2015 Clippings

On-going research; last updated 14 July 2016

 

19th January 2015 - Friends of Selly Oak Park

Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 19 January 2015

in the Scout Hut, Gibbins Road, Selly Oak

Present:       Andrew Schofield (Chairman), Dave Barker (Treasurer), Bob Curry, Marian Evans, Ken Pugh (Secretary) and Wayne Sallis.

Sue Amey (Area Parks Manager, BCC), Nicola Clarke (Quadron), Gerard Airey (Ariel Scouts) and John Moody (Ariel Scouts).

Representatives from the Lapal Canal Trust – Peter Best, Hugh Humphreys, Ray Jones, and Terry Stanton.

Apologies:       Ann-Marie McCarthy

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited those present to introduce themselves.

 

1       Lapal Canal Trust (LCT)

PB explained that LCT had now submitted to BCC their planning application for the restoration of the section of the canal from Harborne Lane Bridge to the western end of the Park, in anticipation of a watered section of canal being constructed across the Battery Site as part of Sainsbury’s Selly Oak Development.  AS pointed out that the only firm commitment from Harvest Partnership had been a green walkway, and that a canal was at this stage still an aspiration.  PB acknowledged that the project was budget limited, but was of opinion that a watered section of canal could be provided (within budget) by the redeployment of resources accruing from the reduced piling (relative to original specifications) suggested by experience gained through the restoration process so far.

HH, who had authored the LCT Planning Application, explained that it was LCT’s intention to reinstate the canal along the northern boundary of the Park as it had been in 1953 - which would require the removal of infill and some small trees – and provide a slipway for a 60ft pond adjacent to the Scout Hut, and a winding hole at the western boundary of the Park.  Full details could be found on the BCC Planning site.  He explained that surveys had revealed:-

·         The neighbours were in favour of the restoration;

·         There is no contamination, though 3000 m³ rubbish and 3000 m³ soil requires disposal off site;

·         c60 trees (mainly small, but 3 medium and 1 large) need to be removed;

·         Old (1792 and 1881) maps have yielded valuable background information;

·         The Park drains into the canal, that existing drains will remain in place, and that there is minimal flood risk;

·         Japanese Knotweed has been identified – and BCC in response has already programmed its control over the coming years (though complete eradication is unlikely to be possible);

·         Badger tracks have been observed, and appropriate arrangements will be incorporated to ensure badger protection;

·         Bats and bird nesting have been identified as issues needing appropriate care during restoration.

TS explained the arrangements whereby an IWA Waterways Restoration Group (WRG) would work on this first section to be restored during 8-22 August 2015 – focussing on repairs to the wharf wall between the Harborne Lane and Old Lodge bridges, and clearing the trees and debris / soil.

Discussion focussed on:-

·         Preference for boat moorings on the Park-side; and issues surrounding the possibility of north-side moorings;

·         Disposal of (top-soil?) infill – including the suggestion of its sale to be cash-earning;

·         Harvest’s challenge to CP4SO, and thus to FoSOP and LCT, to ensure that the walkways under Harborne Lane bridge (leading on from the green walkway or a watered canal across the Battery site) were safe and attractive and would lead to an area which was both inviting to the public and a connection to the Park.  This issue was noted and will be considered by both LCT and FoSOP separately in the first instance.  (GA subsequently suggested that FoSOP include the issue as a specific item on its next meeting agenda.)

PB drew attention to the proposed 200^th anniversary celebrations of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal during 2015, hoping that a suggested boat gathering in Selly Oak on 27^th June might coincide with, and supplement, the Selly Oak Festival.  Unfortunately the date for the Festival, so far dictated by the availability of the Fair, has been set for 20^th June.  Suggestion to remain for exploration of alternatives.

With mutual thanks for the dialogue, the LCT representatives left the meeting.     

2       Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 17 November 2014 was approved.

3       Matters arising: 

3.1  Millennium Wood

·         Maintenance to be undertaken during the week 14-22 February; Simon Needle and Dean Paul to guide and instruct the available Scouts in the work needed.  (Action: GA, SA, NC)

·         Activity to be registered in the Management Plan.  (Action: SA)

3.2  Memorial   

·              A Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) has been purchased.

