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	Stoke Gifford Parish Council South Gloucestershire www.stokegifford.org.uk
	Friends of Meade Park

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ENHANCING MEADE PARK

The Parish Council and the Friends of Meade Park (Group), are working to enhance and improve and increase facilities for the whole community at Meade Park.

To date, there have been replacement rustic wooden benches, four new litter bins, two new dog bins, a new path, two new seats and the ‘active equipment’ near the car park.

Outstanding – as far as we are currently aware – are : Skate facilities and ‘active play facilities for 5 – 12 year olds.

Your opinions and ideas and comments would be appreciated.

The Parish Council has installed two new litter bins in the Park. Hope you like them!

It would be very helpful if those of you who use the park can encourage others to put rubbish in the litter bins, and dog poo in the dog bins.

It has also installed one new extra dog bin. All the dog bins are well used – well done!

Following consultation through Filton High School, the Parish Council installed Dynamic Sports Structures in Meade Park.

They are designed for cardiac and muscular stimulation, and the signage demonstrates the time on the equipment needed to equal energy expenditure if you were running.

The total cost of this equipment is £17651, of which £4977 came from the Greater Stoke Youth Trust (via the Local Network Fund (a central government grant system to provide facilities for young people); £3576 from South Glos Council; and the remaining £9098 from the Parish Council.

There are Bye Laws applying to Meade Park. Created by Northavon District Council in 1993. The Clerk to the Council has not yet found out how they could be enforced.

No motorised vehicles, No hitting hard golf balls, No bathing

Any person offending against any of these byelaws may be removed by an officer of the Council (which?) or a constable

Post comments on the web site...........................

Please ask your kids to take litter home or use the bins -- pleeaase!

Love Parks Week is organised by parks charity GreenSpace. Visit www.green-space.org.uk to find out more about the work they do.

The people of Stoke Gifford are to be congratulated. Many are litter picking while in Meade Park (and other parks too)

More resident involvement will be needed - any more volunteers? Phone Neil Pirie on 01454 865202 or e-mail him on stoke.gifford@btconnect.com

Friends of Meade Park

Friends of Meade Park

Meeting on Tuesday Sept 19th

Sue Trevascus, Maureen Leighton, Carole Phillips, Neil Griffiths, Neil Pirie

Apologies from Trevor Jones, Mark Mills, Clare Dron, Rosemary Baker and Kerry-Anne Turnbull

1. Footpaths – the Parish Council has agreed to pay for the construction of the two footpaths which Neil Griffiths kindly did the spec for, and the contractor has been instructed.

3. The Council had also agreed a further £1000 for two metal seats – it was agreed to order from BROXAP – at £518 each. One should be by new path, backing onto Hatchet Road trees – the other …..?

4. Exits : The price of £1868 for the installation of chicane guards at 5 entrances was regarded as a good price. The Crime Reduction Unit at Avon Police were satisfied they would do what was intended. Carole reported a yellow trail bike had come very fast through an entrance, and was noted this measure would prevent that happening. Waiting to learn whether Safer South Glos. will pay.

5. News of the ‘skysurf’ unit still awaited

6. Lighting – suggested asking T-mobile if a photo-voltaic panel could be mounted on their monopole

7. New litter bins arriving on 22nd. One to be on tump and the other near Samian entrance once path installed

8. The new Lottery Programme – Changing Spaces is still pending. Neil G. wondered if we had a budget for the preparation of the bid. Neil P assumed the lighting and new ‘equipment’ would be in the bid. Maybe it would be better to put in for a package relating to the Council’s Parks Strategy.

9. Budget – at this point in time, no budget was seen as needed. Neil P said he thought that if the Group was to fund raise etc, it would need a constitution, and he had asked for a copy of the one used by the Friends of Kingsgate Park in Yate
10.

11. T-Mobile mast proposal – unlikely we can influence

12. The existing play area – Inspector’s report pending, but more active equipment for 5-12 year olds could be on our agenda. Parents could be a) leafleted and b) consulted in next Parish Council newsletter

13. Muti-generational facilities (buzz word) – one example available in catalogue. More consultation needed.

14. Re-consulting YP – will be needed for lottery bid. Sue said her son began using the BMX Club at Patchway, but that a skate facility is still desired locally.

