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MINUTES

MEETING HELD ON 28th MAY 2013

MEETING HELD ON 29th JANUARY 2013
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Janet Copley, Gloria Prior, Lorna Martin, John Martin, Derek Edwards, Sara Edwards
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Ann Briers
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:
Lorna said that in the last minutes her name was down as Laura. Jill apologised for the error.
The minutes were then agreed and signed.
MATTERS ARISING:
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
Work party dates agreed - March 3rd & March 17th
SILCHESTER RD. ROUNDABOUT:
David Booth had contacted Jill about the roundabout and had agreed to supervise the planting in March.
RESCUE:
Date 23rd March, There will be no lunch at June's and it was decided that we would all go straight home after the event.
It was also agreed that, after the RESCUE event, we would all go out for a meal at Cafe Rouge in the Oracle on 27th March at 6pm.There would therefore be no March meeting on 26th.
MAY MEETING:
It was agreed to invite Eddie Lyford to speak on Climate Change and how it is affecting us.
VISITORS:
Derek and Sara Edwards arrived thinking that the meeting started at 7.30pm. Jill welcomed them both and introduced the members of the committee to them. It was suggested that if they did not want to join GLOBE, they could become Friends of GLOBE.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Jill stated that she had not bought any more litter pickers, gloves or jackets as yet.
She also asked everyone to think of a possible speaker for the Annual General Meeting in September.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter gave an update of our finances.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Sara Edwards informed us that there would be a Southcote Launch to be held in the Community Centre on February 15th between 2 and 6pm. Jill said she would attend.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday May28th 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 8.00pm
Jill closed the meeting, thanking everyone for attending.

MEETING HELD ON 27th NOVEMBER 2012
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon Peter Beadon Janet Copley Gloria Prior Laura Martin John Martin Ann Briers
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING [JULY]:
The minutes were agreed and signed.
MATTERS ARISING:
SILCHESTER RD. ROUNDABOUT/CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
See Chairperson's report.
RESCUE 2013:
Weekend 23rd/24th March. Summreen will be providing the posters.
AGM 2012:
Disappointing response to invitations sent out.
Interesting evening for those who did attend,with Deborah Edwards talking of her year as Mayor of Reading.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Jill had been in touch with Olivia Cullen RBC about the spending of the grant received. Purchasing more litter pickers, jackets and gloves had been approved, but the money could not be used for work on the Silchester Rd. roundabout as it was part of the public highway and our insurance did not cover this. Checking back with earlier correspondence , Jill found that the work had been approved by RBC and their support offered, particularly by the Parks Dept. No further work is to be done for the time being. Jill will be contacting Chris Bloomfield RBC. Meanwhile the plants which have be bought- roses, pyracantha and lavender- have been potted up by Peter.
When Jill met Dr Carolyn Jenkins, the RBC landscape architect, at the Silchester Rd. roundabout, Dr Jenkins suggested that the edge of the roundabout, including the area which is continually driven over, should be sprayed with weed killer and no bulbs planted.
There has been nothing heard or done about the suggestions made by Dr Jenkins for more planting in Southcote -tree planting in the small bed near the take-away, creation of another small bed and the planting of a row of ornamental pears along the precinct.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter gave an update of our finances.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Jill suggested that the Group go out for a meal together - to be discussed at the next meeting.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday January 29th 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 7.50pm

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 25th SEPTEMBER 2012
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre

PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon,Janet Copley, Michael Heath, John Bowsher, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
John Martin, Laura Martin, June Farrell, Kerry Gray RBC, Sue Heaney, Gloria Prior, Joe Northcote, Area Beat Officer
PURPOSE OF MEETING:
To report on the year's activies and to elect the committee.
WELCOME TO GUESTS:
Jill welcomed our guests:
Deborah Edwards, Local Councillor& Deputy Mayor, & Dr. Carolyn Jenkins, Landscape Architect, Parks Dept. RBC.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Jill thanked the committee for their hard work and support over the past year.
Silchester Rd. Roundabout:
Some more membrane and bark to go down and the edge to be sprayed with weed killer. A few plants have been stolen but it is hoped to plant more shrubs and daffodils shortly.
RESCUE:
June Farrell has resigned from GLOBE but has offered to provide refreshments for the next RESCUE Spring clean-up, March 23rd/24th if she hasn't moved house by then.
October RESCUE Event: Sat. Oct 13th. GLOBE will be working at the bottom of Circuit Lane and at the side of the Burghfield Rd. by the bridge over the Holy Brook.
MINUTES OF 2011 AGM:
The minutes of the 2011 AGM were agreed and signed.
MATTERS ARISING:
SILCHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT:
More weed suppressant membrane has been put down - see Chairperson's report.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
Looking good apart from the small bed by the take-away - see item by Dr. Carolyn Jenkins below.
FLORIAN GARDENS ALLOTMENT:
Doing well. Harvest Celebration event: Sat. Sept 29th.
NAG:
Problem of parking on the roads back to consultation.
GUEST SPEAKER: Cllr. Deborah Edwards:
Deborah thanked us for the invitation to GLOBE and for our support.
She spoke of her role as Mayor during the previous year and what she had been able to do to improve procedures and behaviour at Council meetings. She gave examples of her civic and ceremonial duties and the events, 400 in total, that she had attended. Our thanks for an entertaining talk.
DR.CAROLYN JENKINS RBC.
Dr. Jenkins was attending the meeting in her role as RBC Landscape Architect, Parks Dept.
She thanked Deborah for her interest in parks issues at RBC, and explained the landscape improvements which had been carried out in the Borough in consultation with the Housing Dept. There is a borough- wide annual budget of £200,000 for this work which has included tree and bulb planting. Two years ago the garden and seating area at the Southcote Lane end of Coronation Square were installed and last year work was done in Whitley. The focus will now be on Southcote with proposals for planting a row of ornamental pears in front of the shopping parade. Dr. Jenkins had looked at the beds by the shops [eventually and with difficulty finding out from RBC that GLOBE had taken on the task of their maintenance]. She had proposed standardising all the small beds, including an extra one at the far end of the shops by the steps, by removing the current vegetation and planting a central tree possibly with bulbs around but no shrubs, thus creating areas with minimum maintenance. The meeting felt that the two small beds were doing well with a variety of planting and that efforts should be concentrated on the small bed by the take-away, which is constantly trampled destroying anything we have put in.
Dr. Jenkins was thanked for coming to discuss these matters and she will arrange to meet Jill at the Silchester Rd. roundabout in the near future.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Copies of the Statement of Accounts were circulated.
£1527.97 in Nationwide Account.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The election of officers, presided over by John Bowsher, resulted in the re-election of the committee en-bloc with the exception of vice-chair which position will remain vacant.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday November 27th 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 8.40pm

