The Friends of Littleheath Woods
Minutes of Committee Meeting held on11thApril 2017at 53, Queenhill Road, 7.30pm.
1Welcome and Apologies.
Present: Ian Leggatt, Chris Hyde,Shirley Shepherd,Ken Pauw, Sean Walshand Brian Stone.
Apologies:Peter Underwood.
2Minutes of Last Meeting. Agreed as true record.
3Treasurer’s Report.Chris reported that the currentbalancewas £3,363.18. In accordance with the previously agreed procedure the recent expenditure on the bank account debit cards wasnotified to the committee. Chris reported that a generous donation (£50) had been received from a local resident. Shirley advised that Rob Shepherd was able to review the accounts for the AGM.
4Health & Safety.
One reportable accident in the period. Risk Assessments and Method Statements have been updated and a new RA 12 produced for LitterPicking.
5Fundraising
Chris reported that our application to HMRC for Gift Aid statushas been rejected. We can submit a new application but must first review and formally change the wording of our Constitution.Chris and Ian to review the HMRC letter and agree format and wording of new application.
Ian reported that local councillors have received, for this financial year, £8k each to spend on ‘worthy’ causes in the Ward. Prospective Projects were discussed. Ian to seek views of Cllr Bashford (agreement in principle) prior to the committee dedicating much time and energy to planning and costing out the proposals.
Action IL/CH
6AGM
Arranged for Tuesday 9th May@ 8pm, St Johns Scout Hut, Upper Selsdon Road. Committee asked to arrive at 7.30 to set up display boards and set out furniture. Peter to provide an update on Croydon Councils ‘Parks Big Conversation’.
Action All
7Any Other Business (from last meeting in italics) with updates:
a)Signage: Chestnut and Oak. Chestnut logs have now been cut and require splitting, preparation and seasoning prior to routing and erection.
ActionBS
b)Alternative Tool Storage. Ian has recently contacted Councillor Godfrey (Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport) via email to seek his assistance. Response awaited.
Action IL
c)Nature Trail. A couple of test walks have been conducted. The walk notes are to be slightly amended. And drawings of leaves to be completed and incorporated. The trail then to be trialled by a novice ‘visitor’. Action CH/SS
d)Parks Consultation: Noted that progress appears slow and focussed on ‘Parks’ with little attention on Woodland. Ken agreed to precis the presentation by Andrew Williams at the upcoming ACCS AGM and circulate to the committee for information. Action KP
e)Spring Flower Walk - Shirley reminded the committee that she has organised a Spring Flower Walk for Saturday 22nd April, commencing at 10am, from Queenhill Steps and noted it is publicised in The Selsdon Gazette.
f)Whittled Woodland Figures: A summer workparty activity.
Action All
g)Website updates: Ian reported that he is now able to assist with website updates. Please submit any new material or updates to Ian, cc to Peter.
Action All
h)Adrian and Chainsaw Training and Certification: Agreed not necessary at present. Noted that Cyril and Brian are to undergo their Chainsaw Refresher Training and Certification on 9th and 10th May 2017.
Action BS
i)Tripadvisor Listing: Ian confirmed that Littleheath Woods is now listed on Tripadvisor and is the 9th most popular Croydon Attraction (out of 33) since receiving 5 glowing reviews. Committee urged to remind people to submit reviews. Action All
j)Social Media:. Ian reported that the successor to ‘Streetlife’ is ‘NextDoor’ but he felt it inferior and, in his opinion, suffered privacy issues. He has withdrawn from the Nextdoor website. Ian now maintains a Friends of Littleheath Woods presence on ‘Kahuti’ and a local forum, ‘CR2’.
Action IL
k)Friends of Selsdon Wood Open Day: noted for Sunday, 10th September, 12 noon to 4pm. Committee requested to attend to staff our stand. To advise Ian of availability.
Action All
l)Chris reported on the “Good Gym Initiative” which may be beneficial to us for future projects.
Action CH
m)Brian reported that the lock on the Croham Valley Road post has the wrong lock fitted to it – not the suited lock which the other entrances have. Ian to report to the Council.
Action IL
n)It was noted that we have an event in our diary to attend Monks Hill Residents Association 70th celebrations on Saturday 3rd June. Chris to contact Rev Wyatt for more details.
Action CH
8Date of Next Meeting.
AGM – Tuesday 9th May, St Johns Church, Scout Hut, Upper Selsdon Road. 7.30 for 8pm
Next Committee Meeting proposed for Tuesday 13th June,2017, 7.30pm at 53, Queenhill Road.
The Friends of Littleheath Woods
Agenda for Committee Meeting to be held on Tuesday 13thJune 2017
1Welcome and Apologies.
2Minutes of Last Meeting
3Treasurer’s Report.
4Health & Safety.
5Fundraising
6Review of AGM
7Any Other Business (from last meeting in italics):
a)Signage: Chestnut and Oak. Action BS
b)Alternative Tool Storage. Action IL
c)Nature Trail.Action CH/SS
d)Parks Consultation:Action KP
e)Spring Flower Walk
f)Whittled Woodland Figures:Action All
g)Website updatesAction All
h)Chainsaw Training and Certification:Action BS
i)Tripadvisor Listing:
j)Social Media:Action IL
k)Friends of Selsdon Wood Open Day: noted for Sunday, 10th September,Action All
l)Good Gym Initiative.Action CH
m)Lock on the Croham Valley Road post has the wrong lock fitted to it.Action IL
n)Monks Hill Residents Association 70th celebrations on Saturday 3rd June.Action CH
8Date of Next Meeting.
26/12/2018