FRIENDS OF CHAPEL MEMORIAL PARK

 Arranged for to:

-          prepare the ground for garden and bulb planting

-          refurbish the notice board

-          rub down and paint gates

Friends of Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park

Meeting: 10^th May 2010, Annex Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Chair: Denis Wyatt

Treasurer: John Oaks

Secretary: Rosy Bateman

Friends: Aiden Howgate; Pauline Hunt; Mary Merrick; Mavis Roberts; Claire Spong; Vera Wyatt.

Apologies: None

Minutes

1.    AGM

·         Report from the Treasurer: The finances are solvent. There have been 3 payments of funds into the accounts from donations and events.

·         Report from the Chairman: This first year has seen steady progress in the scope and type of activities the Committee has engaged in.  Beginning with ‘Task Days’ to spruce up neglected areas of the Park, and ending the year with a successful Easter Egg Hunt.  Sponsored Floral areas, installation of bat boxes and an Interpretation Board are additional testament to a year of effective community activity. 

·         Following a show of hands the current officers are elected for another year.

2.    Floral Areas

·         The old sand pit area the primary school have cleared is to be planted with bedding plants that Mike Pickford has available.  

·         The £25 pledged by the Gardening Club to plant up a floral area has not yet been received.

Actions: Teacher and Mike to arrange.

3.      Interpretation Board

·          The interpretation board design has now been sent to the printers.  There have been some glitches with the digital format which will be resolved between Claire and the printing company.

·         The Parish Council is meeting the full cost is £125.

·         There will be a photo shoot to celebrate this new addition to the park with all the significant people present.

Actions: Denis will arrange the photoshoot when the board is in place.

4.    Bat Boxes

·         John Oaks reported that some 20+ bat boxes had been made by the scouts and were in the process of being put up by Derbyshire Wildlife Society. 

·         Several committee members reported having seen the new installations.

·         Chapel DIY provided the wood at a discounted rate and assisted in its cutting.

·         The Parish Council will pay the bill and receive a contribution from our funds.

5.    MUGA (Multi Use Games Area)

·         Denis and Sue Stockdale have worked on the application to Changing Spaces with the help of Sally at CVS.  The Stage 1 Application is now ready for submission. If this stage is accepted then stage two of the application will result in a specialist facilitator being appointed to help with quotations, permissions and plans.

·         The Application is for a grant of £44K, with a contribution being made by the Parish Council and other local bodies.

·         The grant will be used in the following way.  £40K for the installation; £3K for sustainable coaching to ensure and encourage community use; 1K for marketing, opening and site publicity.

Actions: Denis to continue his good work in managing this.

6.    Proposed Projects

·         Painting in the Park is to go ahead on 12^th June with the Bowls Pavilion Equipment being made available for refreshments by kind permission of the Bowling Club.

·         Picnic in the Park with the Town Band.  Arranged for 3^rd July between 12 and 1:30pm.  The Day following is the Blessing of the Wells outside the Town Hall.  Suggested that it might be more effective if the two events were combined on 4^th July. 

·         Geocache now placed and awaiting immediate listing.

·         Bandstand Marathon: proposed date in September.

·         Pilates and/or Tai Chi event.  Rosy will approach possible leader.

·         Dog Obedience Class.  Vera and Denis will investigate possible ‘teacher’.

·         Measured Walking Route.  Claire will use the technical facilities available to her to measure possible routes along the park paths.

·         Fitness Trail: Claire submitted a list of suppliers of suitable equipment.  Suggestion was made that we could start with an initial ‘interest’ installation, for example a walking log.

·         Outdoor Chess:  may be considered in the future.

·         90^th Birthday Celebration: June 11^th 2011.  This discussion initiates our planning for the event.  Fun Day in the Park with the Town Band is the initial proposal.  A Real Ale Beer Tent? Falconry display, ‘Majestic Owls’ may be a company to approach for display birds.

7.    AoB

·         Mary suggested that the railings in the Park were looking a bit dilapidated and a coat of paint would spruce them up.

·         Rosy suggested the Gardeninig Club might be approached to run an event such as a Plant Exchange, maybe next spring.

