Queens Park Crewe Restoration

Friends of Queens Park Meeting No 19
Wednesday 5th May 2010
Queens Park Jubilee Cafeteria

Attendance List
Derek Morgan - Chair Jan Wright - Blog Ray Stafford
Sheila Blackburn - Sec Daniel Prime Bronwyn Dean - DRE
Nigel Irlam – Fund Raising Carl Clarke B Murphy
Allan Leah - CEC A Prime L Barlow
Elaine Dodd - CEC L Prime David Frow
George Broughton - CEC Roy Prince Ruth Brown
Mervyn Goodwin - CEC Howard & Sheila Curran William John Ryan
Cllr Dorothy Flude Bob Precious J M Bennett

No Item
1.0 Apologies
Pam Minshall - Tr Eric Buckley Cllr R Cartlidge
Tony Wheeler - DRE Janet Delbridge Mr & Mrs Sparkes
Mark Wheelton - CEC Mike Taylor - CEC Mrs Kirk

2.0 Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct.
3.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes - NA
4.0 Nomination of Youth Representative
Cllr Dorothy Flude nominated Daniel Prime, noting his interest in the park project and involvement in meetings, also the bridge pre-visit. This was seconded by Nigel Irlam.
The acceptance vote was unanimous.
5.0 Chairperson's Update
The Chairperson of the Friends Group, Derek Morgan, presented his report:
Tolent Works:
All lake edge works complete minor snagging in progress. Coronation Bridge completed and handed over. Inlet Bridge now handed over. Burma Star bridges, a matching set, now complete. Minor snagging in progress All snagging to be complete by Friday 7th May.
Broadwalk Bridge works complete. Minor snagging in progress including re-painting the main arch. The tarmac footpath link at either end of the bridge is to be extended. On the East side of the bridge it will be extended to meet up with the existing path. The sequence to install this bridge has been rather technical and has included:
1. A 150 tonne crane was brought onto site to lift the arch off the back of the wagon and to lift the shoes into place to carry the arch. 2. A 200 tonne crane was then brought onto site to lift the arch into place. This was a complex operation, firstly due to the weight as the arch weighed over 12 tonne and secondly because the way the arch was designed the shoes had to be fitted before the arch was lifted into place. This meant that there was no tolerance at all when the arch was lifted into place. The arch was approx 28 metres long and we had 1 mm to play with on each pin. Thankfully the designers, the manufactures off site, the engineers and labour who carried out the works on site, had done a perfect job and the arch fitted to perfection.
3. A 300 tonne crane was then brought onto site then to lift in the first 2 sections, the heaviest being 20 tonnes. The next day a 25 tonne crane was then brought in to lift in place the balustrades and the infill beams. It also was used for lifting the decking onto the bridge for installing.
4. We then brought a 350 tonne crane onto site to lift the remaining sections into the place. This was a complex operation due to the distance, the trees which were in the vicinity of the crane lift and also the weight. To overcome this we had to get a structural engineer to design the crane platform. To get over the tree problem we had to install a track-way road and platform which is in fact a floating platform which spreads the load over the whole platform rather than just point loading a small area. Each jack under load was taking a load of 110 tonnes which meant the crane platform in its present state would not stand up to the pressure and would collapse.
Due to the distance the crane was lifting a counter balance of 140 tonne was put on the back of the crane. The radius the crane was lifting in at was 50 metres so if there were no counter balances the crane would have tipped up under the weight at its maximum radius. The final sections of the bridge were lifted into place in one day with no hitches.
5. Finally a 75 tonne crane was brought in to lift the final intermediate beams, balustrades and deck boards to complete the job. It then took thousands of screws which had to be pre-drilled and fix before the bridge deck was complete. We also had to hold several planning meetings to plan how each element of works would be done and also to work out the potential risks involved and on the whole the job went OK barring a few minor snags with the operation.
As you have heard the installation of the Broadwalk bridge was a highly complex operation which was brought to a successful conclusion.
Tolent - Extra Work Awarded.
1. Pump and tank order placed to discharge foul from toilets and cafe. This will allow manhole rings and drainage pipes to be removed from in front of the Coronation Bridge. The tank is on a 10 day delivery period.
2. Removal of the old viewing platform beside the Coronation Bridge. The area is being re-configured. This element of work will tie in with the installation of the foul pumping main
3. Removal of the existing jetties and timber facia on the boat landing stage .These are in the process of being removed. A new Ekki timber fender is being installed to the metal trench sheets 500mm deep and 150mm wide. This timber is ordered and on a 2 week delivery as it is coming into the country through Holland.
4. Extra landscaping works being carried out to the South lake edge around the Bridge. This work should be complete by Friday night.
6. Bandstand – AL The bandstand is in the final stages of being handed over to Cheshire East Council. The whole project has been successfully completed and certain historical features have been included and improved upon in its refurbishment. The works are a credit to the craftsman who are involved and employed by Lost Art the contractor. The company is to be considered for two further refurbishments, namely the structure on the south side of the lake and the playground shelter which will be incorporated into the new playground.
AL also discussed the possible opening of the Broadwalk Bridge as a viewing platform and described the landscaping of the valley, with dramatic rockery effects, the opening up of the stream and access via steps and a gradual slope.
7. WREN Bids - AL Two WREN bids were submitted for the current round of considerations. Unfortunately as Wren are supporting the Broadwalk Bridge construction, which has yet to be finalised with final accounts for works as works draw to their conclusion, the bids are to be held-over until the next round in the Autumn. These are for improvements to the Water quality in the lake; also for a large signature play installation and the refurbished Victorian shelter in the new playground. Whilst this is disappointing news for us, WREN have assured us of their support where they can and we intend to plan so related works will not be held up by this decision. For instance, the remaining play equipment will be put into place and added to by the signature piece later in the year; this item and the shelter is likely also to need planning permission so would not have been able to be placed until approved anyway. Similarly, it is hoped to place a temporary retainer in the lake to allow works around the sluice gates even when the lake is filled - again so as not to delay works.
8. Play Area Negotiations with a preferred supplier and installer are progressing well and the equipment being considered is in accordance with our brief and the wishes of Sir William Stanier School who have worked very closely with us. We anticipate the negotiations being concluded within the next couple of weeks which will hopefully enable the new playground equipment to be in use in the summer. QP staff have met with ex-Councillors and ex-Mayor Steven Roberts and Parish Cllr Maurice Jones, who have agreed to fund additional items of 'all-inclusive' equipment. This will increase the budget to a total of £165,400. The bid Allan has already told you about (above) includes potential support funding for the existing shelter, which could be refurbished and used as a focal point and meeting place in the new scheme, and also allow for a Buccaneer Towers 6m high installation which will be carried out in the Autumn, subject to grant approval.

9. New Building package
This is about to be awarded to the successful tenderer and details will be released at any time now. To remind you works include: The Depot – will include staff parking, skips and a designated entrance for large vehicles that will not be close to dedicated pedestrian paths. It will be edged by a hedging screen.
A new Cafe / Pavilion – This will consist of two solid sandstone end parts with a glazed central section. Materials for the construction will reflect the front entrance buildings (as above). The original pavilion has provided a reference point for the new pavilion with its raised plinth, glazed central area and two end chimneys. A replacement Bowling pavilion – This includes an integral toilet with independent access, and a mower store to assist the maintenance staff.

10 Events Posters were distributed at the last meeting – please post one up where you can – your local shop, Post Office, works notice board, anything will help us please. The Friends will be specifically involved in three dates: 13 June Planting Day – tombola stall 25 July – Star Quest and Charity Day – to assist with entries and fund raising 5 Dec – Lantern Parade – marshalling procession and fund raising
To repeat my request at the last meeting..... The Friends need to raise their own funds to support and various events, with monies ploughed back into the Park. In addition to committee members, we have received just 2 volunteers to help us - thank you to ex-Councillor Maureen Grant and our new Youth Representative Daniel Prime. More volunteers would be appreciated and we invite you all to become involved. Please let Elaine know if you can help us (Tel. 537896).