·              Cost, including suitable tree protection, to be notified to AS/DB for payment.  (Action: NC)

·              Order plaque.  (Action: AS)

·              Arrange planting.  (Action: AS, KP, NC, SA)

3.3    Repairs to Nature Trail Signs

·            New signs ordered

·            To be fixed (Action: AS, KP)

3.4    Central Area of Park

·       Ongoing.  (Action: All)

3.5    Green Flag Award 2014/15

·       Suggestions for Management Plan:-

·         Progressing the woodland management works – planned for this winter;

·         Scoping out the proposal for the central area including identifying potential funding sources;

·         Tree planting – complete except for the memorial oak which will be done imminently;

·         Co-operation with LCT re restoration of canal on boundary of the Park.

approved, SA to incorporate as appropriate.  (Action: SA)

3.6    Carols in the Park

·                     Reviewed and agreed to repeat in 2015 – need to agree a date (Action: AS)

·                     Thanks expressed to NC for sourcing lights.  Bill required for payment.  (Action: NC, DB)

3.7    Football Pitches

·            Rotate pitches through 90^o to remedy excessive wear - remain on the to-do list; though no formal management provision included.  (Action: SA)

3.8     Active Parks  

·       JM advised that Dean Paul still has no positive support from Active Parks re access to toilet facilities at the Scout Hut for the walkers (11 walkers on last walk). One walker is to lodge a formal complaint.  AS agreed to write to Active Parks.  (Action: AS)

4       Festival 2015

·       Fair to visit Park for Festival on 20^th June 2015.

·       Stage will be available.

·       Run Festival from 11 am – 3 pm.

·       Run Football tournament from 11 am.

·       Juggler to be booked.  (Action: AS)

·       Falconry to be dropped this year.

·       Dog Show required. (Action:  AS to speak to Louise)

·       “Where’s Mary?” to be invited again. (Action: KP)

·       Suggestions for further activities:

·       Reptiles / Animal man. (Action: AS)

·       Selly Oak’s got Talent event.  (Action: ?)

·       Local bands – vote for favourite / winner with 10p in a bucket - prize of a discounted recording session? (Action: ?)

5    Any Other Business

5.1   Birmingham Heritage Forum

·       Subscription (£40) for 2015 agreed.  (Action: DB)

6       Date of Next Meeting  

·       Monday, 16 March 2015, at 6 pm in the Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road.

16th March 2015 - Friends of Selly Oak Park

Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 16 March 2015

in the Scout Hut, Gibbins Road, Selly Oak

Present:       Andrew Schofield (Chairman) and Ken Pugh (Secretary).

Nicola Clarke (Quadron) and John Moody (Ariel Scouts).

Apologies:       Dave Barker, Bob Curry, Marian Evans, Sue Amey and Gerard Airey.

1     Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 19 January 2015 was approved.

2     Matters arising: 

2.1  Millennium Wood

·         Maintenance was undertaken during the week 14-22 February; thanks were expressed to Simon Needle, Dean Paul, Gerard Airey and those Scouts who did the work.

2.2  Memorial   

·              Thanks expressed to those who met at the Park on 2^nd March when a Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea) was planted in recognition of the encouragement and guidance given to the Friends by the recently retired Constituency Parks Manager, Simon Cooper.

·              An invoice remains outstanding.

2.3  Repairs to Nature Trail Signs

·            Thanks were expressed to AS for re-fixing vandalised Nature Trail (Millennium Wood and Park Gift) signs.

·            The Finger Post (stored in the compound) requires to be replaced, if it is still fit for purpose having been vandalised.

·            It was noted that there has been very little vandalism in the Park in the last 6-12 months.

2.4    Central Area of Park

·       Agreed to place on the agenda for the next meeting (Action: KP), having in the meantime:-

·       Visited Victoria Common, Northfield to view the features recently installed there (- subsequently agreed a group visit between 12 noon and 2 pm on 21^st April).  (Action: All)

·       Organise a consultation on a proposal at the Festival on 20^th June.  (Action: AS)

2.5    Carols in the Park

·                     Outstanding cheque required.  (Action: AS, AMc)

3      Festival 2015

·       Martin the Juggler booked.