MEETING HELD ON 31st JULY 2012

Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre

PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Gloria Prior, Janet Copley, Lorna Martin, Ann Briers
POLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell, John Martin
MINUTES OF MAY MEETING:
Agreed and signed.
MATTERS ARISING:
SILCHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT:
More weed suppressant membrane has been put down. Plants to be bought – see Chairperson’s report .
KENNET MEADOWS WALK: Sat July 21st
A small group of members and friends joined Adrian Lawson for a very pleasant walk in the Meadows. It was a fine morning and it was interesting to see how the nature reserve at Fobney is maturing.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
Looking good apart from the small bed by the take-away. Plants bought- see Chairperson’s report.
AGM 2012:
Tuesday Sept 25^th 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre. Speaker Cllr. Deborah Edwards.
Possible invitees- representatives of NAG, SRA, Tilehurst& Oxford Rd. GLOBE groups, Granville Rd. Allotment.
June Farrell will be standing down from GLOBE but has offered to continue to provide refreshments for RESCUE.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT:
Jill had bought 6 each of litter pickers, hi-vis jackets and pairs of gloves for working on RESCUE.
The profits from Waterfest and the Jubilee Celebration should cover the cost of our insurance for the coming year.
We agreed her suggestion that we buy firethorn and prickly rose plants and a sack of daffodils for use at the Silchester Rd. roundabout and at Coronation Square gardens.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter gave an up-date on our finances.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS WORK PARTY:Sunday Sept 2^nd.
RESCUE:
Autumn Event Oct 12/13^th? Nothing heard yet from Sumreen.
Spring Event 2013 Possibly 16/17^th March.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday September 25th 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 7.55pm

MEETING HELD ON 29th MAY 2012
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Gloria Prior, Janet Copley, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell, John Martin, Lorna Martin
MINUTES OF MARCH MEETING:
Agreed and signed.
MATTERS ARISING:
SILCHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT:
Weeds still a big problem. Weed suppressant membrane has been bought A concentrated effort needed to weed, rake back the mulch, put the membrane down and recover with mulch. A membrane free area will be necessary for bulb planting by the school children in the Autumn. Work Party - Sunday 10th June 9.30am.
AGM 2012:
Ex-mayor and local councillor Deborah Edwards has agreed to be the speaker at our next AGM.
KENNET MEADOWS WALK:
Jill had been unsucessful in trying to contact Adrian in spite of several attempts.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
Three of the beds are looking good. The one near the Charity Shop and Takeaway is constantly trampled - one suggestion has been for the vegetation to be cleared and a few very large rocks installed, but if money is available it would probably be worth having one more try at this area by planting some large prickly bushes. If these could be established then some smaller planting might have a chance - needs to be discussed in the Autumn.
RBC has some poplar saplings and it has been suggested that one could be planted in the centre of each bed. The meeting felt that this was not a good idea at all- the beds already have central features. If a sapling was to be planted it would be difficult to establish because of the dry conditions, and if it did grow then the resulting tree would take all the goodness and moisture from the bed. RBC to be e-mailed with these concerns.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter gave an up-date on our finances.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
INSURANCE:
This will be going up. [It would have been even more if we worked on the highways]
GRANTS:
Jill had received a cheque for £260.
WEBSITE HOSTING CHARGE:
Ann had renewed the website hosting for a further 2yr period -cost £33.58
ADVERTISING SOUTHCOTE GLOBE:
Summreen Sheikh, RBC, has a banner for us, and a neighbour of Jill's has produced a large encapsulated Southcote GLOBE logo.
These will be used at the tombola stalls on Jubilee Day[2nd June] and at Waterfest [16th June].
LITTER PICKERS:
Ann to look into prices and availability.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday July 31st 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 8.05pm

