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Norton in Bloom
Minutes of meeting held 19th November 2009
Present
Alma Finlay Burrows, Maryann Denfhy, Jean Dunk, Gwen and John Lovatt, Malcolm
McDonald
Apologies
Sally Guest, Sandra Kiessling, Ann McDonald, Sally Peake, Margaret and Richard Shaw
Previous Minutes
Agreed
Correspondence
To be dealt with under agenda items.
2 Magazines – Bloom Revue and RHS Affiliated groups given out to circulate.
Ian had advised that whilst he would help with plant sales etc, he did not wish to commit to
being on the committee next year.
Finance
Disposable cash £610. The raffle held at the meal should cover the cost of the hall.
Autumn/spring planting
John to give Maryann an invoice for payment in respect of Violas. Polyanthus to be
purchased in the spring, before the end of the financial year. Sandra had been unable to
obtain decent quality evergreen shrubs and had bought some dwarf conifers (need to let
Maryann have invoice), and planted them in their pots. It was agreed that these would be
lifted in the spring and Alma would plunge them in a bed for the summer, in readiness to use
again next year.
All barrels and beds had daffodils planted and the violas were looking good. John asked for
suggestions for colours of additional crocus planting round the church.
Christmas Lights
Gwen said that the PCC had agreed to the lights, provided they did not flash. Alma to
organise for them to go up early in December, by asking Matt to help with tree climbing, and
liase date with Malcolm and Jim. Malcolm confirmed he had the junction box, timer and
power cable.
Land behind Old PO
A sub group had drawn up proposals for sustainable planting and these were forwarded to the
Parish Council, which agreed them at their last meeting. It was understood that Graham
Powell was leading the project, with £150 to spend.
Concern was expressed that the large number of crocus in the bed should be retained.
Rearrangement of beds in the triangular green
Ian and Barbara had looked at the beds and suggested that the large rocks be moved to the
corner of each small bed, where there was hardly any soil. This would also reduce the chance
of vehicles running over the corners! Some additional sandstone pieces would also be
required to build the edges adjoining the rocks. Barbara, Maryann and John had thought they
could help with these. It was felt that it was time to clear permanent adjuga and polyanthus
planting. The grasses would be retained and perhaps added to. Sandra had suggested, by
email, small hollies for year round greenery, but it was felt these would be bit too formal.
Work to be done when the beds are cleared for the spring.
Britain in Bloom entry
Debate took place on whether to enter Heart of England as well as Britain in Bloom. Whilst
benefit would be gained from having Heart of England judges before Britain in Bloom, it
would be harder to motivate people twice.
Cooperation with the school on their projects and the church garden was thought vital. It was
agreed that Alma and Malcolm should seek a meeting with the Headmaster to discuss mutual
help. Malcolm to arrange, Fridays best for Alma.
Pool Sign
Malcolm outlined his thoughts and acknowledged Tom Campbell’s advice. He would seek a
meeting with John Hughes of Shropshire Wildlife trust for further advice.
Future events
Talk by a judge to help prepare for Britain in Bloom. It was felt that, on balance, an advisory
visit/talk by a judge would probably not produce great benefit, having entered before. Cost
would be travel expenses.
There was great enthusiasm for another duck race; Gwen and John kindly agreed to host one,
round Easter time. Firm up detail in New Year.
Brand Hall Event. Ian thought that it was worth holding another plant sale at the event; given
good weather it should be more successful, particularly if more bedding plants are included.
Will members please pot up plants to donate to the sale in the spring?
Malcolm had suggested a talk on encouraging birds into the garden, but was unsure that
sufficient support would be forthcoming to make it viable.
John reported that another Fun Day would be held in early May on the playing fields and
thought In Bloom should actively participate.
The possibility of a social event was also raised. The beetle games at the Halloween evening
(which was well enjoyed, except for complaints about the difficulty of the quiz!) was
particularly noted as worthy of a Drive in its own right.
AGM
To be held on 7th January at the Hinds Head. Maryann said she would have a balance on the
accounts by then
AOB
Malcolm to speak to Margaret Edwards to clarify the amount of money available for spring
planting and the cost of autumn planting.
Tom Campbell as Tree Warden had given details of trees available free of charge.
It was thought that this might be an opportunity to do some replacement planting on the large
green Proposals on that, and other planting possibilities, such as Forge Lane to be brought to
the next meeting, when decisions will have to be made. John also to bring proposals for
Partons Pool.
Napeley Drive corner bed.
There was not a consensus on what the long-term solution was. Alma to speak to Debbie to
get her thoughts and suggestions. It was agreed that John should tidy it up and plant more of
the species that have proved to survive. (Invoices to Maryann)