·       Dog Show to be organised by Louise.  Allocate to main arena.

·       “Where’s Mary?” booked.

·       Suggestions for further activities:

·       Fireworks Cheerleaders

·       Reptiles / Animal man.

·       Local bands (via local recording studio?)

·       Bournville School – Brass and jazz bands

·       Tree Surgeon attraction (Blythe Valley)

·       Tractor (Quadron?)

·       Farm Animals (?)

·       Fruit donated from an organic grower

·       Tombola

·       (Table top sale - Allowable?)

4    Any Other Business

·       Planting fruit trees and developing vegetable plots – for future discussion.

·       “Big Lunch” picnic, as part of Festival or to alternate with Festival year on year – for future discussion.

·       Lapal Canal Trust have submitted their formal plans for regeneration of the canal adjacent to the Park.  FoSOP (and CP4SO separately) has formally responded in favour of the plans.  

6       Date of Next Meeting(s)  

·       Monday, 27^th April 2015, at 6 pm in the Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road. (Festival Planning)

·       Monday, 18^th May 2015, at 6 pm in the Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road. (Normal Committee)

23rd July 2015 - Keep Britain Tidy

Announced that Selly Oak Park had retained its Green Flag status.
See:     http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/greenflagawards2015/2334


20th September - Friends of Selly Oak Park

Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 20 September 2015

in the Scout Hut, Gibbins Road, Selly Oak

Present:           Andrew Schofield (Chairman), Dave Barker (Treasurer), and Ken Pugh (Secretary).

Nicola Clarke (Quadron) and John Moody (Ariel Scouts).

Apologies:       Sue Amey (Area Parks Manager, BCC), Marian Evans, Adrian Langley (Ariel Scouts) and Ann-Marie McCarthy (Vice-Chairman).

1       Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 18 May 2015:  Not available.

2       Matters arising: 

Central area of Park  The survey / “opinion poll” conducted during the Festival in June indicated that some form of seating area was preferred.  Agreed i) to notify SA, and engage her help with further development, ii) obtain her agreement in principle (Action AS), iii) place on agenda of the next meeting (Action KP) to finalise proposals, following which iv) NC would assist with drafting a grant application.

3      Festival 2015 - Review

·       The general opinion was that the Festival had been a success, especially as there had been a small profit. 

·       Even with help from Mu Caddy and Simon Stafford (for which many thanks), the committee had been stretched on the day.  Yet more assistance is needed.

·       The Dog Show had been a great success, thanks to the very efficient and personable organisational skills of Louise Francis Taylor (for which thanks, and to her helpers).  Public participation had been enthusiastic and appreciative, and owners’ subsequent pleas were that the event be repeated.  It was suggested that perhaps the Dog Show might become the core of the event of the Festival.  Letters of appreciation to be sent to Louise and to the vet who supported the event.  (Action AS).

·       “Where’s Mary?” had performed sterling work, filling in during much of the day, and compensating for what turned out to be rather shorter inputs than expected from others.  A letter and token of our appreciation to be sent to “Where’s Mary?”  (Action AS). 

·       The donkey rides had been very popular, were a good draw, and are worthy of repeating at future events.

·       A local music group had been present at the festival – suggested that we invite them to help us arrange future entertainment in exchange for a free stall and sponsorship through advertising on Festival literature.  (Action AS).

·       As always the Scouts input had been invaluable to the Friends, whilst at the same time giving their funds a boost and providing a team building opportunity in their new circumstances.  Recognising the value to them, the Scouts had very kindly agreed to waive hire costs for the Scout Hut for committee meetings of the Friends – and it was asked that thanks for this be minuted.

·       Decided to run a Festival in 2016 – and to liaise with Robert Wilkinson to determine a mutually agreeable date.  (Action AS).

·       Damage had occurred to the Selly Oak interpretation board and also to the brick gate-pillar at the main entrance to the Park in Gibbins Road – caused by manoeuvring a fair vehicle – repairs in hand, being arranged by SA at RW’s expense.  (Action SA).