11 Other Matters
Car Parks - the initial design work for both car parks including the crossing from Tipkinder to the east entrance to the park and traffic calming on the highway has been completed by the design team. However, Phil Sherratt has instructed the design team to take it no further as the car parks are outside the park and these car parks have to be considered as a part of a Borough Wide Car Parking Strategy. The legacy fund of £200,000 allocated by CNBC for the car parks is to be used as a contingency budget for the building works package. Cllr Cartlidge is keen to action this item and is helping us to push it forward; we will let you know more once we know the situation.
Footpaths – The footpaths will be phased, with the first major section - being the one adjacent to the play area and the eastern entrance - possibly incorporated within that package of work. The second phase will be the footpaths to the south of the lake. This work will be one of the next work packages to be tendered.
Contracts / Procurement The latest round of procurements has now been discussed with the procurement team and contractors have been asked to express interest in the Lodges with an end of May return date for the questionnaires. The Lodges are to be brought back to QP usage.
West Lodge – will become a staff / community building with first floor offices and ground floor areas for public use, including meetings, parties, and memorabilia lounge etc.
East Lodge - will be used by maintenance staff – there will be ground floor storage and training facilities. Early June re selection of contractors for Footpaths – although some may happen sooner, e.g. those around and associated with the playground area. End July re Boer War Memorial and Clock Tower works.

11.0 AOB / Questions Raised
Q Will Tolent be replacing footpaths?
A The architects do not want to keep adding tasks onto the Tolent works and advise use of landscape / civil engineering contractors for the footpath refurbishments. It is possible that Tolent will be involved in the new buildings.
Q Could the refurbishment of the south lake side shelter include a historical note or plaque to the family?
A This will be part of the refurbishment.
Q Will there be any fountains in the lake?
A The lake is to be aerated by a specific system and by planting.
Q Will the Aberdeen granite in Coronation Walk be preserved?
A It will probably be re-sited and the fountains made operational again.
Q When will the lake be re-filled?
A This will be done in the next few weeks. Vegetation and old bottles and debris still have to be removed. Tolent's contract includes the testing of the lake bed to check it's watertight. Over summer, the water level in the lake will be raised and lowered to allow for planting and other works. All of this also has to take account of nesting birds and the needs of other wildlife.
Q Will there be CCTV for the new play area?
A There is no budget for this at present. There is also a safeguarding issue of children being filmed to be taken into account.
Q Will there be CCTV cameras to monitor the Broadwalk Bridge – it is very high and dangerous if children climb on it.
A CCTV is not part of the budget, as above. Park security includes daytime wardens and a Security Group Patrol that operates different hours to deter vandals etc.
The Heritage Lottery requires a 10 year maintenance plan without which the grant could be reclaimed. Cheshire East need to have this plan in place before the handover in 2011.
Other attendees made points about reduced vandalism problems in other parks when user groups are encouraged and the park is used extensively – a busy park is less attractive to trouble-makers.
Q When will new buildings be completed
A This is scheduled to be before Christmas 2010.
There will not be a portacabin instead of the pavilion during the summer months and outside caterers are to be invited to offer refreshments to park users during this period.
It was acknowledged that the Bowling Group need facilities and these will be made available through use of the Lodge Houses.
Q Where will Carnival 201 be held?
A King George playing field as last year – fireworks possible to be staged in park.
Reference was also made to a £10,000 cut in the Carnival budget for 2010.
Q Will the Moreton Road entrance be open soon, as previously suggested?
A AL: Possibly, with access down path to the new footbridge. Tolent are still tidying the path but looking at the possibility of using it before it is refurbished.
Q Will car parking be improved?
A Car parking on the Tipkinder side is being reviewed under the general umbrella of car parking and be part of the ongoing consultation process for the whole town.

Footnote
VOLUNTEERS CONFIRMED:
Friends Core Committee
Mo Grant
Mr & Mrs Curran
Mrs Prime
- Other names taken at meeting

FRIENDS NOTES - UPDATE MARCH 2010
Items:
4. Nomination of Youth Representative
We ask for nominations please. (Dorothy to nominate Daniel Prime who has shown much interest in the project and already been involved in meetings and the bridge pre-visit).
Seconded by... Pam.

Burma Star bridges, a matching set, now complete. Minor snagging in progress
All snagging to be complete by Friday 7th May.

Broadwalk Bridge works complete. Minor snagging in progress including re-painting the main arch. The tarmac footpath link at either end of the bridge is to be extended. On the East side of the bridge it will be extended to meet up with the existing path.

1. A 150 tonne crane was brought onto site to lift the arch off the back of the wagon and to lift the shoes into place to carry the arch.

2. A 200 tonne crane was then brought onto site to lift the arch into place. This was a complex operation firstly due to the weight as the arch weighed over 12 tonne and secondary the way the arch was designed the shoes had to be fitted before the arch was lifted into place. This meant that there was no tolerance at all when the arch was lifted into place.

The arch was something like 28 metres long and we had 1 mm to play with on each pin. Thankfully the designers, the manufactures off site, the engineers and labour who carried out the works on site, had done a perfect job and the arch fitted to perfection.

3. A 300 tonne crane was then brought onto site then to lift in the first 2 sections, the heaviest being 20 tonnes. The next day a 25 tonne crane was then brought in to lift in place the balustrades and the infill beams. It also was used for lifting the decking onto the bridge for installing.

4. We then brought a 350 tonne crane onto site to lift the remaining sections into the place. This was a complex operation due to the distance, the trees which were in the vicinity of the crane lift and also the weight. To overcome this we had to get a structural engineer to design the crane platform. To get over the tree problem we had to install a track-way road and platform which is in fact a floating platform which spreads the load over the whole platform rather than just point loading a small area. Each jack under load was taking a load of 110 tonnes through each jack who meant the crane platform in its present state would not stand up to the pressure and would collapse.

Due to the distance the crane was lifting a counter balance of 140 tonne was put on the back of the crane. The radius the crane was lifting in at was 50 metres so if there were no counter balances the crane would have tipped up under the weight at its maximum radius.

The final sections of the bridge were lifted into place in one day with no hitches.

5. Finally a 75 tonne crane was brought in to lift the final intermediate beams, balustrades and deck boards to complete the job.

It then took thousands of screws which had to be pre-drilled and fix before the bridge deck was complete.

We also had to hold several planning meetings to plan how each element of works would be done and also to work out the potential risks involved and on the whole the job went OK barring a few minor snags with the operation.

As you have heard the installation of the Broadwalk bridge was a highly complex operation which was brought to a successful conclusion.

1. Pump and tank order placed to discharge foul from toilets and cafe. This will allow manhole rings and drainage pipes to be removed from in front of the Coronation Bridge. The tank is on a 10 day delivery period.

2. Removal of the old viewing platform beside the Coronation Bridge.
This area is being re-configured. This element of work will tie in with the installation of the foul pumping main

3. Removal of the existing jetties and timber facia on the boat landing stage .These are in the process of being removed. A new Ekki timber fender is being installed to the metal trench sheets 500mm deep and 150mm wide. This timber is ordered and on a 2 week delivery as it is coming into the country through Holland.

4. Extra landscaping works being carried out to the South lake edge around the Bridge. This work should be complete by Friday night.

6. Bandstand - AL
The bandstand is in the final stages of being handed over to Cheshire East Council. The whole project has been successfully completed and certain historical features have been included and improved upon in its refurbishment. The works are a credit to the craftsman who are involved and employed by Lost Art the contractor.

7. WREN Bids - AL
Verbal Progress report from Allan Leah. Two WREN bids were submitted for the current round of considerations, unfortunately as Wren are supporting the Broadwalk Bridge construction, which has yet to be finalised with final accounts for works as works draw to their conclusion, the bids are to be held-over until the next round in the Autumn. These are for improvements to the Water quality in the lake; also for a large signature piece in the playground. Whilst this is disappointing news for us, WREN have assure us of their support where they can and we intend to plan so related works will not be held up by this decision.

For instance the remaining play equipment will be put into place an added to by the signature piece later in the year, this item is likely also to need planning permission so would not have been able to be placed until approved anyway. Similarly, it is hoped to place a temporary retainer in the lake to allow works around the sluice gates even when the lake is filled. Again so as not to delay works.
8. Play Area
Negotiations with a preferred supplier and installer are progressing well and the equipment being considered is in accordance with our brief and the wishes of Sir William Stanier School who have worked very closely with us. We anticipate the negotiations being concluded within the next couple of weeks which will hopefully enable the new playground equipment to be in use in the summer. QP staff have met with ex-Councillors and ex-Mayor Steven Roberts and Pairsh Cllr Maurice Jones, who have agreed to fund additional items of 'all-inclusive' equipment. This will increase the budget to a total of £165,400. The bid Allan has already told you about includes potential support funding for the existing shelter, which could be refurbished and used as a focal point and meeting place in the new scheme, plus also allow for a Buccaneer Towers 6m high installation which will be carried out in the Autumn, subject to grant approval will be mid October.

