The meeting was held at the Tite & Locke.
Present
Andrew Brennand (Chair), Hilary Short, Ian Diffenthal, Ian Procter, Jane Parker, Lynne Wigginton, Mark Tanner, Sharon Diffenthal, Sue Nieduszynska, Sue Pope
1. Apologies
Dave Brookes, Geoff Oliver, Mick Short
2. Minutes from the last meeting
- These were agreed subject to the clarification in item 3.
3. Matters Arising
- Clarification that the treasurer’s estimate of annual costs of £10.5K are background running costs only and do not reflect the total costs each year, which are substantially higher and detailed in the annual accounts.
- LGGS and Local Nature Reserve status – response awaited
- Spending of the Burtonwood legacy was raised at the AGM – letter has gone to Lancaster City Council (LCC) asking about purchasing land that we currently lease. Ian Procter is pursuing the possibility of acquiring new land.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Bank balance
| Date | 18/11/25 | 21/10/25 |
| Coop | 62,401 | 64,515 |
| Skipton | 85,000 | 85,000 |
| Total | 147,401 | 149,515 |
This includes the Burtonwood legacy of £54,760 received in 2023
Funds
Restricted
First Trenitalia £6995 (Cycle Hub)
Duchy £600 (Benches)
Total: £7595
General
£139,806
Balance
£147,401
Anticipated Income
- Wind turbine grant £2300
- Skipton Building Society donation £400
Significant Expenditure
- Legal bill for Land Audit £1321
- Woodscape, delivery costs for new benches £862
5. FFOG
- Dave Brookes has received two communications about grazing the hay meadow – we will lose £78 p.a. There is a minor discrepancy around the over-winter stubble not being quite as large as it should be – this will not affect our grant funding.
- Cattle have been entering the reed beds, we need a more substantial barrier.
- Volunteers have been hedge laying. This is part of a four year project.
- Bird feeding has started – thanks to volunteers. Linnets have been seen.
- Growth of willows near the ponds – these will remain if they are to the North of the ponds as they won’t shade the ponds.
- Offers of saplings will only be accepted if we need that type of tree. All offers must go via Sue N.
- We need to to get more young people and families involved in Saturday volunteering.
- Sapling planting on Saturday 10 January – need to publicise – just 400 saplings this time but it is an awkward location.
- Cromwell Road notice board will be refurbished as part of replacing the playground benches. We need to decide where it will be relocated. Sue N will look with Rebekah and report back.
6. Playground
- Lease renewal – trustees have discussed LCC’s proposal and Andrew has requested some minor changes on their behalf.
- Cycle Hub – installation will hopefully be before Christmas – Andrew to check with Mike.
- Benches – paperwork has gone through and manufacture is underway. LCC will pay to save VAT and we will pay LCC.
- Little Free Library (https://littlefreelibrary.org/ ) at the playground. Andrew and Lynne met on 10 November to identify possible sites. Volunteers may well be able to install the library cabinet. It needs to be on a paving slab to prevent rot. Lynne agreed to start a crowd funding campaign and we will use the proceeds from carol singing as well. Katharine Woodfine, a local children’s author, is very supportive of this initiative and may be happy to be involved in an ‘opening’ ceremony.
- Playground equipment repairs are complete and the language board has been repaired.
- New bins have not yet been delivered or installed. This is something we need to chase – Andrew to check with Mike.
- Replacement of steel plaques from previous playground that marked key milestones to be investigated. Ideally we would get another one made to mark the new playground in 2024.
7. The Triangle
- Nothing to report.
8. Website, Facebook, Instagram and Newsletter
- Recent developments mean we can look at more efficient ways of communicating accurate and timely information to members. Mark is working with Andrew to manage communications.
- Possibility of online shop for the calendars, notelets and recipe book – this is something we would like to pursue for 2026, ensuring we have a good lead time.
- After the Green Fair we will publicise the calendars, etc.
9. Education
- The two schools (Dallas Rd and Morecambe Bay Primary) have cancelled coming to the Nature Reserve on 1 December (rescheduled from 24 November).
10. Fundraising update
- Lucy Brook redevelopment –LEF funding decision due December. Bid to National Lottery environment fund for £11K will be submitted in December.
- Footpath repairs – we can bid to LEF for funding. We now have three quotes.
- Saplings will need to be paid for, before we get the funding
- QR code project – on hold
- Fairfield Cycle Hub – Mike is ordering a second pod.
- Oral history – ongoing
11. Events
- Green Fair 22 Novemberwill be held at St Thomas’ church rather than Friends Meeting House – volunteers needed to help staff the stall.
- Carol singing on Christmas Eve. We need to start at the opposite end of Fairfield on Sibsey Street.
12. AOB
- No cycling sign needs putting up near Lucy Brook and Westfield.
- Dog fouling – this seems to have reduced.
13. Date of next meeting
- The next meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at the Tite & Locke.