Friends of Chadkirk COMMITTEE meeting July 2024
Meeting: Thursday 01 July 2024
Time: 19:00
Venue: Chadkirk Chapel
Attendance: Pat Baker (President), John Pengelly (Chairman), Brian Thompson (Treasurer), Roger Pearce (Secretary), Angie Clark, Frances Holmes, Peter Labrow, Lesley Thompson.
Apologies: Wendy Southam
Chairman’s Report
JP highlighted four areas:
Contact with SMBC. There was little to report here because there had been a change of personnel and it had proved difficult to establish a meeting which dealt with any substantial matters.
Public Liability Insurance. In making preparations for recent events, it was apparent that the levels of insurance cover might not be sufficient or adequately defined to cover public events. It had therefore seemed prudent to renew the policy to ensure public liability coverage.
Long-term plans. Although this was a difficult area because of there being so many unknowns in relation to the future of Chadkirk Estates, it was likely that there would be little prospect of a survival unless this were to be driven by the Friends of Chadkirk. A long discussion followed.
Treasurer's Report
BT tabled a paper showing the most recent income, present bank balances and giving comparisons with past performance. The present financial situation was healthy.
Garden Report
PB reported that:
Foxglove seeds were ready to be scattered in some of the woodland areas of the estate.
More plants would be purchased later in the year when they could be bought as sale items.
The bee-keeper was pleased with the state of the hives. Quite what was the connection between the FoC and the bee-keeper was not clear but, he would be made an honorary member of FoC to ensure that he would be covered by Public Liability Insurance when in the chapel.
Kiosk Report
FH tabled a detailed report. The well-dressing weekend had been a great success and even although the number of cakes ordered was greater than last year, there was still a need to buy extra supplies on the Saturday evening. A member of the kiosk team had put up some much-appreciated display material related to the well-dressing theme. The kiosk team would have appreciated more help from other volunteers to help set-up and clear away. This was an area which could be strengthened because the workload tended to fall on a small group.
Well Dressing Review
The event had been successful and although there had been some problems with the timing of events, these were beyond FoC control: length of ceremony and late arrival of the Mayor because of traffic delays.
Successes:
Creation and mounting of the well dressing panels
Entertainment provided by local Stockport groups – Band, Ukuleles and Morris Dancers
Kiosk offering
Cloth printing display and general decoration of the Chapel
Traffic management
Areas for improvement:
Above all, need to strengthen the volunteers’ team
Need for more chairs/tables
Provide music in the Chapel 1200-1300 hrs
Keep same number but develop stalls offering
Ensure Saxon re-enactment group are booked
Development of supporting documentation to help systematise preparations
Forthcoming Events
Nominated key holders for the remainder of the year were agreed as follows:
25 August Open Day – Artist/Photo of the Year AC
07 September – Bird/bat Box JP
29 September Open Day – Montgomery’s Angels PL
27 October Open Day – Halloween FH
24 November Open Day RP
08 December – Carol Services AC
13 December – Ghost Story Night PL
14 December - TBA
29 December Open Day FH
Projects
Font tiling. This has been on hold because still awaiting SMBC agreement. JP will follow-up.
Paths. Still awaiting up/date feedback from SMBC
Noticeboard. Still awaiting in-put from SMBC. AC to follow-up
Cover for altar cross. PL will contact a carpenter to get design/quotes
Balcony cupboards. FH will contact contractor who did the kitchen
AOB
Next Meeting FoC open meeting. 1900 hrs Thursday 05 September in Chapel