9. New Building package
This is just about to be awarded to the successful tenderer and details will be released at any time now. To remind you works include:

The Depot – will include staff parking, skips and a designated entrance for large vehicles that will not be close to dedicated pedestrian paths. It will be edged by a hedging screen.
A new Cafe / Pavilion – which will consist of two solid sandstone end parts with a glazed central section. Materials for the construction will reflect the front entrance buildings (as above). The original pavilion has provided a reference point for the new pavilion with its raised plinth, glazed central area and two end chimneys.
A replacement Bowling pavilion – This includes an integral toilet with independent access, and a mower store to assist the maintenance staff.
10 Events Posters were distributed at the last meeting – please post one up where you can – your local shop, Post Office, works notice board, anything will help us please.

The Friends are also getting particularly involved in three dates:
13 June Planting Day – tombola stall
25 July – Star Quest and Charity Day – to assist with entries and fund raising
5 Dec – Lantern Parade – marshalling procession and fund raising

To repeat my request at the last meeting..... The Friends need to raise their own funds to support and vary events, with monies ploughed back into the Park. We have received just 2 volunteers to help us that's a big thank you to ex-Councillor Maureen grant and our new Youth Representative Daniel Prime. More volunteers would be appreciated and we invite you all to become involved. Please let Elaine know if you can contribute any time to help us (Tel. 537896).

11 Other Matters
1. Car Parks - the initial design work for both car parks including the crossing from Tipkinder to the east entrance to the park and traffic calming on the highway has been completed by the design team. However, Phil Sherratt has instructed the design team to take it no further as the car parks are outside the park and these car parks have to be considered as a part of a Borough Wide Car Parking Strategy. The legacy fund of £200,000 allocated by CNBC for the car parks is to be used as a contingency budget for the building works package. Cllr Cartlidge is keen to action this item and is helping us to push it forward, we will let you know more once we know the situation.
2. Footpaths – The footpaths will be phased, with the first major section - being the one adjacent to the play area and the eastern entrance - possibly incorporated within that package of work. The second phase will be the footpaths to the south of the lake. This work will be one of the next work packages to be tendered.

11 Cont'd Other matters from Allan Leah Projects Office
The latest round of Contracts have now been placed to happen:
- End May re Lodges. The Lodges which are to be brought back to QP usage.
West Lodge House – will become a staff / community building with first floor offices and ground floor areas for public use, including meetings, parties, and memorabilia lounge etc.
East Lodge - will be used by maintenance staff – there will be ground floor storage and training facilities.

- Early June re Footpaths – although some will happen sooner, those around and associated with the playground area.
- End July re Boar War memorial and Clock Tower works.

Queen's Park Stakeholders' Meeting No 18
Wednesday 24th March 2010
Queen's Park Jubilee Cafeteria

Derek Morgan - Chairperson Cllr. Roy Cartlidge Ray Stafford
Sheila Blackburn – Secretary George Broughton - CEC Russ Halden
Nigel Irlam – Fund Raising Mervyn Goodwin - CEC D Lumley
Daniel Prime – Youth Rep Charlie Griffiths – CEC Ken Morrey
Eric Buckley – Bowling Sec Victor Johnson W J Ryan
Bronwyn Dean – DRE Roy Prince Laura Barlow
Elaine Dodd - CEC Roy & Janey Sparkes Jackee Halden
Allan Leah - CEC Anthony Prime B&C Harrington
Lisa Prime J Wright
Mo Grant
1.0 Apologies
Pam Minshall – FofQP Tr Cllr. Knowles Janet Delbridge
Tony Wheeler -- DRE Cllr. Dorothy Flude Mr B Shannon
Mark Wheelton – CEC Hazel Evans
Mike Taylor - CEC Howard Curran

No Item
2.0 Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct
3.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes
NA
4.0 Chairman's Report
The Chairperson of the Friends' Group, Derek Morgan, presented his report:
Tolent Works Tolent have been on site for 26 wks following acceptance of the contract, and their works are almost finalised. Progress on site is now self evident. Lake edge preparations, gabion stone baskets and coir logs are all now almost completed in readiness for planting up marginal plants and filling the lake. Tolent are expected to leave site during the week following Easter.
The Project Manager is seeking to open up the Moreton Road entrance and the Inlet Bridge shortly after the contractors have pulled out of site. This will improve access into the Park, be a welcomed opening of public areas and improve access for those living and accessing on the South side of the park. However, some of the pathways, particularly east side, will be later as they require total reconstruction.
An additional small works package will soon be put out for quotations, - this is for the landing stage works and to scrape clean the bottom of the lake bed finally, prior to it being filled, improve the access levels to the south Burma Star Bridge and to install a pumping station for the foul drainage from the café, so that works in the Coronation Walk Valley can be progressed.
5.0 Bridges
January saw the first bridge - Tipkinder inlet being placed into position. This was shortly followed by the Coronation Walk bridge installation, again in January, with the Burma Star bridges - a matching pair - being positioned in March.
The Friends attended a most interesting and informative day at the bridge fabrication works shop the day prior to the Coronation Walk Bridge coming into the park; it was fascinating to see it in the workshop then on site in situ. Also, they saw one of the huge Burma Star bridges being transported from the works in Huddersfield, Sheffield to be painted; it looks so much smaller now! One of the Burma Star bridges was installed last week. These bridges still require to 'settle' as they are installed via tension, following which there will be some bolting down and decking works to finalise. The installation for each of the bridges involves two processes, firstly the initial cranage of each element into the appropriate general position, then a second process of subsequent adjustment which may involve the use of tension cables and / or jacks to ease the bridges into the correct final position before all fixings bolts are installed. The Burma Star bridges particularly are designed to very tightly engineered tolerances so the subsequent adjustment ensures everything is located in absolutely the right position. .
The Broadwalk Bridge is currently being placed with welding works ongoing. On Monday the arch took 3 hours to come into site. As it's 30 meters long, delivery and site access meant a complicated delivery into the Park. For the rest of this week it is intended to position the supporting steel arch from Thursday onwards. The bridge will be put into place in 3 complete sections and a fourth section consisting of beams to be finished off by adding the boards and hand rail when it has been placed in position. This Friday and Saturday will see welding works to the shoes and deck sections, with works continuing from Monday on the decks. The joiner will finish most of his works by a week on Thursday.

All the bridge works are anticipated as being complete by Easter.

The lake will be filled by the main summer holidays with a testing of the water retention over a period of weeks. Following this, there will be some works on the sluice gates.
The initial delay reported as Tolent entered into the contact has been almost caught-up with, this is a credit to Tolent and we thank them for their progress. Today there is about a 2 week delay. Given there were 3 weeks of works stopped by the snow and inclement weather this has been pulled back admirably.
The public have also commented on Tolent's staff communications with them and again we thank them for their co-operation in informing people about the works and the progress made.

6.0 Bandstand – AL The bandstand is almost finished with the decorative star shape in black and maroon being applied to the floor this week. The only remaining work is the completion of stonework to the steps and some ornamental metal castings to form shoe covers for the drainage column outlet points. The contractor will also be asked for his advice and recommendations in regard to the refurbishment of the old shelter near the existing play area. It is estimated that the bandstand will be finished by the first week after Easter.

7.0 Island Planting Most of the plants for the west and east islands have been delivered to Pyms Lane and are generally of a very high standard. The supplier has failed to deliver a small number of the bulbs and herbaceous plants and as soon as this has been resolved the gardeners will begin the planting work.

8.0 WREN Bids – AL Additional Wren bids have been prepared to support the following works: Lake Water aeration system and improvements to inlet and outlet mechanisms Play Area 2nd Phase at the end of the summer - Outdoor /Gym and possibly installations over 4m high.

34 contractors initially expressed an interest with this contract. The disabled requirement has yet to be confirmed from the consultation with the additional funding sourced from an ex-C&NBC Mayor.
The project will take 3 forms, appealing to all age ranges. Toddler Equipment, Youth Equipment and Equipment for All Ages i.e. Outdoor Gym style. Some works may be subject to further external funding which the Project Officer is pursuing.
Five contractors are pricing this work and Tenders are due back on the 6th April and will be opened on the day of return.
Two WREN bids is the maximum that can be applied for during any one bidding period and we already have one 'live' for the Broadwalk Bridge which should shortly be completed as works end.

