Present
Andrew Brennand (Chair), Geoff Oliver, Hilary Short, Ian Diffenthal, Ian Procter, Jane Parker, Mark Tanner, Sharon Diffenthal, Sue Nieduszynska, Sue Pope
1. Apologies
- Dave Brookes, Mick Short
2. Minutes from the last meeting
- These were agreed, with a minor amend to the treasurer’s report.
3. Matters Arising
- LGGS and Local Nature Reserve status – response from the Head following a letter to the Chair of Governors – needs following up.
- Registering permissive paths on the nature reserve – timeline should be dovetailed with becoming a CIO.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Bank balance
| Date | 20/1/26 | 16/12/25 |
| Coop | 26,473 | 28,644 |
| Skipton | 120,000 | 120,000 |
| Total | 146,473 | 148,644 |
This includes the Burtonwood legacy of £54,760 received in 2023
Funds
Restricted
First Trenitalia £6995 (Cycle Hub))
Saplings -£875
Total: £6120
General
£140,353
Balance
£146,473
Significant Income
- RPA grant £9645
- Cycle hangar tenants £150
- Carol singing £203
- Calendars and cards £1137 (net)
Significant Expenditure
- Benches to Lancaster City Council (VAT free) £9531
- Woodcrest supplies for nature reserve including new fencing £3130
- Graham Skelcher for survey report £550
5. FFOG
- Memorial trees – new process proposed. Fairfield Association chooses the tree and location – Ann is designing a certificate that acknowledges the donation and includes the type of tree and area.
- Saturday volunteers needed. Just 21 turned up on 10 Jan for sapling planting (400 successfully planted and mulch was added. Andy Lee provided a wagon load of mulch for free). Need to advertise in the next newsletter for volunteers.
- Tree numbering system is in development by Chris Workman and Mark Tanner.
- Rick Gould is working with Mark to map the fences on the reserve. This will enable proactive management of the fences.
- Steve Cowell from the Wildlife Trust has said work on Lucy Brook won’t start until the early autumn.
- Botanical survey will be done on the Lucy Brook area before and after the redevelopment.
- Cattle breaking through fences – some fences near LGGS need checking.
- Alder pond bund – Lancashire Wildlife Trust will do the work but want to do it when they are on-site doing the Lucy Brook redevelopment.
6. Playground
- Lease renewal – still under discussion, as the current lease suggests we have to pay for labour as well as parts when repairs are needed. This is not what was agreed verbally so the lease needs to reflect that we only pay for parts.
- Cycle Hub – Andrew continues to pursue the manufacturer as Jane has already issued a Purchase Order.
- Benches – are being fitted starting next week. Cromwell Rd noticeboard will be resited as part of this. Once it is back in place and facing the right way we will have to pay to get some additional improvements to the noticeboard.
- Little Free Library – Lynne is in contact with the joiners.
- Replacement metal plaques – Quay Fabrications is looking at a cost-effective process to make them.
7. The Triangle
- No news on the noticebard.
8. Website, Facebook, Instagram and Newsletter
- Mark contacted respondents to the Lucy Brook survey who weren’t members – 16 new members have signed up.
- Possible project to collate all the documentation regarding the nature reserve.
- News email procedure has been streamlined.
9. Education
- Dan is trying to set up more school visits. Eleanor is 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.
- Footpath repairs – Sue Holden is pursuing funds from LEF.
11. Events
- Carol singing on Christmas Eve, great turn out, raised £203.
- Easter Egg Hunt Monday 6 April – Hilary to contact Bethany.
12. AOB
- Calendar – team needed – Sue N and Hilary to meet with Ruth and Grace. Article in the newsletter to ask for sales expertise.
13. Date of next meeting
- The next meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 17 February 2026 at the Tite & Locke.