Next meeting: 14^th June 2010

Meeting Closed: 8:15

Agenda May Meeting

1.       Apologies for absence

2.      MUGA

3.      Update on Actions : Floral Areas

Interpretation Board

Pilates/Tai Chi/ Dog Obedience

Bat Boxes/geocache/measured walk

4.      90^th Birthday Plans

5.      Dogs in the Park

6.      AOB

Friends of Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park

Meeting: 1^st March 2010, Annex Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Chair: Denis Wyatt

Treasurer: (John Oaks) not present

Secretary: (Rosy Bateman) not present

Friends: Aiden Howgate; Pauline Hunt; Mary Merrick; Mike Pickford; Mavis Roberts; Claire Spong; Vera Wyatt.

Apologies: John Oakes 

Minutes 

1.      Meeting with Mike Harrison and Sara Armstrong

·         Denis reported on his and Rosy’s meeting with Mike Harrison and Sara Armstrong at the Town Hall on 26^th February 2010.

·         This more informal meeting gave Denis and Rosy the opportunity to inform the Councillors that we have felt unappreciated and unsupported by our recent formal presentations at various Council meetings.  Mike Harrison said this was not the intended outcome of those meeting because Council were certainly impressed by the progress of the first year of the Friends’ existence.

·         There is no Parish Council money to move the bandstand project forward at present so this is now put on hold. Our feeling was that the Parish Council would want a new bandstand to be sited where the existing one is. 

·         The funding is now available for the Solar Light for the park, however the latest snag is that it is going to cost £900 more to install.

·         The Carnival and its use of the park was discussed.  The Parish Clerk will suggest to the Carnival Committee that they invite a member of the Friends Committee to their meetings.

·         Mike Harrison suggested what we had already agreed in our February Meeting – that we instigate a programme of small manageable activities  - ‘Quick Wins’. The following ideas were suggested - Easter Egg Hunt - Orienteering - Boot Camp.  The Easter Egg hunt had already been discussed with Mike Pickford (head Gardener) who was willing to organise the event this year. Councillors are willing to fund the Easter Eggs.  The orienteering trail although planned and designed was not yet in place.

·         A local park had had installed a suitable parking area – it was suggested that this could be provided for Memorial Park in due course.

·         It was agreed that a councillor from the Amenities Committee would attend the Friends Meeting quarterly, and that members of the Friends Committee would meet informally again with the Chairman of the Amenities Committee, as this meeting had been helpful and productive.

2.      Bandstand Progress

·         Following last month’s committee meeting decision and the outcome of the meeting with the Chair of the Amenity Committee, Vera suggested that the existing bandstand could be repaired and fenced on three sides to deter ferals and reduce noise.

3.      Interpretation Board

·          The interpretation board was discussed and Claire provided a full size copy of the design.  It was judged fine with a suggestion of just a few more pictures.

·         Denis congratulated Claire on her efforts and thanked her for all the work she had put into it. 

4.      Programme of Events for 2010

·         Many ideas for ‘events’ were presented to the meeting with the aim of encouragiing a wider use of the park.

·         Lantern Parade - Halloween Parade - Bat Boxes - Nest Boxes - Hedgehog Boxes - Tai Chi - Pilates - Dog Obedience demo. - Painting in the Park (not gates or fences!) - Easter Bonnet Parade - Outdoor Chess on Bandstand – a geocache placement - car boot sale – sponsored charity events – plant exchange – youth music day – picnic in the park – community sports event – web cam -  brass band ‘concert’ -

·         The lanterns would be made in schools.  Halloween would need to be on the street because of weather and darkness.  Bat Boxes etc. - wood acquired and cut to size by Mike and given to school to asemble.  Easter Bonnet not a good idea.  Outdoor Chess - slabs painted as board, painted stones to represent pieces. Tai Chi and Pilates easily arranged, also Dog Obedience.  Painting in the Park by Buxton and High Peak Art Society.  Rosy is planning a geocache.

·         Date of Easter Egg Hunt was decided for either Saturday 10th April or Sunday 11th depending on weather.

5.      AoB

PuPublicity

·         Mary said we needed to have more publicity. 

·         Whilst we do send stories and pictures to the Buxton Advertiser they have severely cut them and have not used the pictures.  High Peak Radio has advertised our Task Days.

·         Other suggestions were a display in the library asking people for their views and also for volunteers.

PaPark Maintenance

·         Denis suggested we concentrate on more flower beds and Mike Pickford was happy to support that.