MEETING HELD ON 27th MARCH 2012
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Gloria Prior, Janet Copley, Lorna Martin, John Martin, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell
MINUTES OF JANUARY MEETING- MATTERS ARISING:
VISIT TO THE MAYOR'S PARLOUR:
Reading's mayor and local councillor Deborah Edwards welcomed a group of members and friends to the Mayor's Parlour on Feb. 14th for a very interesting visit.She told us about her role as mayor, some history of the town and the symbols of office, and the charities she is supporting. It was agreed to make a donation to the Mayor's Fund which supports these charities.
SILCHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT:
Roses have been planted and bark mulch spread. The bulbs which were given to Southcote Primary School cannot be found - any further plants etc. will be given directly to Denise Scott. Vehicles have been driving over part of the roundabout - it may be possible to have bollards installed at a later date.
RESCUE 2012:
Jill thanked the volunteers for their efforts. Although around 35 sacks of rubbish, shopping trolley, tyres, a bicycle and parts of a motor cycle were collected, it was felt that there was less rubbish than in previous years.
Throughout the town this year's RESCUE was considered a successful event.
Local hot spots by the gate into the Meadows, and on the Burghfield road at the end of Lea Close could be tackled on the RESCUE day in October.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Jill reported that we had received a grant of £260. This will be used for equipment such as litter -pickers and hi-vis jackets.
It was agreed that we need a Southcote GLOBE cheque book.
The plaque for the gardens is ready but needs installing. Permission to be checked first.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Money in bank: £1517.91
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
AGM - ideas for speakers; Deborah with highlights of her year as Mayor, or Eddie Lyford.
KENNET MEADOWS WALK WITH ADRIAN LAWSON - try for 9th June
WATERFEST: 16th June. Donations for Jill & Peter's stall to be brought to the next meeting.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS: Next work party Sunday 6th May
COMPLIMENTS SLIP: Ann to print off 20
PLANNING: While the revised National Draft Planning Policy Frame work Document appears to give more protection to green areas than the original, we need to keep a watchful eye out for any attempts at development on the Meadows.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday May 29th 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 7.45pm

MEETING HELD ON 31st JANUARY 2012
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Gloria Prior, Janet Copley, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER MEETING- MATTERS ARISING:
VISIT TO THE MAYOR'S PARLOUR:
A visit has been arranged for Tuesday 14th February - meet 6.30pm at the Civic Centre
SILCHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT:
Some bark mulch has been put down but much more in needed. Some bulbs have come up, but no planting has been done by Southcote School - Jill will ring Denise Scott to find whether the bulbs given to the school will be planted, and, if so, when, as it would be good to have photographs for a 'before, during and after' set. Jill has ordered 3 small buddleia plants on a free offer.
RESCUE 2012:
This will be on March 10th . June has offered to provide refreshments at Southcote Mill. Jill is arranging to buy a set of litter pickers for the group as RBC will no longer be providing them. Ann raised the advisability of having fluorescent tabards for members working at the side of the Burghfield Rd. near Holybrook Bridge. It is hoped to have a photo-shoot in the Brunel Rd. Linear Park car park at 10.30am. Jill will contact Brian Haines and Keith & Barbara Wardman to see if they will help.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
The query regarding the statement of accounts presented at the AGM in September was sorted out. It seems that confusion was caused by differing ways of presentation.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
Next work party- Sunday 19th Feb. Reserve date- Sunday 25th March.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Jill suggested that we might have a group outing.
Janet showed us a leaflet about the progress of the Fobney Island nature reserve.
At the next meeting we hope to arrange possible dates for another Kennet Meadows walk with Adrian Lawson.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday March 27th 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 8.10pm

