It was agreed that although the profile of FoW had been highlighted in the S40 article, we had not had any response to our appeal for anyone wanting to get involved.

The Whitecotes Web page has now been reinstated thanks to Simon who owns the domain and Nick. Nick who was present at the meeting confirmed that at the moment the service was free which means that it has some limitations, however, it was agreed that it is perfectly adequate for our requirements and if anyone was wanting to post a field event on there they could do so by emailing the [email protected]

The Queen’s Green Canopy scheme to mark her 70 years on the throne, has been completed in the bottom of the field consisting of some 600 trees, including English Oak, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Field Maple and Hazel which were planted back in March of this year and are contained within 300m of fencing in three corrals. Hopefully this dry weather will not be too harmful to them and in around eight years’ time we will all reap the benefit of this planting.

Treasurer’s Report

Josie confirmed that the 30 June 2022 bank statement showed the sum of £731.22. However on the 29 July 2022 HSBC who now charge £5 per month to run the account and class FoW as a business/charitable account had written to confirm that the account has been frozen as no recent transactions had been made, although a cheque in the sum of £600.46 had been written to Chesterfield Borough Council back in June for the purchase of a picnic bench, it had not been presented.

Josie confirmed that she is now looking to open an account with Lloyds Bank which may take up to 6 weeks. She will then ensure that the accounts for the year are authorised at that point. As our constitution requires two signatures on cheques we have had some problems finding replacement banking facilities.

Report from Secretary

Antisocial Behaviour

On the 7 April 2022 when someone reported motorcycles riding around in the field and the police’s timely arrival to disperse them, this matter seemed to stop for a time. There followed a fire in the blackthorn bushes, along with trouble of drinking and broken glass around the children’s play area. Notices were erected at the cemetery gate and also one left by the Fire brigade, all of which were torn down within a matter of hours.

These problems were duly reported to the Supervisor of the PCSO’s along with 101. The nice weather brought the escalation in mini motor bikes and quad bikes accompanied by large groups of teenagers, posing a risk to all field users. On Sunday 17 July the fire brigade was quick to attend a fire which was started in the banking on the bottom field where the bikers ride between the football goals and up and down the banking. It has also been reported that a small lime green motorcycle has been driven at high speed across the field, once right through the open playground area where other children were playing. The police were duly called but the boys “were gone in a flash”.

In recent correspondence the PCSO Supervisor stated that

“It has been a real nuisance of late and the multiple exit points do pose a problem.

Have you received any footage of the bikers? Often we can ID offenders and carry out home visits which can go a long way to addressing the issue. I would not ask any resident to put themselves at risk by confronting the bikers with a camera but if anyone does manage to get a picture of the bike, registration or rider, we can make enquiries. Until then we will continue to pay regular attention to the area and take positive action when possible.”

Since this email was received, some photographic evidence has come to light and this has also been passed onto the council and police. It is hoped, therefore that this will have an impact of this illegal use of the field. In the meantime please carry on reporting any incident to the 101 line.

WhatsApp Group

One of the local residents has created a WhatsApp group for those living on the Whitecotes Park Estate and has passed on the importance of continuing to report the antisocial behaviour. He has invited us to utilise this communication tool for any message we would like to be passed on relating to the field.

Holiday Activities on the Field

It has come to light that a company called Samba had been contracted by Staveley Town Council to run football training sessions during the summer break for children aged 4-11 years between 10am and 2pm every Wednesday. Last week there was a group of 28 children playing football near the mini goal with their own full size football nets erected. Apparently local primary school children are given the chance to participate as this activity was advertised in their schools and parents, who have to bring their children, can sign up on line for a session, which take place at various venues and are free. It is great to see the field being utilised in this way but it was felt that the activity could have been better advised locally by the council.

Stencils for Dog Fouling

One of those present reported that the stencils seemed to have made a difference to the problem. As they are starting to fade now it was agreed to ask for them to be redone.

New Bin at Grindlow entrance

The above area has been smartened up and the new bin is now being emptied regularly.

Viridor

It was reported that Viridor Credits had confirmed that their monitoring of the project has been completed.

Field in Trust

This item is still under review.

Grass Cutting

Those present remarked that the field is looking better than they had ever seen it. The grass cutting crew are doing a magnificent job. Just a reminder that the drain by the cemetery gate would need to be cleared especially if any rain is due.

Environmental Ideas

Seed Bombs

One of those present had come up with the idea of Bee friendly wild flower bombs. This seems like a brilliant idea and it is hoped that we might get some children involved.

Bird Boxes

One of the Committee had been investigating the possibility of Bird Boxes. This is to be taken up with the Chesterfield Borough Council as it is not sure if the boxes would have to be cleaned out each year to reduce the risk of disease being passed on to the next resident.

Any Other Business

Paths

It was pointed out that the new path from the playground to the cemetery gate had some quite large cracks appearing. To be reported to CBC.

Date of Next Meeting

To be confirmed.