·       Discussed holding a “Big Lunch” event, either with the Festival or as a replacement for it – decided to stay with what we know and do well.

4.    Carols in the Park 2015

Agreed to run the event on Saturday, 5^th or 12^th December at 5 p.m. in the same way as previous years.  AS to make application for park use and to notify and liaise with others likely to be involved.

5.    Any Other Business

5.1    Football Pitches   Thanks were expressed to NC and Quadron staff for making good the surface in the football area in time for the Festival, for marking out a new pitch, and installing temporary goalposts loaned from the Scouts.

5.2      Thanks   NC expressed thanks to the Committee for their work during the year.  In return NC was thanked for her unflagging support and encouragement of the Friends.

5.3      Park use   It was reported that earlier in the summer a couple of requests for Park used had been received for somewhat ill-defined events at very short notice.  It was clarified that for private functions / parties of relatively small size, not using other facilities, permissions were not necessary.  However for larger events and those involving other facilities (and e.g. the use of BBQs) permission was required, and this should be sought from the Parks Department, via SA; the Friends could not give that permission.  Applications for permission need to be made 3 months in advance.

6.      Dates for future meetings

Ordinary committee meetings - in the Scout Hut, Monday evenings at 6 p.m. – on 16^th November 2015, then next year on 18^st January, 21^st March, and 16^th May.  The final Committee meeting of the series will be at 2 pm on Sunday 18^th September, followed by the AGM at 3 p.m.

(When the 2016 Festival is confirmed, dates will be announced for separate planning meetings.)

7.      Date of Next Meeting 

Monday, 16^th November 2015, at 6 pm in the Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road.

20th September 2015  -  The Friends of Selly Oak Park

Minute of the Annual General Meeting

held at 3 p.m. on 20th September 2015 in the Scout Hut, Gibbins Road.

Present:                Andrew Schofield (Chairman), Dave Barker (Treasurer), Bob Curry and Ken Pugh (Secretary).

John Moody (Ariel Scouts)

Also Attending:  Malcolm  Argyle, Richard Chivers, John & Deena Dixon, Hugh Humphreys, Christine McCanley, A.N. Other (apology - name cannot be read), Rex Perreau, Sigvard von Sicard, and Tom Whateley.

Apologies:            Sue Amey (Area Parks Manager, BCC), Nicola Clarke (Quadron), Marian Evans, Adrian Langley (Ariel Scouts), and Ann-Marie McCarthy (Vice Chairman).

The Chairman thanked everyone for their presence and support of the Friends.

1.      The Minute of the AGM held on 21^st September 2014 was approved.

2.      There were no Matters Arising.

3.      Annual Report from the Chairman

Friends of Selly Oak Park

Chairman’s Report 2015

This year we have undertaken repairs to the Nature Trail including two replacement signs. Unfortunately there has been some further vandalism since, but the signs are still readable.  We also repaired the willow sculpture which involved weaving in new growth.  Some areas are now so vigorous we will probably need to cut back rather than weave in next time.

We also had around ½ dozen new ornamental trees (provided by Birmingham Trees for Life) planted near the Scout Hut entrance to the park including one tree that was donated by a gentleman on the occasion of his engagement.  Another (provided by the Friends) was planted to mark Simon Cooper’s retirement from the role of Area Parks Manager, and we once again thank Simon for all his hard work on behalf of the park over the years.

We organised two events during the year.  Our third “Carols in the Park” in December 2014 was another success.  Our main event was the Selly Oak Festival in June.  This saw the welcome return of Robert Wilkinson’s Fun Fair who sponsor the event with around £1000.  Other attractions included Donkey Rides and the very popular Dog Show.  The event was also sponsored by the University of Birmingham for £500.

Unfortunately one of the fair trucks got stuck between the History of the Selly Oak sign and the gate post, damaging both.  Birmingham City Council are pursuing the repairs.

We would like to thank Ariel Scouts for the free use of their hut for meetings.  We also thank Sue Amey (BCC Area Parks Manager) and Nicola Clarke (Quadron Services) for all their help during the year.

