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| Home | MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES . ANYONE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING IS WELCOME TO SIMPLY SHOW UP AT OUR MEETING OR ACTIVITY DAYS. NEW VOLUNTEERS WILL BE WARMLY WELCOMED. WHY NOT COME ALONG AND DO YOUR BIT FOR CHEADLE? THE NEXT MEETING IS ON WEDNESDAY 18th JANUARY 2012 AT 7PM AT "THE SWAN" PUBLIC HOUSE CHEADLE. On 7th December 2011 the normal meeting was preceded by the AGM at which Gill Laws was elected Chairman and Ray Wood as Vice Chairman. Richard Grice and Nick Hale were re-elected unopposed as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Thanks were extended to the outgoing Chairman, Dennis Newboult for the hard work he had put in during the year and for producing a very substantive document “Cheadle in Bloom Guidance Information” which was distributed during the meeting. The Treasurer presented audited accounts for the part year January to November 2011, it having previously been decided that our financial year would end November 30th. At the normal meeting it was agreed to relocate some planters. It was reported that whilst we appeared to have a healthy bank balance, this money was essential as we would have to order plants this year prior to confirmation of grants from Cheadle Town Council and SMDC. Though both applications for grants had reportedly received a favourable reception, neither was guaranteed until budgets were formally approved. The plant group reported that as agreed previously, planting would be on a red, white and blue theme for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year and that they had invited quotations to supply the agreed plants. It was of concern that early indications were that plant costs might rise by as much as £2000 on the two previous years. The Chairman reported that as there appeared to still be some confusion as to sponsorship of planting at Lulworth House by the Pugin Steering Group, she would a meeting with Hannah Barber to clarify the position. It was agreed we would seek a separate sponsor for the intended planting on the main roundabout. On 26th October 2011 the treasurer reported that our finances were in reasonably good shape and undertook to make a copy of the accounts available to the Town Council in respect of our application for a grant in 2012. Members agreed to maintain planting on the main roundabout in Cheadle, subject to Gary Bentley obtaining quotes for installing raised beds to overcome the lack of soil there and Ian Whitehouse clarifying the position re David Oakes' involvement. Ian Plant is to meet with High Peak to clarify the position on the permanent planting area and hopefully arrange soil replacement there. A colour scheme for summer planting of red, white and blue was agreed in recognition of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and as the celebrations of this take place over the Ist June, planting day was to be brought forward to Sunday 20th May. It was also agreed that in recognition of the Pugin celebrations, a predominantly red and gold planting scheme would be attempted in hanging baskets near the market cross and in Cross Street. On 23rd October 2011 there was a good turnout of members for winter planting day, which was accomplished without incident by lunchtime. Thanks to everyone who turned out. On 11th and 12th October 2011 members of the Committee assisted the High Peak workforce in relocating and refilling planters to the arrangements previously agreed. On 27th September 2011 at the meeting, members welcomed Edna Locker as a new member. The Treasurer reported that whilst there were some outstanding issues the funds seemed in good shape which was necessary as we now have to commit to next years order for summer planting in the absence of any firm commitment on Council Funding, although this would shortly be applied for (for the same amounts as this year given current financial constraints). It was reported that County Councillor Mike Worthington had already committed the whole of his Community Fund Allocation so unfortunately this would not be forthcoming. Members were updated on the barrel painting work undertaken and plans for the removal of summer planting and relocation of planters.Winter planting was arranged for Sunday 23rd October commencing at 08:00 at the Market Place.This will consist of red pansies for the Recreation Ground, mixed pansies elsewhere. There will also be Tete-a-Tete daffodils in all planters plus hyacinths and narcissi in the cart in Greyhound walk. Regarding the roundabout and permanent planting area, Messrs Whitehouse and Plant respectively advised that the situation remained confused and was ongoing. On 16th and 19 September 2011 A large number of members met in at the recreation ground to drill and paint the 32 new barrels supplied by David Oakes and a further 8 purchased. On 31st August 2011 a meeting was held to which Rosemary Marlow was