Held at The Old Parsonage
Present: Mike Corlett, Chair, Cllr Leslie Bell, Cllr John Leech, Carol Wilkinson, Ellie Sams, Gordon Browne, Mark Clayton
Apologies for Absence: Mary Christie, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Cllr Richard Fitzpatrick, Janine Cottingham, Tony Parkinson.
Acceptance of the Minutes from the 12th May 2025: Proposed: Carol Wilkinson. Seconded: Gordon Browne
Update on the Lord and Lady Mayoress’ Visit to Garden of Contemplation 17th May 2025
As part of the celebration of the library`s 110th anniversary we received a visit to the newly created Garden of Contemplation, which went very well with the garden looking good after watering and weeding especially for the day.
Update on Bunnies Outpost
The DCS understands that several objections have been submitted regarding the licensed hours of operation, especially during the weekends closing schedule where an error in the original closing hours was picked up. The concerns raised are now being resolved by the local councillors. There have also been instructions issued by MCC that the current caged frontage arrangements must also be removed.
Bar 186
Work has also restarted next door to Bunnies Outpost with a new landlord taking over as Kennedy`s, which should be good news after the gradual decline at the site. Currently all of the glass and steel frontage has been removed and we look forward to its new appearance.
Garden of Contemplation for Christmas period
As part of the ongoing discussion, it was felt that Didsbury should have a main street public Christmas tree. Within the discussion there were several thoughts and concepts aired:
Are there alternative sites and ideas?
- The Jubilee Gardens which is a Southway site with a planted tree dressed with solar lights.
- A living tree in the Library Garden close to where the now removed BT telephone box was sited again with solar lights.
- A potted living tree on the library Concourse with solar lights.
- A planted living tree on the library Concourse with perhaps some paving stones removed suitably edged under the footprint and solar lights.
- At the side of Costa Coffee after some remedial work undertaken to the uneven paving stones with either a living or potted tree and solar lights.
Is it time for a rethink going forward?
- Those present thought a rethink and change was acceptable.
- Using a symbolic tree such as a metal “wish tree”, for written gestures like “thinking of you at this time” and other personal written wishes. Though the idea of a rusty one would not be a first choice of several who were present.
- As previously advised, the DCS would not be in favour of an Amey fait-accompli tree, overshadowing its site footprint area similar to 2024, which is not compatible or in-keeping with any green credentials or environmental considerations. Importantly the cost of each tree is significant and has to be budgeted for and NIF Funding allocated.
- Could we light up the trees in the left side hand garden at the library between Wilmslow and Barlow Moor Road with solar lights?
- The question was raised regarding whether we could be part of the annual NIF grant process with a once off tranche to set up and purchase the required tree, a suitable pot, and new solar lights etc from the budget allocation to the Didsbury Traders Association.
Update on the Cadent Hut
Cadent are seeking suitable publicity from the artwork and hope to have an article in the Manchester Evening News. Cadent are requesting internal permission to have an employee Community Day clearing the top corner of the area of weeds, non-biodiverse bushes and debris.
Gordon Browne asked whether an additional DCS logo could be stencilled to the rear of the hut. The artist thinks that this will not be possible as the first anti-graffiti coating has already been applied and a second top up is due to take place and would all require sanding back, repainting and re-protecting. If this is the case an alternative solution may be required.
The Old Parsonage Garden Party
Volunteers are required for the day to support DCS fund raising on the day eg a tombola, raffle or a pin the tail on the donkey. As was recently done by DGN at the Didsbury Festival.
Finance and Membership
The DCS has a balance of £17273.94 at the HSBC.
NB: The artist has been paid for her work on the Cadent hut of £3780.00, a re-usable DCS logo stencil was purchased at £42.75 and photographic art work printed for the Community Day £84.00.
Any other Business
The Didsbury Dozen
Plastic pots from the regular Didsbury Dozen can be seen and problematical from the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night sessions. Perhaps some responsibility can be taken by landlords to ensure they are tidied up, or a point-of-sale charge similar to plastic shopping bags. Though, importantly Biffa are doing a good job in clearing up each morning.
Certain pubs also need to remind their clientele that pedestrians need to be able to have a clear path at certain pubs which are adjacent to the road side and pedestrians should not have to use the road to pass bye. One even displays a public notice that their table and chairs should not be used as a public picnic facility. So, a clear path is not too much to ask.
