised
surgeries are now considered to be ill advised, due to safety concerns, so instead I am available to meet
with any individual at any mutually convenient time. 
Simply email: cllr.alycia.hayes@fife.gov.uk 
Or Phone: 03451 555555 ext: 430489
Cllr. Sean Dillon
 Ian Findlay Path Fund
Following our lengthy conversations about the right of way between Braehead and Station Road, I have
been doing some research and come across The Ian Findlay Path Fund (IFPF). This fund supports the
improvement of local paths within and between communities and can give grant between £10,000 &

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£100,000, with 30% match funding. They can also offer guidance on planning and developing path projects,
surveying and designing paths, preparing contract documents for tenders, and path construction. I am
awaiting a response to an initial email I have sent them regarding the suitability of the right of way but
when I receive one, I will share it with the community council.
 Funding for Community Noticeboards
After speaking with Niamh about the poor condition of the noticeboard at East Street, I have been looking
into funding for a replacement. Council officers have suggested that the community council make an
application to the Local Community Planning Budget. I am happy to take this forward, if the community
council is agreeable.
 Queen Margaret Street – Windmill Gardens Path
As part of their planning obligations, the developer of Windmill Gardens has to pay the cost of constructing
a path between the development and the wider village. Following my enquiries as to why this hasn’t yet
happened, council officers have entered into negotiations with the developer, and it is likely that a path will
be constructed in the coming months.
 Streetlights
There have been several faults with streetlights across the East Neuk and when reported to the council,
little has been done to resolve these faults. This is because Scottish Power, who are responsible for the
lights, have been having problems with their contractor. I have raised a formal complaint with the
organisation, but last week, officers met with representatives of the company who inform them that they
have replaced their contractor with a new one and that a review is underway to assess problem areas. The
impact of this change will not be felt immediately but it is hoped that over the coming months, streetlights
will improve across the ward.
 Primary School Applications
If your child turns 5 between 1 March 2024 and 28 February 2025, the application process for enrolling
them into P1 is now open and will close on the 15 th of March. If your child doesn’t turn five until after the
school summer term starts you do have the choice to defer for a year. For further information and to apply
online visit www.fife.gov.uk/schooladmissions.
 Fly tipping
From New Year’s Day, the amount the council can fine individuals for fly tipping was doubled to £500.
Despite the introduction of a free bulky uplift service last year to tackle this problem, it is still occurring at a
cost of £60 million to taxpayers across Scotland. If you spot anyone fly tipping, please report it by visiting
fife.gov.uk/illegaldumping or by telephoning 03451 55 00 22.

12. Public Questions
    None received.
13. AOCB
     Query re the lease of the Memorial Garden
     Proposal to reduce meetings from 10 to 6 per year. Consensus – maintain current format and
    review in 6 months’ time.
     Could we add the Community Larder to our list of regular reports from groups? This was agreed
    and Alison Child continued by providing the CC with information about the work of the Larder, the
    funding and food sources, the numbers of people attending etc. The Larder is open to all which
    helps reduce any stigma for those who really need to use this community service. Helpers work on
    a rota basis and more volunteers are needed.
     Issue of speeding on Inverie Street. Morven Syme will pass onto the Police.
     The lane between Gourlay Crescent and the school is in a poor condition with a missing drain cover,
    potholes, a hedge leaning over onto the path, dog fouling etc. This is the main route pupils walk to
    school.
14. Close/date and time of next meeting – The next meeting will be held on Monday 19th February 2024 at
    7.00/7.30 pm. Mrs Ashworth thanked everyone for their attendance and brought the meeting to a close.