Present
Andrew Brennand (Chair), Geoff Oliver, Hilary Short, Ian Diffenthal, Ian Procter, Jane Parker, Mark Tanner, Mick Short, Sharon Diffenthal, Sue Holden, Sue Pope
1. Apologies
- Dave Brookes, Glenys Ferguson, Ruth Haigh, Sue Nieduszynska
2. Minutes from the last meeting
- Change needed to the note about memorial trees. These were agreed.
3. Matters Arising
- LGGS and Local Nature Reserve status – nothing to report.
- Calendar – team needed. Photos can be uploaded via a link distributed in the e-news, these need to be current and submitted by members. Article in the newsletter to ask for sales expertise. The meeting from last that was postponed will be rearranged.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Bank balance
| Date | 17/2/26 | 20/1/26 |
| Coop | 27,664 | 26,473 |
| Skipton | 120,000 | 120,000 |
| Total | 147,664 | 146,473 |
This includes the Burtonwood legacy of £54,760 received in 2023
Funds
Restricted
First Trenitalia £6995 (Cycle Hub))
Total: £6995
General
£140,669
Balance
£147,664
Significant Income
- Saplings grant £1078
- Calendars and cards £1262 (net)
Significant Expenditure
- Hanafins for fence posts £491
5. FFOG
- Rick Gould has prepared a report on the current fencing.
6. Playground
- Lease renewal – still under discussion.
- Cycle Hub – installation issues are being dealt with. Andrew will arrange a sign for the Cycle Hub.
- Benches – five of the nine benches have been installed and they should all be done soon. Cromwell Rd noticeboard will be resited soon.
- Little Free Library – Lynne will launch crowdfunding soon.
- Replacement metal plaques – Quay Fabrications were trying to reduce their quote.
- Gate to the toddler area isn’t closing properly – Andrew will follow up.
7. The Triangle
- No news on the noticebard.
8. Website, Facebook, Instagram and Newsletter
- Newsletter deadline is 20 February, for distribution before Easter.
9. Education
- Dan is trying to set up school visits on Mondays in March and April. Eleanor and Andrew will be assisting.
10. Fundraising update
- Lucy Brook redevelopment – LEF funding secured. Bid to National Lottery environment fund for £11K submitted 16 December, response within 12 weeks.
- Oral history project will be done in-house to celebrate 30 years of the Fairfield Association – more information in March.
- Footpath repairs – Sue Holden had prepared a detailed proposal that had been shared in advance. The meeting was extremely grateful to Sue for all her efforts. We agreed that it would be worth upgrading all the paths to ensure accessibility and sustainability. The path from the cottage to the orchard is in good condition and would allow us some flexibility if costs needed to be re-allocated. We decided to request £27K from LEF, which is 60% of the total Hanafin quote. One of the paths is a public right of way (PRoW) – should the County Council pay? Closing a PRoW costs £800.
11. Events
- Easter Egg Hunt Sunday 5 April – Bethany is organising.
12. AOB
- Specification for the work on the paths. Rick Gould may be a possible project manager for the path renovation – Mark and Mick to chat with Rick.
13. Date of next meeting
- The next meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 17 March 2026 at the Tite & Locke.