Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 23rd August 2010

Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Duncan Harris, Jane Sealy, Sue Holland (Minutes)
Apologies: Dilys Haddow, Hayley Allen
The minutes of the last meeting were approved, no matters arising.
Judging Summary:
We have completed the judging and Alison will finalise her report as soon as she has received the last few photographs. Overall, judging went well. It was evenly spread and marks fairly allocated.
Denis advocated that schools are contacted earlier next year as they are so busy during the final weeks of term. In January we can allocate judging times for the schools and then remind them at a later date. We need to contact the children’s centres in order that they can be involved with the art work competition or with the horticultural element.
Some confusion exists over the photographic and back garden categories. This will be discussed at a future meeting. South Essex Homes gardens were judged prior to ours and the situation here needs clarification, as there appears some to be some confusion with duplication.
It was suggested that we could possibly run a photographic element of ‘in bloom’, e.g. of parks, open spaces, back gardens. However this would have to stay within the remit of the formal competition of A.I.B. We will have a feedback session on the competition in November, and also at this time discuss the theme for next year. Please consider ideas for next year’s theme and how it can be linked to our display at the Garden Show. We will need to inform schools of our plans before Christmas.
Awards Ceremony
Children’s Ceremony:
Sara Jane Holmes from Southend Adult Community College is very happy for us to stage the Children’s Award Ceremony at Leigh Community Centre but we need to give her a date. Dates suggested are the 4th or 11th October, preferably the former. Simon will talk to Councillor Derek Jarvis, a friend of Mrs Pedretti, who can then discuss the Yvonne Pedretti award with her.
Invitations: Mrs Pedretti, Youth Mayor, photographer, one adult per child plus teachers. Denis will confirm how many children can be accommodated. He will also send out the invitations once the date is confirmed. Simon will do a post event press release. He will also confirm if catering, (squash and cakes), can be arranged. In this way allergy issues can be addressed by the catering team at the Centre. Sara has intimated that S.A.C.C would be prepared to sponsor the Yvonne Pedretti Award. Simon has spoken to the potter and it has been agreed that wording is limited and will be coloured green. Leaves will be done on the plaque but not around the edge as they may not survive frost if protruding. A certificate will accompany the plaque and the mould will be kept, colouring can be changed each year maybe.
The time of the ceremony will be 6-7.30 p.m.
Apparently Darlinghust submitted a portfolio but were not marked on it. This needs to be checked please.
It would be much appreciated if Paul Terry could supply bags again this year. Bulbs can go in them and any other suitable items please.
Adult Ceremony:
This will be held at the Civic Centre on November the 1st or 2nd. Doors will open at 7.00.p.m for a 7.30 commencement. We will do the catering ourselves, supplying tea and coffee, sparkling fruit juices and homemade cakes. Alison will be in charge of this, we need to check on the supply of cups and saucers etc. Parks will do the floral displays. It will take place in Room 10, upstairs. Guests will need to be informed of the lift placement, we will have a SIB committee member to ‘meet and greet’. We will also need a p.a.system, certificates, signage for the lift and invitations. Invited guests: the Mayor, a representative from Aztec, representatives from Metal.
A.O.B
Plan Bee: It connects with next years proposed theme. We could hold a workshop on the event on Saturday, 6th November and invite teachers to come and meet the SIB team. This event will be held from 11-3.00 p.m. Alternatively we could just be there and listen to children/teachers, encourage them to enter our event next year and gather information relevant to us. SIB will support the event by offering volunteers and promoting our theme for next year.
On the 16th October WEN is hosting a ‘Culture Kitchen’. Four different communities will be sharing food and meeting each other. It is to be held at the St Marks Centre and is by invitation only. Simon will be attending.
SAVS: We have now joined and Alison has details of all courses available to us, if anyone wishes to attend.
Would we be interested in having our own polo shirts, decorated to our own design, for SIB? Please consider.
Could Diane please have any photographs of containers that Connaught donated and were used by schools?
Two copies of the judging report will be printed off. One will be archived and one for current use. We should have an archive kept of past items and reports. We could set up a subcommittee to arrange this. It will need to be divided into AIB and SIB items.
Jane and Duncan are continuing with their work on the constitution.
Date of next meeting: Monday, 20th September at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 2nd August 2010


Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Dilys Haddow, Jane Sealy, Duncan Harris, Simon Wallace, Hayley Allen, Sue Holland (Minutes).

The minutes of the last meeting were approved, no matters arising.

