OSMG Committee
Officials
Marcus James - Chair
Ian Firth - Vice Chair
David Wright - Treasurer
Julie Wardle - Secretary
Peter Radice - Grant / Funding Secretary
Committee members
David Phizacklea
Mark Latchford
Paul Curran
Trisha Cromie
Karen Atkinson
Trevor Lloyd
Mike Popham
Sean Dyer
Mike Viszked
Stephan Lehner
Bob Newton
David Doughty
Simon Robson
Parish Council Representatives
Ian Firth
Ian Foxwell
(* Parish Council Representatives)
Marcus James - Chair
Ian Firth - Vice Chair
David Wright - Treasurer
Julie Wardle - Secretary
Peter Radice - Grant / Funding Secretary
Committee members
David Phizacklea
Mark Latchford
Paul Curran
Trisha Cromie
Karen Atkinson
Trevor Lloyd
Mike Popham
Sean Dyer
Mike Viszked
Stephan Lehner
Bob Newton
David Doughty
Simon Robson
Parish Council Representatives
Ian Firth
Ian Foxwell
(* Parish Council Representatives)
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FIELD
The Community Field (“the field”) was transferred to the Community as a planning obligation (Section 106 Agreement) on the development of Barns Close in Churchinford back in 2016.
The field is now owned by and registered in the name of Churchstanton Parish Council. To enable more efficient management of the land, the council formed an Open Space Management Group (OSMG) which was constituted to develop and manage the field for the benefit of the whole community.
The OSMG Committee enables a wider participation by members of the community for involvement in the day to day management, development and maintenance of the field - without need for direct involvement of CPC. However as a management committee, all work carried out by the OSMG is done on behalf of the parish council and so covered by CPC’s public liability insurance.
The OSMG reports to the Parish Council, with the Committee’s Agenda and Meeting Minutes being published on this website.
The OSMG operates under a constitution which was prepared and approved by the parish council. CPC also has some of their members appointed to the OSMG (a requirement of the constitution).
The OSMG holds all of it’s Meetings in public and holds an annual AGM where all officials and committee members are elected , finances examined and approved by anyone from the parish who chooses to attend.
The field development has been carried out with full community support and everything that has been carried out has been the result of local surveys or forums. Where new projects or changes in strategy are proposed additional public involvement is encouraged through surveys and direct correspondence at a variety of public events.
The field is now owned by and registered in the name of Churchstanton Parish Council. To enable more efficient management of the land, the council formed an Open Space Management Group (OSMG) which was constituted to develop and manage the field for the benefit of the whole community.
The OSMG Committee enables a wider participation by members of the community for involvement in the day to day management, development and maintenance of the field - without need for direct involvement of CPC. However as a management committee, all work carried out by the OSMG is done on behalf of the parish council and so covered by CPC’s public liability insurance.
The OSMG reports to the Parish Council, with the Committee’s Agenda and Meeting Minutes being published on this website.
The OSMG operates under a constitution which was prepared and approved by the parish council. CPC also has some of their members appointed to the OSMG (a requirement of the constitution).
The OSMG holds all of it’s Meetings in public and holds an annual AGM where all officials and committee members are elected , finances examined and approved by anyone from the parish who chooses to attend.
The field development has been carried out with full community support and everything that has been carried out has been the result of local surveys or forums. Where new projects or changes in strategy are proposed additional public involvement is encouraged through surveys and direct correspondence at a variety of public events.
MINUTES
Open Space Management Group Meeting Minutes
Monday 11th September 2023
Monday 11th September 2023 Churchinford Village Hall 7pm
1 Apologies were received from, David Wright, Ian Firth, Trisha Comrie and Marcus James.
Present, Joe Knowles, David Phizacklea, Paul Curran, Sean Dyer, Peter Radice, Mike Viszked, Karen Atkinson and Trevor Lloyd.
Guests Ruth Marshallsay, Julia, Simon Robson.
2 Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and the action points are agenda items later in the meeting.
3 DW had forwarded the current financial position and a copy of income and expenditure will be attached to this set of minutes. No questions were raised.