MEETING HELD ON 29th NOVEMBER 2011
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Gloria Prior, Sue Heaney, Martin Heaney, Clodagh Lydford, Joe Northcote, Jill Hodges ,Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell, Janet Copley
MINUTES OF JULY MEETING - MATTERS ARISING:
HAPPY PROSPECT SITE:
The new plans include 12 flats, 3 houses and garaging. There have been discussions about the grant which will be available for community facilities - there will be more on this in the next edition of Southcote Scene.
VISIT TO THE MAYOR'S PARLOUR:
Jill will be making arrangements for our visit with the mayor Deborah Edwards -probably a Tuesday evening in January.
SILCHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT:
Roses have been planted. Jill to see if we can get more mulching material. Clodagh suggested a source at Arborfield Cross.
Jill hoping to have 'before, during and after' photos.
RESCUE 2011:
There will be a planning meeting on Dec 12th at the Novotel hotel.
STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS:
There was a query regarding the statement of accounts presented at the AGM in September- Peter to investigate.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Jill suggested that we all think of 'ideas to save money in the house' for the next meeting.
VISITOR:
The meeting welcomed ex-West Reading MP Martin Salter.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter reported that there is £1617.84 in the bank, and that the petty cash is£23.40 in the red [outgoings have included the digging of the Silchester Rd. roundabout, cost of roses and bulbs, secretarial and AGM expenses].
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday January 31st 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
TALK BY MARTIN SALTER
Martin gave a very entertaining talk about his time in Australia and the North& South Islands of New Zealand. He showed some beautiful photographs of beaches, lakes, remote islands and forest areas, and the diverse and fascinating wildlife including some spectacular pictures of dolphins playing in the surf.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 27th SEPTEMBER 2011
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Caroline Martin, John Martin, Lorna Martin. Michael Heath, Janet Copley, Gloria Prior, John Bowsher, Jenny Cottee, Ed Boyd, Joe Northcote, Deborah Edwards, Rose Williams
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell, Ann Briers, David Copley, David Horne, Pete Ruhemann, John Ennis
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:
The minutes of last year's AGM were agreed and signed.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked all for their continuing support. The chair then revealed that Southcote GLOBE had been awarded a grant of £202 from RBC for transformation of the Silchester Road roundabout.
We discussed this year's RESCUE which was very successful again, and outlined ideas for further improvements for next year's clean-up.
Members were congratulated on maintaining the gardens at Coronation Square shopping precinct.
GUEST SPEAKER:
Our guest speaker was Denise Scott, a teacher at Southcote Primary School. Gardening is now part of the school curriculum, and Denise discussed her role in teaching groups of 5-6 children at a time, all aspects of growing and harvesting a large selection of plants.They are given an annual budget, and the children are able to watch the fruits and vegetables grow, and also to taste the end product, some of which they are able to cook in the school kitchen. The whole process builds confidence and makes the chuldren environmentally conscious by use of compost bins and water re-cycling. They have created wildlife habitats, including a meadow, bug hotel, hedgehog box, bird boxes and feeders. Denise strongly believes children are the gardeners of the future and should be encouraged to get as involved as possible, and this belief has led to Southcote Primary School being awarded a coveted Gold Medal by 'Reading in Bloom' for the 'Best Primary School'.
RE-ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The re-election of officers was presided over by John Bowsher -
Chairperson- Jill Beadon. Proposed by Caroline Martin, seconded by Janet Copley
Vice-Chair- June Farrell. Proposed by Jill Beadon, seconded by Peter Beadon
Secretary- Ann Briers. Proposed by Jill Beadon, seconded by Janet Copley
Treasurer- Peter Beadon. Proposed by Michael Heath, seconded by Caroline Martin
Members confirmed: Janet Copley, Gloria Prior, Michael Heath, Lorna Martin, John Martin
TREASURER'S REPORT:
A written statement of accounts was submitted.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS;
We discussed the clear-up due on October 15th. All attending are to meet up at 10am.
Joe Northcote told us of plans for allotments for Florian Gardens. We also discussed the thousands of beautiful bulbs including daffodils and crocuses, along Granville Road, Gainsborough Road and Coronation Square.
John Bowsher suggested that the 'Southcote Best Kept Estate' plaque needs cleaning.
It was proposed that a meeting be held involving all GLOBE groups. This is to be discussed in more depth at the next meeting on November 29th.
The next NAG meeting will be on November 10th at the Advice Centre.
Martin Salter will be invited to one of our meetings to describe his recent visit to Australia.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday November 29th 2012 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre
MEETING CLOSED: 8pm

MEETING HELD ON 31st MAY 2011
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Janet Copley, Gloria Prior, John Martin, Lorna Martin
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Caroline Martin, June Farrell, Ann Briers
WELCOME:
Jill welcomed everyone to the meeting.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING:
SILCHESTER ROAD MINI-ROUNDABOUT:
This has now been provisionally dug up. Waiting to hear from Joe Northcote for arrangements for the ground to be prepared ready for planting. Jill to chase up.
SOUTHCOTE PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Janet gave Jill a letter from Manor Primary School thanking us for the £20 donation for their gardening club.
HAPPY PROSPECT:
The land has now been sold with the intention ofbuilding new homes. Future meetings have been planned by Southcote Residents' Association to discuss the provision of a community facility for the area.
WATERFEST:
Jill and Peter ran a tombola stall to raise some funds for GLOBE. Jill thanked everyone for their donations.
KENNET MEADOWS WALK WITH ADRIAN LAWSON:
Everyone said that they had enjoyed it and would like another one to be organised. This to be discussed at the next meeting to arrange dates as Ann is not able to attend tonight's meeting.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS:
Dates to be arranged at next meeting.
FINANCE:
Insurance- at present £75 - will be due in August. Jill to enquire.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Peter suggested a possible visit to the Mayor's Parlour. This was agreed- Peter to arrange with Debbie Edwards.
John and Lorna said that there was someone in Berkeley Avenue selling plants quite cheaply. This to be looked into with regard to the planting of the roundabout and Coronation Square gardens.
Gloria said that there was a tree down near the BMX circuit along the water meadows. Kevin Wiggington to be informed.
MEETING CLOSED with Jill thanking everyone for attending.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY JULY 26th 2011 7pm Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.

