Minutes of the meeting held at 22 Green Lane, Hersham
Tuesday 20th October 2009
Present:Sue Hazeldine Gwen Rasberry Audrey Seymour Mary Sheldon Les Sharp Mike Whyman
1) Apologies for Absence
Colin Flexman Betty Gosling Jenny James Colin Rands Jill & Colin Turvill
2) Minutes of the Meeting on 22nd September 2009
The Minutes of the meeting on 22nd September were accepted as correct except under item 12 AOB - Mike said that it was not he who had said Liphook had more council support than Hersham but it was agreed someone had, possibly Betty.
3) Matters Arising
Colin Flexman had spoken to Mary about the date for work to be done on the new bed in Esher Road, it was agreed to ask him to get it done as soon as possible. Sue said that as she will have her second eye operation on 10th November she would not be able to do much work for HinB over the following few weeks.
Gwen asked whether the weeds around the TeelaRoe bed had been sprayed, Mike W. said he had spoken to Colin R who had run out of weed killer but was getting some more and would do it. Gwen then asked whether a stronger one could be used as the effect soon wore off. Mike said that because of new EU regulations stronger ones were no longer available.
Mary then said that a lot of work had been done on Saturday, clearing some of the barrels and tubs, tidying up others, replanting some and putting green manure in others.
Les said that he had emailed Jennie with some of the questions raised at the last meeting but to date had received no reply, he was asked to send a reminder.
Mary is following up on the Christmas tree in the centre.
The water bowser project is progressing and waiting clearance from Health and Safety. Mike said decision is needed soon to allow time, if necessary, to find alternative site.
4) Co-ordinator’s Report
Mary reported that EBC is carrying out a consultation on dog control, some people thought this would mean dogs could not be exercised off the lead in green spaces in the borough. This would be the case in a few areas but in the majority it would be possible to let the dogs run free. Mary went on to say that it is still in the consultation stage and urged those interested to get on to the EBC website and make their views known.
Burhill School has a new deputy head who is keen on environmental matters and it might be possible for some co-operation with HinB but this will have to be agreed with the head and the governors first. Perhaps she could be invited to the November meeting
In the meantime local councillor, Ian Donaldson, has sold a hive, a shed and other bee-keeping equipment to the school (at a bargain price) and there are plans to teach beee-keping. Providing flowers for the bees is an area that HinB and the school could co-operate.
5) Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported that since 2007 when Hersham in Bloom started £7,321.28 had been raised and £6,049.37 spent leaving a balance of £1,271.41 less approx £80 in outstanding bills.
Mary suggested that in order to give Mike a chance to keep the books straight anyone spending money for HinB should let him have the receipts within a week.
Mike then said that we should apply to SCC for support as soon as possible before it can be pushed into the next financial year. Les is writing to Margaret Hicks.
Mike went on to say that he had been speaking about the Civic Improvement Scheme and been told another ‘in Bloom’ (probably Claygate) had received a grant for a watering scheme. Mary said she would contact them to see what she could find out. Grants would only be made for new projects not ones already being worked on and only for capital projects not for ongoing schemes. The grants are in the £500-£1,000 range.
It was agreed that watering is the main concern (no pun intended), possibly some stand-pipes around the village could be arranged. Mary said many shops did not water their barrels but Sue said TelaRoe had been very helpful.
Gwen offered a spare water butt to replace the broken one by the New Berry Lane car park and this was gratefully accepted.
Mike went on to say that in its first year HinB had received £500 from the Mayor’s fund but nothing since. Mary said she would speak to the Mayor to see whether it is worth applying.
Audrey suggested a barn dance as a fundraiser, Gwen said Jill & Colin Turvill might be able to help. Audrey said she would speak to Lesley about holding it at the Day Centre, Sue suggested February to liven up the time after Christmas.
Finally Mike said Hersham Residents Association held its fish supper last Friday and the profits would be split between HinB and the library. He didn’t know yet how much that would be.
