Month: February 2018

Minutes of meeting 22nd February 2018

HALSTEAD  IN  BLOOM

Minutes of a meeting 22nd February 2018  7.30p.m. at Halstead Icing

 Chairman, welcomed all present and accepted apologies from several  who could not attend. 

MINUTES of 28th January 2018 had been circulated and were adopted
NEWS:  * New Trustee.  Chairman was pleased to announce that Annie Rees accepted the invitation of Trustees to join them.  It was explained that there are 3 trustees at present: Margaret Eskins, Joan Gibson and Julia Smith and the duties of Trustees was explained.  We welcome Annie to her new role.  *Update on health matters of colleagues:  Alan is still in Broomfield Hospital receiving IV antibiotics to try and eradicate a deep seated infection.  He is reasonably cheerful, although anxious to get home.  Get better soon Alan!  Ian is at home now and his hip is mending nicely.  He still finds it quite difficult to get mobile – but practice makes perfect Ian!  Take care, see you soon.  Joyce is at home and trying to take it easy.  Hopefully when the weather warms up a bit Joyce will be back at working parties.  We wish Mary S and her family well; Mary’s husband has had major surgery after which he contracted an infection.  Thinking of you all.

*Letter from Woodview Gardens. Ian Tinton gave HiB some Wool Compost to trial last year and supplies soil conditioners as well.  Decisions will be made regarding requirements for 2018. *Town Plan working group. Cllr Eileen Penn spoke about the survey carried out by Town Council in 2016 which resulted in about 1000 (10%) of forms being returned.  Councillors have undertaken the mammoth task of collating results and are now in the process of formulating draft text for a town plan from the data.  Colchester Institute has offered to design the plan as a project – which it hopes will be completed by the Easter Holiday.  HiB supplied some photos, and it was said that Halstead in Bloom was mentioned in the majority of replies as being one of the ‘likes’ in Halstead.  Plan will be available electronically with some hard copies.  *Braintree DC Customer Survey. Some copies of the survey were available; it is also possible to complete online at www.braintree.gov.uk/css17-18csc.  Closing date is 31st March 2018 – get your views known! *Talk to Halstead Flower Club. 4 of the team spoke at a recent Flower Club Meeting which brought positive results.  We’ve been invited to speak to Earls Colne W.I. on 16th April; Black Notley Garden Club 12th September; Halstead Townswomen’s Guild 17th October and Tiptree Garden Club on 6th December. *Martins Bungalows. Chairman was contacted by a resident to ask if HiB could ‘do something’ with the garden to the front of these homes.  Property belongs to Greenfields, who have been contacted by residents and who are willing to  clear the ground.  Joan and Margaret have said they will view on 5th March and perhaps draw up a planting plan to discuss with Greenfields at the next Partnership meeting.  It was agreed that HiB can’t bear the cost of supplying plants nor for planting.  It was questioned whether there would be insurance implications for HiB working on Greenfields property.  *Young Foundation. Sec. had been contacted by employee of this foundation which is conducting research into local social networks and how to combat any loneliness and isolation experienced in Halstead and the surrounding area.  There will be a local event entitled ‘Nurturing Neighbours’ at Queen’s Hall on Saturday 24th March 2pm-4pm where residents will be invited to attend, decorate some ceramic pots (provided) then fill with compost and plant a bulb.  These will then be taken home and grown on and when flowering should be delivered to a local resident – names will be pulled from a hat at the event.  HiB was invited, and agreed, to attend the event that will give us a chance to speak to potential volunteers as well a spreading a bit of good will!  All welcome to attend!!!