welcomed as a new member. The Group was also advised that Pat Dance had resigned. On grants it was noted that these had been received from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Cheadle Town Council and thank you letters sent. It was agreed that Councillor Mike Worthington be approached for a grant from his Staffordshire Local Community Fund allocation following his by-election success after the sad death of Barry Mycock. Business sponsorship was reported as down around 14% on 2010 which was not surprising in the current financial circumstances.There was considerable discussion on the somewhat disappointing displays this summer largely due to mildew on the begonias and complete failure of isotomas. The impatiens had also failed due to a fungal disease that had affected them nationally. The planting group reported that they were already researching next summer's planting with a view to minimising the risk of a repetition. The Acting Chairman undertook to organise the replacement and reorganisation of planters and displays including the 32 barrels donated by David Oakes.It was decided to not proceed with planting of spring daffodil bulbs in the verges of the approach roads to Cheadle due to the high level of bureaucracy and legal commitment it had been discovered was involved. Ian Whitehouse reported that, in his role of Town Councillor he had been asked to look into the possibility of Cheadle in Bloom improving the appearance of the roundabout in Tape Street. It was noted that the soil needed improvement before anything could be done and also that there was lack of clarity on who had authority to authorise work.Ian Whitehouse and Ian Plant as Town Councillors agreed to investigate further in hope that improvements could be made for next year.A similar situation existed with the permanent planting at Well Street Car Park. Ian Plant would investigate further. A revised Constitution for CIB was presented and approved subject to minor amendments. The 5th June 2011 was summer planting day and a large number of volunteers were present including a group from Cheadle U3A to whom thanks are extended. Whilst the weather was reasonable, the day got started half an hour later than planned due to a misunderstanding over plant delivery times. Apologies to those who arrived at the planned start time. Nevertheless with the number of volunteers present many hands made light work, with the last of the volunteers leaving around 1:30. Thanks again to all who attended. On 11th May 2011 a meeting was held to review plans for planting day. Gary Bentley kindly offered the loan of a trailer to move the hanging baskets to their locations. On 13th April 2011 at which our grant applications and sponsorship collections were reviewed. The Group was advised that David Oakes will be taking over sponsorship of and planting the main roundabout and that he had also generously supplied us with a number of new tubs. Various new administrative procedures were covered and in particular regarding ownership of the tubs and planters members were advised that at the Town Council Meeting on 4th April the Council agreed and minuted that ownership of all of the planters we look after should be vested in Cheadle in Bloom. Permission to store planters etc. at the recreation ground compound was also granted. Arrangements were made for tendering for watering advertisements to be placed. The date for summer planting was confirmed as Sunday 5th June, with a few volunteers arriving early to receive and sort the plants and the remaining volunteers requested to arrive from 8 am. On Monday 28th February 2011 a small group met to weed and tidy all of the town centre planters and to replace missing pansies. This was accomplished in a couple of hours. On 23rd February 2011 a meeting was held at which the group was pleased to welcome two new members, Silvia Shaw and Wendy Smith. We also received news of the resignation of Dave Barber from the group and a letter was sent thanking him for all the hard work he had put in over the years. The group was advised that we had received favourable responses to our grant applications to the Town and District Councils and in consequence the Planting Group had selected summer planting and ordered the plants. The Acting Chairman reported that recent changes within the Group had brought to light the need for some immediate actions that had been undertaken by the officers to formalise the activities of the group and some that needed to be address over time. At the
AGM on13th January 2011 (as subsequently amended at an EGM on 26th
January 2011), Dennis Newboult was elected as Acting Chairman,