A date for another meeting was not arranged – If there is a demand for one, we can convene at short notice. Otherwise, it might be better to await details of the Lottery Programme. I will circulate the Play Inspection report.

Friends of Meade Park

Thursday July 20th at 7.30 pm 12 of us met in the Park

Clare and Andy Dron, Maureen Leighton, Carole Phillips, Bev Mills, Rosemary Baker, Mike Conner, Neil Griffiths, Trevor Jones, KerryAnne Turnbull, Sarah Caradine and Neil Pirie

Apologies from Sue Trevascus and Mark Mills

As the meeting was in the park, most people had brought no paperwork -
though one or two dogs.

Issues from before:

Lighting – NP had let this slip a bit, but was back on the case. He circulated two similar solar lights which would be about £2K each. Another from a park in S Wales is being actively pursued.

We were turned down for Parks for People as not being Heritagey enough. There is another Lottery Fund, which NP is beginning to explore

NP said he would like to begin a process of creating a list of actions which
appear in a priority order - for example, he had PC approval for expenditure
for 2 more litter bins (NB, next meeting create a desired budget(-)

It was obvious and confirmed by some of the group, that the new active
'sport' equipment is popular.

Young people - NP acknowledged that work on getting them on board had
dropped off, but that it should remain a priority - possibly through a youth
forum or the schools. The concept of a skate facility is still alive. NP
said he would like to consult with schools about the new equipment (is it
OK) and what kind of Skate facility would be preferred. (However, the
concrete bowl would be about £150K

An expanded car park was agreed to be low on a priority list, as was any
action on Dog Orders with the new legislation.

More litter bins would be welcomed – members of the group pick up a bag’s worth daily

More seating was requested – suitable for older people (with a back to it / them)

Desires

# Secure the park from mopeds and gypsies [NP will assess with contractor who is soon to replace anti-projectile netting at the North Road Recreation Ground]
# Create a path up the west edge
# Create a path from Winterbourne Road through the trees
( Neil Griffiths specifications had not got to NP beforehand, but they will be a very good basis for getting quotes)
# Sort play area's gates from staying open
# Sand and repaint the play area iron work
# Create a 'chicane' at the footpath entrance to Hatchett Road (another assessment with fencing contractor)
# Put in seating at the west edge (Neil will circulate pictures)
# Have 2 more litter bins - one on 'hill' and one towards Samian (Parish Council has already agreed to pay for these)

Friends of Meade Park

Notes of the meeting held on 21 March 2006

Present: Rosemary Baker, Sarah Caradine, Carol Phillip, Maureen Leighton, Neil Griffiths, Jayne Griffiths, Stephen Ashman, Sue Trevascus, Kerryanne Turnbull, Justin Howells, Trevor Jones

Apologies: Mark & Bev Mills, Neil Pirie, Brian Allinson

The notes from the previous meeting held on 21 February 2006 were agreed as a correct record.

Trevor explained that while young residents had been invited to attend via the School Council at Filton High none of the members of the School Council had expressed an interest as they resided either in Filton or other areas away from the park. Neil Pirie had reported that Ann Roberts (Asst Head, Filton High) would widen the net.

It was reported that the two benches had been installed and looked very nice. However the old posts and piles of infill had still not been removed by the contractors (JH/NP to chase)

The Sentinel litter bins were still outstanding

The published ‘wish list’ was discussed at length, amended and prioritized as follows:

Lighting – style, power output, distribution, etc to be decided – possibly to be funded via ‘Safer South Glos’

Upgrades to the footpath/bridge from the Winterbourne Road entrance

Footpath extension(s) from car park

Enlarge car park (in the longer term) meanwhile improve usage by remarking spaces. Add barrier to improve child safety (funded via ‘Safer South Glos’)

Provision for skaters/bikes within the bowls. To be inclusive for pedestrians/dogs, providing triple purpose use rather than misuse. Ramps supplied for the use of skateboarders should be able to withstand use by bikes

Equipment for 5-11 year olds should be prioritised above a teen shelter

Any teen shelter should be positioned adjacent to the car park, ie as far away from dwellings as possible but easily checked by adults/police. Should include a basketball hoop.