EVENTS:   *Next RiverCare event  will be 4th March.  Meet at 10am at Sainsbury’s Car Park. *The great British Spring Clean will be held on 2nd-4th March 2018 – HiB to have a litter pick on Saturday 3rd March, meet at 10am in Solar Car Park.  Event will be publicised in Halstead Gazette (hopefully!)  *May Day Event. 7th May. HiB to have a ‘plant a sunflower’ stall.  It was decided not to have cold drinks for sale as these were not popular last year.  *Halstead Marathon. 13th May.  Margaret E, Margaret T, Eileen, Linda, David, Joan, Annie, Graham and Julia have volunteered so far – please let me know if you want to help with this prestigious event.  *Armed Forces Day. 30th June. HiB has agreed to have a stall – possibly a ‘Make a Date’ game, or something similar – thinking caps on please!  *RiverCare Annual Volunteer Conference.  Joan and Margaret E have asked to attend at Milton Country Park, Cambridge. 10am-3.15pm on 21st April.  *Halstead Flower Festival. Dates confirmed as 13th-15th July at St. Andrew’s Church.  Theme will be ‘celebrations’.  Any flower arrangers would be very welcome to join in – all flowers will be purchased by the Church and funds are being raised for this event.  Joan has ‘booked’ a place with a display of ‘Celebrating winning the World Cup in 1966’.  It was decided that HiB will fund this display.  Volunteers will be needed on the days to help with distributing programmes, making teas, etc.  This will be a great attraction for Halstead – and a great way to celebrate Halstead in bloom.   To register an interest speak to Roger Smith, David Hume or Tricia McNeeney (triciamcneeney@gmail.com – with the subject Flower Festival) as soon as possible*HiB AGM.  Confirmed for 23rd March at United Reformed Church, 7pm for 7.30pm. Team to provide the usual refreshments.  Jim Davis of Halstead History Society will speak.  Town Mayor has been invited as have all Town Councillors.  Chair of Braintree DC will be invited to attend.  Margaret T to open Hall and to organise the raffle.  *Cake stall booked – Outside Solar on 31st March.  *Plant Stall Booked – on Market Hill 26th May. *Van booked – for collecting plants 2nd June. Planting on 3rd June.  *Sci-Fi Trail. Following on the success of the Dolly train 2017 it has been suggested that this year, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first broadcast of a Sci-Fi programme, we have a trail of Sci-Fi objects for Children to follow, collect names and win a small prize (maybe tickets to The Empire?(strikes back!!).  So far we have K9, a sonic screwdriver, number plate from ‘Bessie’ (Dr. Who’s car), Dr. Who scarf, a small Tardis, Brains’ spectacles (Thunderbirds), Joan has designed a Dalek for the Loom Garden,  Peter is to make a light sabre outside his house and we have some Star Wars coasters.  We need about 20 objects to make a decent trail – most will have to be in shop windows.  Ideas please – and offers to make other artefacts such as ‘marshmallow man’, a robot, etc.  Trail to be laid in early July and to run over the school summer holidays.

ANGLIA  IN  BLOOM’18.  *Spring Launch is booked for 9th March 2018 at Scotsdales Nurseries near to Cambridge.  So far Joyce, Sheila, Annie, Margaret E, Fiona, Linda, Ian, Wendy, Alan, Jenny B, Margaret T and Graham (12) have said they want to come.  Anyone else?  I must know by Tuesday 27th latest to book our places.  Cost is £20 each, travel to be arranged.  *Route for 2018.  Several ideas were put forward – most popular being:- Start at Bowls Club/Courtaulds Sports Field; Drive to Guides’ allotment, then to Resource Centre.  Drive up Parsonage Street, past the Church to come down High Street to the Public Gardens.  Walk through the Public Gardens and to Holy Trinity School.  Drive to Colin’s Garden.  Drive up High Street to the Birds, Butterflies and Bees Garden, then to the Loom.  Drive through Mill Chase/Green to Sudbury Road and up to Churchill Avenue/Winston Way.  Walk through to Coggeshall Pieces.Drive back down Sudbury Road, through Bois Hall Gardens to the Road Runners’ Bed.  Drive through the Cemetery and to Priory Hall.  Finish at the Bowls Club. Please consider and if there any foreseen difficulties bring to next meeting.  A route survey will be done so that any necessary works can be identified and remedial work undertaken well before judging day.  Jean to survey from Courtaulds Field, along Colchester Road and down Mallows Field to mini-roundabout.  Joan and Fiona to survey Parsonage Street from mini roundabout to Courtauld Close and Resource Centre then to St. Andrew’s Church.  Margaret T to survey the Allotment area.  All to look at High Street/Trinity Street/Kings Road.  Chris and Jenny to survey from Public Gardens to Trinity School and to Colne Valley Close/Colin’s Garden then to Butler Road.  Annie and Mike to survey Market Place, Hedingham Road and to Mill Green.  Linda and Carol to survey Sudbury Road, Churchill Avenue, Winston Way and the footpath through to Coggeshall Pieces.  Linda to look at Bois Hall Gardens and Fenn Road to the Road Runners’ Bed and the Cemetery.  Look for broken/dirty/faded signs, street furniture, etc. that need to be tidied up/painted. untidy hedges/bushes, etc. Excessive weed infestation, etc. etc.  Anyone welcome to feed in identified ‘grot spot’ areas.  Please let Sec. have surveys before next Partnership meeting on Tuesday 20th March so that they can be collated and discussed with BDC, HTC, Greenfields, etc.  *Jobs to be done winter/spring: 1) Muck Spreader, Colchester Road.  Needs a good clean. Edging of bed outside Public Gardens needs to be painted.  Raised beds at Honeywood Road need to be painted.  Trough at Monklands to be replaced. Trough at Ronald Road needs to be replaced.  Trough at Dale Hire needs to be replaced.