MEETING HELD ON 29th MARCH 2011
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Janet Copley, Gloria Prior, Graham Briers, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell, Caroline Martin, John Martin, Lorna Martin
GUEST:
Adrian Lawson
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING-MATTERS ARISING:
SILCHESTER RD. MINI ROUNDABOUT/SOUTHCOTE PRIMARY SCHOOL:
Jill had spoken to Dave Booth and Stacey Pickett and we are waiting for an update from them.
Southcote GLOBE is sponsoring Southcote Primary School to replant the roundabout. The school was given crocus bulbs [now to be stored for autumn planting], and £20 towards vegetable seeds. Denise Scott from the school rang thanking GLOBE, and Jill then asked her to speak at our 2011 AGM, on the gardening work done by the children, which she agreed to do.
Janet suggested that Manor Primary School, which is working towards a sustainability award, be given some financial help for the Gardening Club and this was agreed.
HAPPY PROSPECT:
Buildings now demolished. A covenant on the site means that a community facility has to be included in any development. There may be a compensation arrangement to cover this.
RESCUE:
Jill thanked the volunteers for their efforts and showed us press reports of the event. She is going to ring Hugh Faringdon School again about the litter problem around the Southcote Parade shops.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
FINANCE:
Caroline is now a signatory for Southcote GLOBE cheques. Jill had £100 for petty cash.
DAFFODILS AROUND CORONATION SQUARE;
Ann suggested that we write a letter of appreciation to RBC.
WATERFEST:
18th June 2011 11am-5pm. Jill asked for donations for the tombola stall to be brought to the next meeting.
CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS WORK PARTY:
Sunday April 17th 9am.
GUEST SPEAKER:
Adrian gave us a fascinating talk on the history and wildlife of Kennet Meadows. He described how the Holy Brook had been dug by monks from Reading Abbey, how the watercourses had changed over the centuries, for example, with the building of the Canal, and how the balance of the wildlife of the area was susceptible to so many factors such as the use of fertilisers to increase crops as the demand for increased food production arose during the war, changes of use of the land and changes in the management of the river. While there had been a decline in many species, there were some positives such as the presence of water voles again in the Meadows at Calcot [the popularity of dog walking has led to the disappearance of mink] and signs that otters were returning.
Adrian agreed to lead a walk in the Meadows on Sunday May 8th starting from the gate at the bottom of Circuit Lane at 9am.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday May 31st 2011. Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre. 7pm.

MEETING HELD ON 25th JANUARY 2011
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Caroline Martin, Lorna Martin, John Martin, June Farrell, Brian Haines, Janet Copley, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Michael Heath
BUSINESS:
Jill Beadon opened the meeting and wished us all a Happy New Year. We discussed the minutes of the pre- Christmas get-together and approved them.
June confirmed she still in the process of organising a plaque for the Coronation Square Gardens.
We discussed, in depth, our plans to redevelop the roundabout at the top of Silchester Road. Stacey Pickett and Dave Booth are involved and helping us with our project. Local residents have been approached with the proposals and have requested that the tree be cut down; however one objection was received with regard to disturbing wildlife. Ann suggested leaving a log pile on the roundabout to encourage wildlife and this was agreed. Dave had suggested leaving a ring of grass for the council to cut, then a border that the pupils at Southcote Primary School can plant and maintain. An area of gravel was initially decided upon but Lorna raised concernc of the safety of this. Carolione then proposed having a border of bark chippings with small shrubs which was agreed. The council have agreed to clear the roundabout in readiness for the project to begin, although there is concern over heavy lorries at the top of the road as they may cause damage to the underground electrical cables. We are therefore waiting more advice on how to proceed.
We agreed the need for a recycling bin for low energy light bulbs.
Jill Beadon is to approach Southcote Scene with a view to advertising GLOBE- she wants to make local residents aware of our work, as well as trying to recruit new members. Jill is also going to approach the Reading Chronicle in order to advertise our group as well as inviting them, and the Evening Post, to cover the redevelopment of the roundabout.
We discussed The Happy Prospect at Coronation Square which has ben sold to private developers, and is due to be demolished in the next few months to make way for affordable housing. Concerns were raised about the possible lack of a communal area for local residents due to it being owned privately.
Jill Beadon passed on apologies from Adrian Lawson for missing our AGM, and proposed we invite him to our next meeting to give a talk and hopefully arrange walks in Kennet Meadows.
We discussed the RESCUE which is due to take place on 12th March. We will meet up at the gate at the bottom of Circuit Lane at 10am. Jill will organise rubbish bags, gloves and litter pickers. We have no skip this year due to a lack of funds, but all bags will be collected from designated collection points by the council after the clean up. June has very kindly offered to provide refreshments after the clean up.
Jill is going to contact Keith and Barbara Wardman to ask if they would like to get involved again this year. Southcote Parade shops is a hotspot for litter, and it appears most of this is left by pupils of Hugh Faringdon school. Jill has discussed this with the school but so far there has been no improvement. Jill and Peter are to hoping to clear this area of rubbish before the RESCUE.
We briefly discussed the path that has been made through the large flower bed at Coronation Square. We will discuss proposals of how to tackle this at the next meeting.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter gave details of our finances. Caroline was given £20 for sundries. Peter and Jill Hodges are currently needed to sign cheques for GLOBE, and at the earliest opportunity Caroline is to become a signatory on the account.
OTHER BUSINESS:
We expressed our sadness at the news that Mr Saleem senior, from Coronation Square Post Office had passed away. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.
June raised concerns at the lack of new members being recruited to GLOBE and suggested we arrange a recruitment drive. It was suggested that this take place at Southcote Library. We will discuss this further at our next meeting and welcome any ideas members may have.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday 29th March at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
MEETING CLOSED at 20.15.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 28th SEPTEMBER 2010
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre, Coronation Square, Southcote.
PRESENT:
Peter Beadon, Jill Beadon, June Farrell, John Martin, Lorna Martin, Michael Heath, Janet Copley, David Copley, Brian Haines, Ann Briers, Graham Briers, John Knott, Gloria Prior, Sue Heaney, John Bowsher.
From RBC: Kerry Gray, Kevin Wiggington, Joe Northcote, Summreen Sheikh
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Dr David Horne, Keith Wardman, Barbara Wardman, Jill Hodges, Caroline Martin, Rose Williams, Deborah Edwards.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:
The minutes of last year's AGM were agreed and signed.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
The Chair welcomed everyone, thanked the Committee for their support and gave a report of the year's activities -

