Friends Trustees meeting - 16 January 2023 - Secret Cinema and other urgent topics

Minutes of the Friends of The Scrubs Trustees’ Meeting

Monday 16th January 2023 at Meeting Room in Pangbourne Avenue

Present: Stephen Waley-Cohen (chair); Carmel McLoughlin (secretary); Smita Dave (treasurer); Ben Novak, Miriam Shea, Emma Ranson, Sarah Johnson (later)

Apologies: Jack Perschke, Faye Thomas

1. Minutes of the last Meeting on the 5th Dec- approved. Matters arising covered below.

2. Stephen has received a few queries regarding removal of trees and hedge for the works being carried out by KD at LCS. We have been aware of the proposals for last couple of years and that KD have redesigned the layout twice to preserve trees with the pitch being moved further away from the line of poplars on the southern boundary with Burlington Danes to preserve them, and again between the southern boundary of the existing hockey pitch, the Pony Club and IdVerde’s yard. The formal agreement reflects that KD will be responsible for replacing any trees and hedging removed in mitigation, although of course it will take many years before they reach the same maturity. It was recognised that KD provide recreational activity to hundreds of youngsters from the community every week. We need to remember that the Scrubs has constantly to balance its primary purpose of providing recreation and exercise for everyone with the protection of the wild life and nature. Stephen will respond to the queries as above.

3. With the PSPO consultation regarding Dog walking ongoing and the recent death in Surrey of a dog walker as a result of an attack by the eight dogs she was walking, there have been a number of comments received on the subject and Jack has written to us prior to the meeting. It was agreed that Stephen will write to the WSCT and the LET and LBHF officers regarding the current position of the Friends and reiterate our earlier points.

4. Emma’s questions regarding legal structure have been dealt with.

5. Masterplan proposals – The main purpose is increasing biodiversity. There was a lengthy and wide discussion reviewing and understanding the Masterplan proposals. It was agreed that Stephen will write to the WSCT and officers setting out our comments and querying those items which are not clear for further discussion at the special meeting of the WSCT on the 23rd Jan. We understand that HS2 who are funding the costs will need to agree the final proposals.

6. Secret Cinema – There is a general feeling that Wormwood Scrubs is not an appropriate venue for SC and that it should be resisted. It was noted that a number of residents have written to their local councillors but to date no responses seem to have been received. However, if it is to go ahead, then the fee should reflect the amount of loss of amenity to users and distress and disruption to wildlife.

7. Dog Show Update – Ben has been in discussion with LBHF about the next Dog Show and there seems to be a lot more requirements this time around. It will be held on Sunday 30th July which will coincide with the setting up of Secret Cinema (if it goes ahead). It was agreed that new sponsors should be sought. Winkworths (sponsors in 2022) have only paid 50% of their promised fee.

8. Date of Next Meeting: Monday 6th March - with the WSCT meeting on the 8th March.