9.0 New Building package – AL All 3 planning applications for the building works have now been approved. Tenders are due back at the end of the month and there are 4 contractors in contention for this package. These tenders will also be opened on the 6th April. Works are for the reduced Depot, new Bowling Pavilion and new Cafeteria.
10.0 Events as per poster. The friends are getting particularly involved in three dates:
13 June Planting Day – wooden flowers.
25 July – Star Quest and Charity Day – to assist with entries and tombola stall.
5 Dec – Lantern Parade – marshalling procession and fund raising.

The Friends need to raise their own funds to support and vary events, with monies ploughed back into the Park. Some events were supported last year. Volunteers are needed to help us do this and we would like to invite anyone to become involved. Please let Elaine know if you can contribute any time to help us (Tel. 537896).

Q: Will the new Bowling Pavilion be used by others?
A: The new building will have external access to toilets and will possibly be available for use in winter for, eg, hire for children's parties.

Q: When will the pathways be accessible again?
A: (and see Chair report above) The contract for new pathways will go out to tender in early summer as per the schedule on the information boards in the park. The southern area of the park will be the first to be opened to the public. Throughout the park, the paths are in different states of repair; some need completely reforming and this will be in addition to reducing slopes and enabling access for all. Works need to be phased because of the hard and soft landscape works and building works which will be ongoing at the same time.

Q: How long will it be before the Park is finished?
A: Heritage Lottery Fund has granted an extension of time until May 2011 at the latest due to the Wrekin problem which caused major delay to the programme. However we hope that most of the HLF funded works will be completed by the end of Dec 2010, the original contract date.

Q: Will the aviary and menagerie be replaced?
A: This has not been decided, but it has not been ruled out either and it is recognised that both were popular with families. It does not form a part of the HLF funded works.

Q: Can the state of the boules pitch be improved?
A: The Park Manager will look into this

Q: Friends of Queens Park have been described tonight as custodians of the Park – how does this work?
A; The Friends are people who represent the community at large; they also raise money to put on events in the Park and to implement new ideas so that after the refurbishment, the Park does not "stagnate". The group can also apply for grants and monies that Cheshire East can't apply for. It has already received donations. The group can also help to ensure that the Maintenance and management Plan is adhered to so that the park does not go into decline in the future.

Q: The refurbishment figure stands at £6.5m. Is there a figure from Cheshire East for its upkeep?
A: (Allan Leah) The maintenance of the Park document is a crucial part of the Heritage Lottery agreement and is currently being compiled. No figures are available at present.
It is expected that following the refurbishment the park will be easier to maintain to a higher standard than it was in the recent past. All of this will be documented in the Maintenance and Management Plan.

Q: When the lake was drained, thousands of pounds worth of fish were removed. Will the contractors who did this be bringing them back?
A: Yes, the lake will be restocked….. Fishing pegs for all, including disabled, are to be installed, but the management arrangements are not known as of yet

Q: Is the planting scheme (above) only for the islands?
A: No – planting will take place throughout the Park and will include spraying to deter geese etc eating new planting. The islands need to be planted before the lake is refilled and the planting there will involve low-maintenance plants because of access.

Q: Will any more trees be felled?
A: Some tree surgery is needed and self-set trees, especially around the perimeter fencing, will have to be reviewed and assessed. Where trees are removed, long-term planting with more appropriate species is always the priority. In other areas of the park, there will be further appropriate planting including aquatic plants and planting of specimen shrubs and trees in the valley alongside new pathways and stonework.

Q: Will Crazy Golf and Putting be restored?
A: There is no budget for either at present, but there might be grants that will enable these activities to be restored, possibly with ticket package deals linked to boating and/or other activities. It is recognised that these activities were always very popular with families and that the purpose of the Park is to offer as much variety to the public as possible.
DofNM Wednesday 5th May at 5.30pm in Jubilee Cafeteria
(an start earlier time was suggested and voted as unanimous –
hence 5.30pm for the spring/summer months).
SB 25.3.10

Queen's Park Stakeholders' Meeting No 17 Tuesday 9th February 2010 Queen's Park Jubilee Cafeteria
Attendance List
Cllr Dorothy Flude - Crewe Mayor
Roy Prince
Adrian Birchall - CEC
Kate Minshall
Mike Taylor - CEC
Jan Wright - Blog
Allan Leah - CEC
Albert Bertram - Consultant
Mervyn Goodwin - CEC
Ray Stafford - Hon. Alderman
Elaine Dodd - CEC
Laura Barlow
Anthony Prince
Eric Buckley - Bowling Club
Hazel Evans
Dawn Clark - CEC
Carl Clarke
Vic Johnson
Dave Lumley - Tolent
Stephen Astbury
Daniel Prime
Lisa Prime
J Taylor
Sheila Blackburn - Sec Derek Morgan - Chairperson
No Item
1.0 Apologies Andrew Knowles - Cllr CEC Cllr Roy Cartlidge - Chair Stakeholders Mr & Mrs Curran - local historian Pam Minshall - Tr Tony Wheeler - DRE D Johnson

2.0 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct

5.0 Appointment of Committee Membership = 16 Chairperson - Derek Morgan Secretary- Sheila Blackburn *Tund Raising Officer - Nigel Irlam Treasurer - Pam Minshall Cllr Dorothy Flude Cllr Roy Cartlidge QP Manager - Elaine Dodd Projects Officer - Allan Leah Local Historian - Howard Curran TBC Youth Representative - Youth Mayor TBC
Crewe Blogs - Jules / Jan - shared 1 vote Media - Belinda Chronicle TBC DRE-Tony Wheeler Bowling Club - Mr E Buckley School Rep - Sir William Stanier School Rep QP - Horticulturist - Adrian Birchall (Fishing Club-2011)

6.0 Chairman's Report The Chairperson of the Friends' Group, Derek Morgan, presented his report: a. Bandstand: Lost Art are in the final stages of the completion of works. Approx 80% has been finished as can be seen. Predictable delays to finalising stone work due to ground frost, completion any time now. b. New Building Package: Three Planning Applications have been submitted; 1. The new Cafeteria; 2. Bowling pavilion and 3. Depot building. Consent for all 3 is expected by mid March. Will probably result in closure of cafe sometime during the summer months, mobile catering arrangements will be arranged to enable a service of light refreshments. c. Tolent Works Tolent have been on site for 20 wks following acceptance of the contract. Works have focused again on lake edges and islands plus preparations for bridge abutments and foundations etc. The Inlet Bridge at the TipKinder end of the lake was installed on 27th January about 1.30pm. The installation of the Coronation Bridge will be next Wed 17th, which will be installed in 3 sections. Probably from mid morning on the 17th through to mid pm. on the 18th. Then followed by the installation of the Burma Star bridges (x2) and then Broadwalk Bridge. 65% of the lake edge preparation wall works have been completed with only the West side of the island to finish. Approval of materials for coping stones is to be confirmed this week. There is some extensive work to access roads to be done, to support the large cranes needed to 'swing' the bridges into place. It's good to see that last week and this week the Park is a hive of activity with 19 men from Tolent on site working on the lake edges and bridges with 15 also remaining on site this week. Five men from Lost Art are working on the completion of the bandstand and a team of 3 park gardeners has been clearing weeds and overgrown vegetation from the Coronation Walk Valley in preparation for the next contract package. The cold weather has caused some delay, however the contractor is aiming to catchup as much as possible with bridge installations taking place almost back-to-back. The bridge fabricators are working very well off-site as will be seen by those visiting the factory in Huddersfield next Tuesday.
Filling of the lake is anticipated by the end of the summer subject to unknown obstacles. Work in Progress: We are all eager to see the Playground works commence and consultation with Sir William Stanier School has continued. An expression of Interest notice on the CE web site attracted 34 contractor responses. This has been whittled down to 6 potential suppliers. The disabled requirement has yet to be confirmed from the consultation with the additional funding sourced from an ex-C&NBC Mayor. The project will take 3 forms, appealing to all age ranges. Toddler Equipment, Youth Equipment and Equipment for All Ages i.e. Outdoor Gym style. Some works may be subject to further external funding which the Project Officer is pursuing. A copy of the children's presentation which is being used to draw up the specification is available. Further funding: Additional Wren bids are being prepared to support further works identified: • Computerised irrigation system to facilitate more efficient bowling green maintenance • Lake Water aeration system and improvements to inlet and outlet mechanisms • Play Ground Outdoor /Gym and possibly installations over 4m high.

