## **Friends of St John’s Wood** ## **Minutes of Monthly Meeting** ## **20[th] November 2024** ## **Location – Knutsford Town Council Offices** ## Present: Cathryn Walley – Chairperson – Trustee Geraint Samuels – Treasurer – Trustee Carol Goodwin – Secretary, Trustee June Finnan – Trustee Judy Flynn – Trustee Peter Russell - Trustee Cllr Stewart Gardiner – (Knutsford Town Council and Cheshire East Council) Cllr Colin Banks – Knutsford Town Mayor Rhian Stratton – Great Places Regeneration Director ## Apologies James McCulloch – Deputy Chairperson, Trustee Andrew Malloy – Chair of Friends of College Wood Adam Keppel Green – Knutsford Town Clerk Kate Beard – Neighbourhood Services Manager, Longridge, Great Places Rebecca Banks – Community Partnership Manager, Great Places Laura Ault – Ansa/Cheshire East Caroline Griffiths – Ansa ## **1. Welcome and Introductions** C Walley thanked everyone for attending and thanked Knutsford Town Council for hosting the meeting without charge. ## **2. Review of 2023 AGM minutes** Correction to record that Peter Russell was present at the AGM. Review of 2023 Actions - - Distribute minutes – C Walley- _Complete_ - Organise a meeting of Knutsford “Friends Groups” – C Walley _– Complete. Organised by Adam Keppel- Green with contacts exchanged._ - Organise meetings with landowners - C Walley with input from K Beard, S Gardiner, L Ault – _Ongoing - informal conversations with Great Places but formal meetings still required_ - Compile and review a list of possible grant options – C Walley and Trustees. _Completed_ ## **3. Election of the Trustees and Committee** John Finnan resigned from the role of Trustee during 2024. The Chairperson thanked John for his contribution over 3+ years and noted his ongoing campaign to oppose development at the nearby Longridge site. Three trustees stood down and were re-elected. James McCulloch stood down from role of Deputy (via email prior to the AGM). Judy Flynn was elected as Deputy Chairperson. The trustees now comprise: C Walley (Chairperson) J Flynn (Deputy Chairperson) G Samuels (Treasurer) C Goodwin (Secretary) J Finnan P Russell J McCulloch (Knutsford Town Councillor appointed Trustee). ## **4. Annual Report (Chair)** FoSJW has had a successful year and this is summarised in the accompanying Chairperson's Statement. ## **5. Treasurer’s Report** Accounts are submitted for each calendar year via the Charity Commission. At the time of the AGM, the bank balance had risen from £600 to £759. Notable expenditure on Insurance and website domain. Income from Picnic in the Park Fundraising circa £300. Post meeting note: A joint refreshment stall at the Knutsford Town Council Christmas markets with three other Friends Charities has resulted in an additional £375 paid in December 2024. The Chairperson thanked Adam Keppel-Green for organising and inviting the charity to take part. ## **6. Aims for the year ahead** The actions and activities in the Masterplan are still valid but the timescales for grant application and investment will need to be pushed backwards. Priorities include: - Submission of grant applications for Information boards, completion of design of signage, preparation of risk assessments and arranging installation. (Landowner permission has been obtained) - Completion and launch of website. Note Sylvia Chaplin has offered help with respect to information on St Helena’s Church. - Continuation with litterpicks ## **7. Input from Landowners** Knutsford Town Council is arranging for a Fingerpoint sign to be installed near Longridge/Higher Downs junction directing visitors to local landmarks including St John’s Wood and St Helena’s church. Rhian Stratton introduced herself from Great Places and requested to be involved in discussions relating to path improvement. The ongoing issue of the path near Longridge blocked by a fallen tree was raised and Rhian asked that this information was reshared with Great Places. Cllr Steward Gardiner offered his support on behalf of Cheshire East. ANSA was not present but had advised prior to the meeting of ongoing support for waste collection following litterpicks. ## **8. Open Discussion** Potential to involve volunteers or local schools in planting of wildflowers (either further in Steeple Field, in the woodland or near St Helena’s). There is benefit in liaising with Cheshire Wildlife Trust. FoSJW need to ensure local PCSO on distribution of communications. REFRESH event going ahead in January 2025 and opportunity to promote the charity. Info via Knutsford Town Council. FoSJW may wish to invest in a banner. ## **9. Actions Arising from AGM** - Set up landowner engagement sessions with Great Places and Cheshire East (continued) - Produce wider distribution list for external communications - Consider attendance at Refresh - Send blocked path information to Great Places **----- Start of picture text -----**
Friends of St. John's Wood
Receipts and Payments
01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024
Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds
RECEIPTS
Fundraising (tombola and blind auction) £ - £ 324.92 £ 324.92
Fundraising (Christmas markets) £ - £ 375.00 £ 375.00
TOTAL £ - £ 699.92 £ 699.92
PAYMENTS
Insurance £ - £ 125.80 £ 125.80
Internet domain registration £ - £ 14.39 £ 14.39
Card reader £ - £ 24.99 £ 24.99
TOTAL £ - £ 165.18 £ 165.18
NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS) £ - £ 534.74 £ 534.74
Cash in Bank 01/01/2024 £ - £ 600.00 £ 600.00
Total Receipts £ - £ 699.92 £ 699.92
Total Payments £ - £ 165.18 £ 165.18
Cash in Bank 31/12/2024 £ - £ 1,134.74 £ 1,134.74
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