Next meeting: 12^th April 2010

Agenda April  Meeting

1.      Apologies for absence

2.      Update on Actions : Floral Areas

Interpretation Board

Egg Hunt in the Park

3.      Car Parking area

4.      Long Term Plan

5.      Next Event in the Park 2010

6.      Task Days

7.      AOB

Friends of Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park

Minutes of Meeting

Meeting: 2^nd November 2009, Annex Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Chair: Denis Wyatt

Treasurer: John Oakes

Secretary: Rosy Bateman

Friends: Aiden Howgate; Mavis Roberts; Claire Spong; Vera Wyatt

1.    Floral Areas

·         The Primary School has adopted the ‘sand pit’ area by the circular hedge.  The children worked hard stripping and clearing it. Mike Pickford (Parks Manager) has added compost.  The Children are now in the process of designing the layout.  Then bulbs will be supplied and with teacher Jenny Danson the children will plant out their design.  Shame that ‘before’ photographs were not taken

Action: Mike Pickford to manage the planting.

·         Nineteen Army Cadets spent the evening of 21^st October raking up leaves. They have promised to return after the Remembrance Day services as they had an enjoyable time.  Parish Clerk refunded refreshment costs.

Action: Return date to be arranged.

·         Bluebells have been planted amongst the meadow grass as Mike Pickford has planned to rotavate the area under the trees by the turnstyle.

Action: No action required

·         Plaques?

Action: Discuss next meeting

2.    Task Days

·          17^th October Task Day.  The gate by Bowling Green Lane was the prime target and after a follow up session on another day by Aiden and Denis it has now been renovated. Pauline and Gerald planted daffodils and tulips in the ‘glade’ area, by the turnstiles and by the grove of trees.

·         The general feeling was that the task days had been successful and had made a positive impression on the park.  The planned projects were completed for this year.

Action: Next meeting decide on projects and dates for 2010 task days.

3.    Christmas Events

·         30^th November The Lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree Ceremony. We have permission to fund raise at this event.

Action: Please turn up to carry buckets and ask for donations.

·         On 5^th December The Town Band has permission to play Christmas Carols  outside the Co-op 12 to 1:30 pm.  Members of the Friends will be there with buckets for some fund raising.  Perhaps some members of the town’s choirs?

Action: Please turn up to sing Christmas Carols and hold buckets to collect small change from passers by.

4.    Bandstand Progress

·         Denis has prepared a ‘paper’ on the bandstand situation for distribution to Council Members in preparation for his visit to the Full Council Meeting 3^rd November 2009.  He hopes to get a firm commitment of support from the Council in the form on £3,500 to pay for professional fees to put together a survey and the design and costing documentation to obtain Planning Permission and make grant applications.

Action: Denis to make formal bid to the Parish Council tomorrow evening.

·         There was some discussion of acquiring a marquee similar to Cllr. Guy Martin’s Tent as a temporary bandstand.  Aiden stated that the acoustics in a tent were poor, and in any event if they needed a tent then the event would probably be ‘rained off’!  John pointed out that in his experience these ‘tents’ were not easy to erect and if the tent was taken down when wet, provision had to be made for drying…

·         John reported back on his funding research.  Tracy Crichlow (DCC Councillor) has a grant fund that might be accessible on behalf of the youth section of the Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Band. Jane Quantro of the East Midlands Arts Council has grants for amounts up to £100,000.  Nigel Caouldwell of CVS made some suggestions of possible funding bodies.

Action: John to continue funding research, with particular attention to funding the initial plans?

5.    Interpretation Board

·         Denis has prepared the ‘copy’ for the interpretation board and this together with a paper proposing to spend £100 on manufacture and erection has been forwarded to Councillors in advance of the Full Council Meeting 3^rd November.

Action: Denis will present the proposal at the full council meeting and ask for £100 to complete the installation.

6.    Expenses

·         As the Budgets are discussed before Christmas we need to make a formal request to the Parish Council now if we are to have some funds for expenses next financial year.

·         Mavis explained how Chinley’s Friends of the Park Budget worked. We observed that we did not need as much as the Chinley Friends of the Park as we were not established in the same way.

Action: Denis and Rosy to meet with Sue Stockdale Parish Clerk to discuss a way forward.

7.    AOB

·         In the course of his work for the football teams John has found that a grant is available for a multi games area in the park.  Sue Curley has written to the Parish Clerk with details.  The applicants have to be a Not-for-Profit group.

