21 members were present, with apologies from Geoff. and Doreen Smith, Bob Smith, Heather and John Cox. In spite of having taken over the pub only three hours previously, the new landlord, Kevin, and his wife Angela made us welcome.
Walter reported on events since the June meeting.
Lottery Grant. A grant for £3995 to surface the rest of the circular route had been received. The provision of such a route had been our aim since the formation of the group in April 1999. In the course of the year 2000, Groundwork Greater Nottingham had obtained a grant of £4000 for us, sufficient to surface half the full route in December. The new surface looked stark at first, but in April 2002 it was decided by 22 votes to 4 to try and get the rest of the route surfaced. Walter had attended a meeting of grant-giving bodies and decided to apply to 'Awards for All', which offers lottery grants of between £500 and £5000 to local community groups. A favourable response was received in mid-August and the money was now in our bank account. The work would be done by Land Restoration Services, the same contractors who had done the first half. It would probably begin in the week beginning 11 October. Geoff Ward proposed a vote of thanks to Walter for his efforts in obtaining a grant; this was agreed.
Tree in Bramcote Park Walled Garden. Walter recalled that our group had combined with the Bramcote and Stapleford Golden Jubilee group to donate one of two commemorative maple trees and at the June meeting a watering rota of volunteers had been drawn up, relying on the boxed taps in the garden. However a serious break in the mains during the road works on Coventry Lane was preventing the reconnection of water to the taps. The Council had undertaken responsibility for the trees and assured us that if a tree suffered serious damage, the Council would replace it.
Bat Walks. Sheila Hardy reported that 20 members had participated in 2 successful late evening walks in Wollaton Park in July and August, led by Dr. Sheila Wright.
Future Monday Meetings. Norman Clyde-Watson announced that at the next meeting, on 11 October, Mr Derek Warren would give a talk on foxes, with slides. In November there was the AGM and in December the pre-Christmas social meeting.
Grass Collecting on 21st_22°d September. This is our most important work project in the year and Geoff. Fewkes had circulated a newsletter about it. Walter hoped for strong participation; attendance at work sessions had fallen recently.
Map of the Ridge. Geoff has produced an excellent map in colour of the Ridge. Copies are available from him at £ 1.
Litter Pickers. We asked Broxtowe Borough Council if they could give us some litter pickers, particularly for members unable to take part in work projects but willing to improve the environment both on the Ridge and where they live. 9 litter pickers have kindly been donated, 4 are still available from Walter.
Nuthatch. John Appleton displayed a picture of a nuthatch and asked for anyone who saw this bird on the Ridge to let him know.
THE BIRD BOX Issue 9 is circulated with this newsletter. It deals with jays and much else.
Beeston Volunteer Centre. Volunteers in a large variety of fields are needed. For details contact the Beeston Volunteer Centre, Cavendish Lodge, Devonshire Avenue, Beeston, NG9 1 BS . Tel. 917 8080.
The Friends are always looking for extra pairs of hands to help out or to simply support their work, so...
- to find out when the next work session will take place, click here, or
- to find out about becoming a member please contact us here, or
- to discover what goes into managing the sites click here.
