26 November 2007
BRUNSWICK SQUARE CENTRAL LAWN ASSOCIATION
Meeting Mon 26 November 2007 at Christ Church, Brunswick Road
Attending:
Jim Procter (Chair), Freda Caulkett (Treasurer), Ursula Windsor, Margaret Robson, Terry Robson, Amanda Procter, Chris Prosser (Sec)
Apologies:
Russell Steel (Vice Chair), John Gannon, Carole Carpenter, Bob Wyatt, Eva Harvie, Anthea Graham, Martyn White, Stephen Prosser
Minutes from the previous Meeting (23.10.07) approved
Terry Robson proposed the approval of the minutes, seconded by Amanda Procter.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Rosie from Glos Wildlife Trust met with Jim and Chris in the Square on 13 Nov. She was very positive that we could develop the bio-diversity of the gardens – planting more indigenous species and encouraging more native wildlife. Ideas discussed included:
• A mini-beast area in the SW corner of the Square (opposite junction with Albion St) – allowing area to go “wild”; dividing this area off with simple trellising and climber plants eg honeysuckle; creating a small wood-pile and rock-pile there, each of which will encourage different insect and animal species – these could be “investigated” by children visiting the Square incl Hugo & Holly children
• A scented, butterfly garden area (incl lavender, marjoram, budliea)
• Herb garden area
• Bog garden area – but this was thought probably to be too time-consuming/inappropriate for the Square
• Generally planting more indigenous and colourful species to encourage native insects, birds and small mammals eg. Teasels, spindle (pink berries), gilder rose (red berries), wayfaring tree, rowan
• Allowing the grass at the very Western end of the Square, around the silver birch trees, to grow wild and plant patches of wildflower mix within that area to spread across that section. (NB Rosie mentioned Yellow Flag Ltd at Plock Court, Gloucester as a source of organic wildflower mix)
• We could continue to plant Spring bulbs at the Eastern end of the Square
• Creating these areas might require volunteers to be committed to maintaining a designated area
• These ideas could alter slightly our five-year planting plan and subsequent plant purchases
• Rosie said that the Glos Wildlife Trust would give us ongoing advice
Tree Inspection (GCC – Justin Hobbs)
Terry Robson met with Justin Hobbs, the Gloucester City Council Tree Inspector - primarily to look at the ailing holly tree in the NW corner of the Square. Discussions included:
• Justin suggested that we plant trees such as oak and hawthorn at the Western end of the Square, as a longer term plan to replace the silver birch when they die away with established trees of indigenous species
(NB this coincides with the similar advice re planting indigenous species from Glos Wildlife Trust)
• He agreed that the holly tree needs to be removed
• The bush next to that tree has already been sprayed with fungicide
• There is honey fungus on the chestnut tree at the Eastern end of the Square – needs treating
• The beech tree on the South side is growing crooked and should be rectified
• The chestnut tree on the North side has a cracked bough, which may need to be removed
• The silver birch on the South side removed last year, still needs to be replaced. (Russell may still be able to do this.)
• Terry will speak with Russell to see what tree surgery can be done “in-house”
• Chris to check with our insurers what obligations we have re the frequency and level of tree inspections
• 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 to action.
Bulb Planting
Amanda has planted the bulbs purchased for the Square around the trees within the lawn. They should bloom in the late Spring.
Grass – fertiliser
As he suggested, Russell to purchase and bill BSCLA for grass fertiliser for application this Spring (estimate £60 – £80). Thanks again to Russell for maintaining the grass so well.
Bench repair
Terry Hallum has said that he’s happy to repair the old white bench on the South side of the Square. Many thanks to Terry.
Leaf mould
Terry reported that the leaf mould in the composter was not rotted down enough to apply this year, but should be fine for next year.
Cigarette Ends
Unfortunately, there are lots of cigarette ends dropped by the seats. Terry suggested that we place galvanised steel buckets, full of sand by the seats as ashtrays. They would be inexpensive, effective and would have a “rustic” look. (If anyone has such buckets available, please let the Secretary know. Thank you) Jim and Terry said they would both look at street furniture suppliers on the internet to review the costs and look of other options.
Litter from Cars
There seems to be an increase in litter – often food/lunch packaging – dropped out of cars into the road around the Square. If anyone wishes to raise this issue you can email Gloucester City Council at enviro@gloucester.gov.uk or call them on 01452-396396. The more contacts they receive, the more likely it may result in increased street cleaning around the Square.
Neighbourhood Pride Grant
£870 has been awarded from the Gloucester City Council Neighbourhood Pride Fund to the BSCLA – to help fund the five-year planting plan drawn up by Andrew Pearce. Chris to check that the money has been received into the BSCLA bank account.
GCC produced a press release re the grant (which was featured in the Citizen), but we could produce a further PR of our own in the New Year when the bulbs are out and the Square is more picturesque. Chris to follow up.
Gloucester City Council Community Grant
As previously discussed, Jim and Chris have now also submitted an application to the Gloucester City Council Community Grant scheme for a sum of approx £11 400 to help maintain and develop the use of the Square gardens over the next three years. The results of this application will be known in March 2008.
National Lottery – Autumn Watch Fund
Terry said that we would also be eligible to apply to this fund to develop the Square as a sustainable area of native wildlife in the City Centre. Terry would bring the details to the next meeting. This would coincide with the Community Grant (above). If we do not apply for it this year (if we have missed the closing date), we could apply next year.
Rikenel Car Park Fund-raiser
Following the success of the car parking fundraiser at Rikenel last September, when we raised almost £170, we have booked the BSCLA into a slot for this year on Saturday 4 October. We will be looking for volunteers to help nearer the time! (NB charities are only allowed one booking at Rikenel each year)
The maximum car-parking fee to charge people has gone up to £2, although Rikenel are now also charging £18 for organisations to book the car park. However, this should still enable us to raise a lot more money there this year.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are up this year £468.77 from last year, which is very encouraging.
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.
Guy Fawkes Evening
The BSCLA barbecue took place on the evening of 2 Nov in the Square. Open to all, it was very well-attended and much fun was had! Many thanks to Jim and Amanda for supplying most of the food and fireworks, and thanks to Terry Hallum and Terry Robson for supplying the pot fire and manfully manning the barbecue!
Summer Fund-raising event for Sea Cadets
Richard Graham (No 16) has asked BSCLA to consider a lunchtime event, probably a Saturday, in early Summer, to raise funds for the Sea Cadets (a registered charity). He wrote
“They now have a band and made a good impression at the recent GL1 Remembrance event. My proposal is that we invite up to 300 people – it could also be opened to the public through an advert in the Citizen, to pay an entrance fee of say £3 to join a garden party in the Gardens at which the band is playing. Tickets could be bought at the gate and include one drink (against the ticket), otherwise cash bar. I would aim to have sponsorship for the drinks/ other costs. Their Chairman, who welcomes this idea, can tell us briefly what he’s raising funds for in particular. A good time could be had by all, but all profits would go to the Sea Cadets.”
It could possibly be held in the Christ Church Hall if it rains.
Richard is happy to organise this, if the BSCLA are happy with the idea.
All those attending the meeting agreed that it was a super idea, but if anyone should have any concerns, please forward these to the Secretary or to Richard directly asap.
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
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