Action: John to investigate further for presentation at the next meeting.

·         Rosy introduced the idea that the minutes only went to ‘active’ Friends of the Park.  A quarterly newsletter or similar to go to those who had shown an interest only.

Action: Discuss at a later meeting.

Meeting ended at 8:50 pm

Next meeting: 11^th January 2010

The Town Hall Annex 7pm

Agenda January Meeting

1.       Apologies for absence

2.      Update on Actions : Floral Areas (plaques)

Interpretation Board

Task Days

Expenses

Christmas Events

3.      Bandstand Progress

4.      AOB

Friends of Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park

Meeting: 5^th October 2009, Annex Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Chair: Denis Wyatt

Treasurer: John Oakes

Secretary: Rosy Bateman

Friends: Aiden Howgate; Pauline Hunt; Mavis Roberts; Claire Spong; Vera Wyatt

Visitors: Graham Gregory (Chair Chapel Gardening Club)

Apologies: Mike Pickford

Minutes

1.    Floral Areas

·         The Primary School will adopt a flowerbed.  There is a meeting Wednesday 7^th September 2009 with a teacher to discuss how this is to be achieved.  In later discussions it was suggested that the Gardening Club could perhaps assist the school with designs and practical advice.

Action: Denis

·         Lance was not able to say how his discussions with Julie Gow about Scout participation had progressed. (Not present)

·         Denis visited the Chapel-en-le-Frith Gardening Club AGM to discuss Planting Days at The Park. The Gardening Club has donated £25.00 to our funds and Graham Gregory (Chair) took up the invitation to visit our meeting and discuss planting.  It was agreed that the planting of bulbs needed to be done in the next 4 to 6 weeks.  The absolute deadline is mid December.  Greg suggested that we take into account the amount of shade in some of the areas we are suggesting for the floral beds.

Action: decide date and participants

·         The Army Cadets will dig new beds and clear leaves. Date to be arranged when the leaves have really started to fall. The Parish Council will provide refreshments; the Bowling Club will make their clubhouse available. Paul from Chapel DIY has donated six one ton sand sacks for rubbish and leaves.

Action: Arrange date; collect sacks from Chapel DIY

·         Mavis suggested that the Bluebells she donated would be best in the long grass in the rough area under the trees near the compound.

·         John suggested that a plaque be erected in each of the beds cultivated by each group in recognition of their contribution. Vandalism apart it was thought a good idea

·         Blackbrook Nursery has shown an interest in the planted areas and has offered the loan of a rotavator.

2.      Basketball Nets

·          The photo shoot took place and a press release was prepared.  There was an article in the Buxton Advertiser

·         There has already been some damage to one of the nets!

3.      Bandstand Marathon Outcome

·         Although the attendance looked patchy, the band was pleased with the result. 

·         The Scouts had not responded about the loan of their marquee.  However as the weather was fine this was not crucial this time.

·         The marathon did highlight that the bandstand needs to be in a different position to the existing spot used, owing to the driving wind, and nuisance and noise from children in the play areas.

·         Julie Shaw (PCSO) said that if the culprit who spat at a member of the band could be identified she would ‘Bend their ears’! There has been an offer of Police presence for future similar events.

4.    Bandstand Progress

·         Trevor Gilman (Consultant Engineer and Designer) and Denis have now done enough research to have an outline plan of the bandstand we would like and the place we can put it.  At a meeting on site Trevor and Denis agreed that the corner of the park by the Hordern’s lane entrance provides the best area for the bandstand as it also includes a flat area for seating adjacent to a leaning tree. The Houndsworth bandstand in Birmingham will provide a starting point for our design.  The bandstand is to be multifunctional (not just for the town band).  Vandal proof paint will be used to deter some aspects of youngster’s behaviour.

·         It is not possible to do more without incurring costs.  These costs include Trevor’s fees for the design of the bandstand. He will also prepare documentation of surveys undertaken, plans, and costing. Denis estimates that £2,500 to £3,500 will cover this. Survey, Design and Planning Permission documentation will be needed to apply for grants.

Action: Denis to make formal bid to the Parish Council for a loan of this money in advance of grants we may receive.

·         When we have obtained the ‘Design and Costing’ Package we can approach Sally Curley (HPBC Parks Development Officer) will contact CVS to assist us in making bids for local and national funding.

