Date: 24 03 2025
Location: The Woodlawns Centre
Present: Nigel Duckers – Minutes Secretary; Stephanie Charalambous – Co-Chair; Rosena Skeete; Tom Stanbury; Nick Peacock; Tony Emerson; Melodie Everett; Lucy Metcalfe; Robert Doyle; Annette Vaudrey; Sandy McClymont; Girene McClymont; William Palau; Eleanor Clough-Delaney
Apologies: Evan Lerwill – (Co-Chair); Andreas Kappes; Dino Skeate Paola Serrau
| 1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES The Chair welcomed attendees and introductions were made. |
| 2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed to be a true and accurate record. |
| 3. CHAIR’S REPORT – see Appendix 1 Steph gave the Chair’s report, written by Evan who was sick. Particular mentions were given to: the removal of the graffiti from the mural; a new bench; the successful bid for a £6k grant for PRNG pond; the upcoming Partnership Board. Tom has maintained links with the police, particularly liaising on PRNG safety. The issue of litter was raised and the absence of bin-liners on the tennis courts. Also, the bin near the MUGA has been moved. It was suggested that we move it back into its original more convenient position. Steph will ask at the Partnership Board whether Lambeth were providing the bin liners and if they can do so. Will Palau agreed to make a poster for displaying on the courts, pointing out that it is the responsibility of park-users to take away their litter. |
| 4. DEPOT The meeting was updated on the positive meeting with Lambeth about the depot; prior to a further meeting to take place that week with Lambeth surveyor, Ben Nwanze. Discussion focussed on whether we need a licence to occupy, a licence to alter the building, or a lease (which would encompass both the above). We think a licence to occupy would be a good start and allow for opening the hatch and beginning to generate sales, with a possible lease later. We want to avoid a) anything more than a peppercorn rent b) responsibility for the maintenance of the building, especially the roof c) charges for water and electricity attached to the WCs. The issue of Eduardo’s equipment was discussed. Retaining this ‘as is’ is not compatible with future plans. Options discussed were to have a second shed, or use cupboards in the depot. It was also suggested that Eduardo might need help with rationalising kit that is not being used. It was agreed that the best approach would be for Lambeth – who want the equipment moved – to set out a timeline and for us then to offer to assist him and seek solutions to help him. |
| 5. GARDENING – see Appendix 2 Tom reported on gardening in the park. There is a stable core-group on Saturday mornings; new composting bins have been made using pallets; around 15 high-vis vests are being purchased for volunteers. These will help make the voluntary support for the park more visible; the jackets can also be used at events. Frustration was expressed that Lambeth have not produced a sustainable management plan for the park going forward and the Friends will continue to press for that at the Partnership Board. |
| 6. PRNG PRNG has been erroneously publicised as a Local Nature Reserve since 2018, however this is not formally the case. Lambeth are now completing formal arrangements so that the full designation should be in place by April. This will also extend to land on Palace Road Estate and at the local reservoir. The LNR will require a formal committee – and a junior management committee – and also a management plan; so there are opportunities for us to be involved and influence. Nick Peacock reported on the £6k grant received from Starbucks, 12 months to spend the money. He is working with The Conservation Volunteers (who originally built the pond – now leaky) to cost options and see what the money will buy; essentially, relining the current pond or making smaller ponds at different levels. Nick has plans for sources of ‘top-up’ money if need be. It is hoped that the works will be undertaken in June. The money is already in the Friends’s bank account and Will Palau (Treasurer) will separately account for expenditure. |
| 7. MAYDAY Eleanor is leading on planned Mayday celebrations in the Nature Garden. We have access to a maypole; Tony made contact with a local morris dancer; Sing Out Streatham have been invited. It was agreed that any music should be at a volume appropriate to the Nature Garden. There was discussion about having a tug-of-war competition and where it would be safest to do this; the verge was suggested. Also, whether The Hive would be open to serve teas and coffees and access lavatories. Other ideas include; arts and crafts; and a nature trail. |
| 8. COMMUNITY GARDENS Meredydd and Christine have made progress on the framework agreement. Annette Vaudrey attended from the group but had not been briefed for the meeting. |
| 9. SPORT AND TENNIS A tennis club was opened on the park land in 1926 and Rosena is leading on centenary tennis celebrations. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find any archive photos. We are trying to contact anyone with memories of the old club. A celebration of tennis day is being planned for the end of April/early May, with open tennis. There is an idea to have a photocall of anyone who has ever played on the courts. Other plans underway are for a Hillside tournament; junior events; girls-only tournament etc. It was agreed that is we want to invite the Mayor to the sports day we should make an early bid to do so. |
| 10. AOB Tony reported that losses at The Hive – which has been closed because of vandalism – will amount to around £30k. |
| 11. DATES OF NEXT MEETINGS 23rd June 25; 29th Sept 25; 17th Nov 25 AGM |
Friends of Hillside Gardens And Palace Road Nature Garden 