tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54326202509061486182024-03-06T01:40:36.215+00:00Jesus Green AssociationThe Jesus Green Association is an independent group dedicated to protecting the interests of Jesus Green, one of Cambridge's most popular open spacesJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-71241368843004130562018-05-17T18:27:00.002+01:002018-05-17T18:27:22.846+01:00AGM 2018We are holding our AGM once again on Tuesday 12th June at 8pm in the Octagon Room at Wesley Methodist Church, Christ's Pieces.<br />
<br />JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-78154581864467818222017-05-09T11:51:00.000+01:002017-05-09T11:51:38.635+01:00JGA AGMWe are holding our AGM on Tuesday 9th May 2017 at the Wesley Church Hall 8pm. All welcome to attend.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-91701807244798697782014-11-05T22:08:00.000+00:002014-11-05T22:08:00.602+00:00Jesus Green path refurbishmentThe County Council is rebuilding and resurfacing paths on Jesus Green. They have <a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/JGMSC%20Oct14.pdf" target="_blank">supplied a map</a> showing the current state of play.<br />
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The central avenue lighting will get the correct heritage columns (with added WiFi) in December.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-13560481421486607992014-11-05T20:32:00.000+00:002014-11-05T20:53:31.552+00:00Notice of AGM 2014Our AGM will be held at 8pm on Tuesday 25th November at Wesley Methodist Church, Christ's Pieces. <br />
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Your views will be welcome on matters relating to the Green including:<br />
The Rousse Ball Pavilion and cafe, drainage, paths and lighting.<br />
There will be a report on Jesus Lock Gardens.<br />
<br />
The full agenda is <a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/JGA%20AGM%20Agenda%20Nov%202014.pdf">here </a><br />
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<b>You are urged to attend.</b><br />
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For the minutes for last year's AGM, see the 'Minutes' tab above.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-80577505247900568632013-10-25T14:32:00.001+01:002013-11-03T23:01:04.843+00:00<br />
<b>Notice of Annual General Meeting</b><br />
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7.30 pm on Tuesday 3rd December 2013<br />
<br />
At Wesley Methodist Church, Christ's Pieces<br />
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The Committee of Jesus Green Association hereby gives notice of the above Annual General Meeting at which your views will be welcome on matters relating to the GREEN including:<br />
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Rouse Pavilion Cafe, Drainage, Paths and Lighting etc.<br />
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The full agenda is <a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/JGA_AGM_Agenda_2013.pdf">here</a>.<br />
<br />
This is a matter of great importance to all those who use and care for Jesus Green.<br />
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<b>You are urged to attend.</b><br />
<br />
For the minutes for last year's AGM, see the 'Minutes' tab above.<b> </b>JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-76009245939071337032012-12-01T23:23:00.002+00:002012-12-01T23:38:17.273+00:00We are holding our 2012 AGM on Wednesday 5th December at the Wesley Methodist Church, Christ's Pieces starting 7:30pm. Here is the <a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/JGA%20AGM%20Agenda%20Dec%202012.pdf">agenda</a>JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-39597527875086848962012-07-06T07:31:00.000+01:002012-07-06T07:31:45.747+01:00New Tennis CourtsThe new tennis courts on Jesus Green are now completed. The courts have been moved slightly to avoid the tree line on the Park Parade boundary and reduce maintenance due to removal of leaves.
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There are four new all weather courts and two grass courts. The grass courts require some maintenance following the construction phase and may not be playable in the immediate future.
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The courts will be used on a first come basis but players are asked to be considerate to those waiting. The bowls pavilion has at last been removed and the area is being rejuvenated.
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Jesus Green Association is delighted with this major improvement to facilities on the green and grateful to Cambridge City Council staff for all their efforts. The Association hopes the new courts will be widely used by all.
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Peter Constable<br>
Chair<br>
Jesus Green Association.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-18842097217584404612012-05-08T15:29:00.000+01:002012-05-08T15:29:06.807+01:00A JGA committee meeting will take place on May 8th, minutes will be published shortly afterwardsJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-24090973802328540182011-11-30T21:09:00.001+00:002012-12-01T23:21:37.779+00:00Here is the agenda for our AGM on December 6th.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-1170935436309253552011-10-14T20:19:00.002+01:002011-10-14T20:19:34.098+01:00AGM in DecemberWe would like to announce our forthcoming AGM on Tuesday 6 December. The venue is The Octagon Room at Wesley Church, 7.30-9.30 pm.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-40642571846191488592011-10-06T22:20:00.001+01:002011-10-06T22:22:39.708+01:00JGA committee meetingA committee meeting was held on 4th October. The committee is eager to restart Jesus Green Working Group meeting with Council officers.