Yvonne Pedretti Award:
Simon suggested that the Yvonne Pedretti Award should be presented annually to the school judged to be best overall in the School Art Competition. It could take the form of a plaque and a certificate. Yvonne was heavily involved in the School Art Competition and the artist who has agreed to design and make the plaque, Richard Baxter, knew Yvonne well.
The cost will be approximately £50. Denis can arrange payment. Southend Adult Community College has agreed to make a contribution to the cost.
The plaque will be frost proof and will take about one month to make. The lettering will be in blue and yellow and possibly around the edge there could be a leaf pattern in green. If Richard could produce a design, it can be finalised at a later meeting. The mould could be kept for the next year, or a new one produced which would make it unique.
The wording suggested is: ‘Yvonne Pedretti Award’ around the top and ‘Southend in Bloom’ around the bottom. Across the plaque it would read ‘Schools Art Winner 2010’.
There will be a certificate to accompany the plaque.

Schools Judging/Art work:
Temple Sutton:
Gold Mitchell (Conroy) Williams / Class 5.0
Darlinghurst:
Gold Maximus Macdonald /Class 2P
Martine? / Class 3B
Elliott Highmore / class 5AP

Temple Sutton:
Silver Tafad Kahari / Class 5.0
Bronze Bethany Thompson / Class 5.0

Darlinghurst:
Silver Charlie? / Class 5J
Bronze Sophia Bensaad / Class 5AD
Silver Dylan-Gearoid O’Sullivan / Class2P
Bronze Sharmayne Richards / Class 2P
Silver Saffron? / Class 3B
Bronze Anita? /Class 3B

Southchurch Park United Reform Church:
Gold Walter, Bethany and Jeremy
Silver Athena
Bronze Connie

Darlinghurst School has been voted winner of ‘The Yvonne Pedretti Award’ for best in show.

Category D / Photographic
Gold:
Shirley Anderson
Mr Brazier
Mr and Mrs Austin
Mr D Wilson

Silver:
Adalah Residential Rest Home
Mrs R Adams
Mrs Brazier

Bronze:
Delaware House Dementia Unit
Mrs Barwell
Sandra Archer
Susan Cruikshank

Several community gardens are still to be judged. Duncan and Jane have kindly agreed to judge Delaware House and The Brambles, Alison will judge WEN and Growing Together, and Simon the St Mary & Milton Community Partnership garden.

AOB
Denis suggested that a ‘bee scarecrow’ might be suitable for children to construct in next years competition. This will be considered further.
The AIB awards ceremony is limited to five attendees from SIB. Alison is to attend and Duncan is interested. A council member will also be attending.
Denis is to send out ‘thank you’ letters to those who attended AIB and who helped so ably to promote the day. Simon will e-mail the list of attendees to Denis and Sue asked that Peter Dolphin of Street Scene be added, as he arranged for street cleaning etc to be carried out.

The next meeting will be held at the Civic Centre on Monday, 23rd August at 7.00.p.m

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 12th July 2010


Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Duncan Harris, Dilys Haddow and Sue Holland (Minutes)

Apologies: Jane Sealy

The minutes of the last meeting were approved, no matters arising.

AIB:
Meeting Venue:
The venue at METAL has been organised. Denis is to do display boards showing town centre projects and the successive bulb planting that is taking place. Alison will do a ‘display book’ showing SIB in the news. Note will also be made of Southend’s involvement at Hampton Court. The judges should arrive at METAL at approximately
10.30. The press will be arranged for this time. The visit there should last 45 minutes.
Committee members need to arrive at METAL at 9.30 in order to set up. Those not going on the minibus will stay and clear the displays.
Denis is to book the minibus.
Belfairs Woods:
Duncan has gathered sufficient information to write a sheet about Belfairs Woods/Park. Alison has researched the Heat Fritillary and the Dormouse projects. The Fritillaries are just about to enter their chrysalis stage and thus there will not be any visible unfortunately.
The judges will now enter through the Woodlands Park entrance where there are display boards giving good information about the area. There is also signage for the Prittle Brook Greenway and the judges can be told that when they visit Growing Together they will see the other end of this route. It may be possible to take the judges on a very short walk of the area, to give them a taste of what it has to offer, and to discuss the plans for the new visitor centre.
Denis will contact the Woodlands Officer to see if he can attend and Sue will try to arrange for a Park Warden also. The group should be at Belfairs (Woodlands Park entrance) at approximately 11.15.
Denis is to arrange lunch at the Blenheim Centre. They apparently only need four to five days notice. Only the people on the minibus will attend the lunch.
Judging:
Duncan will arrange school visits to the east of the borough and Simon and Denis those to the west.
Alison and Sue will judge front gardens and community gardens in Shoebury on 17th July.
Alison will judge WEN, Dilys and Sue Westcliff Library and Adalah Rest Home, Duncan and Jane ‘The Brambles’ and Alison and Simon St Mary Church Community Garden.
Alison will e-mail community gardens in Shoebury. Please take four photographs of each site

A.O.B: SIB is to join SAVS, as it is now free of charge.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday, 2nd August at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.



Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 28th June 2010.


Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Duncan Harris and Sue Holland (Minutes)

Apologies: Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Jane Sealy and Dilys Haddow

The minutes of the last meeting were approved, no matters arising.

Special Awards: Entered:

· Best Public Open Space - Chalkwell Park
· Best Drought Garden - Dry bed at Chalkwell Park
· Best Local Authority Floral Display - Rose Garden at Chalkwell Park
· Conservation Project - Belfairs Woods
· Community Project - Growing Together
· Best Floral Display by an Individual or Community - Garden in aid of the RNLI at 20 Marcus Chase, a garden opened by Thorpe Bay Open Gardens in aid of charity. Alison awarded marks of 98/99 out of a 100.
· Best Garden for Special Needs - St Christopher’s School


Final Preparations for AIB:

There is a need to improve preparations for the visit to the conservation area at Belfairs Park. Duncan is to be the liaison officer for this area. He will write a briefing sheet on the history of Belfairs, noting acreage and other relevant facts. He will e-mail this to Alison before the 19th July. It is proposed that maybe the following could meet the judges at the café briefly in Belfairs: Graham from the RSPB to talk about the birds in the woodlands, someone from the riding school to talk about riding lessons for the disabled and anyone from the Parks/ Horticultural Dept who may be able to help. Denis will be e-mailed, copied to everyone in his department to see if this is possible.
Denis needs to confirm that letters have been sent to the invited groups who are to attend at METAL. We have sufficient display material for this initial stage of the day.
The arrangements for the food at the Blenheim Centre need to be confirmed.
Sue is to arrange with Street Clean, YOS and Neighbourhood Watch Groups on the route to ensure that the route is free from litter and graffiti.
Simon is to be e-mailed about press coverage in the Southend Standard, YA and the Evening Echo.
Alison is to text Denis to confirm that out of courtesy, Leigh Town Council have been informed of the visit.
Denis needs to set up a checklist as to who is doing what at the event. As many people as possible from the committee, who are not on the trip, need to stay at METAL in order to pack up and transport things.




Judging Schedule:

Alison would like to judge the Community Gardens. Alison and Sue will judge individual gardens on the 17th July.
Simon and Denis can judge the schools in the west of the borough on the 14th July and Dilys and Duncan can do those to the east on the 13th July. As a backup for Denis on the 14th, Dilys can do the morning and Sue the afternoon (school assemblies permitting).
When more of the committee are present the remaining judging will be discussed.

AOB:

The Zimbabwean Network has entered although we do not, at present, have their entry form.
If we wish to join SAVS, membership is now free. This would give us access to the community website, laminating and photocopying facilities, access to a funding officer, training if we enter as a group and access to an auditor. This will be discussed further when the full committee is present.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Duncan and seconded by Sue to Alison for all her hard work in preparing the portfolio.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday, 12th July at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre




Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 14th June 2010


Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Jane Sealy, Duncan Harris, Dilys Haddow, Sue Holland (Minutes)

The minutes of the last meeting were approved, no matters arising.

Anglia in Bloom: Portfolio

Alison would like to thank everyone for their contributions, Simon especially for his numerous photographs and newspaper articles. The page numbering of the portfolio has been carried out as per the AIB Portfolio Checklist 2010.

Section A of the portfolio is progressing well. The Zimbabwean Network could be included in this section, profiling their mosaic in Leigh. It is hoped that their leader will be able to attend at METAL on judging day.

Section B is more problematic, but hopefully the groups involved at METAL will interact with the judges, and the displays erected will give a focus to this section. In B.5 the landscaping and the use of the wind turbine at METAL can be mentioned. Also worth mentioning is the fact that our parks are used for cricket festivals, concerts and plays. We have a new cycle track extending now to Shoebury Garrison.

Section C is very well covered in the portfolio. In C.1 we can talk of the establishment of a Facebook page and involvement with Twitter. This demonstrates that we are evolving. Our display at the Garden Show was very well received and we have already been invited back next year. We are progressing with a formal constitution and developing partnerships with other groups, who previously had not been involved with ‘In Bloom’. The schools competition is evolving, and building on the ‘vegetable’ theme we are linking in to the curriculum. This year our theme has been more inclusive.
Our aim has been to make ourselves more visible and this year we have achieved this. We have raised the profile of SIB.

