Friends of Maryon and Maryon Wilson Parks
Minutes of meeting, 6 October 2022
Present (5): Steve (Secretary), Gulle, Jason, Mickey, Alan.
Apologies (6): Christine (Chair), Natalie (Treasurer), Catherine, John, Hazel, Vanessa.
Parks news:
- Update on Maryon Park steps: David Willoughby from the Parks department says costings for repairs have been completed and contractors appointed. They are due to start work on October 15th, but may now begin earlier, and are expected to take five weeks.
- Noise from nearby parties: There have been a number of complaints from local residents about noise from late-night parties. Paul Martin, the Parks Rangers manager, said he had found no evidence that these were being held in the parks, and believes they may be from two illegal open-air raves held in car parks nearer the river with very loud sound systems.
- Walkabout: Claire Lambert, community engagement officer from the Parks department, has been asked to lead a walkabout in our parks so that we can draw attention to any concerns and possible improvements. We are waiting to hear back about a suitable date. Comments from parks users welcome.
- Animal tours: Although the pathway between the animal pens has been reopened, weekly tours had still not been possible because of ongoing concerns nationally about avian flu. However we have just learnt that they are due to restart very shortly.
- Mobile cafƩ: Sadly, the mobile cafƩ opened in Maryon Wilson Park in April did not prove a viable proposition and had to be closed. There were teething problems with the generator and other equipment and although Fay and Laurence worked very hard they simply could not attract enough custom. The meeting discussed whether Maryon Park, where there was a cafƩ many years ago, would be a better venue with greater footfall.
- Damage to bench: A bench by the deer pen had been seriously damaged after a lorry collided with it. Delivery time for a new one is up to four months, though the meeting wondered whether it might be repaired rather than replaced.
- Picnic in the Park receipts: Our small stall took Ā£29.11p. Thanks to those who helped out on the day.
- Parks Forum: The next meeting of the Greenwich Parks Forum is on Thursday October 20th at Woolwich Town Hall, which Cllr Adel Khaireh, the cabinet member responsible for parks, will address.
Community Garden report: Growing vegetables has been difficult this season with the extreme weather but plot-holders have managed to harvest the equivalent of 70 meals. Three new plot-holders have joined for the 2021/2022 Season. There are six classes of 30 pupils each from Windrush School attending the Forest School for outdoor educational sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Child-minders with younger children enjoy the Forest School on Tuesdays.
The Green Room is available for hire for meetings at Ā£5 an hour. Paul Breen has organised two successful fund-raising Quiz Nights and the Garden is now in a stronger financial position. On June 15th secretary and cordinator Edna was welcomed back to the Garden after her weeks in hospital.
Treasurerās report: The balance is now Ā£532.78.
Any other business: It was suggested that we make a donation to something specific for the Animal Park, and Richard the stockman will be asked for any suggestions.
Diary dates: We will undertake some work in the park on the same day as litter-picks, each first Saturday of the month: November 5th, December 3rd and January 7th. Next general meeting will be on Thursday February 2nd, when it would be good to see a greater number of members.
Steve Tongue, Secretary
Friends Of Maryon Park and Maryon Wilson Park 