Minutes are posted under 'Minutes' above.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-38424552873851479262011-09-03T13:45:00.000+01:002011-11-29T18:35:06.954+00:00Lottery bid submittedThe stage 1 lottery application final bid document was submitted at the end of August 2011. We are publishing here a number of documents from this submission:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/Jesus_Green_project_final_outline_for_websites-2.pdf">Bid outline</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/Extracts_from_HLF_bid_JG_Aug_2011.pdf">Extracts from final bid document</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/Photos_linked_to_Drawing_HLF-JG-001.pdf">Photos showing various entrances to the common</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/FINAL_HLF-JG-001_26-Aug-11.pdf">Map of existing facilities</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/DRAFT_HLF-JG-002.pdf">Current and proposed improvements</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.jesusgreen.org.uk/docs/HLF_letter_of_support.pdf">JGA letter of support</a></li>
</ul>JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-27467835860772495902011-08-25T10:47:00.000+01:002011-08-25T10:47:09.596+01:00Committee meeting held to discuss Lottery bid document.A JGA committee meeting was held on the 22nd August. This was to consider the final detail of the forthcoming lottery application. We have published minutes of the meeting, see the <b>Minutes</b> tab aboveJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-28577038426385673472011-08-04T09:47:00.000+01:002011-08-04T09:47:24.363+01:00Special General Meeting heldA Special General Meeting was held on the 27th July to discuss the forthcoming lottery bid. This is stage one of a two stage process. We have published minutes of the meeting, see the <b>Minutes</b> tab above.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-53468544049620363772011-02-02T19:30:00.002+00:002011-02-02T19:34:07.114+00:00Skate park approvedJust a quick note to say the plans for a £65,000 or so upgrade of the skate park was approved on December 15<br /><br />We have been assured the new footprint will not be any larger than the one there at the moment.<br /><br />Our vice-chairman Martin asked the planning committee for the ramps to stay green, which found approval among members, but the officer is saying it is very hard to find a suitable green that blends with the surroundings given "the changing colours of the season".<br /><br />The plans were given the go-ahead and the officer has been asked to consult with the JGA on the "muted colours" promised.<br /><br />If we can't get green, what shall we go for. Maybe a dark grey?<br /><br />What we don't want is a repeat of the ramp's first incarnation when it was white and looked like an iceberg stuck in the middle of the greenJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-57297119518187620582011-02-02T19:02:00.005+00:002011-02-02T19:19:09.554+00:00Cam Clean-upThe Cam Cleanup, a popular event for local residents, community groups and the residential boating community, is returning in 2011.<br /><br />This year's event will take place on Saturday 26th March, from 10am to 1pm, culminating with a BBQ.<br /><br />The clean-up will take place on the 12 miles between Granchester Meadows to Bottishamlock, and volunteers are urged to sign up.<br /><br />Here is a message from Luther Phillips, from Camboaters, one of the main organisers behind the event.<br /><br />Every year Camboaters, 'Anglian Water's RiverCare' alongside Cambridge City Council and the Cam Conservancy organise the Cam Cleanup.<br /><br />We invite volunteers to take part in this excellent opportunity to givethis much-loved river a helping hand, by participating in the riverCleanup.<br /><br />The Cam Cleanup is the perfect excuse to get out there and dosomething for our fine City, as well as expressing our environmentalethic and collective love of rivers and wildlife.<br /><br />The 2009 Cleanup saw more than 200 volunteers collect over 400 bags ofrecyclable and general rubbish from the river and its banks.<br /><br />Hardworking grapple teams recovered a whopping 100 bikes from the riverbedand three motorised scooters were retrieved from Stourbridge Common.<br /><br />This year we would like yourhelp to recruit volunteers, Team leaders and First Aiders for theMidsummer Common area.<br /><br />Can you please circulate this letter amongst yourmembers<br /><br />In the past only 30 volunteers (including, Team leaders andFirst Aiders) were required to litter pick the Midsummer Common area.<br /><br />Please ask volunteers to email camcleanup@camboaters.co.uk expressingwhether they wish to be a volunteer, Team leader or whether they are aqualified First Aider.<br /><br />Team Leaders andFirst Aiders will be required to attend a briefing event at the CouncilChamber, Cambridge Guildhall on, March 17th at 6.00 PM.<br /><br />I look forward to hearing from you. Please phone me if you have any queries.<br /><br />Kind regards, Luther Phillips07980 621 761<br /><br /><br />Partners: RiverCare - Andrew Walters, Project Manager andrew.walters@keepbritaintidy.org<br /><br />Cambridge City Council - Bob Carter bob.carter@cambridge.gov.uk<br /><br />Cam Conservators - Dr. Pip Noon,River Manager river.manager@camconservators.org.uk<br /><br />'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people canchange the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has' Margaret MeadJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-77253899228202491372010-12-02T11:57:00.003+00:002010-12-02T19:18:29.403+00:00Minutes of AGM 2010MINUTES Jesus Green Association AGM<br />Date: Wednesday, December 2 2010<br />Location: Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Pieces<br /><br />Chairman’s welcome – 18 people + five committee members (chair Peter Constable, vice-chair Martin Thompson, secretary Jack Grove, treasurer Richard Price and Jesus College rep Anthony Bowen). Two councillors, Rod Cantrill and Daminen Tunnacliffe, also noted as present.