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

2.0 Matters Arising from the Minutes NA

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

4.0 Presentations

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.

Q: Will the top include a lightening conductor A: confirmed

5.0 New Building Review and Presentation by Ian Bright: SBS Architects

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

6.0 Thanks given to Dominic and Ian for their presentations.

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

8.0 Date of next meeting Tuesday 9th February 2010- 6pm Jubilee Cafeteria
 

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 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 .

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.
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 Committee shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson 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 two members of the Youth Council.
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, conseceteviley 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 1 Officer.
c) In the event that both the Chairperson and any Vice-Chair are absent from a Friends of the Park meeting, the 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 June 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) The quorum for all General Meetings shall be 12 persons including a minimum of 6 members of the Friends group, including 1 Officer.
d) 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 General Meetings.
b) Only Friends of the Park group members shall be eligible to vote at any meeting.
c) In the event of an equality in voting, the Chairperson may cast a second deciding vote.
d) 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 Cheshire East holding account in the name of the Friends of the Park group. The Queens Park Manager shall be authorised to 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 Parks Manager 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.
St St
e) The financial year shall be from April 1 to March 31 . 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.