An indifferent summer this year weatherwise, but as I always look on the bright side there has been more than enough rain that our new trees needed a minimum of watering, which is quite a chore as water must be lugged up from the tap in the far corner of Wettern Tree Garden. The downside is that the grass, brambles and nettles also took advantage of the rain, fortunately the Council spent 1.5 million pounds earlier this year on new grass cutting equipment resulting in the Beeches getting two cuts including all the grass areas, not just the green, these other areas hadn’t had a cut for at least two to three years and the Beeches is looking much better for it.
Although we haven’t had any Community parties this year we have achieved a lot. A new bench was installed close to the fallen Beech tree and over the last few months we have had a much better turnout of volunteers to our work parties. An appeal to the Beeches dog walking community via their WhatsApp group has proved invaluable bringing in new working members. So much more has now been achieved in clearing all that overgrowth of nettles and brambles which is so encouraging.
Most of you will know the damage our little furry friends, the squirrel has done to the Beech trees over the years, which is why we don’t plant new Beech trees, but for some reason this spring/summer the damage has been extensive and has included the silver birch and sycamore trees. Control by contraceptives is still being researched, but maybe, in the not-too-distant future this will be a way for us humanely stop the damage.
A recent Sunday morning cake sale in the Beeches, organised by Jacquie Banham and her bakers, raised £900 for MacMillan Cancer Support, an amazing result from the Purley Beeches community.
Next year there are tentative plans to organise another dog skurry. This was a very popular part of our previous community parties and it thought that a stand alone skurry would be great fun for all, more information next year.
Not everything is so rosy, despite promises from the Council and continued pressure from myself and our Councillor Yvette Hopley, the entrance from Tindale Close has still not be made safe. If not done within the next dry weather window I can’t see it getting done this year, but pressure will be maintained.
We do now have a new Community and Conservation Team Leader, appointed by the Council. Dr Alice Owusu-Evans, who amongst other responsibilities will be able to advise and support all Friends of Groups and lead us back to a more positive future.
The refurbishment to the tennis courts is completed and very good they look. The lines for Pickle Ball have also been added to Court 1. I am happy to report that despite the £5 per hour charge they appear to be well used, and the minimal damage caused during the work has entirely disappeared.
St Mary’s church holds a Christmas Tree Festival each year and this year the FoPB will have a tree, decorated with woodland items garnered from Purley Beeches. Do go along and get into the festive spirit, December 6th, 7th and 8th.
A big thank you to all our new members who have set up a standing order, but for those members who haven’t please do so, with a recurring date of December 1st. The family subscription remains at £5, but larger amounts are very welcome and another thanks to all that have opted to pay more.
Finally a reminder about our November work party THE BIG BONFIRE 23rd November and just five days later our AGM on the 28th. Our bi-annual bonfires are the highlight of our working year, don’t miss this one. Also make a note in your diary of next year’s Work Party dates, the third Saturday of each month except August and December. I will send a reminder for the bonfire with AGM nearer the time.
Best regards
Mac
Website; http://www.friendsofpurleybeeches.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