Richard Grice as Secretary, and Nick Hale as On 25th November 2010 a meeting was held in which the future grant and financial position for the coming year were discussed. The committee agreed to investigate the cost of replacing the square planters with tubs as the former were no longer in keeping with the colour scheme being used in the town rebranding programme. They would also look at tubs for elsewhere in the town. Various proposals for increasing the number of volunteers were made On 24th October 2010 volunteers arrived at 9am on a sunny but still frosty morning and worked for three hours weeding and generally tidying up the permanent planting which is now well established. On 17th October 2010 volunteers showed up, (some as early as 7am!) to commence planting out winter pansies and bulbs, which was completed uneventfully by lunchtime. On 14th October 2010 a meeting was held at which it was noted that David Oakes was likely to take over sponsorship of the roundabout near Morrisons.The Group congratulated Hammersley Hayes for receiving an “Award of Merit” for this year’s Heart of England in Bloom event. Grants were discussed and it was noted that an order for summer planting would need to be placed fairly soon. The secretary gave early notice of his intention to resign from the post after three years at the next AGM, asking volunteers to consider the position re his replacement. Winter planting day was confirmed as Sunday 17th October and in view of the condition of the permanent planting area near Netto, a further activity day was arranged for Sunday 24th October. On 6th June 2010 Volunteers turned out in large numbers from as early as 5:30am, the Treasurer "leading" the "second shift" which arrived at 9am! Volunteers really set to and planting of all the tubs and the hanging of baskets was substantially completed by mid day. Thanks are extended to all who helped. On 20th May 2010 a meeting was held at which the arrangements for securing the new cart were discussed together with compost requirements and watering arrangements prior to planting day on 6th June. The Sunday 16th May 2010 activity day to exchange the cart in Greyhound Walk had to be cancelled at short notice (apologies to those not informed) but was completed later in the week with a very fine replacement cart kindly provided by Les Oakes and Sons. On 28th April 2010 a brief and informal meeting of the Admin Group and Plant Acquisition Group took place at which the Chairman reported the Oakes family had kindly offered a replacement cart. He also proposed that the winter pansies be transplanted into new flower beds to be created near the Tapes Street. In consequence of this two new volunteer days were arranged as detailed above. On 25th April 2010 volunteers met to repaint the bands on all tubs with a metal paint and complete the varnishing of tubs in Greyhound Walk with the exception of those on the cart which is now in poor condition.The Chairman undertook to speak to the Oakes Family who had generously supplied it with a view to a replacement. On 11th April 2010 at 9am there was a good turnout of volunteers for painting on a clement day and all green tubs were given two coats of paint and the tubs along the High Street all re-varnished and painted before lunch, leaving only Greyhound Walk to complete. On 8th April 2010 the funding position was reviewed.Ian then Richard Grice reported on his inspection of the tubs. A painting/maintenance morning was arranged for 11th April. On watering the Secretary reported little response. (Subsequent to the meeting the Administration Group arranged for advertisements to be placed in the local press). Following the last meeting's H& S review gloves were issued to all present, with the vests reported as on order. Arrangements for delivery of flowers and compost was finalised. On 11th March 2010 it was first noted as an amendment to the minutes that Hammersley Hayes would still be entering Heart of England in Bloom. The Chairman reported that he had not received confirmation of the SMDC grant and would follow up. The Plant Acquisition Group reported on visits they had made to possible suppliers, the type of plants proposed and prices. It was agreed to go with Greenhouse 2000 (Stoke City Council). The proposed date for planting is 6th June. On watering arrangements it was agreed the Secretary would contact Cheadle Town Council to see if they could assist this year, and formally seek quotes from Greenhouse 2000 and any other parties that had previously shown interest. Arrangements were made for the condition of tubs etc to be inspected. It was also agreed that as an H&S requirement gloves and high visibility vests would be purchased with a requirement that all volunteers wear them. On 25th February 2010 the Group ratified the previous meeting's decision to withdraw from Heart of England in Bloom this year and confirmed the operating structure of the Group to be; Administration Group Peter Oakden Chairman Nick Hale Treasurer & Web Site Manager Dennis Newboult Secretary Business Sponsorship Group Richard Grice Andy Brown Plant Acquisition Group Joan Grattage Terry Grattage Val Johnson Hammersley Hayes Neighbourhood Group Ian Whitehouse Brookhouse Area Group Gary Bentley Volunteer- Ray Wood Arrangements were also made to