WORKING  PARTIESFor all working parties meet at 2p.m. on Town Bridge unless advised otherwise:  27th February: Resource Centre (bring rakes/trowels/hand tools).6th March-Clearing at the River Bank (bring digging forks). 13th March – Deadheading. 20th March-Clearing at the River Bank (bring digging forks). 27th March. Litter pick and/or clearing at the River Bank.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:  *Calendar 2019. Quotes have been sought for lesser quantities: 900 will cost us £2.16 each. 800 will cost £2.35 each. (1000 this year cost us £2.00 each. It was decided to accept quote for 900 and agreed that selling cost per item will have to be raised. *Manure There is still a quantity of well rotted horse manure in stock.  Chris would like some for Trinity School, Margaret T would like some for Guides’ allotment.  It must all go!!  *Pram. Will be ready for display when Royal Baby is born in March.  *Zac said that Little Pickles Nursery is very keen to take part in litter picks.   Zac thought that Little Pickles might like to have an event on a Thursday, during Nursery hours. Will see what we can do.  *Margaret T announced that the Junior Competition for 2018 will be to make a bird box (plans for an ‘easy’ make and a ‘more difficult’ make can be supplied), together with a tub containing some bee friendly plants.  Entries will be displayed in Halstead Public Gardens on day of judging.  Letters to be sent to Schools/youth groups, etc. in the near future.  Prizes will be bought.  Margaret T also said that the kerbs outside Library are still not fixed – has been reported, but that some paving slabs outside Hairdressers have been fixed but not the ones outside the Fish&Chip shop.  Some drains have also been cleared.  *Lia spoke about the Halstead in Bloom FaceBook page and asked if anyone would act as Administrator of this page to post events, etc.  Oliver volunteered and will liaise with Lia and Barry.  It was said that the Halstead in Bloom web site is now up and running – thank you to Shane Exley for reconfiguring and updating the site.  Mike administers the site.  *David T said that some hand rails along the bottom path of the River Walk are falling apart and need to be fixed for safety sake.  Will be reported.  David also noted that the drain in Colchester Road adjacent to the bus stop opposite Courtaulds Sports Field is full to the top.  Will be reported.  *Fiona asked again if the dog bin could be moved away from the seat on the River Walk (before weather gets warmer and dog bin gets smellier!).  Will be requested.   *Chris announced plans for a Junior Bloom litter pick that is to be arranged for the last Sunday of each month – meet at 10.30am at Chapel Street (Sainsbury’s) Car Park.  10 Junior Bloom high viz vests have been bought, and some medium size vests can be available.  Litter pickers need to be available – will see how many are in stock and if we need to purchase more.  Events will be publicised, first one to take place on Sunday 25th March.  *Margaret C said that there is a large pot hole in Chapel Hill, near to a drain on the left hand side going up.  This will be reported.  *Carol said that Wade UK has now been sold and wondered whether there will still be sponsorship from this Company.  Sec to investigate.

 

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There being no other business the meeting closed at  9.30  p.m.

Next team meeting on   Thursday 29th March 2018 
7
.30p.m. at Halstead Icing.

All welcome

 

Contacts:  Margaret Eskins Chairman.  01787 269443

Julia Smith, Secretary. 0776 2587141 / 01787461806. e-mail jaygrey@btinternet.com
Joan Gibson, plants and working parties. 01787 473070

www.halsteadinbloom.org.uk        Facebook: halsteadinbloom.    giveasyoulive.com/join/halstead-in-bloom

Minutes of a meeting 25th January 2018  7.30p.m. at Halstead Icing

 Chairman, welcomed all present and accepted apologies from several  who could not attend including Ian who is in hospital mending a broken hip and Alan who is unwell.  We wish them both a speedy recovery.

