Anne 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Waste, a large majority of people took the view that this is simply unnecessary and a waste of public money.
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.
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.
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Monday, 7 December 2009
Accounts for JGA 2009
Jesus Green Association: Accounts for the period 30 October 2008 to 29 October 2009
1. Receipts and Payments Account
Receipts
Balance at bank on 30.10.08 b/f from 2007/08 422.80
Cash donation 10.00
Gross interest, Cambridge Building Society 0.53
Grant, City Council, Room hire for AGM 40.00
Grassroots Grant, Cambridge Community Foundation (see Note 1) 250.00
723.33
Payments
Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2008/09 37.95
Hire of room at Wesley Church for AGM on 02.12.08 40.00
Print-Out, bill for leaflets and public notices 192.80
Hire of room at Wesley Church for EGM on 17.03.09 (+ photocopying) 43.50
Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2009/10 45.75
Tax paid on CBS interest 0.11
Balance in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 c/f to 2009/10 363.22
723.33
2. Balance sheet as at 29 October 2008
Accumulated Association’s funds b/f from 2007/08 422.80
Surplus/ (Deficit) for year (59.58)
363.22
Cash in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 (see Note 2) 363.22
Accumulated Association’s funds c/f to 2009/10 363.22
Notes
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.
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.
Hon. Auditor’s Statement
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.
Victoria Zeitlyn
1. Receipts and Payments Account
Receipts
Balance at bank on 30.10.08 b/f from 2007/08 422.80
Cash donation 10.00
Gross interest, Cambridge Building Society 0.53
Grant, City Council, Room hire for AGM 40.00
Grassroots Grant, Cambridge Community Foundation (see Note 1) 250.00
723.33
Payments
Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2008/09 37.95
Hire of room at Wesley Church for AGM on 02.12.08 40.00
Print-Out, bill for leaflets and public notices 192.80
Hire of room at Wesley Church for EGM on 17.03.09 (+ photocopying) 43.50
Public Liability Insurance Premium, 2009/10 45.75
Tax paid on CBS interest 0.11
Balance in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 c/f to 2009/10 363.22
723.33
2. Balance sheet as at 29 October 2008
Accumulated Association’s funds b/f from 2007/08 422.80
Surplus/ (Deficit) for year (59.58)
363.22
Cash in Cambridge BS account on 29.10.09 (see Note 2) 363.22
Accumulated Association’s funds c/f to 2009/10 363.22
Notes
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.
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.
Hon. Auditor’s Statement
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.
Victoria Zeitlyn
Saturday, 5 December 2009
AGM report AND APPROVED MINUTES
Dear JGA member,
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.
Possibly the most important item is that members agreed to levy an annual subscription of £2.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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)
MINUTES OF JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, CHRIST’S PIECES CAMBRIDGE
ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 2009
THE CHAIRMAN WELCOMED ALL THOSE PRESENT INCLUDING MEMBERS AND TIM BICK, MARGARET WRIGHT AND JOY ROSENSTIEL AS LOCAL COUNCILLORS.
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.
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.
3. THERE WERE NO MATTERS ARISING.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10. THE MEETING CLOSED AT 10PM.
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.
Possibly the most important item is that members agreed to levy an annual subscription of £2.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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)
MINUTES OF JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION-ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
HELD AT WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, CHRIST’S PIECES CAMBRIDGE
ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3RD 2009
THE CHAIRMAN WELCOMED ALL THOSE PRESENT INCLUDING MEMBERS AND TIM BICK, MARGARET WRIGHT AND JOY ROSENSTIEL AS LOCAL COUNCILLORS.
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.
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.
3. THERE WERE NO MATTERS ARISING.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10. THE MEETING CLOSED AT 10PM.
Strategic document agreed at AGM
This statement, drafted by committee chairman Peter Constable, was agreed unanimously at the JGA AGM on December 3.
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.
ONGOING VISION STATEMENT FOR JESUS GREEN
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.
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.
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
NECESSARY TO PREVENT IMPACT DAMAGE TO TREE ROOTS AND GRASS VERGES.
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.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3RD DECEMBER 2009
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.
ONGOING VISION STATEMENT FOR JESUS GREEN
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.
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.
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
NECESSARY TO PREVENT IMPACT DAMAGE TO TREE ROOTS AND GRASS VERGES.
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.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
3RD DECEMBER 2009
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
JGA AGM agenda
JESUS GREEN ASSOCIATION - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Octagon Room, Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Piece, Cambridge
Thursday, December 3 at 8.15pm
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Approval of AGM and EGM minutes
4. Matters arising
5. Treasurer’s report and approval of inspected accounts. Thanks to Victoris Zeitlin and appointment for 2010. EDF energy plans. Care of garden on Jesus Lock.
6. Secretary’s report. Future of website. Subscriptions.
7. Chairman’s report
PC to address work by JGA on HLF situation and JGA meetings during year, Jesus Green Working Group and ongoing future of the plans using council funds, playground upgrade plans, concerns of JGA over procedures (public discussion) VOLUNTEERS : for clearing Jesus Ditch, litter collection, clear rubbish.