<br /><br />Apologies – Sarah Tovell, also received via email from Alf& Edith Styan, Elfrida Heath, Neil Anderson, Anne Bromley and Margaret Wright<br /><br />Approval of minutes of AGM 2009<br /><br />Brief run-through of topics for discussion by PC, including the issue of membership change and the move from subscriptions to ‘voluntary donations’. JG explained the reasons behind the change, unwieldy and bureaucratic etc. After an inquiry from the floor, it was agreed to send out an email detailing the changes and asking for members to contribute towards funds.<br /><br />Treasurer’s report – RP outlined the accounts and noted the deficit for this year.<br />He also congratulated those who have taken part in efforts to beautify the JG lock island<br /><br />David Edgar explained how the island had been tidied up under the supervision of Cam Conservators, with Pip Noon. Planting of shrubs and plants, etc<br /><br />RP noted Dan O Donnell had cleaned out JG ditch and thanked him. Anne Garvey asked if Jesus College could contribute towards cleaning of ditch given the utility it receives from it. AB said bursar was aware of problem and was looking at joint working with council to improve its appearance.<br /><br />David Edgar also reported on efforts to stem the number of BBQs on JG, with notices distributed to various shops outlining the rules against lighting of BBQs. Suggested an official sign is sent from association to stores in spring to warn people against lighting them on public spaces.<br /><br />Chairman’s report<br /><br />PC addressed tree issues, paths and HLF bid plans for the Rouse Pavilion, which would include the creation of a community cafe run by the community. Drainage of grass behind the lido would also be included in the bid, as would improvements to pathway and better bins for the summer time.<br />HLF bid is a collaboration with council, with the short term goals of improvements to the park, skate park and tennis courts also in the system.Bowls pavilion is due to be demolished soon.<br />Noted the council are good at clearing the green, though not always immediately on Sunday. Efforts should be made not just to clear up mess, but to stop people dropping litter through more bins, etc. Litter bins should be replaced as summer bins were unacceptable and get kicked about<br />Reported on work of JGA working group, which has adopted a joint strategy with Friends of Midsummer Common, which will be posted on the website. Future working parties would include FOMC.<br />Tree plan was noted, call for volunteers, including a replacement for JG as secretary. None was forthcoming and JG agreed to continue in interim while other is sought. JG explained the duties of the role.<br />Committee was nominated and accepted to continue in positions.<br /><br />AB talked briefly about the input of skating community and parents into the JG working group, while Rod Cantrill, executive councillor for communities, explained the shakeup of management of city council and how it would improve JG with departments coming together. It is now controlled by Toni Ainley in charge of services and estates for open spaces.<br /><br />General debate<br /><br />Bruria Shachar-Hill said drainage should be a priority as waterlogged grass could impact on trees. Added she had approached several groups about BBQs with some ‘responding better than others’. Also notices about BBQ were not very clear<br /><br />Point about inadequate notices was seconded by another member, adding that notices would only be adhered to if there was also enforcement<br /><br />Anne Garvey said plane trees were fine in water, according to Cambridge tree expert Oliver Rackham. Signs were also too cautious about BBQs, creating confusion about what was a fire and what was a BBQ. AG also said she had contacted the council about BBQs to be told a BBQ was not a fire. Also objected to the large slab-like signs erected by Love Cambridge. Called for less ambiguous signs and said bins are often empty while litter is strewn on green.<br /><br />PC said it was now understood that BBQs were fires and this had been made clear to police and council. Action could be taken but the enforcement issue had to be taken forward. Raised issue of designated BBQ areas like in Wandlebury or Lammas Land<br /><br />Joye Rosenstiel supported idea of designated site, saying it was unrealistic to stop people from barbecuing on the green.<br /><br />Other comment saying BBQ should have six inch legs to minimise damage, though PC commented that this did not stop the smoke issue.<br /><br />AG said picnickers were losing out to a few BBQ people because of impact of smoke and chicken smells<br /><br />Daniel Zeichner said BBQ facilities should be made available because many people lived in flats and JG was only open space available to them<br /><br />Vote on BBQ issue. 8 in favour of designated zone, one for status quo and five against any BBQing on green<br /><br />Richard Taylor raised issue of tree works on JG and whether the final plan proposed was that approved by west/central committee.<br /><br />PC said only works were removal of three leylandii near tennis courts and reduction in height of leylandii at swimming pool by 3m a year for five years ahead of new hedge going in. Added that plans for planting trees near Lower Park Street had been removed because it would block out the view of the cottages<br /><br />AG said leylandii removal at tennis courts were unnecessary as trees were healthy and screened the Magdalene College flats, leaving that corner very bare. PC said consultation was taking place and advised those with strongly held views to comment as AG had.<br /><br />John Cooper said state of paths was a disgrace and he had written to council six years ago about the need for improvements and nothing had happend. Damien Tunnacliffe said he was meeting the county council officers on the issue this week and would report back. AB had pursued the path question too, but with no money forthcoming from council, the HLF was now a proposed rout. RT said inclusion of paths in lottery bid would allow council to wash hands of problem, as it had done in the past. PC said it was catch-22 –situation –with no money from council meaning double pronged approach was needed.