Meet and Greet at METAL: Groups to be invited to attend at METAL are:
1. Recycling and Waste Management Team
2. South Essex Homes
3. The Street Cleaning Team
4. Turning Tides (including youth volunteers)
5. The Zimbabwean Network
6. Women’s Environmental Network
The time spent at METAL will be approximately 30-45 minutes.
The wildlife element of the visit will be covered by the visit to Belfairs.
Simon is to arrange for two ‘goody bags’ to be given to the judges. He is also to contact the ECHO to confirm that they can attend AIB. Alison is to give quotes for the media release.
Denis has written to the Mayor and the portfolio holder seeking their attendance.
Denis is to provide photographs from the hospital for display purposes and also copies of the boards showing regeneration work at Victoria Gateway, Cuckoo Corner and Warrior Square.



Route: Relevant groups along the route have been written to but as yet no replies have been received.
The route is as follows: METAL - Kings Rd - Leigh Rd – Broadway – Marine Parade – Thames Drive – Sutherland Boulevard – Highlands Boulevard – London Rd – Eastwood Rd, the Old Vienna roundabout – Belfairs Woods – Eastwood Rd North – Mountdale Gdns (St Christopher’s) - Kenilworth Gdns – Prittlewell Chase – (Growing Together) and then back to the Blenheim Centre.

If it is not convenient to visit Growing Together the allotments could be an alternative. However, G.T would be a good place to visit as much work has been carried out there and they have a new straw constructed building. Parking is easier than elsewhere and the new cycle track can be viewed.
There is ongoing building work at Chase High School, but it can be presented as a positive (urban regeneration). Sue is to try to ascertain if any of the work is eco friendly and if environmental studies are carried out in the school.
Duncan is to write a maximum of five points about each of the places to be visited. These will be: METAL, Belfairs Wildlife Centre, St Christopher’s, Growing Together and the Blenheim Centre.

Special Awards: These have to be forwarded with the portfolio on June 30th. Please send any nominations to Alison by the 20th June. A CD with the full information is sent at a later date.

At the next meeting judging will be discussed. Denis reports that half of the entries are already on a spreadsheet. Alison requested that the person doing this work e-mails her the schools entries etc. by the next meeting. Apparently schools entries are up and private are down this year. Schools judging will be carried out week commencing July12th.
Special awards will also be discussed.

Date of next meeting: Monday, June 28th at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.




Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 24th May, 2010

Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Jane Sealy, Dilys Haddow, Sue Holland (Minutes)

Apologies: Duncan Harris

The minutes of the last meeting, (10th May), were approved. Thanks were passed to SW for taking the minutes at the last meeting, and to all those who attended the Nursery Open Days.

SIB: Entries are coming in steadily and school entries are already up on last year’s figures.
SIB has a page on Facebook and this will be mentioned in the portfolio.

AIB: The date for AIB is 19th July
Alison’s current work on the portfolio for AIB was viewed. Would all members please send to Alison two sentences about who they are and their horticultural interest, (any community work would be excellent).
More words, about half a page, are needed on a good community project near to us. Would these members please submit a paragraph on the following?
Hayley: Mendip Project
Paul: Recycling
Simon: Southend in Transition
Jane: Women’s Environmental Network
Sue: Park Watch/Allotment Tagging/Defensive Planting
Duncan: Filming and the Bus Company
We are short of input in Section B of the portfolio. This involves environmental / traditional development of an area. St Johns Churchyard is a possible area for consideration (Tim Pyner was involved with this). We also need more involvement from commercial properties, Westcliff Station looks promising. The orchard renewal in Eastwoodbury Lane and South Shoebury Hall are both places that could be considered for inclusion for their horticultural practices and specific biodiversity. Work for inclusion must be sent to Alison by the 20th June at the latest. It must be no longer than 250 words and include photos. If photographs are not possible please alert Alison and she may be able to take some.
The portfolio will be ring bound and press cuttings will be included. Alison will make double page spreads in to a display. Photos of planters made with pier planks will also be included.
The Evening Echo has promised to promote AIB and push SIB.
Dilys can get the cubs and brownies involved in litter picking in Leigh and Belfairs, any pictures to Alison by 20th June please of this being done much appreciated.

Special Awards: Members need to nominate different projects in different categories along the chosen route for AIB. The Special Awards form can be found by going to: www.angliainbloom.co.uk/AngliainBloomGettingStarted.html and scrolling down to the Special Awards Nomination Form. The people involved need to be interviewed and photographs obtained.

Route: The route is as follows: Chalkwell Park (Metal), Leigh Road, Thames Drive, Belfairs Woods, Blenheim Chase and Prittlewell Chase. Five venues must be visited.




