Welcome and Attendees: Mike Corlett (Chair), Ellie Sams, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Geoff Bridson, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Mark Clayton, Gordon Browne, Mary Christie, Cllr Leslie Bell.
Approval of the Minutes for the 13th January 2025: Approved: Ellie Sams Seconded: Carol Wilkinson
Matters arising from 13th January 2025: None
Agenda Minutes
Community Day
This was the main topic on the agenda. It is intended to hold a tea/coffee and cake celebration in honour of the completion of the Garden of Contemplation on the 29th March 2025 in Emmanuel Hall.
There will be a small number of non-sales trading stalls operating on the day to increase the DCS Membership. Other community groups, worthy causes and charities are being invited to raise funds for the recent flood damage including Bradley Fold Allotments, Didsbury Sports Club, Mums for Lungs and Didsbury Good Neighbours.
An invitation will be extended to the sitting Lord Mayor.
The availability of a NIF Grant was raised with the councillors in attendance who agreed to review the application made, as this is an event in aid of the community. However, it was advised that the date is one day before the 2025 NIF reset date. It was also advised that the current 2024 budget has been expended. With the refresh date being one day later, and we are very early in the new budget year, the grant would be very welcome.
It was agreed that the proposed DCS banners for the event would display a new QR code leading to a new individual event page on the website. Several banners will be displayed including the library area, Emmanuel Parish Hall/No6 Barlow Moor, the Garden of Contemplation area to promote the event.
A Tombola “bottle table” will be in operation and donations will be most welcome, though they do not all need to be alcohol based. Volunteer help on the day will be most welcome preparing and serving refreshments, along with setting up, dismantling and tidying up etc.
Update on the Green Cadent Cabin at Parrs Wood
Cadent have agreed to consider funding murals to all four sides of the building. We now have an artist`s quote for the work which will include nature, birds and animals as its theme. The quotes have been submitted for Cadent to approve for grant funding. There are two quotes one of which includes visits by the artist to the local schools to talk about her proposals and gather feedback. The artist being considered also attended one of the very local Didsbury Schools in the area and has completed various local artworks including the lift tower at St Werburgh`s Road metro station and others.
Update on the Parrs Wood Pocket Park
MCC have a plan for the triangle gardens update (close to Tesco) and refresh with new plantings of bulbs, perennial plants and tidying up within a12 months’ time frame. Andrew Young of MCC Neighbourhoods and Will White MCC Horticultural Engagement will also be involved.
There are also 7 new ornamental blossom trees already planted in the garden. Which are being tended and watered by the City of Trees group which we look forward to seeing in blossom soon.
Finance and Membership
The DCS has deposited funds of £17,096.50 which includes funds on reserve for the garden and also to replace damaged and missing plants which occurred during the installation of the Christmas tree, its lights and the barriers. This was unfortunate and unnecessary after all of the hard work carried out. We have requested recompense for this damage to enable replacements to be purchased and planted.
A o B
Will White is also working on the delivery and planting of outstanding trees for the
G of C which has now been reduced to two in total, due to the space which is now available in the garden. However, importantly MCC will tend and water them in the early stages of their development during the current year.
The contaminated and unemptied bins on William Street opposite the Fletcher Moss pub still present themselves as both an eyesore and still remain unremoved as requested. The failure to uplift undermines the MCC warning labels regarding their intended removal. The lack of action to the removal requests from the DCS with photographs to enforce their removal is disappointing and due to contamination presents a hygiene risk.
A new dental practice is about to open on Grange Lane which will add further vehicle congestion, pavement parking and pollution problems within this area especially as it is adjacent to Didsbury C of E school this is counter to and totally at odds with the “green agenda and for reduced vehicle pollution” which the public try to observe, though apparently not MCC Planning and can only be said is a must do better?
The DCS Facebook page is now operational, though it requires further development. It is intended to be for members and associates/community group access only. Ellie Sams advised that she will message our Twitter site followers and advise them that we are currently no longer using it for our social media activities.
Future Projects
- It was suggested that the DCS should work with other community groups on an 80th Anniversary for V E Day Monday 5th May 2025, with an approach to the Imperial War Museum North for any possible event support.
- Bradley Fold Allotments require support and help to restore the plots to its pre-flood status. The DCS is scheduled to meet with their management team on Tuesday afternoon, 26th February 2025.
Councillor Simcock advised that there is a meeting planned at St Catherines Parish Hall to discuss the Bradley Fold flooding. The councillors advised that NIF Grants could be used to carry out damage repairs to the allotments. It was also advised that the levee repairs will be completed by September 2025. We were also advised that the Environmental Agency had under estimated the river speed and force on the night, with the banks not holding as they were made and supported by spoil of brick and soil rubble from past slum clearance sites.