4. JK gave an update on the maintenance. DP said he had contacted George Pidgeon and invited him to give his opinion on further hedge laying on the East side of the field - he will report back. DP also raised the issue over the height of the Italian Alder tree avenue, during a discussion various options were suggested but ultimately it was decided that TL contact the Woodland Trust for advice and potential funding of any work that needs to take place. It was also decided the TL contact Carrot to see if he could add lower cladding to the Mindfulness Hub AP DP and TL
5 TL raised the issue of the Allotment maintenance, the hedge neighbouring onto Newberry Patch , compost heaps and the water butts. TL said that some work had been started on the hedge and the water butts but more was needed. It was agree that an allotment work day be arranged when there would be a general tidy up. TL Will arranged a date and look into the hire of a wood shedder.. AP TL
The discussion continued on to the up keep of the plots and it was decided the from 2024 DP would manage and oversee the plots to ensure they were not to be neglected. This would form part of next year’s agreements. AP DP
It was also agreed that new water cube be purchased to replace the one that is not compatible to link up. AP TL
6 The autumn maintenance program was not required apart from the allotments as per item 5 although the wild flower meadow does need cutting to allow the seeds to fall, TL will do this, once completed he will notify committee for the next phase which will be to clear all the cut grass. AP TL
7 An action point from the previous meeting was to look at the cost of a notice board TC had submitted costings but unfortunately they were very costly. TL manager to find one online which has been purchase and will be fitted asap.
8 Following a letter from the member of the community the meeting discussed the control of dogs on the Community Field. Extracts of the letter were issued to the committee prior to the meeting along with details of the law regarding keeping dogs under control. An invite was sent to the person who raised the issue but they declined to attend the meeting. As the field is a public place the law states that owners must keep their dogs under control. Generally, this means close to the owner and ideally on a lead. If not on a lead under control of the owner, such as paying attention to voice commands. As it is a criminal offence to allow dogs to be dangerously out of control and any serious incident needs to be reported to the police. (Animals Act 1971). It was agreed that new signs in the field would reflect the dog owners responsibility.
9 It was agreed that new signs for the Community Field and The Quarry need to be updated. The content and wording was debated and agree. TL to obtain pricing and action. AP TL
10 Sadly we recent lost Jackie Gage who had worked very closely with the OSMG over the years sharing her experience and knowledge of nature. As a mark of respect there have been suggestions that we put a small memorial plaque “Jackie's Meadow” on the wildflower meadow she helped create. This was agreed and the family have suggested the wording - Jackie's Meadow. This meadow was created by Jackie Gage whose love for all nature inspired everyone she met. AP TL
11 TL reported on a meeting he had with Jane Robertson Farming in Protected Landscapes Project Officer, Blackdown Hills AONB at the Quarry. Initially this was to discuss apple trees offered by Adams Apples. The conversation continued where we could be offered funding upwards of £3k. Jane put forward, and has subsequently sent costings, on the apple trees, tree guards, fencing and gates, wildlife boxes and compost toilet. All these items would be of benefit and in particular the trees to the ‘Food Group’. It was agreed would should continue with this application. AP TL
12 TL reminded everyone we have the Market Kitchen to run on Saturday 7th October.
13 Simon Robson joined the meeting on behalf of The Food Group to discuss proposals. He said they would like to develop the top corner of the Allotment plots in the community field to grow produce for the community. In return, the group would maintain the Allotment area. This was agreed by the meeting. They also wished to grow apple trees in the old allotment area at The Quarry, so was delighted to hear about that funding. TL to find out what varieties of apples and notify when we have our Allotment maintenance day. AP TL
14 AOB
There has been a request from a family for them to plant a tree in the Community Field as a memorial to a departed relative. This was agreed in principle but the type and size needs to be considered so that an appropriate area can be identified. PC to inform family. AP PC
Tree tags AP DW
2 of the 7 Birch trees will be replace but they all may require to be resited.
Joe Knowles let the committee know that he would be coming off the OSMG Committee at the AGM next year after 10 years of being a member and 9 years as Chairman.
Meeting closed at 20:30
Monday 11th September 2023
Monday 11th September 2023 Churchinford Village Hall 7pm
1 Apologies were received from, David Wright, Ian Firth, Trisha Comrie and Marcus James.
Present, Joe Knowles, David Phizacklea, Paul Curran, Sean Dyer, Peter Radice, Mike Viszked, Karen Atkinson and Trevor Lloyd.
Guests Ruth Marshallsay, Julia, Simon Robson.