get ideas and tenders for plants and to explore alternative options for watering. The Group also agreed the allocation of "independent" funding to Brookhouse Area Group to proceed with a plant acquisition trial. On 11th February 2010 at the Annual General Meeting of the Group, Peter Oakden indicated that for personal reasons he wished to take a more background role this year and advised that for personal reasons Ray Wood had stood down as Treasurer. Vice Chairman Dave and Diary Secretary Andy also stood down, the latter indicating that he had run out of new ideas for the Heart of England in Bloom diary. Dennis Newboult confirmed that he was prepared to continue as Secretary and Nick Hale volunteered to take on the role of Treasurer. There followed considerable discussion as to the future activities and role of the Group and ways of spreading the workload, with Dennis broaching the idea of form forming small working groups of three. It was generally agreed that the volunteers wanted to continue providing flower displays for the benefit of the town but thought that we should withdraw from participation in Heart of England in Bloom for this year with the position to be reviewed next year. The Chairman formally completed the business of the AGM and called a meeting for 25.02.10 to give members time to reflect on the evening's discussions. On 11th October 2009 members met at 9am in some numbers and planting of the pansies and bulbs was completed without incident and in record time. On 7th October 2009 the Group held a brief meeting at which the planting out of the winter display of pansies and bulbs was arranged, the plants coming this time from Heath House Nurseries. Peter Oakden reported that troughs were now in place and filled ready. Helen Anderson advised that she had written to a leading rose grower (Fryers) enquiring as to the possibility of naming a new rose "Pugin's Gem",given Cheadle's forthcoming celebrations and would report back on progress. The Group welcomed Margaret and Ron Locker who had been instrumental in forming Cheadle in Bloom some 7 year earlier. The Chairman advised he would be presenting certificates to the schools which had participated and contributed in the Heart of England competition. After discussion of funding Group members participated in an excellent celebratory buffet, the donor of which wished to remain anonymous. CHEADLE IN BLOOM WINS GOLD! On 3rd September 2009 Peter Oakden returned from the Heart of England in Bloom presentation awards ceremony in Pershore and announced to a special meeting held in The Swan at 7:00 that Cheadle in Bloom had received a Gold Award, the highest possible. To add to this success Keeling Rd had received an "Outstanding" certificate in their category again the highest possible. He congratulated everyone involved. Under pressure he also "confessed" that he had personally been awarded a discretionary "Certificate of Merit" for his own personal contribution to Heart of England in Bloom and was duly congratulated by all present. He noted that in the space of just three years Cheadle in Bloom had gone from a silver to silver-gilt to Gold award, an achievement which was truly outstanding given that other participants had taken more than 10 years to achieve this. The judges report noted "Areas for Improvement" as "None"!! There followed a brief discussion on the Cheadle rebranding exercise being conducted by the Council and it was agreed that those responsible be contacted with the suggestion that the proposed new Cheadle signage at entrances to the town refer to the Gold Award. It was also agreed that Sponsors be contacted by letter, advised of the results and thanked for their contribution. Finally Peter Oakden reported that in view of time pressure he had ordered winter pansies for winter planting which was only 5 weeks off. The next meeting would be on 7th October at 7:00 at a venue to be confirmed. On 5th August 2009 Peter Oakden began the monthly meeting with the sad news of the sudden death of Mike Steele from Little Island Nurseries. Mike had been a great supporter of Cheadle in Bloom, had shared his expert knowledge of plants with the Group and supplied the majority of plants used by the Group, including extra plants this year at his own expense when funds were tight. He would be sadly missed. It was noted that Peter Oakden and Ray Wood were to attend the funeral and members asked that they extend the Group's sympathies to his wife, daughter and son-in-law. The Chairman reported on judging day, noting that the weather had been good and the atmosphere festive, with initial feedback from the judges being good. He extended his thanks to all the people and groups who had volunteered their services to make the day so successful. The purchase of a water bowser and ongoing watering was going well though it was noted that due to the weather plants had suffered a mildew attack, that they had been sprayed to kill this which seemed to have