MINUTES of 30th November ’17 had been circulated and were adopted
NEWS:  *New containers for 2018. Have arrived!  4 large planters have been placed at the Hospital, two of them purchased by Rotary in memory of Lionel Francis.  All have been filled with compost and the sponsored areas planted.  All have sponsor signs attached.  There will be a ‘grand opening’ of the Rotary containers, date to be advised.  4 barrel planters have been delivered to Priory Hall, bought by their Landscaping Club, plus 4 bags of compost as a good will gesture. One more large planter will be placed outside the former HSBC building, now a Financial Advisor’s Office.  4 half barrel planters have been bought for outside the Library, two troughs have been received, one for Monklands Court and the other for Ronald Road and two ‘anging baskets will be placed at Hyacinth Tea Shops ready for summer planting.

*River Colne. Letter has been received from MP saying he is on the case.  A phone call from Environment Agency emphasised that they review the situation on a weekly basis and that the riparian owners are responsible for the river bed adjacent to their properties.  E.A. said they are still talking to the Mill Owner to try to find a way forward.  It was reported that an otter has been seen near to Town Bridge during the recent wet weather with river levels higher than usual.  *Torchlight Procession 2017. A letter was received thanking HiB for collecting for Mayor’s Fund at the procession and announcing that a total of £1007.38 had been raised for T.A.P.S.  *Calendar Update. It was reported that about 150 or so calendars 2018 remain unsold.  Discussion took place about the way forward with these Halstead Calendars and it was said that many would be disappointed if they are not produced.  Price for a smaller print run and from a different supplier will be sought before decisions are made.  Possible sponsorship for the calendars was discussed. *Greenstead Green/Gosfield. HiB has spoken with both villages recently and Greenstead Green has already started to put out some floral decorations.  Gosfield are keen to get started and have an enthusiastic team.  HiB will be speaking to Earls Colne, Black Notley and possibly Tiptree in the near future to encourage In Bloom participation.

EVENTS:   *Next RiverCare event  will be 4th February  Meet at 10am at Sainsbury’s Car Park. *The great British Spring Clean will be held on 2nd-4th March 2018 – HiB’s name has been registered already.

*Armed Forces Day/celebration of 100yrs end of WW1.  Royal British Legion Halstead Branch and Club intend to hold a ‘gala weekend’ with Empire Theatre showing a suitable film on Friday evening 29th June, an event in Halstead Public Gardens with stalls and arena shows from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday 30th and a dedication service for the new memorial bed in Halstead Public Gardens on Sunday 1st July with a Church Service to follow.  Anyone interested in having a stall or able to offer memorabilia or put on an arena event should contact the British Legion on halsteadrbl@btconnect.com with the title AFD 2018. *HiB AGM 2017.  As a registered charity HiB is obliged to have an AGM to present accounts and elect officers for the forthcoming year.  Date for the AGM was fixed for 23rd March if this is agreeable with the Halstead United Reformed Church.  It was agreed that Jim Davis from Halstead History Society be asked if he could speak.  *Halstead History Museum will be open to the public from Sunday 4th February at 1.30pm to 6pm and thereafter on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.  Museum is now located at Queen’s Hall and has new exhibits to show.  *Rivercare Annual Conference is planned for 21st April at Milton Park, Cambridge.  Sec. to lodge HiB interest.  *Flower Festival 2018.  Friends of St. Andrew’s Church, Halstead are planning to hold a Flower Festival following on from the successful Christmas Tree event in December 2017.  The Festival is planned for mid-July and flower arrangers and flower arrangements are sought from local individuals, clubs and businesses.  To register an interest speak to Roger Smith, David Hume or Tricia McNeeney (triciamcneeney@gmail.com – with the subject Flower Festival) as soon as possible.

ANGLIA  IN  BLOOM’18.  *Spring Launch is booked for 9th March 2018 at Scotsdales Nurseries near to Cambridge.  Please let Sec know by SUNDAY 18TH  FEBRUARY if you wish to attend – cost is £20 per person and we can work out transport nearer the time.  *AiB Entry 2018.  It was unanimously decided that Halstead will enter the Campaign 2018.  Entry form to be lodged with Anglia in Bloom Chair of Judges in the near future (cost £100).*Jobs to be done winter/spring: 1) Muck Spreader, Colchester Road.  Needs a good clean (there is a small bag of ‘soil’ beside the wheel that needs investigation!  2) Planters near to W.H.Smith need to be sanded down and re-painted.  3)  Loom needs repair 4) Bluebridge cart needs to be painted 5) Bench at Churchill Avenue has slats missing and needs cleaning/painting.  6) Some Street furniture is in need of refurbishment.  7) Trough at Dale Hire needs replacing (possibly use the one at present at Ronald Road)  8) a sponsor sign has been pulled off at Town Bridge.  Margaret T to investigate.