RESCUE:Members worked hard at this event and the GLOBE groups from Southcote & Redlands won a joint award.

CORONATION SQUARE GARDENS: Members have worked hard tidying and planting and this work will continue.

WATERFEST: Jill and Peter Beadon manned a stall at this event.

The Chair then said a huge thank you to June Farrell for the lovely refreshments provided over the year.
June then thanked Jill for the hard work as Chair for the past 12 months.
GUEST SPEAKER:
At this point we were due to have a talk by Adrian Lawson on Walks in the Kennet Meadows and on Climate Change, but unfortunately he failed to turn up.
Summreen Sheikh and Jenny Cottee talked about energy saving and there was a general discussion on ways to reduce energy use and heating bills.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
John Bowsher kindly took the chair for the election of the officers and the following were returned unopposed:
Chairperson: Jill Beadon Vice-Chair: June Farrell Secretary: Caroline Martin Treasurer: Peter Beadon
Committee: John Martin, Lorna Martin, Janet Copley, Brian Haines, Ann Briers.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Copies of the annual statement were distributed and details explained.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
MINI ROUNDABOUT AT THE END OF SILCHESTER RD.:
Southcote GLOBE is proposing to work with Southcote Primary School on the re-vamping of this roundabout. Jill has visited the school which has a keen gardening club and has won an award for their environmental work. Some of the children will be drawing plans of how they think the planting should be. We will judge these at our November meeting. We will be governed by the amount of help available from RBC and members.
Joe Northcote suggested that we contact the 'Surf & Turf' organiser as those gardeners will be looking for some project now that the growing season is coming to an end.
GRANT:
Jill will be applying for a grant for further work on the gardens.
WALKS:
David Copley spoke of walks based on the Kennet & Avon Canal and said that he might be able to lead an occasional walk for us.
TOWPATH:
Juue highlighted the continuing problem of motorcycles on the towpath.
LOCAL RBC PROJECTS COMING SHORTLY:
Planting bulbs and trees around the Coronation Square area of Southcote.
Developing the pathway between Southcote Farm Lane and Coley Park with changed access.
Outdoor Gym Equipment at Community Centre.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.05pm.

MEETING HELD 27th JULY 2010
Meeting held at Southcote Mill, courtesy of June Farrell
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, June Farrell, Ann Briers, Janet Copley, Caroline Martin, Lorna Martin, John Martin, Jill Hodges, Brian Haines
GUEST:
Stacey Pickett - Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer
BUSINESS:
Jill Beadon opened the meeting. We discussed the minutes of the last meeting and they were approved and seconded. Jill also welcomed Stacey Pickett and asked to look into obtaining additional dog waste bins for the canal walks.
Jill Beadon and Janet held a meeting regarding getting involved in local community projects. Jill is going to Southcote Primary School to discuss the roundabout at the top of Silchester Road. The children will be asked to draw a design for the roundabout and help to plant and maintain it. It is hoped this will commence in September.
We discussed a plaque for the gardens at Coronation Square to promote GLOBE's efforts. Caroline has approached a few companies about donating a sign but had not received any response. June offered to try to organise a plaque for us.
We discussed, in depth, our upcoming AGM to be held on 28th September 2010. Joe Northcott will be asked to take the chair during the re-election. Jill Beadon has invited Adrian Lawson to attend and talk, and also to arrange walks on Kennet Meadows from September onwards. We are trying to find someone to discuss global warming. It was agreed we will ask for representatives from the council to attend, and we will also invite local PCSOs Amelia Sergent and James Paul.
Stacey gave an informative talk about her role as Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer. Peter pointed out that there are very few facilities for young people in Southcote, so we discussed creating an area for football near the playground at Stapleford Road. June then mentioned the land opposite the Mill which is available for recreational use, so Stacey is going to take this forward.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
Peter confirmed we have £1815 in the bank and £143.92 in petty cash.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Jill Hodges went to the R3 recycling facility. They have been showing local childen all aspects of re-cycling and intend to include every school in Reading.
It was agreed we will meet on Sunday 5th September to maintain the gardens at Coronation Square.
NEXT MEETING:
AGM on 28th September 2010 at the Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
MEETING CLOSED 8pm

