FRENCHAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Thursday 18th November 2010 held at the Unitarian
Chapel Frenchay.
Present:
register.
Members of the public and committee members which are recorded in the attendance
1.
Welcome
The Chairman welcomed everybody to the AGM.
2.
Apologies
Mike Pick, Trevor Jones, Karen Skuse, Alan Freak and Sylvia Jolly.
The sad news was announced that Margaret Burchill has passed away.
3.
Presentation by Paula Spiers – Bristol City Council (Avon Frome Development Officer).
Paula presented a very interesting talk on the Frome Valley from the city centre to the source
of the Frome near Dodington House (21.9 miles). Several changes have been noted over the
decades from a decline in the European eel and white clawed Cray fish through to the invasive
Himalayan balsam. These issues are being managed but it is a long process.
Copies of the maps have been sent to Anthony for general distribution.
4.
Flower Show by Martin Shepherd and David Lloyd.
The new show date is 16th July 2011. The show was a resounding success – more visitors
and income. All ages were involved which is a credit to the community spirit which this event
has encouraged. The committee are keen to ‘grow’ the horticultural side in future events and
enter a class from allotments. This is the only flower show left in Bristol.
Key Figures – gate takings 2009 £3K and 2010 £4.2K. Total income up by 11% to over £7K.
The evening dance took nearly half as much as the show. 85% of the profits are given away to
local causes and £2K has been kept for a ‘rainy day’.
5.
Election of Members
All members were re-elected.
6.
Chairman’s Report
a) Lights out decision is imminent – lights out from midnight to 5am. The concerns from
residents are increased crime and accidents. Also the possibility of great difficulty in fog was
raised. It was thought pragmatic if the council identify high risk areas and illuminate
accordingly. A show of hands was taken and it appeared to be 50/50 for and against.
b) Bunding alongside Cedar Hall has prevented parking on the grass but it has on occasions
made it difficult to exit Cedar Hall.
c) Planters at entrances to Frenchay – thanks to all that were involved in maintaining them
during the summer months.
d) The conservation status of Riverwood and Grange Park was overwhelmingly in favour –
although it is seen as a popular move it may take some while to instate – moves are afoot to
try to speed up the process.
e) Tuckett House has been sold to property developers – watch this space as there are likely
to be a planning application.
f) Kerbing at the top of Frenchay Hill has been widened to make the entry/exit safer to
negotiate.
g) Bus service 312 – a new leaflet was distributed.
f) Frenchay Hospital - proposal is now finalised. 68 care beds, GP Practice, no minor injuries
unit, x-ray diagnosis and physiotherapy to stay. No A&E. Paul has a comprehensive list of the
community hospital plans.
7.
Camper Van parking at the top of Frenchay Hill – Jenny Wookey raised concerns on behalf of
the residents of Cleeve House Flats that there are vans that park and camp there for several
days at a time. Their concern is that it takes up valuable parking space for short term visitors
and could possibly encourage travellers. Parking by church is restricted. It was asked if limited
waiting could be made – it was pointed out that it is unlikely as it cannot be enforced easily.
8.
Actions carried out by the preservation society – free bins by pub, sign refurbished, removed
tree whips, junior football team sponsored, Leyhill team brought in to work on pond, Pearces
Hill bramble removed, new notice board by post box, verge by Cleeve tea rooms to be cleaned
and benches refurbished. Fungus on trees by pond being evaluated.
9.
Treasurer’s Report
Total income £637.01 and total payments of £5.00 leaving a current account balance of
£632.01
10.
Parish Council Report
All matters had already been covered – see above.
11.
Any Other Business
Nothing to report.
12.
Date of next meeting
Half yearly AGM – Thursday 16th June 2011 – Unitarian Chapel.
The meeting closed at 9.07 pm.
Approved _____________________________________
Chairman
Date
______________________________________