Minutes for Meeting 22nd November, 2022

Friends of Hillside Gardens

AGM

22^nd November 22

St Margaret’s Church, Streatham Hill

Present

Tom Stanbury – Co-chair

Nigel Duckers – Minutes Secretary                                                                              

Tony Emerson

Rosena Skeete

Dino Skeete

William Palau – Treasurer

Gerry McAteer – Palace Road Nature Gardens

Andreas Kappes – Comms

Stephanie Charalambous – Co-chair

Cllr Liz Atkins

Danuta Zaluga

Evan Lerwill – Secretary

Apologies

Cllr Rezina Chowdury

Christine Mukasa – Allotments

1	Welcome and Apologies   Tom welcomed everyone to the meeting. The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.
2	Chairman’s Report: Tom presented his summary of the year’s activity, which was characterised by the resurfacing of the sports surfaces, the new playpark and much frustration around dealing with Lambeth and its contractors. Several walkabouts have taken place in order to get a definitive snagging list but we are not confident that all will be done. Lambeth also seem to have no clear approach to maintenance and communication with ground-staff working in the park has been inefficient e.g. over leaf-clearance.   Outstanding issues include: The replacement of the pergolas fencing around the play park more gym equipment, Flood lights, Central lighting, Bike racks, mural: £13500 has been allocated for a mural (to be considered at next meeting) Servery in the Park Keeper’s Hut   The meeting enthusiastically and unanimously thanked Tom for his over 3 years as chair. TE commented that Tom had been the best chair he had worked with. He has widened the reach of the Friends, getting new people involved, and pushed forward on a range of issues on many fronts. Tom is going to continue his involvement with the park coordinating horticultural works. First up is the planning of 50 hedgerow plants which have been provided by the Mayor’s Tree Fund.
3	Election of Officers   The following were elected unanimously on a show of hands:   Role Proposed Seconded Chair: Stephanie Charalambous Rosena Skeete Liz Atkins Secretary: Evan Lerwill Tom Stanbury Stephanie Charalambous Treasurer: William Palau Tom Stanbury Liz Atkins Communications: Andreas Kappes Stephanie Charalambous Liz Atkins.   The meeting congratulated Stephanie on her election to Chair; she commented that she had ‘another year’s fight in her’.
4	Allotment: see communication from Christine Mukasa
5	Treasurer’s Report   We are still awaiting the opening of the bank account with Metro Bank. All necessary ID and checks have been completed. The members and trustees of the Friends of Hillside Gardens Park and Palace Road Nature Garden remain resolved to open a bank account with Metro Bank.    The following officials will be authorised to operate the bank account and the account signing rule:  William Palau (treasurer)  Evan Lerwill (secretary)  Christine Mukasa (allotment group representative)   The current balance stands at £5000.02 (cheque from HSBC from a previous account)£40,000 (Changing lives grant from Lambeth Council – awaiting new account for processing)   Nigel mentioned that £150 was donated by way of a memorial to June Hyde. There is some confusion on the provision of further benches but he will consult on a potential plaque.
6	Communications + Events   Andreas noted that 60% of Friends’ emails get opened; which is good. He would like to see improved noticeboards and earlier dates set for meetings and events – making them easier to publicise.   There was discussion about the schedule of events during the year ahead, following on from a successful sports day and a very well-attended Halloween fiesta. The outcome is a tennis event in May, sports day in September (suggested rebranding of ‘fun day’ because some events e.g. maths go beyond sports) and Halloween.
7	Serious about Tennis   Dino made a verbal report on the many aspects of community tennis provision, including the social tennis programme, classes attended by refugees, children’s coaching and competitive tennis. Hillside is the home club of Lambeth Youth Tennis, where our players are doing well (7th in the Youth Sports Games – our best result ever). Future plans include possibly setting up a crowd-funded Gifted and Talented scheme and maybe hiring a new coach to support expansion.
8	Palace Road Nature Garden   Streatham Theatre company have put forward the idea of using the stage for A Midsummer Night’s Dream; the stage will need some repair. Gerry will consider costings.
9	Meeting Dates (2023)   All 7.30 Mondays:   23 Jan 27th April 19th June 11th September 20th November AGM