CLAVERLEY IN BLOOM (CIB)

Meeting Notes 6^th Jan 2009

• Present: Andy Crackle, Paul Pickerill, Clair & MikeThorrington, Rod Parr (Chair), Jacqui Cooper,
• Peter Barby

• Apologies: GD, CC

• Minutes of Last Meeting: Agreed

• Treasurers Report
• Available funds stand at £1315.91 after taking into account all outstanding debits and credits.

• Matters Arising
• Winter Tree Planting
• PP had ordered approx 700 native hardwood whips from Severn Valley Country Park. They should be available in February.
• MT is continuing negotiations with Severn Trent regarding tree planting to screen the sewage works.
• AC had attempted without success to contact Martin Elcock re the memorial tree iro his late father. RP agreed to locate & cost a suitable specimen (Red Oak?) from a wholesale source. AC would then construct a suitable letter to Mr Elcock to ask for his approval including the wording of a memorial plaque.
• The proposed scrub clearance & tree planting alongside the path from the Plough to the sewage works may prove problematic without establishing the boundary lines of the land owned by the 3 pubs.
• Action: RP to source a suitable tree to plant in memory of Brian Elcock
• PP to ask Keith Horton about siting of the above
• PP to liaise with council re accessing Land Registry records iro the pub boundaries
• School Related Issues
• Continuing action required in respect of the RHS painting competition and support for active wildlife initiatives (see minutes of previous meeting)
• Action: PP/RP to find out more about the painting competition and liaise with the school accordingly.
• Action: PB to investigate the cost of a visit by a falconer or similar

• JC and CT had perused the plant catalogues loaned by Nick Bromley. Many of the plants appeared to be somewhat “municipal” in character but CT had listed a number of suitable varieties.
• The meeting agreed that the Bull Ring plants should have a strong Red/Yellow colour range in contrast to the 2008 scheme but in line with the colours contained in the “local roots” theme (church wall paintings).
• The meeting agreed that the “Welcome to Claverley” planting boxes should be planted up with pansies for the summer planting scheme. The colours would need to be themed with the Bull Ring planting scheme.
• NB had donated a large number of wallflowers which PP had planted at a number of locations including the churchyard rose bed and the hairdressers trough.
• Action: CT to supply Bull Ring plant list to RP.
• RP to discuss with NP prior to getting together with JC & CT to finalise the selection.
• RP to investigate suitable sustainable alternatives to peat based compost material
• MT to make enquires of Severn Trent about the supply of processed sewage waste for  mulching/compost preparation
• Wetland Walk
• Richard Cotham is still in negotiation with Shropshire CC re the supply of suitable concrete pipes to repair the footbridge. The Environment Agency has had to be involved to assess the possible water course implications
• Action: RP – to continue to liaise with RC
• Aston Lane Bank
• No action by CIB pending outcome of the latest planning application
• Tennis Club Bank
• RP still in the process of obtaining sample plants to enable the 3 main parties involved to choose. There are no funding implications for CIB. 
• “Big Tidy Up” Initiative
• JC had registered CIB interest and is awaiting the information pack and tabards etc.
• Litter pick event to be discussed at future meeting.
• Footpath Maintenance
• RC had again indicated a willingness to resurrect the P3 group if CIB can find suitable volunteers.
• Jim Holland’s offer of his mini digger and skip to CIB may prove useful in clearing the footpath at the rear of the 3 pubs.
• Action: AC to speak to John Wentworth re his offer to get involved in a footpath maintenance team.
• Request for volunteers to be made via the CIB entry in the Parish Newsletter (see below)
• Campaign Events & Planning
• 2009 Campaign Plan
• It was agreed the dates of activities/events should be mapped out with particular reference to “judgement day” in mid July
• Action: PP to forward simple project plan format to RP who will construct a draught version for  discussion at the Feb meeting
• CIB Disco
• Agreed that this year’s event should follow similar format and pricing to that of 2008.
• More savoury “nibbles” to be provided
• First advert to be inserted in the Feb edition of the parish Newsletter.
• Wider press coverage to be arranged closer to the event
• Thought to be given to the raffle prizes. Agreed that a small number of high(ish) value prizes would be appropriate. The majority should have a horticultural/green theme.
• Action: JC to prepare publicity material for the Newsletter
• ALL to look out for suitable supermarket drink offers & inform JC
• MT to organise drinks licence with Keith Horton
• PP to supply a list of drinks purchased for 2008 event
• RP to check glass availability.
• Fundraising, Sponsorship and Support