7.0 Visit to CTS Bridge Fabrication Workshop at Huddersfield The visit will take place on 16lh February - places are still available on the mini bus -apply to Elaine Dodd. The Coronation Bridge is scheduled to be installed on 17th February from 12 noon. Please contact Elaine Dodd if you hope to attend.

8.0 Draft Events 2010 A copy of the proposed programme was circulated - the Friends Group plans to attend these events and to organise a number of fund raising activities

Q: Are there any plans / views for Wifi and/ or a webcam in the Park? A: Allan Leah will consider raising this with the architect to possibly incorporate into the pavilion design. Admin and costings will have to be considered, but any profits could go to the Friends Group. Elaine Dodd explained that information terminals are also being considered, linked to the Lodge resource centre.

Q: Will there be a new boat house and landing stage? A: Allan Leah outlined how the landing stage provision will be included in the pathways project. There is no boat house plan at present but some sort of 'housing' would be required.

Q: Where are the boats? A: The boats were old and had been repeatedly repaired / vandalised and new ones are needed; a limited number of new feature boats have been stored at the Pymm's Lane Depot.

Q: Can we have something like reedbeds on the lake for wildlife/amphibians? A: Where there are no walls round the lake there are to be coir rolls with gentle slopes behind (beaches), these are going to be planted up with mainly native species of
plants, some marginal, some bog, These types of plants like their roots either completely submerged or slightly drier. After a while they will find their own place and create a great habitat, - it will look like a natural lake edge you would not be able to see the water's edge. This will encourage lots of insects which in turn will encourage larger animals. If you can encourage and support the lower end of the food chain, the rest will follow. 1 think we're going to get some great wildlife in the park. (Thanks to Adrian Birchall for this informative reply).

Q: When will the new play areas be dona? A: The bulk of the work will be done before the main summer holidays. This project has been brought forward though there are still some planning permission issues with structures over 4m. high; it was thought this would effect at least one statement piece which will be part of the project and an attraction in its own right.

Item 4 Friends Chairpersons Update: March 2010

Tolent Works

Tolent have been on site for 26 wks following acceptance of the contract, and their works are almost at an end.

Progress on site is now happily self evident.

Lake edge preparations, gabion stone baskets and coir logs are all now almost completed in readiness for planting up marginal plants and filling the lake.

So, in summary that’s the perimeter walls, copings and top soil, with a “pulling – out” of site by Tolent anticipated in the week following Easter.

The Project Manager is seeking to open up the Moreton Road entrance and the Inlet Bridge shortly after the contractors have pulled out of site. This will improve access into the Park, be a welcomed opening of public areas and improve access for those living and accessing on the South side of the park.

An additional small works package will soon be put out for quotations, this is for the landing stage works and to scrape clean the bottom of the lake bed finally, prior to it being filled, improve the access levels to the south Burma Star Bridge and to install a pumping station for the foul drainage from the café, so that works in the Coronation Walk Valley can be progressed.

January saw the first bridge - Tipkinder inlet being placed into position.

This was shortly followed by the Coronation Walk bridge installation again in January.

With the Burma Star bridges a matching pair being positioned in March.

The Friends had a most interesting and informative day at the bridge fabrication works shop just the day prior to the Coronation Walk Bridge coming into the park; it was fascinating to see it in the workshop then on site in situ.
Also, we were lucky enough to see one of the huge Burma Star bridges being transported from the works in Huddersfield to Sheffield to be painted; it looks so much smaller now!

One of the Burma Star bridges was installed just last week. These bridges still require to ‘settle’ as installed via tension, following which there will be some bolting down and decking works to finalise.

The Broadwalk Bridge is currently being placed with welding works ongoing, on Monday the arch and took 3 hours to come into site, as its 30 meters long delivery and site access meant a complicated delivery into the Park.

For the rest of this week it is intended to position the supporting steel arch from Thursday onwards. The bridge will be put into place in 3 complete sections and a fourth section consisting of beams to be finished off by adding the boards and hand rail when it has been placed in position.

This Friday and Saturday will see welding works to the shoes and deck sections, with works continuing from Monday on the decks. The joiner will finish most of his works by a week on Thursday.

All the bridge works are anticipated as being complete by Easter..

The lake will be filled by the main summer holidays with a testing of the water retention over a period of weeks. Following which there will be some works on the sluice gates.

The initial delay reported as Tolent entered into the contact has been almost caught-up with, this is a credit to Tolent and we thank them for their progress. Today we are about 2 weeks behind. Given that we had 3 weeks of works stopped by the snow and inclement weather this has been pulled back admirably.

The public have also commented on Tolent’s staff communications with them and again we thank them for their co-operation in informing people about the works and the progress made.

5. Bandstand
The bandstand is almost finished with the decorative star shape in black and maroon being applied to the floor this week. The only remaining work is the completion of stonework to the steps and some ornamental metal castings to form shoe covers for the drainage column outlet points. The contractor will also be asked for his advice and recommendations in regard to the refurbishment of the old shelter near the existing play area.

6. Island Planting
Most of the plants for the west and east islands have been delivered to Pyms Lane and are generally of a very high standard. The supplier has failed to deliver a small number of the bulbs and herbaceous plants and as soon as this has been resolved the gardeners will begin the planting work.

7. WREN Bids
Additional Wren bids have been prepared to support the following works:
• Lake Water aeration system and improvements to inlet and outlet mechanisms
• Play Area 2nd Phase at the end of the summer - Outdoor /Gym and possibly installations over 4m high.

8. Play Area – School??? TBC? Sir William Stanier – Steve Collins
34 contractors initially expressed an interest with this contract. The disabled requirement has yet to be confirmed from the consultation with the additional funding sourced from an ex-C&NBC Mayor.

The project will take 3 forms, appealing to all age ranges. Toddler Equipment, Youth Equipment and Equipment for All Ages i.e. Outdoor Gym style. Some works may be subject to further external funding which the Project Officer is pursuing.

Five contractors are pricing this work and Tenders are due back on the 6th April and will be opened on the day of return.

9 New Building package.
All 3 planning applications for the building works have now been approved.
Tenders are due back at the end of the month and there are 4 contractors in contention for this package. These tenders will also be opened on the 6th April.

10. Events as per poster.

12. Date of next meeting Wed 5th May 5.30pm or 6pm – attendees to advice preference.

FRIENDS OF THE PARK
QUEENS PARK FRIENDS GROUP CONSTITUTION 2009
Amended December 2009

1. Name

The Name of the Friends of the Park group shall be ‘Friends of Queens Park’, hereinafter called “The Friends of the Park”.

2. Aims and Objectives

To promote the restoration (i,) capturing Queens Park’s Victorian splendour, conservation and enhancement of Queens Park in Crewe, for the benefit of residents, visitors, wildlife and fish.

(i) 2009 - Following a lengthy period of development and planning the Heritage Lottery Supported Queens Park Project is underway. The Project Team has been assembled including architectural and engineering consultancies to complement the Landscape Architectural practice Bertram Hyde and Quantity Surveyors EMB Consultants. The practices selected are SBS Architects and the engineers are Scott Hughes Design, both are Manchester based.

To encourage and facilitate greater free access, use of facilities and enjoyment of Queens Park by all. In pursuance of this aim the Friends of the Park group will seek to:

a) ensure that any changes are sustainable and respect Queens Park’s heritage and distinctiveness,

b) represent the views of the residents of Crewe and other regions of the Cheshire East Council, in matters concerning the Park,

c) form links and work co-operatively with the Council, businesses, community groups, charities, schools and other appropriate organisations, so that the park may best serve the local community.

d) organise, host and fund events and activities within or associated with Queens Park,

e) compliment other projects moving forward in Cheshire East.

f) to work with Council Officers to secure grants, towards the continuing enhancement of the park, in accordance with the Restoration Masterplan and Maintenance and Management Plan.

The Friends of the Park group shall be non-political and non-sectarian, and shall operate without distinction of gender, ethnic background, age, disability, sexuality, or religious, cultural or political beliefs.

3. Area of Benefit

The area of benefit of the Friends of the Park shall be the area known as Cheshire East.

4. Powers

The Friends of the Park group, through its Committee may exercise any necessary powers to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the above aims and objectives subject to the consent of Cheshire East Council as ‘caretakers’ of Queens Park.

5. Membership

Membership shall be open (without distinction of gender, ethnic background, age, disability, sexuality or religion, cultural, or political beliefs) to those interested in furthering the aims and objectives of the Friends of the Park, provided that they have completed an application form and have paid the appropriate subscription fee.
Membership shall be valid for the period of one calendar year from the beginning of April. No membership fees apply.