<br /><br />Rod Cantrill apologised to JC for lack of action, but times were hard now. However, council was delivering on skatepark improvements, which would go before the planning committee on December 9, for completion in early 2011 when ground was harder. Playground was also be done at the same time. Was not sure about the tennis courts and would get back to the association on the details of plans/timeline<br /><br />Jeremy Purseglove, environmental expert, outlined some ideas for the central plane tree avenue, including removal of lampposts with lights in the trees, nice edging of path and damp meadowland ideas<br /><br />Remarks that some council vans were destroying the path and grassy areas , RP responded saying council had pledged to use their smaller electric vehicle on JG.<br /><br />PC raised idea of dedicated parks officer for four central Cambridge parks, including BBQ enforcement, +idea of hammerhead hard standing turning point at Victoria Avenue to stop damage.<br /><br />Joye Rosenstiel raised issue of recycling points on the green<br /><br />The committee’s membership of Cambridge Past, Present and Future was also raised (£35). Questioned why we were members when finances were so tight and they had plenty of money. BSH also said money could be better spent on JG because the association was not flush with money.<br /><br />Chairman thanked people for coming and meeting ended at 9pm.<br /><br />AGREED MINUTES OF DECEMBER 2009 AGM CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE BLOG ARCHIVE THAT MONTHJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-37844695502399458932010-12-01T14:02:00.004+00:002010-12-02T19:26:44.204+00:00Upcoming AGMJesus Green Association will hold its latest AGM today at Wesley Methodist Church at 7.30pm.<br /><br />Among the issues under discussion will be the latest plans for tree landscaping on Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, repairs needed to paths which will deteriorate over the winter and issues that need addressing ahead of summer 2011.<br /><br />While the association's committee is broadly supportive of the strategic plans for Jesus Green, we are worried about delivery of certain promised plans. Having agreed upgrades for the skateboard park, the children's play area and the tennis courts would be undertaken over the winter of 2010, ready in time for spring, there appears to be little action on these fronts.<br />Unless work begins soonish, then it is easy to see the delivery of these excellent projects delayed for another year.<br /><br />After much consultation with various officers at the city council, the JGA are also broadly supportive of the amended plans for tree maintenance on the green. Instead of the 59 trees that could have been felled, only a few leylandii near the tennis courts will go, while the large leylandii hedge around the pool will be lowered substantially to make way for a hedge. This proposals, however, has attracted some concern among pool users concerned about a lack of screening while swimming.<br /><br />There are also issues regarding the membership of JGA. Last year we agreed to impose a £2 subscription levy in an effort to a. establish a firmer membership list b. raise funds for our activities and c. cut dependence on the Grassroots Fund, which is bureaucratic and difficult to obtain funds from. However, our treasurer Richard Price has found collecting subscriptions difficult and unwieldly, with the game perhaps not worth the candle. With the axing of Grassroots funding by the Government, we might now consider switching to a form of voluntary funding from members, which bypasses the need to bureaucratic membership rules.<br /><br />Peter Constable will also give an update on renovation plans for the Rouse Pavilion, on which the JGA is working up plans for a lottery funds bid.<br /><br />Look forward to seeing all members there tonight.<br /><br />OFFICIAL AGENDA<br /><br />JESUS GREEN ASSCIATION-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<br />WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH-CHRIST’S PIECES DEC 3/2010. 7.30PM<br /><br />1. WELCOME<br />2. APOLOGIES<br />3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AGM 3/12/09<br />4. MATTERS ARISING<br />5. TREASURERS REPORT AND APPROVAL OF INSPECTED ACCOUNTS.<br />6. THANKS TO VICTORIA ZEITLYN AND APPOINTMENT FOR 2011<br />7. CARE OF JESUS LOCK GARDENS, JESUS DITCH AND LITTER<br />8. SECRETARY’S REPORT<br />9. CHAIRMANS REPORT<br />10. NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS.CHAIRMAN-PETER CONSTABLE.VICE CAIRMAN-MARTIN THOMPSON.TREASURER-RICHARD PRICE. SECRETARY-JACK GROVE. MEMBERS –ALEX BUXTON,JO MORRISON,JEREMY PURSGLOVE, SYLVIA DANNREUTHER<br />11. GENERAL DEBATE<br />12. MEETING TO CLOSE BY 9.30 PM.<br /><br /><br /><br />CHAIRMAN’S REPORT<br /><br />THANKS TO OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE WHO HAVE WORKED SO HARD DURING THE YEAR.<br /><br />WE HAVE MET 5 TIMES AND COVERED TOPICS :<br />WEBSITE, PRIORITIES FOR WORKING GROUP, ITEMS COVERED IN LOTTERY BID,NEW PLANTING BY LOCK KEEEPERS COTTAGE,TREE PLANTING, DEMOLITION OF BOWLS PAVILION, CHILDRENS PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENT,LITTER, JESUS DITCH.SKATEBOARD PARK,LITTER BINS ROUSSE PAVILION,DRAINAGE, PATHSETC.<br />HERITEGE LOTTERY FUND PRE APPLICATION FORM AND MEETING<br />HELD RECENTLY.<br /><br />MEETINGS OF JESUS GREEN WORKING GROUP :<br />MAINLY CENTRED AROUND PRIORITISATION OF ABOVE PROJECTS.<br />PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF JOINT STRATEGY DOCUMENT <br />BY JGA AND FOMC. WORKING GROUP IN FUTURE TO BE JOINTLY<br />WITH FOMC.<br /><br />TREE REPLANTING AND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ON JESUS GREEN.<br /><br /><br />NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS<br />DONATIONS<br /><br />PSC<br />1/12/10JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-82253157381537133442010-09-05T19:10:00.003+01:002010-09-05T19:26:48.157+01:00CITY COUNCIL'S TREE PLANSThe hot topic of Jesus Green's trees has once again arisen.