The meeting was held at the Tite & Locke.
Present
Andrew Brennand (Chair), Geoff Oliver, Hilary Short, Ian Diffenthal, Jane Parker, Mick Short, Mike Stevens, Sharon Diffenthal, Sue Nieduszynska, Sue Pope
1. Apologies
Dave Brookes, Ian Procter
2. Minutes from the last meeting
- These were agreed, with the removal of ‘urgent’ from the work on paths and gates in FFOG (item 5)
3. Matters Arising
- LGGS and Local Nature Reserve status – no progress
4. Treasurer’s Report & Annual Return
Bank balance
| Date | Account | Amount (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 18.03.25 | 138,210 | |
| 22.04.25 | Co-op | 53,839 |
| Skipton | 87,869 | |
| Total 141,735 |
Notes
This includes the legacy of £54,760 received in 2023
General funds
£141,735
Balance
£141,735
Income
- £2869 interest from Skipton – this will be moved to the Co-op account
- £911 HMRC gift aid
Payments
- £440 for fencing posts
- £122 turf for the play area
5. FFOG
- Cromwell Rd Notice board has been removed and is awaiting collection by Woodscape
- Laid turf where needed in the playground
- Sowed bird-friendly wildflower seeds in the arable field boundary. Wildflower beds are coming up well
- Greater spotted woodpecker is nesting in Pony Wood. A number of other migratory birds have been spotted – spring is definitely underway
- Pink poo spray is not working in terms of stopping people not clearing up after their dogs. However, it does show that we are taking action. Too many people just leave poo bags on the path or hang them on branches. Andrew to email Grace and see if she can make a small video for Instagram
- Fly tipping near the Aldcliffe Lane entrance – Sue N to check
6. Playground
- Lease renewal is still with LCC
- Mike and Andrew have surveyed the 20-year-old playground benches and recommend replacing all nine benches with surface mounted benches that don’t have backs. Likely cost £10K. Some bench tops could be used in the orchard. We could ask the Council to buy these for us as the playground is on Council land and this will save VAT. Andrew to explore fundraising for the benches, after the Fairfield Festival.
- How much does it cost on a daily basis to keep the Fairfield nature reserve, orchard and playground running? Jane will investigate.
7. The Triangle
- Nothing to report
8. Education
- Andrew and Dan Morris are meeting at 7 pm on Monday 28 April in the Tite & Locke. He is keen to promote school visits. Sue N and Tony will attend.
9. Fundraising update
- Lucy Brook redevelopment is in hand
- Footpath repairs – Sue Holden (lead) and Hilary Short are due to walk the paths when it rains
- QR code project – Mike Stevens will prepare a bid to the 3R foundation soon – on hold until June
- New benches and Cromwell Rd notice board – Andrew to pursue possible funding after the Fairfield Festival
- Fairfield Cycle Hub – outcomes are still awaited
10. Events
- Easter Egg Hunt – was well attended despite the rain. Huge thanks to the organisers. Must have vegan sweets for next year. Halal sweets were available this year.
- We need two 3 m by 3 m and one 6m by 3m marquees – green is preferable. Andrew to organise.
- First aiders – Bethany would like training. Sue N to check with Ian about plans for first aid training.
- Fairfield Festival on Saturday 24 May 2025 – air fryer needed for veggie burgers, refrigerated trailer will need an RCD – Ian will investigate, need an additional barrier – Andrew to order, First Aiders – not enough cover so far – Sue N will check with Ian for the up to date list of First Aiders, more volunteers needed
- North Lancashire Wildlife Group (NLWG) – Sunday 25 May
- Wild Roots Nature Fest – 14 & 15 June – nature walks around the reserve organised by Ros Jones
- Open Yardens – 21 & 22 June – Jon Barry is organising. Mark will provide technical support
11. Website, Facebook, Instagram and Newsletter
- Newsletter went out in March – thanks to the team who produced and delivered
12. AOB
- AGM date and venue needs to be confirmed soon. Should we try the Storey?
13. Date of next meeting
- The next meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at the Tite & Locke
PDF copy of minutes
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