Friends of Holmebrook Valley Park

October 2011 newsletter

The Annual General Meeting held on 28^th September was attended by 9 members

In the last year the Friends group has:-

• 1 Successfully sourced funding to improve the path linking Bridge no 2 all the way up to the lake on the north side of the stream. 
• 2 Organised the park’s first Country Fair – attracting around 500 visitors.
• 3 Maintained the Sensory Garden (near the Pavilion) by replacing plants lost during the last winter.
• 4 Further updated our website at www.holmebrookvalleypark.org.uk

The Friends group has also had some involvement in:-

• 1 helping Norma to establish the Café.
• 2 being consulted about the location of the new play area / outdoor gym near the lower car park.
• 3 having a Park Friends group has also been a criteria in the Council achieving the Green Flag Award for the park.

The following committee were elected at the AGM

Chair – Howard Langley, Vice Chair – Rob Gibson, Treasurer – Peter Barr, Secretary – David Haworth

Scott Webster from the Borough Council (Sports Development) gave a brief presentation to the meeting about proposed improvements planned for the football pitches on the east and south east plateaus. Much of the funding is secured and work will hopefully commence in summer 2012. The Friends group voted unanimously giving support in principle to this project which will provide much improved sport opportunities in the park, including football provision for younger children, girls and women.

During the open discussion of the AGM a number of concerns were raised.

In light of these the following actions were agreed

• 1. To encourage more member participation by holding more regular meetings – The next meeting date agreed as 2^nd November 2011 at Eyre Chapel starting at 7pm.
• 2. Improve the design of any posters about events or activities organised by the group, including a new logo for FHBVP.
• 3. Increase regular liaison with Park mangers and rangers to exchange information about Borough Council (CBC) park management, planned works, events and activities.
• 4. Pass on more information to FHBVP members.
• 5. Investigate the possibility of having voluntary rangers for the park.
• 6. Ask if football teams be responsible for litter clearing after their matches.
• 7. It was agreed not to hold a Summer Fair in 2012. This was mainly so that we could concentrate on recruiting more FHBVP members, and to progress more FHBVP group activities and park improvements.

At the next meeting we shall be looking in more detail of how we can progress the above items. So if you can help – please let us know.

Any one fancy helping with practical conservation work or being a voluntary ranger?

Do you have a flair for poster design or creating a Park logo?

Have you any other ideas to help enhance the park for visitors and wildlife? Then we need to hear from you – please come along to the next meeting and get involved.

Look forward to seeing you on 2^nd November

Best wishes

Howard Langley, Chairman

P.S. - Don’t forget to keep checking the website at www.holmebrookvalleypark.org.uk