<br /><br />The city council are currently consulting people on its long-term plans for the trees. <br /><br />In short, there are proposals to chop down a lot of trees, including the horse chestnut trees on Victoria because they are said to be diseased. More controversially, there are also plans to fell the cherry tree avenue - about 20 years old - and replace it with new trees as it is felt the cherries are reaching the end of their lives.<br /><br />Here is a copy of a Cambridge News article which sums up the issue very well. Below is the council's invitation for people to have their say, which must be done by September 10.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Iconic trees could be cut down after plans to take a chainsaw to Cambridge’s riverside parks were unveiled.</span><br /><br />Options on the table for Jesus Green and Midsummer Common could see all of the horse chestnuts along Victoria Avenue chopped down immediately and replaced, and the cherry tree-lined avenue which runs diagonally from the lock to Park Parade razed ahead of the planting of small ornamental trees.<br /><br />Another option is to replace the trees when they become unsafe.<br /><br />Jesus Green and Midsummer Common are popular beauty spots but many species are randomly mixed and there is a risk of disease.<br /><br />Peter Constable, chairman of the Jesus Green Association, said he was opposed to the removal of healthy trees for the sake of uniformity.<br /><br />He said: “If it was decided to fell the trees, it would be a disaster – the green would look like a shorn sheep.<br /><br />“The real beauty is in the present and the historic planting, which is what we should be trying to preserve and maintain.” Some £50,000 is available for planting in the coming months and also to plan the area’s long-term future.<br /><br />A further option for Victoria Avenue is to fell alternate trees now and replace them, while young trees on Midsummer Common’s riverside path could be cut down and replaced with willows and black poplars.<br /><br />Leylandii next to the tennis courts could be felled and replaced with limes, while copper beech trees on the edge of Park Parade could also be swapped for limes.<br /><br />Leylandii next to the lido might be exchanged for a hedge, and willows could replace mixed species next to the Fort St George pub, and mixed trees to the west of Victoria Avenue between the river and Jesus College could be swapped for a single species.<br /><br />Willows and limes could be planted on the Jesus Green towpaths, while Midsummer Common could get more trees to screen the new Brunswick School development and the public toilets.<br /><br />There is not enough cash to implement all the options now so bosses at Cambridge City Council wants to hear what people’s priorities are.<br /><br />Changes which are not implemented straight away could guide work over the coming decades.<br /><br />Alistair Wilson, green space manager, said: “It’s often easier to manage a landscape if you have a long-term vision for it.<br /><br />“We are trying to make a landscape for the future that recognises the heritage of the site.” Mr Constable described the cherry tree and horse chestnut avenues as “beautiful”.<br /><br />He said: “The idea is to have a strategy that as trees are felled they are replanted.<br />“We should be exhorting people to have their say and avoid the chainsaw option because there are other options which are clearly better and would achieve much better results.”<br /><br />COUNCIL INVITATION<span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />The City Council has recently published proposals for new tree planting at Jesus Green and Midsummer Common.</span><br /><br />Trees have an enormous positive impact on the city’s landscape, and we know it’s important to get tree planting right so that these important sites remain attractive and welcoming to residents and visitors.<br /><br />We aim to restore the historic planting layouts, removing species that are not appropriate for the spaces, and providing a long-term, sustainable management solution for the trees.<br /><br />This questionnaire is accompanied by a map of the locations concerned and we’d welcome your views on our tree management and planting proposals. In each question, we’ve left space which you can use to expand on your answer or give us more feedback.<br /><br />You’ll find an electronic version of the survey on our website if you prefer to respond in that way, or you can just send us comments direct by emailing trees@greenrecreation.co.uk. You can also respond by post or fill in a form at our Customer Services Centre or at one of our exhibitions.<br /><br />Please see details at the end of this form.<br /><br />Please respond by 10th September 2010.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-18259867784544699122010-06-02T11:10:00.002+01:002010-06-02T11:22:31.106+01:00Litter updatePleasing though it is to see so many people enjoying Jesus Green in the first flush of summer, the litter situation is fairly horrendous.<br /><br />The green has become a favoured destination for picnickers (in groups of 20 or more) who then try to place this waste in the public litter bins. While this is preferable than simply leaving mess strewn across the grass (which some groups do), the municipal bins cannot cope with what is essentially huge amounts of domestic waste. Visitors must attempt to take their waste home with them as it is not feasible to expect these small bins (even supplemented by extra ones) to contain all this waste.<br /><br />And frankly the scenes seen following some hot weekends are simply disgraceful, with litter left all over the place. Council officials described a May weekend as teh worst they had ever seen Cambridge's greens.<br /><br />Consideration needs to be given to enforcement if people refuse to tidy up after themselves.