MEETING HELD 25th MAY 2010
Meeting held at Southcote Mill, courtesy of June Farrell.
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Jill Hodges, Ann Briers, Janet Copley, June Farrell, Michael Heath, Brian Haines
APOLOGIES:
Peter Beadon, Caroline, Lorna & John Martin
BUSINESS:
Jill Beadon opened the meeting and made apologies for those absent.
We discussed the minutes of the last meeting and these were approved.
Matters arising: there is an error in item G-
should read:'Global Warming- how it can affect you and how we can help this from happening'
Jill and Peter Beadon are attending the Water Festival on 19th June 2010 and members donated various items to raise funds for the group. Ricky and Sumreen have also supported us by giving items for the stall.
Jill Beadon is carrying out a GLOBE promotion in Coronation Square on the 29th May 2010 to try to encourage people from the local community to support the group.
In Peter's absence, Jill gave a report on our finances.
We went on to discuss the problems of rubbish in the Holy Brook and dog waste. Caroline has agreed to contact the Environment Agency about the river, and Stacey Pickett with a view to more dog bins being provided.
Janet,Ann and Sumreen attended a meeting at Jill Beadon's house to discuss how Southcote GLOBE could be more involved in the community.
The gardens at Coronation Square were discussed and it was agreed to tidy up on Sunday 5th September 2010 starting at 9am.
We agreed that, at some point, a decision needs to be made to purchase additional plants as ground cover to help cut down the weed problem.
It was suggested that a plaque be made showing that Southcote GLOBE maintain the gardens. This to be discussed at the next meeting and June is happy to arrange for the plaque to be made by the same man who did Terry's, when this is finalised.
June is still trying to get in touch with Adrian Lawson regarding a local walk and Jill Beadon has left a message on his voicemail.
Jill Beadon closed the meeting at 8.30pm.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 27th July 7.00pm at the Advice Centre.

MEETING HELD 30th MARCH 2010
Meeting held at Southcote Mill, courtesy of June Farrell.
PRESENT:
June Farrell, Caroline Martin, John Martin, Lorna Martin, Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Ann Briers, Janet Copley, Brian Haines.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
Jill Hodges.
BUSINESS:
We discussed RESCUE which took place on Saturday 13th March 2010, and congratulated Jill Beadon on a job well done as it was her first RESCUE. We agreed she had done extremely well to coordinate everything and get it organised. 17 volunteers took part and it was very successful.When discussing ways to improve RESCUE it was agreed that we could use more volunteers in future. Jill Beadon also proposed involving local schools. We will be contacting several to see what they have in place and explore the possibilities of creating junior GLOBE groups.
It has been confirmed that we do not need to pay for a skip next year as the Council will collect rubbish bags from designated pick-up points; this will save us a considerable amount of money.
Caroline was given £20 for petty cash.
Southcote GLOBE gave Ricky Josey of the Oxford Rd Community Garden £10 for plants received.
It was proposed that we plant up the flower beds at Coronation Square after Easter. We agreed on Sunday 9th May starting at 9am. June and Jill have both kindly offered to donate plants.
It was proposed that all members should design a new recruitment leaflet to be handed in at the next meeting.The chosen design will then be printed and each member will be given 10 leaflets to distribute in their area in an attempt to recruit more members.
We celebrated the fact that Southcote and Redlands GLOBEs were awarded Best Neighbourhood RESCUE by the Council at a meeting on 18th March 2010. The plaque is to be proudly displayed in Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
It was agreed that we should create a new poster to be displayed at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre promoting GLOBE - all suggestions are welcome.
It was proposed that we have a talk on global warming at the AGM to be held on 28th September 2010.
We discussed the fact that Kennet Meadows have been saved from development. The PRUPIM consortium has been dissolved thanks to the current economic situation, and pressure from Labour, community groups and local residents, after many years of protests and campaigns. It was agreed that a letter of congratulation be sent to RBC in recognition of their hard work since 1981 to protect the precious Meadows from being destroyed.
Janet proposed asking Adrian Lawson to lead a walk during the summer in June/July. A press release could be issued inviting others to join in. It is hoped this would increase public awareness of the local environment, and encourage people to look after it and get involved with future projects such as RESCUE.
We discussed the Linear Park at Calcot which was awarded a Green Flag for the first time .Our congratulations go to all those involved in this major achievement.
Janet brought up the subject of responsibility for the Holy Brook. A tree is down, and rubbish is building up behind a large number of discarded lorry wheels. We agreed this needs to be cleared before serious damage is done to the river bank and surrounding area.
We discussed Waterfest which is due to take place 19th June 2010. Jill and Peter are happy to run a stall but need donations for a tombola, suggestions include bric-a-brac and tinned food items. Please hand in at the next meeting in May.
Jill Beadon thanked everyone for their efforts and hard work during RESCUE.
It was decided that we need to contact Stacey Pickett, the Southcote Neighbourhood Regeneration Officer with reference to having more dog waste bins provided in Southcote.
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday 25th May 2010. 7.30pm at Southcote Mill. Meet 7.10pm at the bottom of Circuit Lane for a lift across to the Mill.
All welcome.