• The draft prepared by JC was agreed. The letter, which will incorporate an invitation to join the “Friends of Claverley in Bloom” group, will be issued asap.
• Action: RP to liaise with JC re distribution. All sponsors to be involved.
• RP to arrange press coverage of the initiative.
• Newsletter
• The meeting agreed that a CIB News page should be inserted in the parish Newsletter every month. The entry will include updates on CIB initiatives, news of events and requests for volunteer help and sponsorship etc.
• If funding allows the May edition of the Newsletter will contain a hand inserted version of CIB news. This will be a special colour edition (probably folded A4 to create 4 pages of A5) with photographs and a call to arms to prepare for judgement day.
• Action: RP to prepare first edition of CIB news for the Feb edition of the Newsletter
• JC to liaise with Rev Simon Cawdell
• Sponsorship.
• It was agreed that all 2008 sponsors should be approached after the issue of the Friends of CIB letter.
• MT to approach Severn Trent re sponsorship of the Bull Ring planting troughs (value £400)

• Publicity
• Other participants in the Heart of England in Bloom initiative had commissioned street signs to that effect. The meeting agreed that signs could, for instance, be attached to each of the Welcome to Claverley planting boxes to celebrate Claverley’s award winning entry in 2008.
• Action: RP to seek the views of the Parish Council at its January meeting.

• AOB
• As agreed at previous meetings, copies of the Silver Award certificate should be distributed for display in the PO and local pubs etc.
• Action: RP to make certificate available to JC for copying and distribution

• Date of Next Meeting
• Tuesday 3^rd Feb @ 19.30hrs KA.
•  

CLAVERLEY IN BLOOM (CIB)

Meeting Notes 2nd Dec 2008

Present: Andy Crackle, Paul Pickerill, Clair & MikeThorrington, Rod Parr (Chair), Jacqui Cooper,

• Peter Barby

• Available funds stand at £1315.91 after taking into account all outstanding debits and credits.
• Martin Elcock had kindly donated £173.53 in memory of his late father

• Winter Tree Planting
• Survey visit on 16^th Nov had identified further opportunities for tree planting namely
• The perimeter of PB’s field
• Alongside the hedgerow/fence in the vicinity of Newins House Farm
• Bulls Bank
• Alongside the Plough/Sewage Works footpath opposite the lower part of the school field. (bigger trees required here to compete with surrounding vegetation)
• MT is negotiating with Severn Trent regarding the planting of larger specimens to screen the sewage works
• A local resident had contacted PP re the supply of trees for a 2acre site
• It was agreed that a substantial tree, possibly a red oak, should be planted on the Aston Lane side of the Plough car park. This would be dedicated to the memory of Brian Elcock. The cost of the tree, with a suitable plaque, would be funded from a portion (at least £50) of the money donated by Martin Elcock
• Action: PP to approach Richard Wilkes and Bob Lee re tree planting at Aston X Roads and Bulls  Bank respectively
• AC to seek Martin Elcock’s approval for the memorial tree & RP to source a suitable specimen
• School Related Issues
• Shropshire Wildlife Trust had visited the school on 21^st Nov and held its first session with the children and staff at the new outdoor classroom site. The event had gone very well. The children had made good use of the logs that had been put in place by the CIB team and Richard Cotham on 16^th Nov.
• The school had taken some photographs but the event had not been covered by the Bridgnorth Journal. The meeting agreed that CIB should seek to gain some publicity about the initiative at some appropriate point in the future.
• The meeting agreed that CIB should give continued support to the project via funding of specific wildlife/environmental initiatives such as a visit by a bird of prey expert or entomologist. This may lead to wider involvement of the community in environmental information and education sessions.
• It was agreed that CIB should try to interest the school in the Heart of England in Bloom school painting competition.
• Action: PP to find out more about the painting competition and liaise with the school accordingly.
• Action: PB to investigate the cost of a visit by a falconer or similar