Parrs Wood Veranda/Parade
Concerns were raised again about the state of the cast iron framing and damaged glass. The DCS appreciate that this is the landlord`s responsibility and needs to be resolved. Could the Ward team arrange for MCC Enforcement to contact the landlords and remind them of their responsibility in maintaining the structures integrity as it is used by the public.
Garden of Contemplation, Cenotaph Garden
Carol Wilkinson suggested that we look to purchase WW1 Soldier Silhouette for installing in the garden, which we will investigate for availability and pricing.
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Last Updated: August 2, 2025 by Didsbury Civic Society
Minutes for the General Meeting 9th June 2025
Held at The Old Parsonage
Present: Mike Corlett, Chair, Cllr Leslie Bell, Cllr John Leech, Carol Wilkinson, Ellie Sams, Gordon Browne, Mark Clayton
Apologies for Absence: Mary Christie, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Cllr Richard Fitzpatrick, Janine Cottingham, Tony Parkinson.
Acceptance of the Minutes from the 12th May 2025: Proposed: Carol Wilkinson. Seconded: Gordon Browne
Update on the Lord and Lady Mayoress’ Visit to Garden of Contemplation 17th May 2025
As part of the celebration of the library`s 110th anniversary we received a visit to the newly created Garden of Contemplation, which went very well with the garden looking good after watering and weeding especially for the day.
Update on Bunnies Outpost
The DCS understands that several objections have been submitted regarding the licensed hours of operation, especially during the weekends closing schedule where an error in the original closing hours was picked up. The concerns raised are now being resolved by the local councillors. There have also been instructions issued by MCC that the current caged frontage arrangements must also be removed.
Bar 186
Work has also restarted next door to Bunnies Outpost with a new landlord taking over as Kennedy`s, which should be good news after the gradual decline at the site. Currently all of the glass and steel frontage has been removed and we look forward to its new appearance.
Garden of Contemplation for Christmas period
As part of the ongoing discussion, it was felt that Didsbury should have a main street public Christmas tree. Within the discussion there were several thoughts and concepts aired:
Are there alternative sites and ideas?
Is it time for a rethink going forward?
Update on the Cadent Hut
Cadent are seeking suitable publicity from the artwork and hope to have an article in the Manchester Evening News. Cadent are requesting internal permission to have an employee Community Day clearing the top corner of the area of weeds, non-biodiverse bushes and debris.
Gordon Browne asked whether an additional DCS logo could be stencilled to the rear of the hut. The artist thinks that this will not be possible as the first anti-graffiti coating has already been applied and a second top up is due to take place and would all require sanding back, repainting and re-protecting. If this is the case an alternative solution may be required.
The Old Parsonage Garden Party
Volunteers are required for the day to support DCS fund raising on the day eg a tombola, raffle or a pin the tail on the donkey. As was recently done by DGN at the Didsbury Festival.
Finance and Membership
The DCS has a balance of £17273.94 at the HSBC.
NB: The artist has been paid for her work on the Cadent hut of £3780.00, a re-usable DCS logo stencil was purchased at £42.75 and photographic art work printed for the Community Day £84.00.
Any other Business
The Didsbury Dozen
Plastic pots from the regular Didsbury Dozen can be seen and problematical from the Thursday, Friday and Saturday night sessions. Perhaps some responsibility can be taken by landlords to ensure they are tidied up, or a point-of-sale charge similar to plastic shopping bags. Though, importantly Biffa are doing a good job in clearing up each morning.
Certain pubs also need to remind their clientele that pedestrians need to be able to have a clear path at certain pubs which are adjacent to the road side and pedestrians should not have to use the road to pass bye. One even displays a public notice that their table and chairs should not be used as a public picnic facility. So, a clear path is not too much to ask.
Parrs Wood Veranda/Parade
Concerns were raised again about the state of the cast iron framing and damaged glass. The DCS appreciate that this is the landlord`s responsibility and needs to be resolved. Could the Ward team arrange for MCC Enforcement to contact the landlords and remind them of their responsibility in maintaining the structures integrity as it is used by the public.
Garden of Contemplation, Cenotaph Garden
Carol Wilkinson suggested that we look to purchase WW1 Soldier Silhouette for installing in the garden, which we will investigate for availability and pricing.
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Category: Minutes
Recent Posts