These can include Metal, Environmental Centre in Belfairs, the Mendip site or St Christopher’s School, the hospital volunteers at S.G.H, Growing Together, and returning to the Blenheim Centre for lunch. The judges could meet pupils here and maybe some teachers could be invited to lunch.

Denis is to write letters to the Blenheim Centre asking for permission for us to visit and have lunch there, and to the Mayors office to enquire if she or her deputy can attend. He will also ask Metal for permission for us to commence the tour there, for a display area and for teas and coffee to be provided. Leigh Town Council to be contacted also regarding the route.

Commencement at Metal: Attendees to be asked to attend include Paul Terry, a member of a cycle group, (Southend Wheelers?), as there is now a new cycle track along Prittlebrook, and somebody from the Zimbabwean Group as they are to do a mosaic in Leigh from recycled pieces.
The display should include an item from H.A.R.P about their Plot to Plate scheme, which utilises excess vegetables, and from the C.D.R.P about their ‘weeding out crime’ scheme.
An article from Turning Tides would also be appreciated, telling of their activities.

Duncan has been asked to be the other committee member to attend for the mini van trip with AIB judges.

Agreed that Jackie Humberstone be removed from the minute circulation list.

Dates of next two meetings are: 14th June and the 28th June at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting
Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 10th May 2010

Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace (minutes), Duncan Harris, Dilys Haddow

Apologies: Diane Muston, Jane Sealy, Paul Terry, Sue Holland, Hayley Allen

The minutes of the last meeting (April 12th) were approved. Matters arising and actions update are included below.

Spring Garden Show 2010: The aim of the exhibit and SIB attendance was to illustrate the three main points of ‘In Bloom’, which are Community Participation, Education and Horticulture.

The In Bloom “Recycled Container” display and garden show event proved very successful both for SIB and community partners.

AR congratulated everyone on a good team effort in making the event such a success for SIB.

SIB received positive feedback from Essex Pelargonium Society, Growing Together and SEEWEN. All partners benefited from being at the show- it terms of awareness raising, plant sales and new membership etc.

Hayley Allen also sent her congratulations on how brilliant the SIB stand looked.

Paul Terry from SBC Waste Management Team e-mailed to state they issued over 1000 tea towels and 1750 shopping bags, and a number of SIB leaflets were also given out to stand visitors over the three days.

SIB has been invited back for next year’s Garden Show by the organisers, Aztec Events Ltd.

SIB entry forms:
DL stated some forms already received from individuals and schools, which included some new / different entrants.

DH has now passed on copies of the entry forms to both Guides and Scouts contacts etc

ALL: Still need to promote the competition further- and to distribute leaflets as widely as possible. DL has supplies if committee members require extra copies.

Possible venues for leaflets include: SEEOG/Growing Together Plant Sale (15th May), METAL, Turning Tides, St Luke’s Community Allotment, Civic Centre, Tourist Office, SACC (including Leigh site), Starbucks, Sainsbury’s (Southend) notice board.

Paul Terry will be willing to deliver SIB entry forms to anyone who comes forward in response to the free compost bin offer currently running in the High Performance Area (potentially 1,068 properties).

SW agreed to distribute copies to Museum Service, Turning Tides, SEEOG and SACC and CDRP to give out at their forthcoming Community Safety Road shows.

SW will also issue a press release to further promote both the SIB competition and our display at the Parks Nursery Open weekend on 22 & 23rd May 2010.

DL to send SW a PDF version of the Nursery weekend poster for distribution to community groups and library contacts. SIB committee members to do the same with any appropriate groups/ links/ contacts etc.

SBC Parks Nursery Open Weekend (10-4) 22nd and 23rd May 2010, Gt Wakering:
SIB will be attending this free event and recreating a stand similar to the one displayed at the Garden show.
ALL to confirm their availability ASAP with AR, so a rota for staffing the display can be drawn up.

DL/SBC hoped to have more groups attending and also greater number of plants for sales and floral demonstrations etc. There are still free spaces for groups – if any community group wants to display, free of charge please contact DL.

Aztec Events Ltd are once again willing to offer SIB 10 pairs of free prize draw tickets for either their Robin Hood event in early July in exchange for display of their publicity.

SW to produce the entry form slips/ box and provide more seeds for the free tombola that worked so well at the garden show.

AR – noted that for next year SIB could have a creating more of a branded look for marketing purposes e.g. wearing SIB t-shirts, use of a logo on publicity, press copy, web content, badges.

SW will check to see if SACC will also be attending the Nursery weekend event

Anglia in Bloom: The next 2 big tasks are to plan for the visit by AIB judges and also to submit our AIB Portfolio.