<br /><br />And then there is the matter of disposible BARBECUES. These are not allowed on the green. Our association has been promised signs on each of the entrances to the green by the council but these have not yet materialised. Burn marks take up to two years to grow back and the dozens of patches left on the green on some weekends are not acceptable.<br /><br />How draconian the council is willing to be in enforcing this rule is unclear. But unless a strong message is sent out, this practice will increasingly be seen as a Cambridge way of life, when it is clearly wrong (try lighting a BBQ in Central Park, NY, and see what happens).<br />And in the age of David Cameron's Big Society, in which individuals are asked to take responsibily for their environment rather than just relying on the state, maybe people might bee willing tell offenders about the rules when they set a BBQ being lit - though it would help if there was a sign to gesture towards.<br /><br />So let's look after the green this summerJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-13860928759884827442010-03-28T22:47:00.001+01:002010-05-23T23:39:43.918+01:00Spring updateSPRING UPDATE<br /><br />Spring is here and Jesus Green will soon become a hub of activity for socialising, sports, skateboarding, public events, swimming, boating and play for children once again.<br /><br />The Jesus Green Association is happy to update the public on upcoming improvements to Cambridge’s best-loved open space, which will benefit the thousands of visitors who enjoy using it each year – particularly in spring and summer.<br /><br />Tennis courts – Cambridge City Council have agreed to push ahead with the refurbishment of the green’s tennis courts. The existing hard courts will be resurfaced and two grass courts will be replaced with hard courts. Two grass courts will remain.<br />Procurement for the courts has begun and work is expected to take place in autumn/winter 2010.<br /><br />Playground – plans to spend about £130,000 to refurbish the playground are well-advanced. Consultation is ongoing with parents about the type of equipment that they want to see – the park is expected to remain in the same location.<br />Work is set to start in autumn 2010 pending planning permission.<br /><br />Skatepark – temporary planning permission for the park was made permanent earlier this year. A second planning application has been submitted for resurfacing and improvements to the ramp – work is expected to take place in autumn 2010. Skateboarders are in contact with council officers to ensure the right changes are made.<br /> <br />Lock-keepers island – using a small amount of money obtained from the Grassroots Fund, volunteers from the Jesus Green Association will be planting flowers in the lock keepers island this spring.<br /><br />Rouse Pavilion – talks are underway about renovating the Rouse Ball pavilion, which houses the green’s public conveniences. These include the possibility of creating a community cafe at the pavilion. JGA is exploring possible funding streams, including the city council, lottery and Trinity College, which has expressed interest in improving the pavilion (named after former Cambridge councillor and Trinity don)<br /><br />Plain tree avenue – plans to resurface the plain tree avenue have been adopted by the city council’s west/central area committee as one of its priorities, re the spending of section 106 money.<br /><br />Drainage – JGA has written to the city council to say it would back any application to the lottery for a grant to improve drainage on the Victoria Avenue side of Jesus Green. Repairing collapsed drains under this area could potentially stop the area becoming a virtual flood plain in the winter and restore the grass, allowing football to be played there in the winter.<br /><br />Wooden bowls pavilion – due to be demolished. Demolition date not yet known.<br /><br />Trees – plans on the future of Jesus Green’s trees can be viewed on the association’s website. The JGA has made strong representations on this issue and will be working with city council tree officers to ensure future work on trees is transparent and in the best interest of Jesus Green users.<br />Jubilee Gardens – Cambridge City Council is undertaking a consultation about moving residential boaters off Jubilee Gardens – opposite Jesus Green tennis court area – and relocating them below to the area immediately below the weir.<br />River crusing vessels would instead be allocated this area – encouraging the use of the lock (stopping it from silting up) and bringing more tourist boaters on to Jesus Green.<br />A decision on making the switch will be made in October 2010 pending consultation.<br />To have your say contact officers at Cambridge City Council.<br /><br />Other – plans for a “biodiversity zone” and “high-wire zone” for Jesus Green were dropped from a list of possible projects deserving section 106 money. <br /><br />Jesus Green Association – at our annual general meeting in January we agreed to change the conditions of membership. Full members will asked to pay a £2 annual sub to help cover the costs of running the association, its various work, and it is hoped this will formalise our membership list. <br /><br />Anyone who wants to join should email the address below – join up and get involved.<br /><br />For all details about the JGA, our constitution and updates about issues affecting the green, go to www.jesusgreen.org/ or email secretary_jga@hotmail.co.uk<br /><br />Jack Grove, JGA Secretary, March 28th 2010JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-42136050806319922562009-12-12T11:16:00.002+00:002009-12-12T11:19:01.968+00:00Comments on changes to parksAnne Garvey, from the Don't Make It Jesus Less Green pressure group, was unable to attend the AGM on December 3, but has asked if these comments on the changes to the parks be communicated.<br /><br /><br />I wondered , as I couldn’t make the meeting tonight, whether there would be any gap to express the view, which many people attached to the Don’t Make it Jesus Less Green group have made to me, that moving the playground would be a mistake.