• RP had made contact with Nick Bromley re the Bull Ring planting scheme for 2009. Nick would be able to order specific plugs etc from trade suppliers and grow them on.
• NB has some wallflowers to donate to CIB. These could be used in the new churchyard rose bed, the hairdresser troughs and planting beds at Danesbrook
• Action: RP to obtain plant catalogues from Nick Bromley and pass them around CIB committee members.
• RP to obtain wallflower plants and deliver to PP for distribution and planting.
• Wetland Walk
• Richard Cotham is still in negotiation with Shropshire CC re the supply of a suitable concrete pipe to repair the footbridge
• Action: RP – to continue to liaise with RC
• Aston Lane Bank
• No further news on the housing development
• Tennis Club Bank
• RP had produced a list of suitable plant material for the site to ensure ongoing surface stability. This would be considered by representatives of all parties concerned at a meeting in the New Year. There are no funding implications for CIB.  
• “Big Tidy Up” Initiative
• JC had registered CIB interest and is awaiting the information pack and tabards etc.
• Litter pick event to be discussed at future meeting.
• Footpath Maintenance
• The stile on the Plough/Sewage Works footpath was removed on 16^th Nov
• RP mentioned the existence of the P3 group headed by Richard Cotham which was formed some time ago to maintain local footpaths. The group is funded by Shropshire CC and has some items of equipment. Unfortunately the P3 group has not operated for several years due to lack of support but RC has indicated a willingness to resurrect the group if CIB can find suitable volunteers.
• Action: AC to speak to John Wentworth re his offer to get involved in a footpath maintenance team.
• Local Roots
• Ac had spoken to Sue Burns of Claverley Memories who had suggested that the wall paintings in Claverley church could be used as the “local roots” theme for 2009. The meeting agreed that this would be appropriate and would be discuss further in the New Year.
• Campaign Planning
• 2009 Events & timetable
• It was agreed that some sort of project plan/timetable should be prepared. The dates of activities/events should be mapped out with particular reference to judgement day in mid July
• The main CIB fundraising event will be a disco on the same lines as the last one. The event will be held on Sat 14^th March
• Action:  PP to forward simple project plan format to RP who will construct a draught version for discussion at the Jan meeting
• ?? to contact Julie Simpson about availability/suitability of 14^th March
• RP to inform GD
• Fundraising, Sponsorship and Support

• The draft letter to existing supporters prepared by JC was agreed. The letter, which will incorporate an invitation to join the “Friends of Claverley in Bloom” group, will be issued in mid January. The meeting agreed that a further communication addressed to all parishioners and suitable for inclusion in the parish mag and village notice boards should be prepared.
• Action: JC to refine the draft of the supporters letter and to draft an “open” version suitable for wider  distribution.
• RP to forward CIB logo to JC
• Newsletter
• Date of issue and contents to be discussed further at Jan meeting
• Funding Requirements for 2009
• RP had compiled a schedule of anticipated expenditure and this was agreed with minor amendments. The total figure would be in the region of £1600.
• Sponsorship
• The disco would be the single biggest source of funding for 2009 but only likely to cover half of the anticipated requirements. Sponsorship would still be important but may be more difficult to secure given the current economic climate.
• It was agreed that all 2008 sponsors should be approached again in the New Year. Sponsorship plaques would be funded by CIB.
• Publicity
• MT had been trying to procure “CIB at Work” sandwich boards to be set up during planting exercises etc. However his contact had gone out business
• Action:  MT to continue to explore printing of A1 size sheets to be applied to boards.

• Jim Holland had kindly offered the use of his mini digger and skip to CIB
• Date of Next Meeting
• Tuesday 6^th Jan @ 19.30hrs KA.

CLAVERLEY IN BLOOM (CIB)

Meeting Notes 11^th Nov 2008

Present: Andy Crackle, Paul Pickerill, Clair & MikeThorrington, Rod Parr (Chair), Jacqui Cooper,

• Peter Barby

• The bank balance stands at £1525.69 excluding the paments listed below
• The meeting agreed payment to:
• R Parr £106.00 – compost & plants for roadside planters & Bull Ring troughs etc
• R Parr £10.00 - reimbursement of travelling expenses paid to Robin Russell
• Rushmere Nurseries £267.31 – Bull Ring summer planting material
• Gill Price has agreed to approach the PC auditor, Jenny Bailey, to ask if she is prepared to audit the CIB accounts.

• RP & JC mentioned the following issues
• 2009 campaign entry fees to remain the same
• Simplification of judging sheet (final details still not available)
• No need to change judging route/itinerary
• Judges mode of transport appears significant (CIB to use electric car for 2009?)
• Local roots important
• Most entrants appear to have some form of local garden competition
• Judging may be at different date than requested
• Inclusion of church flower festival and churchyard in judging tour suggested by one of the judges
• Campaign Issues
• Winter Tree Planting
• Suitable sites becoming difficult to find within the village – may have to extend further into outlying areas
• Physical survey/tour required to identify possible locations
• Keith Horton requires one tree for Plough car park boundary
• Action: PB, RP, CT, PP and MT to meet on Plough car park at 10.00hrs 16^th Nov to examine suitable sites
• School Related Issues
• Shropshire Wildlife Trust rep will be visiting the school on 21^st Nov to hold inaugural sessions with the children and staff at the new outdoor classroom site. PB had been invited
• A request had been made for logs to be placed on the site for seating during the sessions
• The visit will present a good opportunity for CIB related press coverage
• Action: PP to check with school re press coverage before CIB makes contact with Bridgnorth Journal
• RP to investigate possible supply of logs with Chris Davies and report back to PP
• MT & PB to liaise as necessary to provide alternative source of logs if RP fails
• 100 daffodil bulbs have been saved from the recent bulb planting initiative for planting within the school grounds
• Action: RP to deliver 100 daffodil bulbs to school on 12^th or 13^th Nov