Note: the deadline for submission of Portfolio is 30/6/2010.
The AIB Judges will visit Southend in July – it is likely to be 15/7/10 (to be confirmed)

AR suggested given the large work involved with this event that she will produce a plan and delegate specific tasks to SIB team members. These may include

Route planning (a draft route was circulated earlier)
Write to participants/ and invite press and guests (New Mayor?)
Ensure venues open on the route
Complete and adhere to Portfolio Checklist
Sort out venue and organise “Launch event” so judges get to meet a wide range of groups not featured on the actual route
Arrange tour transport for judges
Ensure route taken is neat and tidy/litter free etc
Special Awards- either seen on the day by the judges or included in our portfolio entry
Production of the 2 copies of 30 page Portfolio by the entry deadline

AR has posted the Special Awards criteria in the SIB Face book pages. It was felt that many of the projects we have in this area could have been put forward for such AIB awards.

ALL - AR requested that each SIB team member write a short précis for the portfolio e.g. their reasons for involvement in SIB and details of any relevant experience, qualifications etc.

Paul Terry requested (via e-mail) that they be give as much notice as possible for the AIB judging event- to ensure attendance / staffed display etc.

SW will forward photos from Garden Show and also press cuttings to AR etc




A.O.B:
DL attended the Around the World event at the Blenheim in April – it was very successful

DL has been contacted by Thorpe Bay Horticultural Society /T Bay U3A Gardening Group who are running an Open Garden Trail on Sunday 26th June in support of the RNLI.

The event is put forward as an SIB entry – we need to ensure photos are taken for the Portfolio and that judging of the entry takes place on either 26/27th June

The BBC ‘Dig In’ team will be in Southend for the Bank Holiday (Air Show ) weekend- details and timings are given on the BBC’s Dig In website

Twigs Way Garden Historian will give a talk at the central library on 17th June @7.30pm- tickets are £8 and includes refreshments. Twigs has recently written a book on the history of allotments. Contact the Box Office on 01702 534147 for tickets

Date of Next Meeting: Monday, 24th May at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 12th April 2010

Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Jane Sealy, Duncan Harris,
Paul Terry, Sue Holland

Apologies: Dilys Haddow, Diane Muston

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.
Matters arising and actions update are included below.

Paul Terry has kindly agreed to attend our meetings. One of our weaknesses in Anglia/Southend in Bloom is engaging with the local population in recycling and composting. Paul’s experience and help will be much appreciated in this area.

Forward Planning: Launch Day
Simon has issued a press release. Denis is to update identity badges. He has produced the banner. Some leaflets will hopefully be ready by Saturday; the bulk of 4,000 will be delivered next week. A high proportion of these will be for the Southend Garden Show. At this event Paul will take some of our leaflets for his display and we will reciprocate. The school packs are ready for printing, Denis can arrange for this. The first twenty schools to enter will receive their free willow container and seeds kindly donated by Connaught. There is to be a ‘Recycling’ poetry competition and Paul asked if we could send out leaflets for this with our packs to schools. Denis will coordinate.
Denis is setting up the display boards for the launch. The banner is up in the library and the flyers are available. The Evening Echo has been notified. Duncan will take pictures for SIB.
The Westcliff Women’s Institute have been invited, also Rutendo Chitiga (recycling). Miranda from Paul’s department will attend; they have new giveaways (tea towels!).
We will use two trestle tables; Denis is to arrange for the floral displays on these. The floral planters in the library will be refreshed.
Twenty-five pairs of free tickets for the Garden Show are the prizes for the draw.

Garden Show: We hope to illustrate the three main points of ‘In Bloom’, which are Community Participation, Education and Horticulture. The display should engender a ‘village community feel’. Included will be: vegetables grown in anything, seed swap, floral display, RHS Grow your Own Info, a Community ‘Green Events’ Notice Board, Interactive Games, World on a Plate info, Fairtrade, labels from food sourced globally surrounding a world map, RHS Fruit and Veg Planner and postcards of Southend Parks in days gone by.
In order to raise the display, planks can be placed on barrels, tree trunks and possibly old Southend Pier planks utilised. Alison has a cherry tree, a bird table and a strawberry planter that can be included, also straw bales. We need to know if we are against a wall or in the middle. Denis has trellis panels that could be covered with bunting or a cloth.
Three trestle tables will be placed in a ‘U’ shape, one for leaflets and information, one for the community group attending and the last for SIB. Bunting can be used to ‘rope off’ the area.
The Essex Pelargonium Society will attend on the 1st May and the Women’s Environmental Network on the 3rd. No response as yet from Growing Together, Simon will contact, also S.E Essex Organic Gardeners and Leigh Fairtrade. Others who may wish to display material include Grass Roots Reading Group and St Luke’s Allotment Group.
Simon can make up packs (Dig In material, bookmarks etc) from the library to hand out. SIB flyers will be displayed at the Entrance/Exit.
Saturday morning prior to the event it is hoped to do a dummy run of the display in the nursery. This should bring to light any unforeseen problems.
Alison will contact us shortly concerning duties. Could we please e-mail her with available days for attending the Garon Show (1ST-3RD May), also availability to help set up on the Friday.
Denis is to check our insurance cover. It is thought that we are covered by the Council’s insurance as we are deemed to be representing them through SIB, as volunteers.