worked reasonably well but that some plants, particularly those by the Guild Hall were too far gone and would be removed. Looking forward it was noted that funding continued to be gained with Lafarge having contributed £500 and grants received of £500 each from both County Councillors. It had been determined that the grant from the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council was a rolling one and incidentally not conditional on entering Heart of England in Bloom. It was noted that Biddulph had not entered for this year only. The position on the Cheadle Town Council grant had yet to be determined. The presentation day for Heart of England in Bloom this year was on Thursday 3rd September in Pershore and after some discussion it was agreed that this was to be attended by Peter Oakden and Dave Barber with representation next year to be reviewed. In view of this there would be no meeting on September 2nd. Instead the Group would meet at The Swan in Cheadle at 7:00pm on Thursday 3rd September when the Chairman would announce the judging results. On 10th July 2009 judging took place for the Heart of England in Bloom Competition, with the judges again being Les Goodman and David Wassell M.B.E.The weather was fine and the judges were given a tour of the town on a vintage bus kindly provided by Roy Hine accompanied by the Chairman and other volunteers. They were particularly shown and were impressed with the new permanent planting in Well Street arising from their recommendations last year and also saw the excellent decoration of the fencing at the bottom of the car park which had been carried out by pupils from Painsley Catholic College. They then adjourned to the Market Place where there was Irish dancing and music performed by Murphy's Marbles band and free tea and cakes available to all. With banners in place, the Council having organised an exceptional weeding all around and the Market Place crowded out, the atmosphere was truly infective and a good times was had by all. On 1st July 2009 in place of the normal meeting members met at Greyhound Walk and spent about an hour weeding and deadheading the displays. On 31st May 2009 on a gloriously hot day numerous volunteers turned up for planting out day with the result that it was completed without incident and before noon. On 6th May 2009 the first meeting was held at Cheadle Fire Station at 7:00 p.m. The Chairman advised that he had made contact with Les Latham at High Peak BC who was now looked after maintenance in Cheadle. He had undertaken to assist by arranging the partial emptying of tubs, the spare compost being placed in the area identified for permanent planting. Planting day was agreed as Sunday 31st May, meeting at the market at 8:30 am and was likely to be extended as members agreed to do it all on one day rather than the normal two. All are asked to attend with appropriate equipment. The Chairman updated members on the grant position and it was also agreed he would contact Heart of England in Bloom to arrange a Judging day anytime after 1st July to allow greater public participation. It has since been confirmed Judging Day will be Friday 10th July. Ray Wood undertook to investigate positioning of banners on the day. On 19th March 2009 the AGM took place at 7:00 p.m. at The Swan Public House in Cheadle. Key points are: (1)The Committee was re-elected.(2) Arrangements are in place for the purchase of a water bowser and pump primarily to be operated by Peter Oakden and David Barber but with volunteer assistance as necessary (3) The plants have been ordered and in view of the financial situation Little Island Nurseries have kindly offered to upgrade the proposed "cheap and cheerful" plants for outlying plantings to the same as the main planting for the same price quoted.(4) The winter planting will be kept in place as long as possible-date for their removal and new planting the following week will be announced later.(5) The Chairman will seek to move the judging date by Heart of England in Bloom to around 2nd or 3rd of July to enable greater participation by local schoolchildren. On 8th March 2009 7 volunteers attended a maintenance session at 9:00am in which we successfully removed all the small upstanding basket supports, which as discussed at our last meeting, have proved to have caused such a problem with vandalism. On 26th February 2009 a meeting was held to determine this year's planting arrangements. A lengthy discussion ensued and in view of the limited funds available it was decided to go primarily with mixed Begonias (non stop begonias) with geraniums in the Memorial Garden. Guidance was taken from Mike Steele of Little Island Nurseries who has supplied plants previously. Alternative quotes are awaited from Heath House Nursery. Prices were also sought for cheap and cheerful planting in "outlying" displays as the Chairman did not want to see unplanted tubs around Cheadle.
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