*Route for 2018.  Much discussion took place about the proposed route.  The ‘special entries’ were discussed (these are some of the elements that judges will expect to see, although they will also need to be shown community working, art in the landscape, involvement of young people, etc. etc.) and the list is attached.  These are not set in stone, but are a working brief and can be changed if thought not to be suitable or if a better candidate is put forward.   PLEASE can you put your thinking caps on and work out a route to include these.  We have just 2½ hours to get round, including all the stops to speak to people (most important!) and the travelling between places.  We need to avoid ‘grot spots’ or places that can’t be tidied up before judging (i.e. private areas) and we need to get the route in place as soon as possible so that any remedial work can be identified and done in good time – especially weed killing, cutting back before foliage grows up, etc. etc.  We need to think of a meeting point so that judges can be given a drink, comfort break and a short presentation before setting off on the tour and also need to think of where we can end the tour and have a reception for the judges before they leave us.  Email your ideas to me and I will collate and email out before the next meeting so that we can plan our route surveys to take to Councils, Greenfields, etc.

WORKING  PARTIESFor all working parties meet at 2p.m. on Town Bridge unless advised otherwise:  30th Jan.  Halstead Public Gardens, clearing and tidying.  6th February. Litter Pick.  13th February possible some work on River Walk, Parsonage St.  Following weeks to be decided.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:  Dates for selling events 2018: Cake Stall. 31st March.  Plant Stall. 26th May.  Plant sorting/summer planting. 2nd/3rd June.

*Margaret E. 1) asked about the web site which is not functioning at present.  Shane Exley has been contacted and said that he needs to do some work.  He will be contacted again and other arrangements made if necessary.  2) Lights in New St. Bulbs have been changed and are now too bright.  Oliver said that he has had difficulties with the new bulbs also.  Problems have been noted and Halstead TC is writing to ECC Highways to discuss.  3) Clovers.  Braintree DC has tracked down the developer who has responsibility for this area and discussions are taking place about maintenance.  Braintree DC will effect a one-off blitz to clear and tidy the walkway up in the near future.  4) Pigeon Poo.  Some pavements have been cleaned and some preventative measures are now in place. Watch this space! 5) Trinity Court graffiti and litter/rubbish has been reported and hopefully measures will be taken to clean the area.  *Joan has been in contact with Ian who seems to be in good spirits and has asked that some wheeled transport be provided for him so that he won’t miss working parties!  A reinforced wheelbarrow was suggested!!  Margaret T said she had visited Ian and it was thought that he may be moved from the Hospital as soon as he is able to walk a little.  *Margaret T said that the seats in wild life garden and Halstead Public Gardens have been surveyed and it is hoped that some remedial work will take place. 2) Margaret and Christine are planning to organise a monthly litter pick for youngsters – although adults will be welcomed to take part!  This will probably be on the last Sunday of the month.  Details to be finalised and will be emailed round.  *Annie spoke again about the damaged post with wires showing in Hedingham Road.  This has been reported.  *Fiona mentioned some uneven and loose paving slabs.  Further details to be sought and defects to be reported.  *Oliver queried whether the entry bed in Braintree Road would have to be moved.  No information as yet. *Carol spoke about an overflowing rubbish bin on Sudbury Road (Post meeting note:  Request made and bin cleared by 10.30am on Friday 26th! Well done BDC). *Julia has spoken to Blacks Estate Agents, Weavers Court who are keen to sponsor HiB (Post meeting note: A cheque for £150 was received 26/1, letter of thanks will be written).   Central Piling, Bluebridge has contacted HiB with a view to sponsorship and some physical assistance.  Both offers gratefully received.
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There being no other business the meeting closed at  9.45  p.m.
Next team meeting on   Thursday 22nd February 2018     7.30p.m. at Halstead Icing.
All welcome
Contacts:  Margaret Eskins Chairman.  01787 269443
Julia Smith, Secretary. 0776 2587141 / 01787461806. e-mail jaygrey@btinternet.com
Joan Gibson, plants and working parties. 01787 473070

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