Aims and Constitution: Alison, Jane and Duncan have formed a sub committee and are currently at work on the constitution. It will be available for presentation after the judging.

Filming: The White Bus Company will be present at the Launch and will be filming for ‘Southend, Your Town’. They must have their own insurance. The filming is at no cost to SIB.

A.O.B: We are getting coverage on a website/blog, address: longpier.com. Apparently it is very informative!
Growing Together have an Open Day on Sunday, 25th April, hopefully we will have leaflets there.
The seeds donated by Seeds of Italy, Kings and vegetable seeds from Chilterns are to go out to schools. The remainder can be used for a tombola at Garon Park.
Paul said that 1,068 composting books are to be given out in the Southchurch area during May and it is possible that we could distribute SIB forms at the same time.
Anglia in Bloom judging date is Thursday, 15th July.
Paul is to be given the feedback sheet from AIB concerning our need to improve on recycling.
Simon has contacted Tricia at Southend Community College concerning the award commemorating Yvonne. She thinks it an excellent idea. Simon will contact Yvonne’s mother for her approval and Richard Baxter (Leigh Art Trail), who may make something for us. If not, we could commission a work from a student at the college for a symbolic piece.
We will need to arrange funding.
As yet Leigh Community College have not confirmed that we may use their premises for the children’s award ceremony.
It is hoped that an ‘eco’ zone can be created in the library. This will hold books, leaflets etc on the environment and information on all green events.
Denis is to attend the Around the World event at the Blenheim centre on Friday. He will be doing seed sowing and will advertise SIB. Denis has met a lady from the BBC who is concerned with their ‘Dig In’ event and she is to give him some seeds.

Date of Next Meeting: Monday, 10th May at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 8th March 2010

Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Jane Sealy, Duncan Harris, Dilys Haddow, Diane Muston and Sue Holland.

Apologies: Hayley Allen

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

Actions Update: Diane is sourcing pots that we can hopefully give to twenty schools in order to encourage them to enter SIB. The cost of biodegradable pots is prohibitive, but she is seeking alternatives. Diane will also purchase herb and vegetable seeds, plant labels and strawberry plugs, finance permitting. Denis can store the pots at the nursery until their distribution after the Easter holidays in mid April.

Diane will e-mail the logo of Connaught to Denis in order that they can be acknowledged.
Leigh Town Council is in the process of changing their personnel and so we shall delay contacting them about AIB.
An event entitled 'Around the World in Family Days ' is to be held from the13th-16th April, involving all schools in the northwestern area of the borough. Denis is to attend for one day and we have a reciprocal arrangement with them for advertising purposes.

Yvonne: A friend, who is currently in the U.S.A, will be organising a celebratory event for Yvonne on her return. Leigh Art Trail is planning to dedicate part of the trail to her. It is felt that SIB should have an Yvonne Pedretti award in her memory. This could be given to 'best in show' in the art competition. It could be awarded for a single piece of work, or a collection, that shows particular merit. The award would go to the school of the award winner. Simon will contact Yvonne's family, through the college, and confirm that this is acceptable to them. We could perhaps commission a piece other than a cup, which would be unique and encourage schools to strive towards winning it. Simon will seek ideas from the college as to design and cost of an appropriate award, which would need to be durable.

Forward Planning: Free Seed Distribution – Sue and Denis will bring in the seeds that have been donated to the next meeting, and their distribution can be organised. It is possible that they will go to the first twenty entries, but this will be discussed.

May Garden Show: 1st-3rd May. We will have a ‘Floral Display’ area, which gives us six trestle tables to utilise. SIB can use two tables for displaying photographs of past events, ideas for schools for this year’s event, plus entry forms and a possible display of vegetables from a different perspective (Denis to advise on this). We can invite three or four other interested groups to join us. Those that may wish to be involved include: Growing Together (they could sell plants), METAL, South Essex Homes, Connaught, Westcliff and Southend Transition Group and Southend Women’s Environmental Group.
There are also several small groups who may like to share a small area for leaflet display.

