West Down Community Park

West Down Village Green Field Association Meeting 2nd July 2024  

This was attended by John Stainer (Chair) Susi Batstone (Secretary) Chris Batstone (Treasurer) Ben Hookes, Mike Hunt, Carole King, Keith Oades.

1)  Also in Attendance were Sue Ayre and Mike Reeves from West Down Parish Council and detailed discussions were held concerning the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WDVGFA, the Parish Council and the Air Ambulance.  This included proposals on funding, maintenance and general responsibilities.  It was agreed that the Parish Council would discuss an annual allocation from the precept, of funds to cover maintenance; that WDVGFA would undertake contact responsibilities; monthly checks and some surface maintenance.  Some minor amendments were made to the MOU and the Trustees agreed to proceed with the proposals.

2)  Accessing the Rural Community Green Space Fund and the NDC Climate and Environmental Fund was discussed and MH and SB will research relevant costs and assist M. Reeves with the application.

3)  Mike Reeves was formally thanked for his detailed work on accessing funding for environmental initiatives.

4)  Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and signed.

5)  Park signage needs to be updated and BH suggested that a poster with a QR code should be displayed at each gate for users to scan and obtain information about the park.  This was agreed and he will also set up a Park Community Group on Whatsapp which would have distinct sub-groups.  It was suggested that a ‘Friends of the Park’ group could be set up for those who did not wish to commit to monthly meetings but would help with selected tasks.  This could include individuals like Duncan Beardmore, who will continue to carry out Park inspections.

6)  Treasurers Report was discussed and it was noted that the costs of keeping the Park legal and maintained were high.

7)  The Village Fete will be held on 25th August and preliminary meetings are taking place with the Community Shop personnel who are organising it.  The Park will be responsible for site preparation and provision of some equipment, with the profits from the day being split 60% to shop funds and 40% to the Park.  There was concern that should the profits be negligible during to adverse weather, the Park could be out of pocket due to incurred costs.

8)  Play area inspection was discussed and it was decided that Duncan would report to KO by text on a regular basis.

9)  Park Maintenance was discussed in detail, including the maintenance and repair of various pieces of equipment.  Upgrading of equipment was discussed and will be researched.

10)  Allotments report – There is currently one spare allotment.  Two abandoned plots have been taken on rent free while reinstating.

11)  Work Parties – It was reported that the compound had been cleared of rubbish and the black bin emptied.  Scrap metal is to be removed.  MH is painting the containers, the boules court has been raked but the wet weather is encouraging weeds.

12)  Fund Raising – this will be concentrated on the Village Fete, but an autumn camp out may be undertaken.

13)  AOB – Exit from Farriel Lane is still a concern, a near miss involving a teenage on a bicycle had been reported.  Visibility was discussed and the owner of the hedge contacted, it was noted that the hedge needs to be stock proof.  Warning signs were discussed.

BH has taken down an old barbed wire fence and brambles will be cut to knee height.

More complaints about children encountering dog mess.

The meeting closed at 9.14 pm.

ARE YOU A RUNNER?

At the core of the West Down Village Fete on Sunday 25th August will be a 5km Fun Run around the village plus a shorter Kids Run for under 11s – open to everyone to get involved whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out and looking for a challenge.

Entry is £2.50 and all money raised will go towards keeping our wonderful Community Shop and West Down Community Park going for us all to continue to benefit from.

Want to run? Email John at registerWDFunRun@gmail.com with your name and age.

Run starts from the Fete Arena in the West Down Community Park.  Arrive by 9am to register on the day, ready to run at 10am!

         

West Down Village Fayre and Dog Show 2017

Many thanks to all helpers, sponsors, performers, stall holders and attendees of the Fayre and Dog Show held on Sunday 9th July 2017.  This successful and enjoyable day raised £1,785.60 towards the upkeep of the Community Field.

 

The Dog Show judge had an unenviable task in selecting winners of the various classes!  The dogs were all wonderful and very well behaved.  As were their handlers as, despite the number of dogs present, no unsavoury deposits were left behind!  Thanks to all  the responsible owners for picking up after their pets.

Dog Posters

Posters produced by West Down School children, reminding people of the need to pick up after their dogs, are now being displayed around the Community Field.  Their original ideas and works of art are well worth seeing and will hopefully help towards keeping the site clean and safe for all users.  We are grateful to the school and the children for undertaking this worthy project.

Allotment Plots Now Available

In West Down’s Community Field

Grow your own vegetables, fruit and flowers!

Exercise & Healthy Eating

Large plot – less than £1 per week

No previous experience necessary!

For info phone Keith Oades on 07979 188107

History

West Down Village Green Field Association (aka The Community Field) is managed by a team of elected Trustees/Management Committee members who meet monthly to oversee the running of the field. These volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring financial viability of the site, plan various fund-raising events to cover the on-going maintenance costs and to raise funds for specific projects.

Alongside the Management Committee there is a Members’ Association, comprising individuals who support this worthy project and have the right to vote on issues at AGMs and any other public meetings.  Any interested persons can join at a one-off membership contribution of £1.

For over 30 years residents of West Down had actively campaigned to overcome the shortfall of a recreational field within
West Down.  When a suitable field, Chapel Meadow, became available Fullabrook C.I.C. was approached, and after various discussions generously purchased and gifted this five-acre field to the residents of West Down in perpetuity.

March 2014
Mr Paul Ginnings, Chairman of the Fullabrook CIC, Mrs Susie Batstone, Director of the Fullabrook CIC and Mr John Stainer, Chairman of the West Down Village Green Field Association shake hands after the transfer of the field.

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