Rousse Ball pavilion plans for upgrading toilets and café etc
8. Nomination of officers, election of officers
9. Suggestions from the public, debate
10. Meeting to close by 10pm.
Octagon Room, Wesley Methodist Church, Christ’s Piece, Cambridge
Thursday, December 3 at 8.15pm
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. Approval of AGM and EGM minutes
4. Matters arising
5. Treasurer’s report and approval of inspected accounts. Thanks to Victoris Zeitlin and appointment for 2010. EDF energy plans. Care of garden on Jesus Lock.
6. Secretary’s report. Future of website. Subscriptions.
7. Chairman’s report
PC to address work by JGA on HLF situation and JGA meetings during year, Jesus Green Working Group and ongoing future of the plans using council funds, playground upgrade plans, concerns of JGA over procedures (public discussion) VOLUNTEERS : for clearing Jesus Ditch, litter collection, clear rubbish.
Rousse Ball pavilion plans for upgrading toilets and café etc
8. Nomination of officers, election of officers
9. Suggestions from the public, debate
10. Meeting to close by 10pm.
Restatement of JGA mission
In response to the Heritage lottery Fund and The BIG Lottery Fund decision to reject the bid of £3.3 million by Cambridge City Council for lottery funds for the wholesale development of Jesus Green, the Chairman of Jesus Green Association, Peter Constable comments:-
“ Jesus Green association, through its members, has been strongly opposed to the wholesale formal development of the Green and are relieved that the threat of reduction in the grassed area, the decimation of the tree population and the provision of wider intrusive pathways and piazza areas is now somewhat diminished.
The main concern was that the £4.4 million of changes would radically alter the character of the historic unspoilt green space, turning it into a “theme park” consisting of segmented amusement areas (high wire zone, ornamental gardens, ponds, adventure playground). It appears the Lottery Committee has had similar concerns about the “heritage” gains of the bid. Our argument was the high concept ideas behind the bid ran contrary to the historic “countryside in city” character of Jesus Green.
Jesus Green association is pleased that the City council has confirmed that the matched funding of £1.1 million is still available and that meaningful consultation will take place on how these funds and general annual maintenance monies are spent.
Membership of the Association reflects a wide spectrum of users of the Green and we take this into account in putting forward our concerns and ideas.
The association will strongly support conservation, preservation and regular effective maintenance of the Green. In particular it will support maintenance and drainage of the grassed areas, a comprehensive tree conservation and replacement strategy (no unnecessary felling of healthy trees), and maintenance/refurbishment of the tennis courts, swimming pool children’s play area, the riverside area, the brookside area and the skateboard park. Jesus Green association will also support the redevelopment of the Rouse Pavilion to provide up to date café and toilet facilities.
It would also welcome discussions on a litter enforcement strategy to make the Green a litter free area for all to enjoy.
I hope that the rejection of the Council’s bid can be used as a platform to bring about effective consultation and action on the maintenance and urgent improvements to Jesus Green to ensure that this beautiful heritage site retains its peaceful open spaces for all to use in an informal way.
Peter Constable
16th April 2009.
“ Jesus Green association, through its members, has been strongly opposed to the wholesale formal development of the Green and are relieved that the threat of reduction in the grassed area, the decimation of the tree population and the provision of wider intrusive pathways and piazza areas is now somewhat diminished.
The main concern was that the £4.4 million of changes would radically alter the character of the historic unspoilt green space, turning it into a “theme park” consisting of segmented amusement areas (high wire zone, ornamental gardens, ponds, adventure playground). It appears the Lottery Committee has had similar concerns about the “heritage” gains of the bid. Our argument was the high concept ideas behind the bid ran contrary to the historic “countryside in city” character of Jesus Green.
Jesus Green association is pleased that the City council has confirmed that the matched funding of £1.1 million is still available and that meaningful consultation will take place on how these funds and general annual maintenance monies are spent.
Membership of the Association reflects a wide spectrum of users of the Green and we take this into account in putting forward our concerns and ideas.
The association will strongly support conservation, preservation and regular effective maintenance of the Green. In particular it will support maintenance and drainage of the grassed areas, a comprehensive tree conservation and replacement strategy (no unnecessary felling of healthy trees), and maintenance/refurbishment of the tennis courts, swimming pool children’s play area, the riverside area, the brookside area and the skateboard park. Jesus Green association will also support the redevelopment of the Rouse Pavilion to provide up to date café and toilet facilities.
It would also welcome discussions on a litter enforcement strategy to make the Green a litter free area for all to enjoy.
I hope that the rejection of the Council’s bid can be used as a platform to bring about effective consultation and action on the maintenance and urgent improvements to Jesus Green to ensure that this beautiful heritage site retains its peaceful open spaces for all to use in an informal way.
Peter Constable
16th April 2009.
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