23 October 2007
BRUNSWICK SQUARE CENTRAL LAWN ASSOCIATION
Meeting Tues 23 October 2007 at Christ Church, Brunswick Road
Attending:
Jim Procter (Chair), Margaret Robson, Terry Robson, John Gannon, Amanda Procter, Chris Prosser (Sec)
Apologies:
Russell Steel (Vice Chair), Freda Caulkett (Treasurer), Ursula Windsor, Carole Carpenter, Bob Wyatt, Eva Harvie, Anthea Graham, Martyn White, Stephen Prosser
Minutes from the previous Meeting (18.09.07) approved
Margaret Robson proposed the approval of the minutes, seconded by Terry Robson.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
The meeting has been arranged for Tues 13 Nov; a representative from the GWT will visit the Square to tour the Square itself and discuss potential areas for developing wildlife habitats within the gardens.
Ailing Shrubs – Holly Tree
Terry Robson has contacted Justin Hobbs at Gloucester City Council for permission to remove the dying holly tree opposite No 10 Brunswick Square. We should receive their response by mid-December. It has been sprayed with fungicide by the gardener, Andrew Pearce. Russell may be able to carry out the actual felling when required.
Yeo Valley – Trees Offer
The new, young trees for the Square have been applied for, but nothing has been received yet.
Roebuck House
The three firms at Roebuck House have been asked if they would like to make a voluntary contribution to the Square, since they do use the gardens on occasion for organised staff photographs.
WI
The WI has requested a key to the padlock used occasionally on the gate opposite their building, in case of emergency fire evacuation. Russell will provide the WI with a key.
Guy Fawkes Evening
A BSCLA barbecue is planned for Fri 2 November in celebration of Guy Fawkes Night. This will take place in the Square itself. All welcome!
Beetle Drive
Another BSCLA Beetle Drive – following the success of last year’s Beetle Drive! – is also planned for Sat 8 December . This will take place in the Church Hall which will still be in place at that time. Amanda to follow up.
Rikenel Car Park Fund-raiser
£169.15 was raised for the Square on Sat 29 Sept at Rikenel. Many thanks to all those who took part, namely John Gannon, Terry Hallum, Freda Caulkett, Eva Harvie, Ursula Windsor, Russell Steel, Terry Robson and Jim Procter. Chris to book another date in Sept/Oct next year for the BSCLA. (NB charities are only allowed one booking at Rikenel each year)
Garden Management
Tree Inspection
Russell has submitted an alternative maintenance schedule for the trees in Brunswick Square. He estimates that if he were to carry out the work and contract in only where necessary, it would cost approx. £1563 incl. VAT – but this would also require the purchase of a long reach saw @£400. This compares to the estimated cost of £3430 (£3795 incl. VAT) submitted recently by Greenfields. However, Russell also recommends that we get another alternative quote and then discuss our options. We may also be able to apply for grants to help fund this work. Jim and Chris to action.
Grass Cutting
Everyone agreed that the lawn is looking very good at the moment, thanks to Russell’s hard work. It may need fertilizing next Spring; this will cost £60 – £80, to purchase the fertilizer, but it was agreed that this would be worthwhile.
Bulbs
Amanda has purchased <£40 of Spring flowering bulbs to plant under the trees at the West end of the Square. Amanda will arrange a group bulb-planting before Christmas!
Bench repair
The old white bench on the South side of the Square needs some repair. Terry Robson to speak to Terry Hallum to ask if he can help.
Leaf mould
There is now a quantity of leaf mould in the composter – we need to make room for this year’s fallen leaves. Terry Robson will inspect the compost to see if it’s suitably rotted down to spread on the beds and if so, enlist some help to do this!
Silver Birch
The silver birch on the North side has not been replaced yet. Jim to follow up with Russell.
Treasurer’s Report (please see attached)
Subscriptions/Donations
Jim and Terry will send out reminders to those people who have not yet paid any contribution this year.
Gloucester Mortgage Company
Daryll Cox of GMC has sent best wishes to the Square, but has informed us that they will shortly be moving out of the premises in Brunswick Road.
Frequency of BSCLA meetings
Chris Prosser suggested that at the AGM (March 2008) we discuss the frequency of the BSCLA meetings. It may be appropriate to hold the meetings every two months, with the option of calling additional meetings at any time.
Dates of next meeting(s)
Further meetings to be held at 7.30pm at Christ Church
in Brunswick Road, unless otherwise notified
Mon 26 November 2007
Weds 9 January 2008
Tues 19 February
Tues 18 March
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