Agenda item

A report to update the committee on the progress of matters considered previously and the activities of the Volunteer Groups.

Updates from the volunteer groups were provided as follows:-

Nonsuch Voles:  Members received a summary of the Nonsuch Voles activities and the Committee expressed thanks for the hard work and efforts of the group, particularly in the attainment of the two South and South East In Bloom gilt awards. 

In addition to the activities in the report, Paul Airey reported that following a generous donation from Surrey County Council they were making good progress with the works associated with the planting of the yew trees.

Paul Airey also thanked the Committee for their support in enabling the Nonsuch Voles to acquire and erect a shelter in Nonsuch Park which was in the process of being assembled. 

Nonsuch Watch:  Members were pleased to receive an extensive report from Nonsuch Watch on butterfly sightings in Nonsuch Park and Warren Farm. 

In addition Frances Wright of Nonsuch Watch advised members that if they were keen to pursue information on butterflies, she recommended a book by June Chatfield regarding the life and works of F. W. Frohawk, a butterfly specialist and zoological artist/lepidopterist.

Friends of Nonsuch:  Gerald Smith of Friends of Nonsuch provided the Committee with a verbal update on the group’s activities.  He reported that the museum had closed and would be refreshed over the winter, after a successful summer, attracting many overseas visitors.

Dementia Friendly Park Signs

The Streetcare Manager reported to the Committee that as part of the project to renovate the park noticeboards it was intended to include directional signs for the café, gardens, parking and toilets that met the requirements set out by the Alzheimer’s Society.  An example of the design as handed out and members were informed that the new owners of Bovingdons were keen to be involved with the project.  It was further agreed that the press and the Mayor would be invited to view the new signs when they were erected to mark the start of the dementia friendly initiative.

Fencing of the Round Pond

The Committee noted that the fencing and vehicle gate around the pond had been completed.  To restrict open access to dogs, in order to facilitate restoration of the pond it had been agreed to install a gate and erect polite notices advising users of the intention to regenerate the area.  The Streetcare Manager had obtained quotes for a kissing gate, which the Committee agreed was appropriate for purpose, and could be funded from existing budgets. 

Concern was expressed regarding the water levels in the pond and it was suggested that water extraction could be an issue.  The Streetcare Manager agreed to contact Sutton Water and report back at the next meeting. 

Marking of the Palace Boundaries

The Streetcare Manager reported that a very productive and interesting meeting had taken place at Bourne Hall with Nikki Cowlard from Epsom & Ewell History and Archaeology Society (EEHAS) with the purpose of exploring ways for committee representatives, the EEHAS and Friends of Nonsuch to work together on heritage projects. 

The intention to mark out the existing palace boundaries was discussed and Nikki Cowlard agreed to contact Heritage England for advice about how this might best be achieved, and about permissions required for scheduled monument consent.

It was also reported that a survey was to be conducted over the potential site of the stables using a magnetometer which was available for the EEHAS to use.  It would likely take place in November.

Nikki Cowlard had advised that the stone in the basement that was being considered to use to mark the boundary was unsuitable for such a purpose because it was not weatherproof.

Thanks to the Friends of Nonsuch were expressed for the offer of hosting future meetings at the museum in Nonsuch Park, which would be timed to coincide with the Nonsuch Joint Management Committees, to allow timely reporting to the committee.

Vandalism In the Park

There were no specific incidents to report.

Having received the Progress report, the Committee noted the progress of the following:

(1)            Updates from volunteer groups

(2)            South and South East in Bloom award

(3)            Dementia Friendly park signs

(4)            Round pond fencing

(5)            Marking of the Palace boundary