·         John suggested looking for ideas to involve the community by asking them, for example to sponsor a brick.  What fundraising had other similar projects undertaken?

Action: John to research?

5.    Interpretation Board

·         Denis observed that the current notice board had been ‘wrecked’ by vandals. Estimated cost to repair £500.  Having successfully negotiated with High Peak Signs to produce the interpretation board to our requirements for about £100 he suggests that we plan to replace the existing broken board with our new board. By altering the position a little, the back could be used for notices, thereby replacing the broken board and saving the Parish Council money of the repair costs. 

·         Denis has prepared the ‘copy’ for the interpretation board.  With Amenity Committee agreement it could be up before Christmas.

Action: Denis will present the final design to the Amenities Committee

6.    B&Q Grants

·         Macclesfield B&Q have not replied.

7.    Task Days

·         Saturday September 19^th Task Day resulted in the refurbishment of the 56 year old mahogany notice board. Also the main gate and the kissing were rubbed down and painted. Seven volunteers turned up.

·         As a second Task Day, Saturday October 17^th was proposed and accepted weather permitting. The plan is to work on the remaining 4 gates.

Action: Denis to ask Buxton Advertiser and Radio High Peak to advertise the event. Volunteers meet at the main gates at 10am Saturday October 17^th. Vera will organise refreshments. Denis to contact Gerald Williams to ask him if he would volunteer again.

8.    AOB

·         Christmas Band Concert on 5^th December.  Rather than have it in the Park, Denis proposed that the Co-op forecourt might be a more prominent and ‘peopled’ place on a cold winter’s day than The Park. 

Action: Denis to approach the Co-op on the band’s behalf for permission to use their Forecourt.

·         The Lighting of the Christmas Trees ceremony on 30^th November was suggested as an opportunity to make a collection for The Park and Bandstand. 

Action: Denis to approach the organisers of the event.

·         Expenses. Denis pointed out that individuals had bought items and used their own personal resources that in other contexts would be refunded as expenses.  Denis was concerned that people would not volunteer their time if it required that they also had to make an unrefunded financial contribution. Whilst most of us agreed that some approved expenses should be paid it was observed that we had few funds to sustain such a commitment! John pointed out that no one should be seen to be ‘making money’ out of the their membership of the Friends of the Park. 

Mavis observed that the Chinley Parks group had been given a budget by their Parish Council of £1500 this year.  Although the Parish Council held the money, it did greatly increase the actions they could take independently.

Action: Rosy put this on agenda for reconsideration.

·         Engaging the Youngsters who use the park. In a discussion about use of the graffiti kits that could be provided by the police to remove unwanted daubings, Aiden made the suggestion that perhaps we could promote a Junior Friends of the Park. 

Action: Rosy put this on agenda after Christmas for reconsideration.

Next meeting: 2^nd November 2009

Meeting ended at 9pm 

Agenda November Meeting

1.       Apologies for absence

2.      Update on Actions : Floral Areas

Interpretation Board

Task Days

Christmas Events

B&Q grants?

3.      Bandstand Progress

4.      Expenses

5.      AOB

Friends of Chapel-en-le-Frith Memorial Park

Minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2009 in the Annexe of

Chapel-en-le-Frith Town Hall

Present

Mr Denis Wyatt in the Chair

Mavis Roberts, Pauline Hunt, Vera Wyatt, Ave Spencer, Lance Davies, Mary Merrick, Andy Smith, Aiden Howgate, Claire Spong.

In Attendance

Sue Stockdale – Parish Council

Apologies

John Oakes

1. Floral Areas

The Parks Manager has identified an area between the Bowling Green and Rowton Grange Road as a possible site for planting.

Denis advised that he has been invited to the Chapel Gardening Club AGM and will speak to them about planting days and Friends of the Park.

Some bulbs have been donated for planting by Guy Martin and Mavis Roberts.

It was agreed that a planting day be organised and that refreshments should be served.

Both the Army Cadets and Primary School have indicated that they are interested in being involved either with planting a garden or leaf clearing.

The Army Cadets would be happy to do some leaf clearing on a Parade night.

The Park Manager is open for donations of surplus plants.

2. Basketball Nets

The new nets are in place and a photo shoot will be organised for some publicity.

3. Band Concerts

Chapel Band have made a donation of £30 to the group from their last concert.

The Bandstand Marathon will take place on 27 September and Lance agreed to ask the Scouts if their marquee was available for hire on that day.