6) Presentation Evening
Sue gave her apologies as she had a prior engagement that evening but she would give Mary the components of the game.
Derek Denyer also had a prior appointment so couldn‘t give the awards. Several alternatives were suggested including Tim Spearman of Squire’s and Chris Powell of Flowers & Things.
Waitrose has agreed to do the food and Mike to take the photos as Betty will be away. Mary will buy frames for prize-winners’ certificates
Gwen offered a new Marks and Spencer garden kneeler as a prize for the raffle and also some alcohol. Mary had a new gardening book and Mike offered some wine. All offers were gratefully accepted.
The schedule is.
6.00 pm – Members arrive to set things up
7.00 pm – Guests arrival, food and drink to be available. Photos shown on Judging Day will be on display. Sue will give the display to Gwen; Mary is trying to get the stands.(She has now done so) Raffle tickets on sale and the game in progress.
7.30 pm – A few words of welcome, possibly by Philip Tiele of TelaRoe, Mike Wallington of Village Mowers or Charles Flight from Castle Wildish. Mary will speak to them.
8.00 pm - Display of flower arranging by Betty Wagstaffe. Giver her posy as thank-you.
8.15 pm – Mike Whyman will give a short talk on the plans for next year, ask for suggestions on what people would like to see and how to recruit more helpers.
8.30 pm – Awards presentation and raffle results.
7) Plans for 2010
Sue outlined what was already lined up, the water bowser, the new bed in Esher Road and the flower meadow in the churchyard. If the bowling green were to be included on the 2010 route there would be some work that needed to be done but possibly this would fall under Jennie’s remit at EBC.
The two roundabouts on the approaches to the village, Barley Mow and Westcar Lane, need brightening up. Mary suggested asking the council to put some troughs at the Barley Mow one, Sue that low troughs around the edges.
Mary then asked whether it would be better for everyone to work together on the various projects or for them to be divided up, Gwen preferred for all to work together.
8) Any Other Business
The next meeting was arranged for 7.00 pm on Wednesday 18th November at 22 Green Lane.
Mary proposed a vote of thanks to Gloria and Les for hosting the meeting.
Minutes of the meeting held at the Bricklayers’ Arms – Hersham
Tuesday 22nd September 2009
Present:Colin Flexman Betty Gosling Sue Hazeldine Andy Pinnick Colin Rands Gwen Rasberry Mary Sheldon Les Sharp Mike Whyman
1) Apologies for Absence
Jenny James Brenda Ruffle Audrey Seymour Jill & Colin Turvill
2) Minutes of the Meeting on 29th June 2009
The Minutes of the meeting on 29th June were accepted as correct.
3) Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
4) Co-ordinator’s Report
Mary first said that everyone should be congratulated on getting a third silver award.
She then said that the new HinB website is up and running and handed over to Mike W. He said that after a considerable amount of effort he was now able to access the site and make changes adding information as it became available and taking off what was no longer relevant.
The next object would be to make it possible for Les too to do this but it would need a new programme on his computer. They are to get together soon to arrange this.
5) Treasurer’s Report
Mike reported that at the end of August there was £1,602.59 at the bank and since then approx £150 had been spent.
Mary said that she would apply for funds from the Civic Improvement Fund. This is money allocated by the Govt. to councils for various improvements and Mary thought HinB would qualify in two categories.
Sue said that one of the criticisms by the judges was the lack of information boards at Hersham Riverside and she thought some of the money should be spent there. Hersham Riverside had intended to wait until more species had established themselves before putting up the boards but it was agreed that Hersham Riverside be contacted to discuss costings.
A friend of Gwen’s had given a donation of £10 which the treasurer gratefully accepted.
6) Election of Officers
The co-ordinator, treasurer and secretary were asked to stay on and they all agreed.
7) Review of Marking Sheets
Betty went through the marking sheets pointing out the highs and lows of the judges’ comments. One criticism was that the hanging baskets had no flowers coming out from underneath. As these were provided by EBC not HinB Les was asked to contact Jenny and see whether changes could be made for next year.