All categories of membership shall be entitled to cast one vote. The Chairman may utilise a casting vote should it be required.

The Committee shall have the right, for good and sufficient reason, to exclude from membership an individual member, provided that the member shall have the right to be heard by the Committee before such a decision is confirmed.

6 The Committee

The ‘Core/Officers’ Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Secretary, Fund Raising Officer, Treasurer and Parks Manager and any other such Officers as the Friends of the Park group may from time to time decide.

The Committee shall total no less than 3 and not more than 16 members including one Youth representative.

a) The Officers and members of the Committee will be elected until the next AGM. They will be eligible for re-election.

c) The Committee may appoint one, or more sub-committees or working parties and refer any part of its business to them.

d) The Committee shall have the power to fill any vacancies that may arise during its year of office by co-opting additional members.

d) A member of the Committee shall cease to hold office if absent, consecutively on three occasions, without the permission of the Committee, from all of their meetings held within a period of six months, or notifies the Committee of their resignation in writing.

e) A Committee member (including officers) may be removed from office before an AGM if two thirds of the Committee support a proposal of “no confidence” against the member, at a meeting of the Committee.

7 Committee Meetings

a) The Committee shall hold at least six meetings each year i.e. approx. 8 week intervals. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chairperson or by any four members of the Committee, upon not less than four days notice being given to other members of the Committee, of the matters to be discussed.

b) At a Friends of the Park meeting the quorum shall be a minimum of 3 and include at least 1Officer.

c) In the event that the Chairperson is absent from a Friends of the Park meeting, the ‘Core’ Committee shall elect a temporary Chairperson.

d) Minutes of all meetings shall be kept by the Parks Manager and be available for inspection by members of the Friends of the Park group.

e) Any member of other Queens Park associated committees may attend the meetings of the Committee as an observer.

f) The Committee may, for a specific purpose, invite any individuals outside the Friends of the Park group to attend a meeting.

8 General Meetings

At least 14 days written notice shall be given of the date, time, venue and agenda of Annual General Meetings. At least 7 days written notice shall be given of the date, time, venue and agenda of General Meetings. Non-receipt of a notice shall not invalidate a properly called meeting.

a) An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year in the month of October or as soon as practicable thereafter, but no more than 15 months must elapse between one Annual General Meeting and the next. The business of the meeting shall include

i) The election of Officers and Committee,

ii) The presentation of the annual report of the Committee,

b) Extraordinary General meetings may be convened at any time at the discretion of the Friends of the Park or at the request of at least 12 members of the Friends of the Park, in writing, to the Parks Manager of the group, giving details of the reason(s) for calling the meeting together with copies of any motions to be discussed.

c) Any member of the public and/or press, may attend General Meetings as an observer.

9 Voting

a) Every Member of the Friends of the Park group has one vote at Annual General Meetings.

b) Only Friends of the Park group members shall be eligible to vote at any meeting.

c) The ‘Core’ Committee may vote to open the decision out to the ‘floor’ by a public vote.

d) In the event of an equality in voting, the Chairperson may cast a second deciding vote.

e) When, in the opinion of the Chairperson, it is necessary for a vote to be taken at any meeting, this may be taken by a show of hands or by secret ballot at the Chairperson’s discretion.

10 Finance

The Friends of the Park group shall be able to receive, without favour, donations, gifts or contributions and empower the Committee to raise funds by legal means.

a) All monies received shall be paid in to a Friends of Queens Park bank account. The Treasurer and Secretary shall be authorised to jointly release funds as requested by the Chairman on behalf of the Friends of the Park group.

b) All monies raised by or on behalf of the Friends of the Park group shall be applied to further the objectives of the Friends of the Park group and may be used to meet the cost of agreed projects and activities.

c) The Treasurer shall report on the state of the Friends of the Parks group finances at each Committee meeting and all transactions shall be made available for inspection.

e) The financial year shall be from April 1st to March 31st. At the end of each financial year, the accounts shall be prepared, certified and presented at the next AGM.

f) If the Friends of the Park group is dissolved, any surplus funds should be given to Cheshire East Council for expenditure with regards to Queens Park, in-line with the Aims and Objects of the Friends of the Park group.
11 Interpretation of Constitution

In all matters of dispute on the interpretation of this Constitution or on all matters on which the Constitution is silent, the Friends of the Parks group decision shall be final.

12 Dissolution

The Friends of the Park group may at any time be dissolved by a resolution passed by a majority of two thirds of those present and voting, at a General Meeting of which at least fourteen days notice shall have been given, specifying that this is the purpose of the meeting.

13 Amendments to the Constitution

This Constitution may be amended in any respect (other than this clause) by a resolution passed by two thirds of the members present and entitled to vote at any General Meeting of the Friends of the Park group.

Notice of any proposed amendment must be communicated to the Queens Park Manager in writing at least fourteen days before the meeting at which the proposal is to be moved. Notice, in writing, of these proposals shall be sent to members not less than seven days before the meeting.

14 Adoption of the Constitution

The Friends of the Park Constitution was adopted, by the Membership at the
Stakeholders meeting, on the 8th July, 2009.

Signed Dated

Print Name:
Chairperson of Friends of Queens Park

Signed Dated

Print Name:
Secretary of Friends of Queens Park

Signed Dated

Nigel Irlam
Fund Raising Officer

Elaine Dodd
Queens Park Manager
October 2009

FRIENDS UPDATE FEBUARY 2010

photo the old bridges in the 1960

The meeting this time was a short one but well attended despite the cold weather. Matter raised were trying to get a webcam and Wifi for the park and the development of the play area. Most other things were covered by the chairmans report below

Friends Chairpersons Update:
a. Bandstand Completion
b. ‘New’ Buildings Package / Planning Consent
c. Works in Progress

a. Bandstand:

Lost Art are in the final stages of the completion of works. Approx 80% has been finished as can be seen. Predictable delays to finalizing stone work due to ground frost, completion any time now.

b. New Building Package:

Three Planning Applications have been submitted – 1. The new Cafeteria; 2. Bowling pavilion and 3. Depot building. Consent for all 3 is expected by mid March. Will probably result in closure of cafe sometime during the summer months, mobile catering arrangements will be arranged to enable a service of light refreshments.

c. Tolent Works

Tolent have been on site for 20 wks following acceptance of the contract.

Works have focused again on lake edges and islands plus preparations for bridge abutments and foundations etc.

The Inlet Bridge at the TipKinder end of the lake was installed on 27th January about 1.30pm.
This will be followed by the installation of the Coronation Bridge next Wed 17th, which will be installed in 3 sections. Probably from mid morning on the 17th through to mid pm. on the 18th.

This will be followed by the installation of the Burma Star bridges (x2) and the Broadwalk Bridge.

65% of the lake edge preparation wall works have been completed with only the West side of the island to finish. Approval of materials for coping stones is to be confirmed this week.
There is some extensive work to access roads to be done, to support the large cranes needed to ‘swing’ the bridges into place.

It’s good to see that last week and this week the Park is a hive of activity with 19 men from Tolent on site working on the lake edges and bridges with 15 also remaining on site this week. Five men from Lost Art are working on the completion of the bandstand and a team of 3 park gardeners have been clearing weeds and overgrown vegetation from the Coronation Walk Valley in preparation for the next contract package.

The cold weather has caused some delay however the contractor is aiming to catch-up as much as possible with bridge installations taking place almost back-to-back.

The bridge fabricators are working very well off-site as will be seen by those visiting the factory in Huddersfield next Tuesday.

Filling of the lake is anticipated by the end of the summer subject to unknown obstacles.

I would like to introduce you to Dave who has kindly attended from Tolent Construction – the main contractors on site; should anyone here have any technical questions or issues they wish to raise. (Open to floor). Thank you Dave.

Work in Progress:

We are all eager to see the PG works commence and consultation with Sir William Stanier School has continued. An expression of Interest notice on the CE web site attracted 34 contractor responses. This has been whittled down to 6 potential suppliers. The disabled requirement has yet to be confirmed from the consultation with the additional funding sourced from an ex-C&NBC Mayor.

The project will take 3 forms, appealing to all age ranges. Toddler Equipment, Youth Equipment and Equipment for All Ages i.e. Outdoor Gym style. Some works may be subject to further external funding which the Project Officer is pursuing.

A copy of the children’s presentation which is being used to draw up the specification is available.

