I am pleased that the three Sanderstead Councillors were able to fund a couple of projects in Purley Beeches from their community ward budget. Great that the new benches and the storage unit are now in place. There follows their newsletter:
It seems to me that despite not been able to hold all of our planned work parties, we have still achieved an enormous amount over the last few months, probably because we now have so many more Saturday morning volunteers. Starting with planting 40 saplings last October, happily they are looking healthy with many of them are now in leaf and have survived the building of many dens in this area. Remember our amazing bonfire in December? Only one person believed we would burn the amount that we did, it was well managed, never out of control, great fun and very satisfying.
Prior to that, in November, we had a very successful Zoom AGM where amongst other matters, it was decided it was high time we had a web presence and to consider whether we should install a storage unit in the Beeches to keep our tools in. Since then, Chris Harman has created our website and agreed to become our webmaster, do check out our webpages for history, news, flora, photos and much more. www.friendsofpurleybeeches.co.uk . The website can now be found via Google search, not top of the list yet, but getting there.
In a follow-up Zoom committee meeting it was decided that a high security, container type storage unit should be bought and installed in the Beeches. Fundraising was proposed to start in February and within two weeks of launching it had surpassed the target of £2,200 by £600. Another huge thank you to all of our members who donated and also to Yvette Hopley our Conservative Councillor and to the 18th Purley Scout Group for their generous donations.
The base for this Storage unit was prepared in March and the flat pack unit was delivered to the small entrance on Purley Oaks Road on May the 4th, nine volunteers then carried the individual panels to its intended site. The next morning the team returned to erect the unit, it has yet to be shelved, but the carpet is in! I suggest that we should have a small opening ceremony at our next work party, more of which later.
During the last twelve months six new benches have been installed in the Beeches, two simple benches were donated by the FoPB and two full benches by our Conservative Councillors and two further benches have been paid for by individual friends of the Beeches. There was a champagne celebration around the most recently installed bench, thank you Fran and to all whose contributions have made the Beeches an even more relaxing place to visit.
We have recently had a new resident to the Beeches, many have heard and some have had a close-up experience of our Buzzard, it has been around for some weeks now so must be finding enough to sustain itself, I just hope it has a taste for squirrel.
Probably the most concerning matter during the last few years, has been ensuring that the Beeches is safe from potential future development. A lot of effort has gone into trying to obtain Local Green Space designation, which would provide the top level of protection. Latest information is that because of Croydon Councils predicament, decisions which were due to be taken have been postponed, no surprise there, but fingers still crossed.
One of the consequences of Croydon Councils dreadful financial situation is that our green areas will not be mowed, but allowed to ‘Meadow’. However, with very little rain of late there has been hardly any growth and then amazingly a tractor turns up and cuts what little there is. The committee will continue to monitor the situation and decide if FoPB needs to take any action.
Finally, a reminder of next weeks works party on Saturday 15th May. Clearing around our previously planted trees, keeping the paths clear from overhanging branches and as always collecting fallen timber are the orders for the day. Fortunately, the recent rain means we needn’t water our saplings.
All of the usual reminders about appropriate clothing, shoes gloves and masks. Come any time between 10am and 1pm. Grand opening of our new Storage Unit at 11.00. Signs to the storage unit from the Beech Avenue entrance.
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Website: [friendsofpurleybeeches.co.uk]friendsofpurleybeeches.co.uk
