Brunswick Square CLA

The website of the Brunswick Square Central Lawn Association

26 April 2010

  1. Present – Ursula Windsor (President) Terry Robson (Chairman), Freda Caulkett  (Treasurer) Margaret Robson, John Gannon, Carol Carpenter, Bob Wyatt, Elizabeth Wyatt.
  2. Apologies ­– Jim Procter, Leslie Venon, Robert Simpson, Martyn White, Anthea Graham.
  3. Vote of thanks to Jim Procter. Terry proposed a vote of thanks to Jim for all his hard work over the years.  Bob Wyatt seconded.  The Committee asked terry to write to Jim to express their thanks.
  4. Minutes from the last meeting. These were not available and so will have to be approved at the next meeting.
  5. Matters arising. The matters arising cannot be completed but these are what are remembered.  At the next meeting we will go through them again.
    1. Signatories to cheques. Signatories to the National Westminster account are at present Christine Prosser, Freda Caulkett and Jim Procter.  Terry will contact Jim to arrange to change the signature to Terry from Jim.
    2. Beech Tree. The beech tree is not yet done.  Terry will check with Justin Hobbs to see if it now too late.
    3. Entrust. Terry will write to Entrust to see if they retained any of the records presented to them when the Association applied for Environmental Body status.  At the same time he will explore the possibility of Entrust funding for the Bug City.
    4. Sanding of table. The “teenagers” spent an hour sanding the table that they had written on with felt tip.  It needs a little more work to be ready for painting.
  6. Treasurer’s report. Subscriptions are already equal to last year’s. When Jim has returned the books to Freda we will compile a list of subscribers then Terry send out reminders to those who have not paid.
  7. Community events.
    1. The Arts Event. It is not known if this will happen.
    2. Amnesty International. Freda conveyed a request from the Gloucester and Cheltenham branch of Amnesty International for permission to have a picnic in the gardens.         The committee agreed to this.
    3. World Environment Day June 5. We have had a request to host a World Environment Day event.  See AOB.
  8. Garden Maintenance and Management.
    1. Rolling the grass. It was agreed that Russell could decide the best way to proceed with rolling the lawns.  Terry said that the cricket club roller is still available.  Russell plans to do it as soon as the ground has softened up a little.
    2. Croquet Lawn. Russell has said that he is keen to establish a croquet lawn.  This would be a garden croquet lawn in that we would not go to the expense of having an area accurately levelled.  Russell has already bought a cylinder mower for the purpose.  Terry said that a full croquet lawn is 35 by 28 yards so a half lawn of 171/2 by 14 yards would be a better start.
    3. Wild Flower Meadow. Terry has spoken to the company that advised us about the wild flower meadow to learn about maintenance in the second year.  It is important to make sure that the grasses don’t take over and prevent the perennials from being established. It is also necessary to weed from time to time. Terry said that he would do both these jobs by hand for this year until the perennials are established. The committee agreed that Terry could order some plugs to fill in the gaps.
    4. Dead horse chestnut. Terry is to contact Russell and book the trimming of the dead tree.
  9. Locking the Gates and Keys for Subscribers. Terry and Bob reported on the locking of the gates in order to discourage street drinkers and teenagers who still urinate on the beds and behind the shed. So far we have only locked them when there is a real need. Terry will write to all residents explaining the situation.
  10. Any other business.
    1. Barbeque. To be discussed at the next meeting.
    2. Jazz event. To be discussed at the next meeting.
    3. World Environment Day June 5. Barry Leach has asked us if we would be prepared to host this.  The committee agreed in principle but it was agreed that we need more information.
    4. Hanging Baskets. These have been planted and are growing on.
    5. Students. Some disquiet was expressed about noise made by students. Terry said that since we are not a Residents Association there is not much we can do.  When in the gardens, although sometimes boisterous and noisy, they don’t do any damage.
  11. Date of next meeting. 24th May at Christ Church.