Further funding:

Additional Wren bids are being prepared to support additional works identified:

• Computerised irrigation system to facilitate more efficient bowling green maintenance
• Lake Water aeration system and improvements to inlet and outlet mechanisms
• Play Ground Outdoor /Gym and possibly installations over 4m high.

Item 7
Visit to Bridge Fabricators

5 Places remain on the coach for anyone wishing to attend next Tuesday leaving QP Lodge at 10am. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis – does anyone here wish to attend please – it will be a very interesting day for all?

Item 8
Events List 2010

Copies of programme available.

Queen's Park Friends and Stakeholders' Meeting No 16 Tuesday 8th December 2009 Queen's Park Cafeteria
Attendance List:
Allan Leah- Project Officer, Cheshire East Council Elaine Dodd - Queens Park Manager Ian Bright - SBS Architects Dominic Liptrot - Lost Art
Derek Morgan - Friends of Queens Park Chairperson Sheila Blackburn - Friends of Queens Park Secretary Nigel Irlam - Friends of Queens Park Fund Raising Officer
Cllr Dorothy F Jude - Cheshire East Councillor - Crewe Mayor
Cllr Andrew Knowles - Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder
Mark Wheelton - CEC
Mike Taylor - CEC
Pam Minshall
Jan Wright
Carl Clarke
Mervyn Goodwin - CEC Darren Johnson Stephen Astbury Lesley Thomas Steven Otter - CEC
Apologies:
Tony Wheeler - DRE Ray Stafford Mr & Mrs Curran Cllr Roy Cartlidge Mrs Hazel Evans
Jules - Crewe Blog_
No Item

1.0 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct

30 Friends Chairperson's Report Derek Morgan presented his report, including: Lake and Bridge Works Tolent have been on site for 11 wks There has been a 6 day delay due to bad weather. The Tolent site will close at Xmas from 18m Dec for 2 wks. Works have focused on lake edges and islands plus preparations for bridge abutments and foundations etc.

The Inlet Bridge at the Tipkmder end of the lake is the first bridge to go in and it will arrive on site Tue / Wed next week, preparation works are ongoing. All Lake Inlet walls have been repaired and repointed.

Gabion baskets all around the Burma Star Island to be faced with stone blocks A stone sample has been agreed East and West Island walls have been completed but may be raised to allow fluctuations in water levels. Works to modify bndge abutments are underway.

Broadwalk Bndge works on site for 3 days next week This will be the last and largest bndge to be positioned estimate end of Feb. Footpath links will need to go in to facilitate all bridges. Coronation Bridge - Completion is expected by the end of January - together with Burma Star Bridge. Problem areas: > Access roads require improving.

Weather implications. Design modifications and approvals. > Correction of Wrekin works where required BANDSTAND Slight slippage of works largely due to discoveries on site and additional higher quality finishes which have been agreed Matching of sandstone to closely match the original has been very successful. A detailed update and explanation of how these structures are restored will be given by Domenic of Lost Art. The completion date will now be end of January 2010.

PLAYGROUND Rocking horse and spider's web removed due to safety implications. An exciting consultation took place involving the Sir William Stanier Community School and their feeder school's i.e. children talking to younger children. The selection and design process is well underway. Additional monies via ex Mayor will be allocated specifically for the disabled element. A contractor will be selected early spring 2010.

COUNTY LANDSCAPES Curved railings are to be completed early in the New Year and the Gates will be the very last item due to heavy construction vehicles accessing the park to install the bridges.

EVENTING A very successful community Youth Christmas Lantern Procession took place last Sunday. It attracted approx 300 people; we were very pleased with the response Pupils of Pebble Brook. Monks Coppenhail. Edleston Road and Wistaston schools all participated

4.1 Bandstand: presentation by Dominic of Lost Art Dominic brought along books, photographs and sample materials to support his detailed presentation about the company of Lost Art and the work of its skilled craftsmen on the
park bandstand. He gave a history of the building and its unique features, with photos to show how the bandstand is being restored with close attention to detail and original materials and appearance. Some of the work has been affected by bad weather - this has made the ground too wet to bring the crane back onto site to replace the top parts. Throughout the process conservation records have been kept, together with a large number of photographs. Works have consisted of inspections and repairs to the internal structure. A temporary framework was erected to protect the structure enabling the roof to be raised from its original columns. Wood panels and stonework have been removed and repaired. A total of four columns have been replaced, following corrosion as used as downspouts, the replacements now have rubber linings to protect the interior. The lantern and cupola, being the top portion of the bandstand, is probably the most spectacular and can be seen in its refurbished glory with a copper finish and a gold leaf terminal, this to be refitted as one piece on Monday (14th). Almost complete she awaits for works to the floor, where the finish will match that of yesteryear, together with the ceiling rose which again has been refurbished and will be painted in traditional colours similar to the original paint finish Works to follow to include stone work to copings, walls and steps during the Christmas period. The final phase will be the floor which will be restored with its former colouring.

5.1 Buildings - the new buildings will uss locally resourced materials to glvs a "family of buildings", as in the original structures
Lodges to be brought back to QP usage. West Lodge House - will become a staff / community building with first floor offices and ground floor areas for public use, including meetings, parties, and memorabilia lounge etc. East Lodge - will be used by maintenance staff - there will be ground floor storage and training facilities. Depot - will include a storage building, polytunnel. staff parking, skips and a designated entrance for large vehicles that will not be close to dedicated pedestrian paths. It will be edged by a hedging screen. Pavilion - will consist of two solid sandstone end parts with a glazed central section. Materials for the construction will reflect the front entrance buildings (as above). The original pavilion has provided a reference point for the new pavilion with its raised plinth, glazed central area and two end chimneys. Bowls pavilion - there has been little change to previous plans for this new building except that it now has a mower store.

5.2 Q: What changes will be made to the Boer War Memorial? A: The original steps and plinth have for many years been buried under the existing planting round the memorial. The soil will be removed so that the memorial can be restored to its original presentation.

Q: Prior to the installation of the new footbridge at the eastern end of the lake, will the walls be built up to mask the concrete? A: Yes. using cleaned stones from Burma Star Island.

Q: Will the gable ends of the new pavilion be open or sealed ceilings? A: At the kitchen end and in the central area, the roof will be open to show the trusses At the other end, the toilets will have ceilings but the lobby area will be open to reveal the roof structure. Q: Will this open aspect incur expensive heating bills? A: Underfloor heating using new green technology will be installed to enable year round warmth. In hot weather, roof/high level windows will open automatically. For security, all windows have individual shutters ( not industrial shutters)

Q Would it be possible to have an upper floor in the pavilion? A: This has been investigated and it has been decided that it is not viable because of costs of access and the loss of ground floor usage.

Q: Do the chimneys at either end of the pavilion have a use? A: Yes; They are to be used for air exchange. Q: Should there be a larger toilet block for events? A: It would not be possible to provide adequate toilets within the buildings for large scale events - these will have to be brought into the park as before.

Q: Where will the playground be sited? A: Two new playgrounds will be in the area where the glass houses stood The time scale for these has been brought forward to Easter 2010 because of some problems with the existing playground and the need to avoid closure. Consultations with Sir William Stanier pupils and local Primary Schools have provided ideas for the playgrounds. The playground work has become more achievable because of changes to the previous plans for a staff building in that area.

Q: When will the lake be refilled and will it be stocked with fish? A; should be refilled at Easter time as lake edges are scheduled to be finished in March. Temporary paths will then be re opened for public use and a phased path reinstatement will take place as a parr of another contract package. ¦

Q: Will there be boats on the lake again? A: The lake reinstatement has been designed to allow for boating on the eastern half but no decision has been made formally by the Council yet.