Andrew Schofield

20 September 2015

Thanks were expressed to Andrew Schofield for his sterling work and energy expended on behalf of the park and the Friends.

4.       Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer tabled his report for the period 21^st September 2014 to 20^th September 2015.  It showed a balance brought forward into the period of £2,709.39, and after all Festival and other activities, a balance of £2,024.58 to carry forward.  It was noted that about £1,000 of this actually belonged to the St Mary’s Neighbourhood Forum, the Council having paid some Forum money into the Friends’ account, since the Forum are without a bank account.

Thanks were expressed to Dave Barker, our Treasurer, for his constant monitoring of our finances.

5.      Election of Committee and Officers

With no further nominations, and the current members willing to continue, the existing officers and committee were re-appointed en bloc:

Chair  –  Andrew Schofield

Vice-Chair  –  Ann-Marie McCarthy

Treasurer  –  Dave Barker

Secretary  –  Ken Pugh

Committee members  –  Bob Curry, Marian Evans and Malcolm Smith.

6.      Lapal Canal Trust (LCT)

The Chairman introduced Mr. Hugh Humphreys, a member of LCT, who gave an illustrated presentation on the Planning Application submitted by LCT to Birmingham City Council for restoration work along the route of the former Dudley No.2 (Lapal) Canal.  Mr. Humphreys responded to a Q&S session from the floor of the meeting, and was subsequently thanked with acclaim.

There being no other business, the meeting was closed at 4.00 p.m.

16th November 2015  -  Friends of Selly Oak Park

Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 16 November 2015

in the Scout Hut, Gibbins Road, Selly Oak

Present:           Andrew Schofield (Chairman), Dave Barker (Treasurer), Bob Curry and Ken Pugh (Secretary).

John Moody (Ariel Scouts).

Hugh Humphries and Terry Stanton (both Lapal Canal Trust).

Apologies:       Nicola Clarke (Quadron), Marian Evans, and Ann-Marie McCarthy (Vice-Chairman).

1       Minute of the Committee Meeting held on 20 September:  Approved.

2       Matters arising:  None other than items on this meeting agenda.

3       Lapal Canal

HH & TS described the recent work undertaken (gratis) by Carey’s on digging out a large part of the  Harborne Wharf; and the discovery that generally the exposed retaining walls were in good condition, as was the clay lining – following which infill had been removed to within 100 mm of the clay lining, leaving a protective soil cover.  After completion of the work on 17^th November, LCT were to erect a wooden post and rail fence, 1 metre high, as a safety measure around the excavated area. 

They discussed the work required to lower the gas pipe on the east of the Sainsbury site and spoke about the funding that would be required to ensure there was a watered connection from the B&W Canal to the Harborne Wharf, recognising that Harvest had still only committed to a green walkway without match funding of ca £700k.

TS advised that the 200 yr celebration of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal would be taking place on 5^th December, and that there would be peals of bells from major churches along the line during the day.

HH & TS were thanked for their attendance and input; and at this point they left the meeting.

4       Carols in the Park

Arrangements were made for this event to be held on Saturday, 5^th December:

·                 Available members meet at 3 pm to put lights on tree and erect gazebo

·                 Band rehearsal at Scout Hut at 4 pm

·                 Gather at tree at 4.45 pm

·                 Carols, readings and prayers – to be arranged by Riverside Church

·                 Take down lights at 1 pm on Sunday

·                 AS to buy glo-sticks

·                 AS to obtain Temporary Event Notice

·                 KP to post a plea for more musicians via Facebook.

5       Central Area of Park – in the absence of Sue Amey, this item was deferred to the next meeting.

6       Festival 2016 – item deferred, awaiting confirmation of dates from Robert Wilkinson.

7       AOB

·                AS advised that Gibbins Road was to have speed ramps and be made a 20 mph zone.

·                DB/AS noted that the Festival 2015 money had still not been paid to us even though receipts had been submitted.

8       Date of Next Meeting: 

Monday, 18th January 2016, at 6 pm in the Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road.