MEETING HELD 26th JANUARY 2010
Meeting held at Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
PRESENT:
Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon, Caroline Martin, John Martin, Lorna Martin, Jill Hodges, Brian Haines, Janet Copley, Michael Heath, Ann Briers
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
June Farrell
GUESTS:
Ricky Josey - Oxford Road Community Garden [ORCG]
Richard Denny - Caversham GLOBE
Shakila Barabhuiya - Reading Chronicle
MINUTES of last meeting agreed by Peter and seconded by Michael.
BUSINESS:
We discussed RESCUE ,Saturday March 13th, and agreed to meet 10am at the gate at the bottom of Circuit Lane. All necessary equipment will be supplied. Refreshments at Southcote Mill courtesy of June. Radio theme song chosen for RESCUE - 'Help' by the Beatles.
It was agreed that Terry Farrell's memorial plaque will be unveiled at Coronation Square following RESCUE. Meet 3pm at the Pet Shop. It is hoped that Martin Salter MP and representatives from Reading Chronicle and Reading Evening Post will attend.
Flower beds in Coronation Square to be tidied prior to the unveiling- work party Sunday 28th Feb [ if weather very bad, Sunday March 5th].
Guest Richard Denny gave an informative talk on his role with Caversham GLOBE, outlining the work they do. We discussed issues such as grants and insurance.
Guest Ricky Josey gave a presentation explaining his role with ORCG. Our group was offered access to the garden for meetings or get-togethers and we were invited to a BBQ on July 17th.
Guest Shakila Bababhuiya from Reading Chronicle introdued herself, and welcomed comments with regard to facilities and amenities in Southcote.
Treasurer Peter gave a report. Caroline was given petty cash and postage stamps.
It was proposed that we issue a yearly newsletter.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 30th March at Southcote Mill.

MEETING HELD 24th NOVEMBER 2009
Meeting held at Southcote Mill,courtesy of June Farrell.
PRESENT:
June Farrell, Caroline Martin, John Martin, Lorna Martin, Jill Beadon, Peter Beadon,
Ann Briers, Janet Copley, Jill Hodges, Brian Haines, Michael Heath.
GUESTS:
Jeff Layhe, Chris Jarvis
Jill Beadon introduced herself as the new Chairperson, and will be inviting members of other GLOBE groups to a future meeting with a view to sharing ideas and collaborating on future ventures.
We discussed RESCUE which is due to take place March 13th-14th, and asked for ideas for a song to be played on the radio to coincide with the radio publicity for the event.
Guests Jeff and Chris gave an informative talk on recycling and waste collections, including what is and is not acceptable for recycling, and the changes put into place at the Civic Amenities site. Two information sheets were avaiable.
Caroline was given £15 petty cash for secretarial supplies.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 26th January, Neighbourhood Advice Centre, Coronation Square Southcote.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - NOTES
The Annual General Meeting of Southcote GLOBE took place on Tuesday September 29th 2009 at the Southcote Neighbourhood Advice Centre.
PRESENT:
Peter Beadon, Jill Beadon, Ann Briers, Janet Copley, June Farrell, Brian Haines,
Jill Hodges, Caroline Martin, John Martin.
GUESTS:
Gary Champion & Gary Murphy from Southcote Neighbourhood Action Group [NAG]
Peter outlined the achievements of the Group, which included the stall at Waterfest manned by Peter & Jill Beadon,, the RESCUE annual clean up, and work on the Coronation Square Gardens carried out by Jill, Janet, Ann & Brian.
Peter then gave the Treasurer's report.
Jill had been offered plants by RBC and will update us when they are available. Jill to ring June who will collect and store them until a suitable day can be arranged for members to put them in.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The following were elected to serve for 2009/10
Chairperson: Jill Beadon
Vice Chair: June Farrell
Secretary: Caroline Martin
Treasurer: Peter Beadon
Gary Murphy then filled the Group in on Southcote NAG, the Neighbourhood Action Group, which is open to all residents and is the twelfth NAG to be established.
He went on to outline the role of NAG and its involvement wth the Police and Local Authority. Its priorities are:
1 Social behaviour
2 Drug issues
3 Traffic related issues
He outlined NAG achievements related to these issues which have given good results.
The talk was both interesting and very informative.
After discussion on the future of GLOBE, the general opinion was the individual local groups were not fully aware what each group covered and it was suggested that maybe at a meeting in the New Year, any groups interested could join GLOBE at the Neighbourhood Advice Centre to see if there was a way we could liaise with each other. Details to be finalised at the next meeting on November 24th.