5.3 General programme of Works: Building plans will be submitted before Christmas Tenders will be invited in early 2010 Contractors should be on site in April / May 2010 Completion should be December 2010

7.0 Friends Group Treasurer Dorothy Flude nominated Pam Minshall Seconded by Nigel Irlam This was accepted and supported by those present

Queen's Park Stakeholders' Meeting No 14 Tuesday 15th September 2009 Queen's Park Cafeteria
Attendance List: (24 Attended + 4 Officers + 2 Consultants)
Cllr Roy Cartlidge - Chairman
Allan Leah- Project Officer, Cheshire East Council
Elaine Dodd - Queens Park Manager
Mike Taylor - CE
Mark Wheelton - CE
Ian Bright SBS Architects Albert Bertram Hyde
Cllr Dorothy Flude - Cheshire East Councillor - Crewe Mayor Adian Birchall Stef Goodwin
Derek Morgan - C&N Lions
J Willkes - Pathways
Pam Minshull
Sheila Blackburn
Colin Jones
Andrew Flood
L Hurst
B Hamige
C Harrington
J Taylor
G Goodwin
P Clarke
Mr & Mrs Woodhall
Mrs Murphy
Mr & Mrs Fox
Jan Wright
Liz Clack Carl Clarke

Apologies:
Andrew Knowles - Cllr CE Ray Stafford ex Cllr
Mr & Mrs Curran - local historian - ex Cllr Tim Previtt - Ghost Walks Nigel Irlam

No Item Raised by
1.0 Apologies

2.0 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct

3.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes NA

4.0 Chairman's Report Cllr Roy Cartlidge presented his report. Comments and questions arising
were referred to later business (below) following presentations as on the agenda

5.0 Friends of Queens Park - Constitution and Officer Elections Chairperson - Mr
Derek Morgan
Secretary - Mrs Sheila Blackburn Fund Raising Officer - Mr Nigel Irlam was
nominated and is to be approached -position accepted following meeting. ED
It was agreed that the stakeholder group would be disbanded and the Friends Group would
take over future meetings.

5.1 Data Base It is envisaged that the Friends Group will now use the data base to contact and
confirm proposed level of commitment.

5.2 Market Research The final questionnaire is available in hard copy and has appeared in the
Chronicle this week. This will contribute to the Audience Development Plan for the Park and will
assist any future Funding Applications.

5.3 Albert Bertram suggested that he meets with the newly formed Friends Group Committee to
ensure they are familiar with all aspects of the project. The meeting will take place in the West
Lodge meeting room at a date to be arranged.

6.0 Presentation by Ian Bright: EBM Consultants:

6.1 Bandstand Work on the bandstand is scheduled to take 20 weeks. Photos were shown detailing
the careful dismantling of the cast iron building that is to be restored using original materials.
The structure is to be rebuilt in situ, piece by piece. A temporary steel structure has been made
to support the roof during the restoration work and the top cupola has been removed for re-
coppering and hand cleaning at the workshops of the contractor: Lost Art. The step by step process
of restoration was explained with supporting photos. On-site meetings with the contractors
indicate that this many-phased process is on track for completion in early December.

6.2 Retaining wall Work on the front wall was explained in detail, including the use of clay
from lagoons dug to hold the lake silt. Assurances were given about the bat population and
successful work on old pipes at the site.

6.3 Bridges and Lake Works The new contractor, Tolent, is to take legal possession of the site
on 21st September with a responsibility to complete the work on time. The contractors are expected
to replace old signage. It is understood that the fabrication of the bridges is underway. The hard
and soft lake edging work was half completed by the previous contractor; Tolent will also
dismantle and replace walls of the islands, to prevent future collapse.

7.0 Presentation by Albert Bertram: SBS Architects With reference to new faces at the meeting
and the newly constituted Friends Group, Albert explained in detail the contract between HLF and
Cheshire East, and continuous monitoring by experts concerned with quality, content and progress.
He referred to the size and unique features of the park which have contributed to a longer period
of restoration than other parks and a longer period needed for the programme than that of the
original build. He also explained elements of the total restoration that are not funded by HLF and
how the newly formed Cheshire East Council has had to revise some proposals as new funding has
come on line. Answering questions and observations from the floor, he confirmed that the
management, maintenance and community use of the park remain priorities.

7.1 Lodge Houses The Lodge Houses will not be used for residential purposes as previously
planned. They will be modified using locally resourced materials in keeping with other buildings
in the park and will be used for staff facilities, meeting rooms and an education/community room.

7.2 The Pavilion The new plans for the Pavilion are not yet complete, but will be for a one-
storey building that includes indoor and outdoor seating with overflow and a terraced verandah.
Space will be allocated for community groups and meetings.. Toilets will be accessed from inside
and outside, allowing for security after the cafe is closed. Building materials will match those
of the Lodge houses above so that the three buildings work together, as in original concepts.

7.3 Depot facilities After discussion about the need for a dedicated team of people able to
design and implement soft landscaping and maintain it, Albert explained that there are ongoing
discussions about the Park being partly serviced from Pymm's Lane, with tool stores specific to
the maintenance of buildings on site.

7.4 Bowls Pavilion The existing building will be replaced with a new build in line with the
other buildings on site. It will include toilets, changing facilities, a viewing area and a
meeting area.

7.5 Building work dates It is envisaged that the work on buildings will begin in early 2010
and be completed in 2011. Paths around the lake are expected to be open to the public again in
2010.

8.0 AOB / Questions Raised

8.1 Q: Who is the new contractor? What is known about them? What about their reliability? A:
Tolent. Information can be obtained by visiting their website. They have been financially checked
by Cheshire east and there are penalty clauses in their contract.

Q; Does the new contractor know of the previous problems with the restoration programme? A: Yes.
Following walkabout sessions on site, the contractors are aware of previous issues.

Q: Will there be a Project Manager on site for monitoring work? A: A quantity Surveyor for
Cheshire East values the work regularly and reports to the architect who then reports to Cheshire
East. Ian Bright of EBM Consultants is on site weekly. Q: Can the new contractor ask for more
money? A: The contract is a fixed price contract and therefore additional monies have to be
justified.

Q: If the new Pavilion is to be on one level, how will a vista of the lake be achieved? A: The
vista will remain the same as levels have not been altered in the new design. Some trees will be
removed also (not the older protected ones). Q: Will there be a new Boat Hire building? A: boat
operations on the lake will resume and Cheshire East have yet to decide about the arrangements

FRIENDS UPDATE FEBUARY 2010

FRIENDS OF THE PARK QUEENS PARK FRIENDS GROUP CONSTITUTION 2009
1. Name
The Name of the Friends of the Park group shall be 'Friends of Queens Park', hereinafter called "The Friends of the Park .

3. Area of Benefit
The area of benefit of the Friends of the Park shall be the area known as Cheshire East.

4. Powers
The Friends of the Park group, through its Committee may exercise any necessary powers to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the above aims and objectives subject to the consent of Cheshire East Council as 'caretakers' of Queens Park.

11 Interpretation of Constitution
In all matters of dispute on the interpretation of this Constitution or on all matters on which the Constitution is silent, the Friends of the Parks group decision shall be final.

12 Dissolution
The Friends of the Park group may at any time be dissolved by a resolution passed by a majority of two thirds of those present and voting, at a General Meeting of which at least fourteen days notice shall have been given, specifying that this is the purpose of the meeting.

FRIENDS UPDATE FEBUARY 2010

FRIENDS OF THE PARK QUEENS PARK FRIENDS GROUP CONSTITUTION 2009 1. Name The Name of the Friends of the Park group shall be 'Friends of Queens Park', hereinafter called "The Friends of the Park .

3. Area of Benefit The area of benefit of the Friends of the Park shall be the area known as Cheshire East.

4. Powers The Friends of the Park group, through its Committee may exercise any necessary powers to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the above aims and objectives subject to the consent of Cheshire East Council as 'caretakers' of Queens Park.

11 Interpretation of Constitution In all matters of dispute on the interpretation of this Constitution or on all matters on which the Constitution is silent, the Friends of the Parks group decision shall be final.

12 Dissolution The Friends of the Park group may at any time be dissolved by a resolution passed by a majority of two thirds of those present and voting, at a General Meeting of which at least fourteen days notice shall have been given, specifying that this is the purpose of the meeting.

FRIENDS OF THE PARK QUEENS PARK FRIENDS GROUP CONSTITUTION 2009
1. Name
The Name of the Friends of the Park group shall be 'Friends of Queens Park', hereinafter called "The Friends of the Park .

3. Area of Benefit
The area of benefit of the Friends of the Park shall be the area known as Cheshire East.

4. Powers
The Friends of the Park group, through its Committee may exercise any necessary powers to do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the achievement of the above aims and objectives subject to the consent of Cheshire East Council as 'caretakers' of Queens Park.

11 Interpretation of Constitution
In all matters of dispute on the interpretation of this Constitution or on all matters on which the Constitution is silent, the Friends of the Parks group decision shall be final.

12 Dissolution
The Friends of the Park group may at any time be dissolved by a resolution passed by a majority of two thirds of those present and voting, at a General Meeting of which at least fourteen days notice shall have been given, specifying that this is the purpose of the meeting.