Minutes of Meeting, June 2022

Friends of Maryon and Maryon Wilson Parks

Minutes of meeting 16 June 2022

Venue: Kinveachy Gardens

Present: (7) Christine, Steve, Natalie, Gulle, Mickey, Alan, Catherine.

Apologies: (2) John, Hazel.

Picnic in the Park: Plans were discussed for the event in Maryon Park on Sunday 26 June (1pm-6pm), being run this year by Greenwich Dance. We will have an information stall with leaflets and photographs, plus tree identification activity, and will be selling bric-a-brac, plants, cakes etc – contributions welcome on the day. Any help also welcome setting up from midday and clearing up, including picking up litter, from 6pm.

Other parks news:

1. There have been further incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Maryon Park playground when senior schoolchildren arrive in the afternoon. We have written to the school to draw their attention to this. The Council turned down our suggestion of decreasing the age limit from 12 to 11, saying 12 is a borough-wide regulation.

2. Mowing had been done in Gilbert’s Pit but needed to be wider on the paths. We will also ask for the slippery holly oak leaves to be cleared from the path by the tennis courts.

3. The steps down into Maryon Park have still not been repaired and little work is currently being done. The Council told us there is no current timescale for completion as a structural assessment was required and prices for the work then have to be sought before repairs can start.

4. Fallen trees are obscuring part of the path from the water meadow towards the village.

5. Animal tours are still not possible in Maryon Wilson Park, and the path by the duck pond remains closed, because of continued concerns about avian flu. The birds cannot be allowed close to members of the public but we will ask if there is any way of penning them in further back.

6. Having the path closed is not helping the mobile café which has opened opposite the former toilets despite initial teething problems. The owners are currently opening from Thursday through each weekend and hope to add Tuesdays and Wednesdays soon.

7. Some graffiti has appeared on one of the picnic benches which we have asked to have removed.

8. It is unclear whether the Council is going ahead with an updated feasibility study into possible renovation of the old toilet block, with a possible permanent café. An email from the Regeneration department said the cost of surveys and investigations alone could cost in the region of £20,000.

9. Plans have finally been revealed for the development of the Council-owned house at 20 Thorntree Road, which has been empty for some years. It is proposed to make it an eco-friendly 5-bedroom house with wheelchair access.

Community Garden report: A growing plot is available for the first time in 10 years. Please apply to maryonparkcommunitygarden@gmail.com A quiz night in aid of funds for the Community Garden is being held at the Royal Oak, Charlton Lane SE7 on Tuesday June 21 at 7.30.

Treasurer’s report: Balance of funds remains at £598.67 with petty cash of £5.

Diary dates: Next meeting – Thursday October 6. Clear-Ups – Saturdays July 2, September 3, October 1.

Steve Tongue, Secretary

Email: FriendsofMaryonParks@gmail.com