19 February 2008
BRUNSWICK SQUARE CENTRAL LAWN ASSOCIATION
Meeting Tues 19 February 2008 at Christ Church, Brunswick Road
Attending:
Jim Procter (Chair), Russell Steel (Vice Chair), Ursula Windsor, Terry Robson, Amanda Procter, Chris Prosser (Sec)
Apologies:
Freda Caulkett (Treasurer), John Gannon, Carole Carpenter, Bob Wyatt, Eva Harvie, Anthea Graham, Margaret Robson, Martyn White, Stephen Prosser
Minutes from the previous Meeting (26.11.07) approved
The minutes quoted Terry Hallum instead of Terry Hallett – apologies to Terry. Also, the sum received from the Neighbourhood Pride fund is actually £820, not £870 as quoted. Other than these corrections, Amanda Procter proposed the approval of the minutes, seconded by Russell Steel.
Garden Maintenance
Tree Inspections
Chris had confirmed with our insurers Clarke Roxburgh, that there are no particular requirements from them re tree inspections – other than all sensible precautions should be been taken over tree maintenance.
Lawn Fertiliser
Russell will purchase this as required and invoice the BSCLA.
Seat
Terry Hallett is happy to repair the broken, white seat this Spring
Silver Birch
Russell will replace the silver birch felled on the South side of the Square with another young tree.
Holly Tree
Russell will take out the ailing holly tree in the North-West corner of the Square, but keep the wood for a woodpile for the “wildlife” area planned for the South-West corner
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.
Ursula also asked that the ivy on the chestnut tree outside her house (No 4) should be inspected too. It is a welcome haven for birds and wildlife, but it may be damaging the tree.
Lawn Cutting and General Tree Maintenance
Russell’s quote for grass-cutting and maintenance for 2008 is £750, which again is significantly cheaper than other quotes received. Everyone agreed that Russell has done an excellent job on keeping and improving the lawns this past year. So it was agreed unanimously that Russell should again be asked to carry out the grass cutting and maintenance for 2008 and to undertake any of the general, lower level tree maintenance that is identified as necessary, and to invoice the BSCLA accordingly.
Wild Grass/Flower Area (Western end)
The shape of the area to be left to grow wild at the Western end was discussed. It was generally agreed that the shape should be “organic”, circling the three silver birch trees. Russell would experiment with shapes that would suit the radius of his mower and try to develop this area this year.
Chris will purchase some organic wild flower seed to incorporate into the area from the local, Yellow Flag company, as suggested by the Glos Wildlife Trust.
Fund-raising
Financial report
The report for the year 07/08 shows that our outgoings have been £343.62 more than our income. However, the figures do not show the recently received Neighbourhood Pride Grant of £820, nor a recent donation of £200 – both of which will be entered into the income figures for 08/09
Altogether, this is very encouraging and shows a significant improvement on the financial standing of 06/07.
Greetings Card Sales
Terry Robson handed over £102 raised by Margaret from the sale of her hand-made greetings cards (many of which incorporate pictures of the Square) Everyone conveyed their thanks to Margaret and congratulations on raising such a sum.
Gift Wrapping in Bell Walk
Russell has seen some charitable organisations providing gift-wrapping services in shopping arcades to raise funds and suggested that the BSCLA might do the same, perhaps towards Christmas time – possibly in Bell Walk.
Chris to progress.
Tea Party / Fete Event
Summer Floods not withstanding! – this kind of event works well in the Square so people felt we should plan another for this Summer after the AGM in March.
Grant Applications
Once we have heard (in March 08) the result of our application to Gloucester City Council for a Community Grant of £11 400 – we should plan further applications for necessary funding.
Parking in the Square
Jim is going to contact local Councillor Gordon Heath again re parking in the Square for contractors, such as the gardener Andrew Pearce, who needs to park his van in the Square all day when he comes here to work. In the meantime, he may be able to park within the Gardens themselves using the double gates at the Eastern (Brunswick Rd) end. Russell to provide Andrew/Jim with the keys to that padlock. Thanks to Russell.
Dates of next meeting(s)
An additional meeting has been arranged for Weds 12 March to prepare for the AGM on Tues 18 March. Please attend the AGM if you can.
Both meetings to be held at 7.30pm at Christ Church, Brunswick Road
Weds 12 March
Tues 18 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