<br /><br /><br />Mothers have explained that they like the walk there, the fact that there is a ‘defensible space’ around it – not criss crossed by pedestrian traffic as at the other end and sunnier.<br /><br />Others interested in Jesus Green express the view that the two sides of the swimming pool are now balanced and moving the playground would concentrate activity at one end, a shadier one.<br /><br />Safety concerns for children- the propsed move end would bring the children nearer the pavilion which in any incarnation will be haunted by homeless drinkers, now separated from the children side. Also the move would bring the children nearer the water and the fascination of the weir, the river , the lock, an additional hazard now not visible to them.<br /><br />Waste, a large majority of people took the view that this is simply unnecessary and a waste of public money.<br /> <br />Children at Park Street School, in the top two classes, with whom I had an hour’s consultation, told me that they would prefer some more exciting play equipment for their age group. Would it be a good idea to place THIS at the darker kiosk end and separate younger children who need supervision from older children who can go to the park alone and play? The link would be the skate park but it’s then TOO old for the late primary school children to use.<br /> <br />Safety concerns about the late night use of the skate park and undesirable males hanging about there, this from parents of teenage girls who go down there.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-70471251753240257472009-12-07T19:21:00.000+00:002009-12-07T19:22:33.376+00:00Accounts for JGA 2009Jesus Green Association: Accounts for the period 30 October 2008 to 29 October 2009<br /><br />1. Receipts and Payments Account<br /><br />Receipts <br /><br />Balance at bank on 30.10.08 b/f from 2007/08 422.80<br />Cash donation 10.00<br />Gross interest, Cambridge Building Society 0.53<br />Grant, City Council, Room hire for AGM 40.00<br />Grassroots Grant, Cambridge Community Foundation (see Note 1) 250.00<br /> 723.33 <br /><br />Payments<br /><br />Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2008/09 37.95<br />Hire of room at Wesley Church for AGM on 02.12.08 40.00<br />Print-Out, bill for leaflets and public notices 192.80<br />Hire of room at Wesley Church for EGM on 17.03.09 (+ photocopying) 43.50<br />Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2009/10 45.75<br />Tax paid on CBS interest 0.11<br />Balance in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 c/f to 2009/10 363.22<br /> 723.33<br /><br /><br />2. Balance sheet as at 29 October 2008<br /><br />Accumulated Association’s funds b/f from 2007/08 422.80<br />Surplus/ (Deficit) for year (59.58)<br /> 363.22<br /> <br />Cash in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 (see Note 2) 363.22<br />Accumulated Association’s funds c/f to 2009/10 363.22<br /><br /><br /><br />Notes<br /><br />1. The Jesus Green Association is pleased to acknowledge receipt of a grant towards running costs from Grassroots Grants which is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation.<br /><br />2. In February 2009 the Association’s ‘Community’ bank account with Barclays was closed and the funds transferred to a Community Account with Cambridge Building Society.<br /><br />Hon. Auditor’s Statement<br />I have examined the bank and building society statements and other documents provided to me and, in my opinion, the accounts are accurate and give a fair and true representation of the financial position of the Association.<br /><br />Victoria ZeitlynJGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-47951241765229024602009-12-05T19:12:00.004+00:002010-12-02T19:21:11.857+00:00AGM report AND APPROVED MINUTESDear JGA member,<br /><br />The 2009 Jesus Green Association AGM took place at the Wesley Methodist Church on Thursday, December 3. In advance of formal minutes being posted on the website, here is a short summary of the key events and discussions at the meeting.<br /><br />Possibly the most important item is that members agreed to levy an annual subscription of £2.<br /><br />This is for several reasons. Firstly, financial. We have relied on a grant from the city council to cover the expenses incurred by the association and its committee. To obtain this money means jumping through many bureaucratic hoops and then we are not guaranteed the money. This should put the association on a better financial footing and allow us to possibly expand the scope of the association's activities.<br /><br />Then there is the issue of members' engagement with the association. By imposing a token membership fee, it will increase people's sense of ownership towards the association. Instead of merely being a name on a mailing list, members will actively affirm their commitment to the association each year. This will also help us sort out who are active members and who no longer wish to be a part of the association, which will be useful to ensure we are quorate at future meetings.<br /><br />As the JGA strengthens its position as a lobbying group (attending meetings, having a say on issues), it is important that we continue to engage with our members (so we can represent them properly) and the subs is an important part in this.<br /><br />Can all those who wish to be a JGA member in 2010, please send their up-to-date contact details and £2 in cash to our treasurer, Richard Price, at 23 Portugal Street, Cambridge, CB5 8AW. Can people please drop this money round to Richard as soon as possible. I'll be sending out another reminder in January and doing a ring-round, so please help us to make the collection process as painless as possible.<br /><br />Another item of note was announced by chairman Peter Constable. After some investigation, he had discovered the Rouse Pavilion (the toilets) were named after a Trinity College academic called Rouse Ball, who was also a long-serving councillor who provided the money for the building on the pavilion. Peter approached Trinity College about getting their support for refurbishing the pavilion and they have generously offered to provide some money towards it. This could be very useful in returning the pavilion to its former glory (it contains changing rooms, but much work needs doing).