Agenda item

Consider applications for funding from:-

3.1     Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band

          There had been circulated copies of a request from Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band for funding totalling £10,000.  Tracey Thomson representing the applicants advised that it was coming up for the Pipe Bands Centenary Year and it was proposed to buy new equipment and uniforms.  The application also covered the rental for new accommodation.  Members discussed the request and agreed that as the proposed property had not yet been legally acquired by the new owners no funding would be provided at this time for rental.  However, they would consider a further application for this element at the appropriate time.  It was proposed that funding of £6,500 be awarded at this time and this was unanimously agreed.

          DECISION

          AGREED:-

(a)     to grant funding of £6,500 to the Peebles Ex-Servicemen’s Pipe Band; and

          (b)     that consideration would be given to a further application to assist with rental payments once the building had been legally acquired by the new owners.

3.2     Old and New Horizons

          There had been circulated copies of a request by Tweed Wheels on behalf of Old and New Horizons for funding of £5,000.  The group organised day trips for older residents who struggled to use public transport and did not have access to a car.  The funds were to be used to continue the service which had previously been provided by volunteers.  Members queried whether staffing costs could be funded and also requested a detailed breakdown of how the funds would be spent.

          DECISION

          AGREED to continue the application to obtain more detailed information.

3.3     Tweedgreen

          There had been circulated copies of a request by Tweedgreen for funding of £600.  Tweedgreen were a local environmental group working to create a more sustainable and resilient community.  The funding was to be used to hold a public event involving relevant stakeholders to share best practice around making housing more sustainable, affordable, creative and attractive.  Members agreed to approve the request.

          DECISION

          AGREED to grant funding of £600 to Tweedgreen.

3.4     Peebles Slot Car Racing Club

          There had been circulated copies of a request by Peebles Slot Car Racing Club for funding of £1571 to secure club premises.  James Crawley founder of the Club outlined how the club would operate and that it covered all generations.  Members noted that the accommodation the club hoped to secure was in the same property as the Pipe Band above and agreed that they could not grant money until the property was in the ownership of the new operator.  However, Mr Crawley was encouraged to resubmit his application one he had a proper tenancy agreement.

          DECISION

          AGREED that funding would not be provided at this time but that a further application be submitted once a proper tenancy agreement was in place.

3.5     Peebles Rugby Club

          There had been circulated copies of a request by Peebles Ruby Club for funding of £5880 to fund the replacement of the existing boilers in the changing pavilion.  Jim King and Steven Matthews spoke in support of the application and emphasised the need for proper shower facilities.  Members unanimously agreed to support the application.

          DECISION

          AGREED to grant funding of £5880 to Peebles Rugby Club.

Declaration of Interest

The Chairman, Councillor Tatler, declared an interest in the following item of business in terms of Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct and left the meeting.  Councillor Anderson assumed the Chair.

3.6     Eastgate Theatre

          With reference to paragraph 2 of the Minute of 30 July 2018, there had been circulated copies of a request from the Eastgate Theatre to reinstate the previous offer of loan in the sum of £20,000 to provide some financial resilience as they undertook the major development of the theatre over the summer period.  Ian Jenkins explained the need for the loan as there were no reserves which could be called upon if there were cash flow issues during the development.  Members agreed to recommend approval of the loan on similar terms to the previous loan.

          DECISION

*     AGREED to RECOMMEND a loan of up to £20k (should it be required) be made to Eastgate Theatre on the following conditions:

(a)     the loan be repaid in full within one year from the date the loan is drawn down;

(b)     interest on the loan be charged at 3% over base rate; and

(c)     interest paid monthly from the date the loan is drawn down.