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
Last Updated: February 21, 2025 by Ellie
General Meeting held 10th February 2025
Welcome and Attendees: Mike Corlett (Chair), Ellie Sams, Cllr Richard Kilpatrick, Carol Wilkinson, Cllr Debbie Hilal, Geoff Bridson, Cllr John Leech, Cllr Andrew Simcock, Mark Clayton, Gordon Browne, Mary Christie, Cllr Leslie Bell.
Approval of the Minutes for the 13th January 2025: Approved: Ellie Sams Seconded: Carol Wilkinson
Matters arising from 13th January 2025: None
Agenda Minutes
Community Day
This was the main topic on the agenda. It is intended to hold a tea/coffee and cake celebration in honour of the completion of the Garden of Contemplation on the 29th March 2025 in Emmanuel Hall.
There will be a small number of non-sales trading stalls operating on the day to increase the DCS Membership. Other community groups, worthy causes and charities are being invited to raise funds for the recent flood damage including Bradley Fold Allotments, Didsbury Sports Club, Mums for Lungs and Didsbury Good Neighbours.
An invitation will be extended to the sitting Lord Mayor.
The availability of a NIF Grant was raised with the councillors in attendance who agreed to review the application made, as this is an event in aid of the community. However, it was advised that the date is one day before the 2025 NIF reset date. It was also advised that the current 2024 budget has been expended. With the refresh date being one day later, and we are very early in the new budget year, the grant would be very welcome.
It was agreed that the proposed DCS banners for the event would display a new QR code leading to a new individual event page on the website. Several banners will be displayed including the library area, Emmanuel Parish Hall/No6 Barlow Moor, the Garden of Contemplation area to promote the event.
A Tombola “bottle table” will be in operation and donations will be most welcome, though they do not all need to be alcohol based. Volunteer help on the day will be most welcome preparing and serving refreshments, along with setting up, dismantling and tidying up etc.
Update on the Green Cadent Cabin at Parrs Wood
Cadent have agreed to consider funding murals to all four sides of the building. We now have an artist`s quote for the work which will include nature, birds and animals as its theme. The quotes have been submitted for Cadent to approve for grant funding. There are two quotes one of which includes visits by the artist to the local schools to talk about her proposals and gather feedback. The artist being considered also attended one of the very local Didsbury Schools in the area and has completed various local artworks including the lift tower at St Werburgh`s Road metro station and others.
Update on the Parrs Wood Pocket Park
MCC have a plan for the triangle gardens update (close to Tesco) and refresh with new plantings of bulbs, perennial plants and tidying up within a12 months’ time frame. Andrew Young of MCC Neighbourhoods and Will White MCC Horticultural Engagement will also be involved.
There are also 7 new ornamental blossom trees already planted in the garden. Which are being tended and watered by the City of Trees group which we look forward to seeing in blossom soon.
Finance and Membership
The DCS has deposited funds of £17,096.50 which includes funds on reserve for the garden and also to replace damaged and missing plants which occurred during the installation of the Christmas tree, its lights and the barriers. This was unfortunate and unnecessary after all of the hard work carried out. We have requested recompense for this damage to enable replacements to be purchased and planted.
A o B
Will White is also working on the delivery and planting of outstanding trees for the
G of C which has now been reduced to two in total, due to the space which is now available in the garden. However, importantly MCC will tend and water them in the early stages of their development during the current year.
The contaminated and unemptied bins on William Street opposite the Fletcher Moss pub still present themselves as both an eyesore and still remain unremoved as requested. The failure to uplift undermines the MCC warning labels regarding their intended removal. The lack of action to the removal requests from the DCS with photographs to enforce their removal is disappointing and due to contamination presents a hygiene risk.
A new dental practice is about to open on Grange Lane which will add further vehicle congestion, pavement parking and pollution problems within this area especially as it is adjacent to Didsbury C of E school this is counter to and totally at odds with the “green agenda and for reduced vehicle pollution” which the public try to observe, though apparently not MCC Planning and can only be said is a must do better?
The DCS Facebook page is now operational, though it requires further development. It is intended to be for members and associates/community group access only. Ellie Sams advised that she will message our Twitter site followers and advise them that we are currently no longer using it for our social media activities.
Future Projects
Councillor Simcock advised that there is a meeting planned at St Catherines Parish Hall to discuss the Bradley Fold flooding. The councillors advised that NIF Grants could be used to carry out damage repairs to the allotments. It was also advised that the levee repairs will be completed by September 2025. We were also advised that the Environmental Agency had under estimated the river speed and force on the night, with the banks not holding as they were made and supported by spoil of brick and soil rubble from past slum clearance sites.
Yours sincerely
Mike Corlett
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