APCA minutes

MINUTES
20th January 2025
Abbey Park Community Association Committee
Present:- Sue Andrew ( Chair), Ruth Kerry, Chris Holmes, Councillor Penny Gowland, Jo Mansfield, Helen Hetherington, Catherine Bailey, Tracey Turrill, Simon Middlecote, Caroline Stone.
Apologies: Sheila Ashton, Councillor Julie Chaplain

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 4th June 2024 were noted.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Ruth gave details of the income and expenditure for the Association.
Penny reported that she was to allocate money from her County Councillor Fund to purchase an air quality monitor.
It was AGREED to note the report and welcome the purchase of the air quality monitor.

SUMMER GATHERING
The note of the de-brief meeting on last years summer gathering was considered and there was a discussion about the gathering for 2025. It was felt that there was a need for more volunteers for the face painting. A garden in a tray competition was suggested.
It was AGREED
That the summer gathering for 2025 be held on Sunday13th July from 2pm to 4pm.
That a committee meeting be held on Monday 17th March at 7pm to agree the arrangements.
That contact be made to get the following to attend:-
Lady Bay Pop-up Café ( Catherine);
Nottingham Bikeworks ( Sheila);
Neighbourhood Police ( Sue)

LITTER PICKING
Ruth reported that litter picking was to be bi-monthly on the last Saturday in January, March, May, July, September and November 2025 from 11 to 12 noon.

NO 5 BUS NEW ROUTE TO BUS TURNING CIRCLE
Nottingham City Transport have indicated that the no 5 bus stopping at the bus turning circle on Buckfast Way would start in the spring.
It was suggested that the new bus shelter on Alford Road going toward Morrisons should be by St Luke’s Church. Comment was made that two bus stops had not been changed to no 5 and were still showing the old bus route number.
It was thought a bench should be placed by the bus turning circle and a discussion followed about how this could be funded.
The arrival of the first bus to the bus turning circle was felt to be a good photo opportunity.
It was AGREED that Sue would approach Rushcliffe about the bench.

FEEDBACK ON MUGA AND CALISTHENIC EQUIPMENT
A meeting had been held with a Rushcliffe Council officer and a mutual agreement had been reached. Questions arose re placement of the gym equipment. Derek Hayden (RBC) is to investigate and confirm asap.
A small multi surface play area was to be sited behind the rope swings by the lilac trees. This would have a small goal post and have a hedge planted around it. It was felt Rushcliffe needed to notify nearby residents of this work. However, this is not imminent and to be considered for a later project when RBC funding allows.
It was AGREED that Ruth would contact Rushcliffe to get them to notify nearby residents when this work was to start.

WILLOW WEAVE
The willow was being delivered on 24 February and had to be planted within 2 weeks.
It was AGREED that planting be arranged for week beginning 3 March involving Jo, Helen, Sue and Catherine and that Sue contact Dan to see if he could assist.

LOCAL RESILIENCE FORUM
Sheila and Ruth were attending the Local Resilience meeting on 8 February.

2026 TAPESTRY AND 50 YEAR CELEBRATIONS OF ABBEY PARK
Catherine and Tracey were leading on the tapestry and workshops were planned at the Willow Tree and the Community Centre. The aim was the tapestry to be completed for display at the 2026 summer gathering.

LEAF MOULD CONTAINER
It was reported that Mike Kerry would build a leaf mould container to be sited on Fountains Close.

MULCH
Sue thanked everyone who had helped move the mulch just before Christmas. The issue had now been resolved. It was suggested that a designated place for mulch be sought.
It was AGREED that Sue approach the County Council to get a designated area for mulch.

FUND RAISING
It was AGREED to defer this item to the next meeting when Sheila was present.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Items for Possible Future Funding Initiatives
The following were put forward as possible measures for future funding
Lighting along the canal path
Parked cars damaging the grass at the end of Buckfast Way during school collection. Either extending the double yellow lines or creating a parking bay
Install dropped kerbs on Waltham Close…some are missing.
Estate’s 50 years Celebration
Simon suggested that the estate was a good example of architectural heritage and could be a candidate to become a conservation area as it was self contained and retained its character. He suggested arranging a walking tour as part of the celebrations ad having an interpretation panel.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING
It was AGREED that the Annual General Meeting be held on Tuesday 10 June at 7pm at the Community Centre.

The meeting closed at 9.05 pm.