Sue agreed to ask the Council to cover the hire cost of this.

Claire suggested that the Friends Group had a table and raffle at the event.

4. Bandstand

The design is currently being drawn up and a possible location has been suggested as the area by Horderns Park Road.

Denis will make a presentation to the Parish Council once some drawings are available and ask them to fund the initial pre grant application costs, which would be included in any bid made.

5. Interpretation Boar

The Council have agreed part fund a board which would have space for notices and the Memorial fund may be able to fund the reminder.

Claire indicated that she would be able to supply artwork for the new board.

It was agreed that the existing board be refurbished on a task day.

6. B & Q Grants

B & Q are advertising community grants and Denis has written to the local store manager for further information.

7. Task Days

It was agreed that the first task day be arranged for 10am on 19 September to:

-          prepare the ground for garden and bulb planting

-          refurbish the notice board

-          rub down and paint gates

Denis will contact High Peak Radio and ask them to advertise the day on their High Peak Happening spot.

8. Any Other Business

The Band will look to put on a Christmas Band Concert in the Park on 5 December between 12 noon and 1.30pm.  This could be linked in with other Christmas activities.

Denis suggested that interested members could do some Carol singing and Sue will find out if a licence is needed to collect money.

A collection could also be taken at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a licence may also be need for this

The litter bin by the Band Stand area has been decoratively painted by some young people, but nobody knows who has done it.

9. Date of next meeting

Monday 5 October 2009 at 7pm in the Annexe of the Town Hall

Friends of Chapel Park

Minutes of a meeting held in the Town Hall Annexe at 7pm on

Monday 3^rd August 2009

Present

John Oakes, Clare Spong, Vera Wyatt, Aiden Howgate, Mavis Roberts, Pauline Hunt, Mary Merrick

Denis Wyatt in the Chair

In Attendance

Louise Grisdale, Assistant Clerk to the Council

Apologies

Lance Davis, Ave Spencer

Floral Area

Denis will approach Chapel Garden Club to see if they are interested in adopting new floral areas of the park.

No set areas have been designated as new planting areas, and advice will be sought from the Garden Club, if they are interested, and the Park staff. One possible site however is the section between the bowling green and the park railings. This is a secure site that is visible from the road and will create a good impression of the park for passers by.

The local children’s groups will be asked to help create the areas.

Basket Ball Net

Two chain Basketball nets have been ordered and will hopefully be in place by the next meeting.

Tree Sculpture

No further progress has been made regarding the tree sculpture and this idea may have to be abandoned. The stump itself is not in great condition and finding a sculptor is proving difficult. Also, the funding that would be required to enable the project to take place would also be difficult to source, as one of the requirements for such funding is that it is a community project.

Football Pitches

No further progress has been made regarding the Football pitches but John and Clare will hopefully have news by the next meeting.

Band Concerts

More publicity is needed for future band concerts and other members of the Committee would like to help Clare and Aiden with this by distributing posters etc.

There is a banner that could be used that would need the wording altered, which could be hung on the Market Place railings.

In order for extra band concerts to take place, chairs will be needed. One option is to ask the Carnival Committee if we could borrow theirs as they are currently only used on Carnival weekend. One problem with this would be moving the chairs to the park, as park staff do not work weekends. A second problem would be finding storage facilities, as again, the park hut cannot be used as park staff do not work weekends.

A very productive meeting was held with Trevor Gilman who is an independent design artist who helped to create the Buxton band stand. Denis will approach the Amenities Committee with the ideas for the band stand to gain the Parish Councils approval.

Mr. Gilman has stated that he will need a scale map of the Memorial Park 1:1250. The Park is not listed but is within close proximity to a heritage site.

Ideally the band stand would need to be big enough to accommodate a full sized brass band and be moved away from the children area and skate park.

The Committee agreed that Denis, Clare and Aiden should meet with Mr. Gilman after the meeting with the Amenities Committee to discuss ideas.

Costs that would be incurred before the funding pack is created are the planning application fees. Denis will approach the Parish Council to pay these on behalf of the Friends of Chapel Park Committee and they will be refunded once the grant is secured.

Interpretation Board

This matter needs to be raised with the Parish Council Amenities Committee before any further action can be taken.

Mike Pickford, the parks manager, has promised to improve the look of the notice board in the park.