Another was that a wild life area would be preferable to the mown area in the churchyard. Sue had spoken to the vicar and he would be happy with the change but EBC would need to be contacted, Les would also contact Jenny on this.
The judges would have liked to see more front gardens and activity with schools. There are a number of front gardens that could be included and the question of schools is covered under item 10
There was praise too including the Memorial Gardens, the tree seats, the new containers, the TelaRoe flowerbeds, Riverside Park, the nectar bar, local enthusiasm, the excellent display & photographs and well-produced itinerary.
8) Winter Planting
It was agreed that half of the barrels be planted for winter and Colin R suggested that a green manure such as mustard be planted in the others to keep the weeds down and it should be a plus point for the judges next year, this was agreed.
The other barrels would be planted with pansies, Sue & Gwen would contact Woodlarks to look at the quality and discuss costs but no decision would be made until other members were available.
Saturday October 17th was set for a work party to clear summer planting and replant. 9.30 am outside Choices.
Gwen asked whether Colin R would spray the weeds near the TelaRoe beds and he agreed.
Andy said that the earth in the bed around the Village sign needed to be changed and suggested that Burleys be asked to remove the old soil. Once again Jenny needed to be contacted.
Several people have ‘Buy One Get One Free’ vouchers from Squires for pansies but they need to be spent before the end of September.
9) Presentation Evening
Mary said that the date, 23rd October had been arranged at a meeting with Tim Spearman and asked for suggestions as to whom should be invited. Betty suggested the landlord of the Watermans as he had made a special effort this year, Stephen Knibb from Woodlarks was another name mentioned.
Derek Denyer, who did such a good job presenting the awards last year is to be asked whether he would do it again.
It was suggested that someone from RHS be asked to give a talk but then that it would be a better idea to ask one of the staff of Squire’s to give a demonstration of a winter flower or Christmas arrangement. A raffle was also suggested.
10) Plans of 2010
Colin F said that arrangements were being made for the proposed bed in Esher Road to be dug under the Pay Back Scheme and he is checking dates. The autumn would be preferable to give time for plants to establish. Mary said that once it is established she would approach nearby businesses for contributions.
Mary said that someone is needed to co-ordinate with schools to include them in the judging route. Betty said that Bell Farm already has a gardening scheme and Andy said his sister was chair of the Bell Farm PTA. It was agreed that contact should be made with Bell Farm.
Andy has been given a water bowser and has had it sprayed British racing car green with black framework, all for free. Some welding had to be paid for and some buckets for plants bought but for a comparatively small outlay HinB will have a prominent new feature. Once it is finished some photographs will be taken and negotiations can start where to put it, preferred place would be outside the Day Centre but permission is needed. Mary said “Well Done! Andy”
Colin R then thought some other arrangements should be made for watering rather than the burden falling onto a few people. Quotations would be sought for all or part of the watering from the man in Brampton Gardens and anyone else who might be available. Failing this it might be possible to use a stand pipe somewhere in the centre of the village.
11) Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 20th October, 7.30 pm at the Bricklayers
12) Any Other Business
Andy had spoken to Waitrose about Hersham in Bloom not being included in their charity gifts. The decision is made by a committee of staff and not the management but Andy pointed out is publicised as for local organisations and many of those who have benefited are not local. He is hopeful that HinB may be included in the near future.
Gwen suggested a Christmas tree in the shopping centre, Sue thought that would be nice and Mary that it was a lovely idea. It would probably not have lights and permission would have to be obtained from the landlord’s agent.
Betty gave her apologies for the next meeting and said 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the guides and that could be commemorated in next year’s presentation.
Sue said the priest of the Catholic church had complained the flower troughs by the Green obscured his view when turning from Burwood Road into Queens Road. Mary said she had never had a problem but would mention it.
Sue also said she and her husband had visited Liphook and it was glorious. Mike W said it had council support and much bigger support than Hersham