Present
Andrew Brennand (Chair), Dave Brookes, Hilary Short, Ian Diffenthal, Jane Parker, Mark Tanner, Sharon Diffenthal, Sue Pope
1. Apologies
- Ian Procter, Mick Short
2. Minutes from the last meeting
- These were agreed.
3. Matters Arising
- LGGS and Local Nature Reserve status in the hands of our solicitor – the school has responded positively and the request has now gone to the Secretary of State.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Bank balance
| Date | 21/7/26 | 16/6/26 |
| Coop | 31,285 | 30,738 |
| Skipton | 120,000 | 120,000 |
| Total | 151,285 | 150,738 |
This includes the Burtonwood legacy of £54,760 received in 2023.
Funds
Restricted
Lottery funding £10,996 (Lucy Brook)
Total: £10,996
General
£ 140,289
Balance
£ 151,285
There was no significant income or expenditure. There have been many donations in memory of Sue Nieduszynska.
5. FFOG
- Health & Safety policy was discussed and a small subcommittee chaired by Michael Sheppard will take things forward
- Path repairs have been funded by LEF for £30K, the work needs to be completed over the winter. Sue Holden submitted an excellent bid and is continuing to seek additional funds. We need to appoint a project manager to ensure the work is completed to high quality and in a timely fashion.
- Gates should be fixed next week.
6. Draft Fairfield CIO Constitution
- The Fairfield Association needs to become a CIO so trustees have limited public liability. The Fairfield Association CIO will become the responsible body in all matters relating to the land.
- Implications for bank accounts needs to be understood, Sue to find information and send to Jane.
7. Playground
- Draft lease has been received with a side letter. The new lease needs to be with the CIO.
- Cycle Hub has had some carving in the tool post and some anti-social behaviour. Local schools were contacted about the young people involved and there have been no further incidents. Mike Stevens will assist with a press release about the Cycle Hub.
- Little Free Library is almost complete. Lancaster Men’s Hub woodworking group have produced something that needs painting and siting.
- Plaques – will be collected tomorrow and installed by the monumental masons.
- Benches will be realigned in the autumn.
- Goal post repair – should start 9 September.
8. The Triangle
- Refurbished notice board has been erected.
- Late summer fair has been mooted, possibly 5 September.
- The building is in need of repair. It may require access from the road.
9. Website, Facebook, Instagram and Newsletter
- E-News at the end of July
- Newsletter with AGM notice at the end of August
- Is there an issue with the distribution of the Newsletter on Haverbreaks? Hilary to investigate.
10. Education
- Dan Morris led a successful class visit from Lancaster Cathedral Primary School on Monday 15 June visit. Dan is going back to the classroom. Eleanor is Forest Schools qualified and is happy to run future visits. There is a booking for 21 September and 9 November from Morecambe Bay Primary School – FA to pay for transport. Toilet access is an issue – some local residents may be willing to provide emergency access.
- Payment for running a half day session is likely to be £150. Coach costs need to be looked at carefully.
- We can claim funding for educational visits provided there are at least three visits during the year – about £500 p.a. plus £100 per visit.
11. Fundraising update
- Footpath repairs – we have received the full grant (£30K) requested from LEF.
12. Events
- 30 years of the Fairfield Association – Adrienne and Andrew are undertaking interviews with volunteers and other interested parties.
- Apple Day – Sue Holden will organise and is liaising directly with Veronica. Date to be confirmed.
13. AGM
- The AGM will take place at 7:30 pm on Wednesday 23 September 2026 in the Auditorium at the Storey.
14. AOB
- Oral History of North Lancashire – Give me today, anytime
15. Date of next meeting
- The next meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 20 October at the Tite & Locke.