Litter Bin

A litter bin is in place by the band stand. This was obtained from High Peak Borough Council free of charge!

Caution Signs

Again, this point will be forwarded to the Parish Council Amenities Committee

Telephone Tree/ Secretary and Treasurer

Mrs. Rosie Bateman would like to be the new Secretary and will take over the duties from the Parish Council in Octobers meeting.

Logo

The Secretarys details will be added to the top of the page and the Chairmans and Treasurers details to the bottom.

Task Days

Mike Pickford has specified the collection of leaves that could be passed onto the Task Days for the children. Denis will contact Lance Davis and Andy Smith to ask them to attend the next meeting so that arrangements can be made.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held in the Town Hall Annexe on Monday 7^th September at 7pm.

The meeting was closed at 8.30pm

Agenda for Monday 7^th September Meeting

Floral areas

Football Pitches

Band Concerts/ Stand

Interpretation Board

Publicity for Chapel Band

Task Days

Any Other Business

Next Meeting Date

Friends of Chapel Memorial Park

Minutes of a meeting held in the Town Hall Annexe at 7pm on Monday 6^th July 2009

Present

John Oakes, Clare Spong, Vera Wyatt, Aiden Howgate, Mavis Roberts, Pauline Hunt, Mary Merrick

Denis Wyatt in the Chair

In Attendance

Louise Grisdale, Assistant Clerk to the Council

Apologies

Lance Davis, Ave Spencer

Nicki Theaker has requested that she be removed from the committee as she feels she cannot dedicate the amount of time she feels is required for this cause.

Floral Areas

Anyone who has surplus plants can donate them to the Park where they will be much appreciated. Denis will confirm with Mike the actions that are needed to produce additional floral areas.

Basket Ball Net

It was thought that a heavy duty net was required and a metal one will be sourced. Louise will call the local sports shops to find prices and availability.

This is a small way to show the users of the park that improvements are going to be made to the facilities.

Tree Sculpture

There has been no reply from the sculptor at this point. Sue will be asked to contact other sculptors so that prices and designs can be obtained.

Football Pitches

Chinley football pitch has recently had improvements made so the company who have carried out the work will be contacted. The pitch will need a survey to be carried out which can be completed by Clare. John and Clare will arrange this.

Before any changes are made to the football pitch, other park users and their needs are to be considered. 

Band Concerts

The concert held on Sunday 5^th July was a success and photos of the event can be used to help publicise the Friends group. Once the format has been finalised, more concerts will take place and will run on a regular basis, for example fortnightly or monthly, so that the public know when the events are.

One potential problem is that many of the bands in the area do not have their own chairs. The cost of purchasing 30 collapsible chairs will be found by Clare so that further decisions can be made.

Chapel Band are currently looking for new premises for their band rehearsals and Denis will help with the enquiries about funding for this.

The cost of a band stand will be obtained and it has been suggested that Leander be contacted regarding this. The committee would like to use a local company and Denis will contact them for further details regarding size and costings.

The band stand will need to be situated in a prominent position within the park that is easily visible from the road to attract passers-by.  

Interpretation Board

Information on the different types of interpretation boards available has been submitted by Clare. The committee favoured a table-top design as this will be easily readable, attract the highest amount of park users and also keep the production costs down.

A plan of the park will need to be produced and this may be available after a tree survey has taken place.

If this proposal is passed by the Parish Council, two units will be placed in the park; one by the main gates and a second by the ‘kissing gate’ at the top side of the park.

Denis will discuss funding for this project with Sue.

Litter Bin

The committee preferred an open top bin to encourage the younger people to use it. Prices will be obtained from different companies and HPBC will be contacted as they may be able to provide us with a cheaper bin to keep costs down.

Play Area

Simple ways to improve the play area are going to be discussed in future meetings, such as painting the fencing, and some of the play equipment.

Caution Signs

The ‘Caution- Look Right’ sign that is to be painted on the footpath by the concrete wall is to be put to the Parish Council at the meeting on Tuesday 7^th July.

Insurance

Sue has confirmed that any event that has been passed by the Parish Council will be covered on the insurance.

Publicity

The minutes for the Friends of Chapel Park meetings will be added to the Parish Council website each month and Aiden has created a Face Book group to attract the younger residents. The press release proved to be a success and the band concert dates have been added to High Peak Radios events list.