Fitness/proludic equipment

It was recognised that detailed costings might result in re-prioritisation to match available funding

The chairing of future meetings was discussed. It was noted that while Councillors were happy to attend and provide information that the Chairman of the Friends group should be appointed from within. Brian Allinson’s suggestion that the Chairmanship could rotate was discussed and accepted. The ladies deferred to the men!

Stephen Ashman, having previously expressed his readiness to be involved in financial aspects, agreed to discuss the Chairmanship with Mark Mills and Neil Griffiths

Access to external funding streams was discussed. Justin suggested that Neil Pirie contact Tina Rainey and Marian Jones at South Glos for advice. he pointed out that they had been very helpful in assisting the Bakers Ground group to obtain 60K funding in a year.

It was agreed that the possibility of Tina and Marian attending a future meeting should be investigated by Neil and/or Justin.

The arrangements for the litter-pick on 2 April were discussed. Sue pointed out that several of the youth pickers she had identified would be unavailable as they played football on Sundays.

Sue circulated a poster which was approved with the thanks of members. It was suggested that Neil Pirie’s contact details should be added.

Various avenues for publicity were discussed, Justin would speak to the reporter from the Observer

Date of next meeting: It was suggested that this be left for Neil to agree and circulate [NB, subsequent to the meeting it was noted that Mark Mills has football committee meetings on Tuesday nights!]

Notes of the meeting held on February 21^st, 2006-02-22

Present: Brian Allinson, Trevor Jones, Rosemary Baker, Clare Dron, Maureen Leighton, Carol Phillips, Neil Griffiths, Bev Mills, Mark Mills, Sue Trevascus, Neil Pirie

The Notes were agreed as a correct record.

Brian reported that the Parish Council had agreed to fund two replacement benches and two new litter bins in this financial year.

It was agreed, on a proposal from Bev and Mark Mills, to have the Rustic Benches from Tom Redfern at a cost of £660 (2)

It was also agreed to have two (2) Sentinel litter bins from Earth Anchors (hopefully with an attached panel with ‘Friends of Meade Park’. There could likely be more bins in the next financial year.

There were a number of suggestions for publicity: the Newsletter of the Parish Council, the Council’s web site, the Observer.

Golf: it was agreed that a notice should be installed (in the first instance at the car park , asking people not to hit golf balls.

Young people : reference was made to the shelter recently installed at Elm Park Filton at a cost of around £10,000. There was agreement that a shelter with seats would be a benefit as there is again a problem of congregating young people behind houses.

Park Lighting: Neil P reported finding a company which has solar powered bollards. He had last e-mailed them to ask if they would like a site to demonstrate them for marketing purposes. There was some discussion about underspent Safer South Glos lighting money. Neil P to contact John Kelly.

Neil P reported that he was trying to put together an application to the Local Network Fund for up to £7000 for facilities for young people or children. The fund wants to fund at least 70% of whatever is proposed. A shelter was suggested.

Neil is also trying to put together a grant application to the Lottery, for a pre application grant to work up a big application (min £250,000).

Issues: the wooden bridge is slippy; the paths from it are very muddy (wood chippings would be good); who would cut the grass into Constantine and Seyton; there is broken glass at the entrance to the play area.

Neil asked the group members to feel free to phone him as issues emerge.

The Western Power land is agreed to be leased in the same way as the South Glos land. (50 years peppercorn). It was suggested we ask WPD if they could provide any lighting.

Neil Griffith had a very useful book of equipment. He also reminded the Group that there is a shortage of equipment for 5-11 year olds.

Neil P showed the group a picture of possible teenage equipment. Anxiety was expressed about the Skysurf, on the grounds that ‘drunk yobs’ might damage it/themselves/others/

It was agreed to take steps to develop more dialogue with young residents. Mark would speak to a Deputy at Filton. Bev works at St Michael’s and there is a Green Team there. Sue has a group both prepared to talk, but also to litter pick. Brian had talked with a group that evening, one or two of whom would participate.

A Litter Pick event.

It was decided this would be on Sunday April 2^nd starting at 10 am (in the car park)

There are bags, gloves and litter picks in the office of the Parish Council. Goggles for going into bushes are on order.

Notices will be done beforehand.

The next meeting was arranged for March 21^st at 7.30 pm

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