2 Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed and the action points are agenda items later in the meeting.
3 DW had forwarded the current financial position and a copy of income and expenditure will be attached to this set of minutes. No questions were raised.
4. JK gave an update on the maintenance. DP said he had contacted George Pidgeon and invited him to give his opinion on further hedge laying on the East side of the field - he will report back. DP also raised the issue over the height of the Italian Alder tree avenue, during a discussion various options were suggested but ultimately it was decided that TL contact the Woodland Trust for advice and potential funding of any work that needs to take place. It was also decided the TL contact Carrot to see if he could add lower cladding to the Mindfulness Hub AP DP and TL
5 TL raised the issue of the Allotment maintenance, the hedge neighbouring onto Newberry Patch , compost heaps and the water butts. TL said that some work had been started on the hedge and the water butts but more was needed. It was agree that an allotment work day be arranged when there would be a general tidy up. TL Will arranged a date and look into the hire of a wood shedder.. AP TL
The discussion continued on to the up keep of the plots and it was decided the from 2024 DP would manage and oversee the plots to ensure they were not to be neglected. This would form part of next year’s agreements. AP DP
It was also agreed that new water cube be purchased to replace the one that is not compatible to link up. AP TL
6 The autumn maintenance program was not required apart from the allotments as per item 5 although the wild flower meadow does need cutting to allow the seeds to fall, TL will do this, once completed he will notify committee for the next phase which will be to clear all the cut grass. AP TL
7 An action point from the previous meeting was to look at the cost of a notice board TC had submitted costings but unfortunately they were very costly. TL manager to find one online which has been purchase and will be fitted asap.
8 Following a letter from the member of the community the meeting discussed the control of dogs on the Community Field. Extracts of the letter were issued to the committee prior to the meeting along with details of the law regarding keeping dogs under control. An invite was sent to the person who raised the issue but they declined to attend the meeting. As the field is a public place the law states that owners must keep their dogs under control. Generally, this means close to the owner and ideally on a lead. If not on a lead under control of the owner, such as paying attention to voice commands. As it is a criminal offence to allow dogs to be dangerously out of control and any serious incident needs to be reported to the police. (Animals Act 1971). It was agreed that new signs in the field would reflect the dog owners responsibility.
9 It was agreed that new signs for the Community Field and The Quarry need to be updated. The content and wording was debated and agree. TL to obtain pricing and action. AP TL
10 Sadly we recent lost Jackie Gage who had worked very closely with the OSMG over the years sharing her experience and knowledge of nature. As a mark of respect there have been suggestions that we put a small memorial plaque “Jackie's Meadow” on the wildflower meadow she helped create. This was agreed and the family have suggested the wording - Jackie's Meadow. This meadow was created by Jackie Gage whose love for all nature inspired everyone she met. AP TL
11 TL reported on a meeting he had with Jane Robertson Farming in Protected Landscapes Project Officer, Blackdown Hills AONB at the Quarry. Initially this was to discuss apple trees offered by Adams Apples. The conversation continued where we could be offered funding upwards of £3k. Jane put forward, and has subsequently sent costings, on the apple trees, tree guards, fencing and gates, wildlife boxes and compost toilet. All these items would be of benefit and in particular the trees to the ‘Food Group’. It was agreed would should continue with this application. AP TL
12 TL reminded everyone we have the Market Kitchen to run on Saturday 7th October.
13 Simon Robson joined the meeting on behalf of The Food Group to discuss proposals. He said they would like to develop the top corner of the Allotment plots in the community field to grow produce for the community. In return, the group would maintain the Allotment area. This was agreed by the meeting. They also wished to grow apple trees in the old allotment area at The Quarry, so was delighted to hear about that funding. TL to find out what varieties of apples and notify when we have our Allotment maintenance day. AP TL
14 AOB
There has been a request from a family for them to plant a tree in the Community Field as a memorial to a departed relative. This was agreed in principle but the type and size needs to be considered so that an appropriate area can be identified. PC to inform family. AP PC
Tree tags AP DW
2 of the 7 Birch trees will be replace but they all may require to be resited.
Joe Knowles let the committee know that he would be coming off the OSMG Committee at the AGM next year after 10 years of being a member and 9 years as Chairman.
Meeting closed at 20:30