Telephone Tree

Each member of the committee has received a copy of the telephone tree.

Secretary and Treasurer

John Oakes has volunteered to be the Treasurer and an account will be opened at the Nat West. Denis will confirm with Sue the role of the Secretary.

Logo

The logo designed by Clare has been approved and will be used on all correspondence. Denis will confirm with Louise the contact details to be included on the letter head.

Task Days

Several jobs that can be completed on Task Days have been suggested. These include

Painting the entrance gates

Cutting back the hedges that surround the entrance from Hordens Road

Creating new flower beds

It was also thought that by encouraging local groups to take part in the events, such as the Cadets and the Scouts, it will not only add more hands to the job but create a pride in the park for the young people which will prove very useful when tackling vandalism, graffiti and littering issues.

The Task Days will begin around September so that children’s Summer Holidays will have passed and the committee has decided on the set jobs that need to be carried out.

Compliments have been given to the Park Manager who the committee thought was doing an excellent job and are very pleased with his contributions to the Friend of Chapel Park meetings.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held in the Town Hall Annexe on Monday 3^rd August at 7pm.

The meeting was closed at 8.30pm

Minutes of a meeting held in the Town Hall Annex at 7pm on Monday 8th June 2009

Present: John Oakes, Ave Spencer, Clare Spong, Mike Pickford, Vera Wyatt, Aidan Howgate & Mavis Roberts.

Apologies: Lance Davis & Pauline Hunt

Chairman: Dennis Wyatt

Floral Areas

Discussion on this was deferred as those whose special interest is in developing the floral content of the park were not present.

New Signs

Mike advised that two new signs will be put up on the two gates from Rowton Grange Road this week reminding people of litter and dog fouling.

Basketball net

A price for this should be obtained and ideally bought and fitted as soon as possible

Tree sculpture

A request for a design and price for a tree sculpture was made but no information was available for the meeting from the sculptor.This was deferred.

Football Pitch

John inspected the area on Ashbourne Lane and declared it too small for a football pitch. He requested that the leveling of the pitch in the park be included in the minutes as a long term project. This was discussed and he was requested to gather some details for the next meeting when we may be in a position to put an outline proposition to the Parish Council for consideration before drawing up a project for funding.

Pond

There are huge problems with this mainly Health & Safety but also supervision, water quality etc and at present it seems unlikely we could go ahead with it.

Band Concerts

Two dates were confirmed for this year - 5th July and 27th September- both on Sundays.

The band representatives also requested a Bandstand as their long term project for which we should be able to get funding.

Interpretation Board

Clare said she would come up with some costs for the next meetin^g when the detail could then be discussed.

Litter Bin by bandstand steps

As this is a favourite gathering spot for young drinkers on a fine weekend it was felt that a litter bin under their noses might encourage some. at least. to use it. If it carried a reminder that young children use this area for play it might reduce the broken glass.

Constitution

Denis presented a constitution for consideration. This is essential if we are to apply for funding in the future. This was discussed and a few changes were agreed. Denis will have the new version ready for the next meeting. It was ratified as our official constitution

Play area

Mike advised that some money is available for renovation. It was agreed that if any equipment is to be replaced, it should be the two dead ducks near the see-saw

Caution Sign

Denis raised his concern about the danger of people walking on the path towards Bowling Green Lane at the corner of the concrete fence. This is blind and youngsters on bikes come down from Bowling Green Lane quite fast. It is a potential accident spot. He suggested that a 'Caution - look right' warning be painted on the path to alert people.

Insurance

Denis was asked to confirm with Sue that any event we put on will be covered by their insurance and risk assessment procedures.

Publicity

Denis agreed to draft a Press release about our group and what we are doing with emphasis on the Band Concert for the Advertiser, High Peak Radio. Parish Council website. Posters will be produced by the band. It was agreed that we use the band dates as a means of getting our message across to a wider audience and maybe attract more volunteers.

Telephone Tree

It was requested that a tree be created for easier communication for members.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be held on 6th July 2009 in the Town Hall Annex at 7pm
AGENDA

Flowers and plans for the Spring

Basketball net

Tree Sculpture

Football Pitch

Band Concerts

Interpretation board

Litter bin at bandstand

Constitution

Volunteers for Secretary and Treasurer

Play Area Caution sign

Task Days

Insurance

Any other business and next meeting

CONSTITUTION