<br /><br />We also agreed a strategic document detailing the association's priorities - and the basis on which the association would support any future lottery bid (see website).<br /><br />There was also discussions over the green's rather abject playground - there is a report on this issue set to be discussed by the city council at a meeting in mid-January.<br /><br />Peter Constable was elected again as association chairman, Richard Price treasurer, Jack Grove secretary and Martin Thompson vice-chairman. Anthony Bowen was coopted to the committee, representing Jesus College.<br /><br />About 40 people and about 35 members attended the meeting, as well as councillors Tim Bick and Margaret Wright (Julie Smith sent her apologies as she was in Germany - the committee noted its thanks to her chairing the JGA working party over the year)<br /><br />MINUTES OF JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<br />HELD AT WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, CHRIST’S PIECES CAMBRIDGE<br />ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 2009<br /><br />THE CHAIRMAN WELCOMED ALL THOSE PRESENT INCLUDING MEMBERS AND TIM BICK, MARGARET WRIGHT AND JOY ROSENSTIEL AS LOCAL COUNCILLORS.<br />1. APOLOGIES WERE RECEIVED FROM COUNCILLOR JULIE SMITH WHO WAS THANKED IN HER ABSENCE BY FOR CHAIRING THE JESUS GREEN WORKING PARTY DURING THE YEAR.<br />2. THE MINUTE OF THE PREVIOUS AGM HELD ON DECEMBER 2ND 2008 AND THE EGM HELD ON17TH MARCH 2009 WERE APPROVED BY THE MEETING AND SIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN.<br />3. THERE WERE NO MATTERS ARISING.<br />4. THE TREASURER’S REPORT AND INSPECTED ACCOUNTS WERE PRESENTED AND ACCEPTED. THE CHAIMAN ON BEHALF OF THE ASSCIATION THANKED VICTORIA ZEITLIN FOR INSPECTING THE ACCOUNTS AND HER APPOINTMENT FOR 2010 WAS APPROVED BY THE MEETING. THE TREASURER REPORTED ON THE CARE OF THE GARDEN ON JESUS GREEN LOCK. THREE VOLUNTEERS OFFERED TO HELP LOOK AFTER THE LOCK GARDEN.<br />5. THE SECRETARY’S REPORT INCLUDED A CALL FOR AN ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION OF £2 TO PUT THE ASSOCIATION ON A BETTER FINANCIAL FOOTING AND TO INCREASE MEMBERS SENSE OF OWNERSHIP. THIS RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF THE MEETING AND MEMBERS WERE ASKED TO SEND THEIR SUBSCRIPRIONS AND CONTACT DETAILS TO THE TREASURER, RICHARD PRICE 23 PORTUGAL STREET CAMBRIDGE CB5 8AW.<br />6. THE CHAIRMAN REPORTED ON THE YEAR’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ACTIVITIES SURROUNDING THE HLF BID, THE EDF DEPOT PROPOSALS, THE MEETINGS OF THE JESUS GREEN WORKING GROUP AND THE ONGOING PLANS FOR THE UPGRADING OF THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, THE ROUSSE BALL PAVILION, THE SKATEBOARD PARK, TOILETS CAFÉ, JESUS DITCH (ONE MEMBER OFFERED TO HELP CLEAN OUT THE DITCH) ETC. <br />7. A GENERAL DISCUSSION FOLLOWED ON MANY ISSUES INCLUDING A STRATEGIC DOCUMENT DEALING WITH THE ASSOCIATION’S PRIORITES. THIS WAS UNANIMOUSLY ACCEPTED BY THE MEETING. <br />8. THE MEETING UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AN ALTERATION TO CLAUSE 7 C) i) OF THE CONSTITUTION OF JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION SO THAT THE QUORUM FOR A GENERAL MEETING SHALL BE REDUCED FROM ONE THIRD TO ONE FIFTH OF THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP.<br />9. PETER CONSTABLE WAS REELECTED AS CHAIRMAN, MARTIN THOMPSON AS VICE-CHAIRMAN AND RICHARD PRICE AS TREASURER. ANTHONY BOWEN WAS CO-OPTED TO THE COMMITTEE AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF JESUS COLLEGE.<br />10. THE MEETING CLOSED AT 10PM.JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5432620250906148618.post-54465982340313004012009-12-05T18:46:00.005+00:002009-12-05T18:59:29.518+00:00Strategic document agreed at AGMThis statement, drafted by committee chairman Peter Constable, was agreed unanimously at the JGA AGM on December 3.<br /><br />The statement affirm the beliefs and guiding principles of the association, and to create a firm mandate for the group's actions throughout the year.<br /><br />ONGOING VISION STATEMENT FOR JESUS GREEN<br /><br />WE ARE VERY LUCKY IN CAMBRIDGE TO HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL GREEN OPEN SPACES WHICH NOT ONLY OFFER MASSIVE BENEFITS IN TERMS OF HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING BUT ALSO BRILLIANT OPPORTUNITIES TO GET CLOSE TO NATURE AND ESCAPE THE STRESSES OF EVERYDAY LIFE. JESUS GREEN STANDS OUT AMONGST THE FINEST OF THESE OPEN SPACES AND IS USED BY TOWN, GOWN AND MANY THOUSANDS OF VISITORS.<br /><br />HERITAGE IS NOT ABOUT THE PAST, IT IS ABOUT THE FUTURE AND IT IS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT WE SHOULD LOOK AT THE CONSERVATION,PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE GREEN.THE IMMEDIATE AND MEDIUM TERM PROJECTS IDENTIFIED BY THE JESUS GREEN WORKING GROUP (SEE SEPARATE DOCUMENT) ENHANCE THE AREA AND ADD TO THE BENEFITS TO HEALTH, QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING.<br /><br />THE COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TIME SCALE AND WITHIN AVAILABLE RESOURCES IS CHALLENGING. JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION WILL SUPPORT THE COUNCIL IN SEEKING ADDITIONAL FUNDING UNDER THE PARKS FOR PEOPLE OR SIMILAR SCHEME TO CARRY OUT ONLY THE MAJOR WORKS OF TREE PLANTING, DRAINAGE AND THE WORK ON THE SIDES OF THE PATHWAYS <br />NECESSARY TO PREVENT IMPACT DAMAGE TO TREE ROOTS AND GRASS VERGES.<br /><br />HOWEVER THE ASSOCIATION WOULD NOT WISH TO SEE THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING FOR SHORT-TERM IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GREEN FROM SECTION 106 AND OTHER EXISTING PUBLIC SOURCES BEING THREATENED BY THE NEED FOR MATCHED FUNDING FOR THE MAJOR WORKS MENTIONED ABOVE.<br /><br /><br />ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<br />3RD DECEMBER 2009JGA Secretaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13065756718654244359noreply@blogger.com0