Minutes AGM November 2025

Friends of Hillside Gardens & Palace Road Nature Gardens AGM

17 November 2025

The Woodlawns Centre

Present

Nigel Duckers – Minutes Secretary, Evan Lerwill – Co-Chair, Stephanie Charalambous – Co-Chair, Nick Peacock, Tony Emerson, Melodie Everett, Lucy Metcalfe, Robert Doyle, Eleanor Clough-Delaney, Ian Peres da Costa, Andreas Kappes

Apologies

Tom Stanbury, Dino Skeate, Rosena Skeate, Amy Roe, Will Palau

WELCOME AND APOLOGIES   The Chair welcomed attendees and introductions were made.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING   The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed to be a true and accurate record.

CHAIR’S REPORT – see Appendix 1   Evan provided a written report and Step added-in verbally. Evans reflection on his tenure included the success of the Halloween event; the transformation of the play area over time; the burgeoning of the Saturday Morning Gardening Group; and work achieved in PRNG. He commented that it had been a privilege to be Co-Chair. Steph added in reflections on the growth of our events programme: including working with Lambeth Events and with the Streatham Film Festival; as well as Halloween, and, of course, the dog show.   Both Co-Chairs are stepping down from the role. The meeting recorded a vote of thanks to them and gave them a round of applause.   Others present commented on the success of the Halloween event and, in particular, how it has helped the nature garden be better known and better used. Tony reported that The Hive had £700 of taking that day and were. very pleased to be involved; Nick said 300 people attended. Steph suggested that we should consider a Spring even, with the Hive and involving the ponds.   From 14th November the PRNG is now officially designated a local nature reserve.   Meredyth has been in touch with us, mentioning the depot and the Growing Area Partnership Agreement. Nick and Kevin talked about the use of the Children’s Centre. The lease to Hitherfield is until 2029. The One O’clock Club operates 5 hours a week. Kevin said he would check if that fulfilled the lease. Our view is that the building is under-used and could generate much-needed income. But Lambeth will be unlikely to support change prior to the lease renewal.

Treasurer’s Report – see Appendix 2   It was noted that the Sum-Up card reader had now operated properly during Halloween due to an issue with the QR code. This has now been rectified. Tony raised the issue of Gift Aid. Robert said that donations via Crowdfunding attracted GA but that it was not worth he admin for small amounts.   Metro Bank will be charging us £3/month going forward. Our bank balance stands at £3583.

Gardening Group – see Appendix 3 (Tom’s Report)   Robert commented that a rogue dog and owner had caused damage to cherry and plum saplings in the dog-free area. The police would be informed. The proposed trial use of a bin on the MUGA was raised by Nigel. Evan said it would be raised at the Partnership Board.

Allotment   There was no formal report from the Growing Group but allotment holders Evan, Lucy and Robert were all present. Numbers are healthy; the allotments are looking well-kept; visitors enjoyed activities on the allotments during the Fun Day and the involvement of the allotment holders was appreciated. Lucy mentioned that the compost bins needed better signage as to what was ready for use etc; currently this is a bit of the ‘luck of the draw’. Nick suggested that the composting of the gardening group and the growers should be better aligned; it was agreed that this should happen and that the groups might usefully arrange to coincide.   Dino has purchased a shed for his tennis equipment. Lambeth are looking into how to fix the falling-down fence. Meredyth has measured up. The homeowner has lost patience with the paperwork involved and has asked Lambeth to fix it.

Palace Road Nature Gardens   Nick reported on the success of the Halloween event and on the year in general. There has been no antisocial activity and, in general, the NG has welcomed more visitors and more people are comfortable in visiting. The funding of the new pond and the building of the new boardwalk happened in July. There are currently 2 ponds with 3 more planned. A further application to Frog Life for £1500 did not materialise; Nick is working on more applications. There are aquatic plants to put in the pond in the spring and seeds for a wetland meadow to sow.   Three butterfly walks have now been held; a scything workshop; a corporate event with Starbucks; bulb-planting etc. It was good to see PRERA (Palace Road Resident’s Association) support the Halloween event, including with a £100 donation. They have also promoted walks and activities in the NG.   There are increasing numbers of birds using the NG, and sightings of interesting and unusual bird such as Firecrests and Grey Wagtails.    Meredyth has promised two noticeboards for the railings. Nick would also like to see an interpretation board. Eleanor suggested a possible regular slot for activities and work in the NG eg on a Sunday.

Election of Officers   The following elections were held by acclamation:   The Chair position is held by Nick Peacock, who was proposed by Steph and seconded by Tony. The Vice Chair and Communications role is held by Robert Doyle, proposed by Evan and seconded by Eleanor. Nigel Duckers serves as Minutes Secretary, having been proposed by Eleanor and seconded by Evan. The role of Secretary is held by Evan Lerwill, who was proposed by Nigel and seconded by Andreas. Will Palau will continue in role as Treasurer Christine will continue in role as Grower’s Secretary Steph will continue to help with events   Special thanks were recorded to Andreas for all the work the has done on Communications.

Goals This item was held over until the next meeting.