11 June 2008
BRUNSWICK SQUARE CENTRAL LAWN ASSOCIATION
Meeting Weds 11 June 2008 at Christ Church, Brunswick Road
Attending:
Jim Procter (Chair), Russell Steel (Vice Chair), Freda Caulkett (Treasurer), Ursula Windsor, Terry Robson, Margaret Robson, Chris Prosser (Sec)
Apologies:
Amanda Procter, John Gannon, Carole Carpenter, Martin Nash, Bob Wyatt, Anthea Graham, Martyn White, Stephen Prosser
Minutes from the previous Meeting (29.04.08) approved
The minutes from the previous meeting in April were approved. Terry Robson proposed the approval of the minutes, seconded by Russell Steel.
Gloucester Community Grant Award
Chris to follow up further publicity for the BSCLA’s £2000 Communty Grant Award for 2008/09, with Malcolm Dunn at the Community Development Dept at Gloucester City Council. In particular, a press release in addition to the Council newsletter.
Yorkshire Tea party
The Yorkshire Tea party in the Square has been set for Sat 26 July, organised at Freda’s suggestion by the BSCLA in association with the Glos Federation of the WI, since the WI receive a lot of support and sponsorship from the Yorkshire Tea company. This would be a social event for the Square rather than a fund-raising event. It could incorporate a raffle, book sale and plant sale etc.
Wishing Well
It was suggested that a simple, discreet wishing well in the borders of the Square might raise some funds and add an attraction for the children using the Square. It would have to be shallow and made safe with a grid over the water. Terry Robson agreed to look into the cost of a ready-made /made-in-house water well that might be suitable. It might be sponsored by a local business.
Greetings Cards
Margaret’s greeting cards continue to do well in generating funds. It was suggested they might keep a display in the Africafe or at Ecclesiastical Insurance for a short while. Margaret/Terry could approach them if they felt comfortable to do so. Chris has received approval for them to be displayed at the NHS PCT offices in Brockworth.
Pruning
Andrew the gardener is happy to prune back less, to retain some of the foliage and deadwood that does help to encourage wildlife.
Some of the trees do need to have ivy trimmed back however.
Tree Survey
We need an impartial review of the trees undertaken by an arborist (rather than a contractor). Jim to action asap
The most urgent work identified, that Russell cannot deal with, is the removal of the broken branch from the big chestnut tree at the East end and similarly, the removal of a split branch from the pollarded chestnut tree on the North side. We should take advice from the arborist on the need for this work and the expected cost.
Memorial to Peter and Beryl Kennedy
David Kennedy is happy to sponsor an oak tree + plaque for the West end of the Square, as a tribute to Beryl & Peter – ie one of the new trees we have been advised to plant alongside the existing three silver birches. Jim to ask Andrew to purchase and then plant a suitable oak sapling/standard – the cost of which the BSCLA can then submit to David. Chris to look into suitable memorial plaques produced locally and to convey this information to David too.
WI Oak Tree Donation
The Glos Federation of the WI has donated an 18” oak tree to the Square. This was gratefully received and our thanks go the Elizabeth Daykin at the WI. It will need bringing on in a nursery pot before planting in the Square.
Finance
We currently have £3683 in our current account. £2000 of this will be transferred into a higher interest rate deposit account.
The Treasurer’s report and list of subscribers is attached.
Mrs Whiles
Mrs J Whiles has maintained the “Fred King” North East corner of the Square for many years as it had been tended by her father. However, she has written to Freda, along with her generous annual donation, to let us know she is no longer able to look after the gardens for reasons of her failing health. Freda will write to Mrs Whiles to thank her very much on behalf of everyone around the Square and to wish her well for the future.
Storytelling in the Square
Chris to contact the Leisure Services Officer for Gloucester City Council re the potential to use the Square as a story telling, music or other event venue for Gloucester City Council. We can offer the use of marquees/gazebos too.
Broken Bench
Terry Hallum has agreed to mend the broken white bench in the Square.
Bins
The bins get very full and Bob has difficulty emptying them and knowing what to do with the recyclable contents. Chris to speak to the City Council to ask for their help in emptying the bins and recycling. Possibly to provide wheelie bins for recycling, at least.
Gloucester in Bloom
Jim is organising a bid for the Gloucester in Bloom competition, to win Hurrans vouchers for window boxes, filler and plants which could then be provided at a very nominal cost to any resident/tenant in or around the Square.
Civic Pride Award
Chris is entering the Square into the Civic Pride Award. There is no prize as such, other than recognition by the City Council and a plaque for the Square if the award is granted.
Westgate Community Trust
The Westgate Community Trust has asked to hold their AGM in the Square on Sat 26 July. They will be using a marquee; it will be a social gathering, with refreshments provided. Everyone is welcome
Dates of next meeting(s)
All meetings to be held at 7.30pm at Christ Church
in Brunswick Road, unless otherwise notified
Weds 10 September
Weds 12 November
Tues 13 January 2009
Weds 4 March
Mon 16 March AGM
If you currently receive these Minutes by post, but would be happy to receive them by email, please let me know. Thank you.
Chris Prosser, BSCLA Secretary
10 Brunswick Square, Gloucester GL1 1UG
sprosser1@btinternet.com Tel. 01452-413439
www.brunswicksquare.org.uk