• The winter planting scheme was installed on Sat 8^th Nov
• Wetland Walk
• Richard Cotham is still in negotiation with Shropshire CC re the supply of a suitable concrete pipe to repair the footbridge
• Action: RP – to continue to liaise with RC
• Aston Lane Bank
• The meeting re-affirmed the desirability of clearing the field side of Aston Lane Bank and planting with specimen trees. This may be even more desirable (and acceptable to Aston Lane residents) in view of the proposed affordable housing development.
• The approach to the project will have to be carefully planned and should aim for maximum community participation. The meeting felt it would be useful to carry out a site visit prior to any further discussion
• Action: The CIB members carrying out the survey of suitable locationss for tree planting will  include visit to the Aston Lane site
• Tennis Club Bank
• RP had attended a meeting of Tennis Club, Village Hall and  PC members on 4^th Nov to discuss potential long and short term solutions for stabilising the bank and improving its appearance
• RP had been tasked with providing a list of suitable planting material for the site to ensure ongoing surface stability. This would obviate the need for further cosmetic planting (eg Nasturtiums) in 2009.
• The PC, Village Hall and Tennis Club reps had indicated a willingness to share the cost of the planting. CIB would be responsible for recruiting a team of volunteers to do the planting.
• The meeting agreed that the long term stability of the bank remained uncertain and that construction of a retaining wall etc may be the only long term and permanent solution. A full structural engineers report would resolve any doubts about the current and future status of the bank but this in itself may be prohibitively expensive. Peter Collings had volunteered to obtain some idea of the costs involved.  
• “Big Tidy Up” Initiative
• Keep Britain Tidy are trying to set up local registered litter picking teams and are offering tabards etc to interested groups. The meeting agreed that CIB registration would be beneficial. Unfortunately RP had not been able to find an opportunity to look into the scheme further and carry out registration. JC volunteered to do so.
• Action:  JC - to investigate and carry out on-line registration of CIB
• Footpath Maintenance
• To be discussed further at next meeting.
• Action: Stiles on Plough – Sewage Works path to be demolished on 16^th Nov if time allows.
• Local Roots
• It was agreed that the Local Roots theme should be investigated and applied with some emphasis to the 2009 campaign.
• The meeting talked around the issue of “Local Roots” but failed to identify an obvious choice for the Claverley area. It was therefore agreed that RP should attempt to put together a form of words to define what is meant by “Local Roots” and this could, for instance, be put to the Memories Group for suggestions.
• Fundraising, Sponsorship and Support

• It was agreed that a way should be found of thanking all those who had contributed to the CIB campaign and its success in the competition. It was also agreed that CIB should set up a “Friends of CIB” group and that it may be possible to use the “thank you” letter to existing supporters to recruit them as inaugural members of the group
• Action: JC to draft a suitable letter and e-mail to committee members for comment
• Newsletter
• It was agreed that a Newsletter would be a useful way of keeping the community in touch with CIB activity. It could be published twice a year with an edition strategically issued to coincide with the preparation for judging in July 2009
• The meeting felt that the first Newsletter should be issued in the New Year and should not only contain details of recent initiatives but a schedule of future events.
• The Newsletter Could be distributed as an insert in the parish magazine subject to the agreement of relevant parties
• Action: ALL – to consider the content of the Newsletter prior to full discussion at next meeting.
• Funding Requirements for 2009
• Likely to be in the region of £1000 but could be more once specific initiatives (e.g. Aston Lane bank) have been costed
• Sponsorship strategy to be discussed at next meeting
• CIB Fundraising Disco
• To be held in March.
• Action: RP to explore suitable dates with GD
• Profile & Publicity
• MT proposed procurement of “CIB at Work” sandwich boards to be set up during planting exercises etc
• Action:  MT to explore printing of A1 size sheets to be applied to boards.
• CIB Committee Celebration Bash
• Table booked at Plough for Thursday 27^th Nov.
• Date of Next Meeting
• It was agreed that in future CIB meetings should be held on the first Tuesday of every month
• Tuesday 2^nd Dec @ 19.30hrs KA.
•  

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