Any organisation attending with us will need to have public liability insurance. They will also need to commit as to when and for how long they can attend The feeling that we wish to engender is one of community spirit, a village affair with a floral ‘green’ theme, bunting and appropriate displays. If we are in the marquee we will also be given 3x 20-minute slots for someone to give a talk on a relevant subject. Simon will send Alison details of all groups who may wish to attend so that she may contact them.

SIB Launch: The proposed date for the launch is 17th April and it will be held in Southend Central Library from 10.30-12.30. Simon requires electronic versions of all publicity material and logos for the launch. A poster, press release and display material will be needed. Committee members who are available will be on hand to distribute leaflets, (badges for members need to be updated to read 2010). Rutendo Chitiga, who is involved with a recycling project, will hopefully be able to attend. She has recipe books and a plentiful source of information on recycling to hand out, and is very interested in SIB. Paul Terry will also be invited.
Action for all Committee Members: Please e- mail Denis re the leaflet. Without the leaflet there will be no launch!!!!

Any Other Business: Key Med will not be available for the awards ceremony in the autumn. An alternative venue will need to be found. Simon is to check that Leigh Community Centre will be available for the children’s ceremony in September. At this event we may launch a competition for the children to design a new logo for SIB, which will mirror the Southend on Sea logo.

The libraries have signed up to the ‘Dig In’ campaign. They will have displays and talks about allotments. Although the B.B.C is running a road show at the Air Show it was felt that most visitors would be from out of town and thus not useful for SIB.
Schools need to be informed that they can go to the website to find all the information they require about SIB.
Groundwork are doing work on global gardening at Milton Hall School.
A brilliant website on food /eating around the world is: www.foodbycountry.com/

Date of Next Meeting: Monday, 12th April at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.
***********************************************************************

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 1st February 2010

Attendees: Alison Rogers (Chair), Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Jane Sealy, Duncan Harris, Hayley Allen, Diane Muston and Sue Holland.

Apologies: Yvonne Pedretti.

The committee welcomed Diane Muston from ‘Connaught’, email:diane.muston@connaught.plc.uk

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

Matters arising: The revised dates for the display in the foyer at Central Library are 5th-24th April. An ‘A’frame display unit within the building will also be used and a large SIB banner displayed.

Actions update: Donations of seeds have been received from Chiltern and Mr Fothergills seeds, a promise of seeds from Kings and Seeds of Italy, and replies are awaited from Suttons, Unwins and Moles. Acknowledgements will be made in the leaflet to those companies donating seeds. Diane can possibly obtain seeds, labels and pots (biodegradable) through Connaught. The aim is to send out ‘starter packs’ to schools with their entry forms. These packs ideally will contain seeds plus a reference pack for use by teaching staff. Alison has produced such a pack for Key Stages 1/2, which includes information on where food comes from, photocopiable worksheets, a world map, relevant websites and information from the Soil Association. It is hoped to produce a pack for Key Stage 3 and thus involve Secondary schools, (the links to the RHS website are beneficial to this age group). There is a zone on Facebook for teachers to access. It is hoped to increase the number of schools involved this year in SIB. The ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ leaflet has been finalised by Jane and will be sent out in a mail shot shortly.
Accreditation levels – work ongoing by Duncan and Jane.

Aims of Southend in Bloom/Constitution: If we are to apply for funding in the future it is necessary for us to have a Code of Conduct and a Constitution. In order to achieve this we also need to set out our aims. There are four core pillars in the RHS mission statement for ‘in bloom’ competitions and these need to be incorporated in our aims. It must be remembered that the aims of SIB refer to those who both live and work in the borough. Alison will consider the aims that have been suggested and these will be discussed at a later date.

In the Code of Conduct a section referring to a breach of the aforesaid and its consequences must be included. Jane and Duncan have drafted a new code and it is an excellent starting point. They are forming a sub committee with Alison and will continue to work on the Constitution. Further discussions will be held in the meeting in April and it is hoped a formal adoption will be carried out in 2011. It is intended to promote a harmonious working environment without constraints. The committee is composed of representatives from the local community and an ex officio council member.

Forward planning: Denis is to send out the revised leaflet to all committee members for consideration. Time permitting he will also design a ‘forthcoming event’ poster for SIB.
Please e-mail Alison with any suggestions for events where SIB may be advertised.

Anglia in Bloom/ Route Planning: Consider judging guidelines and guidance notes for special awards.
The proposed route is: Chalkwell Park (Metal), Belfairs Woods, Blenheim Chase (incorporating a visit to either St Christopher’s School or Blenheim, plus a visit to the Mendip Wildlife Project) Growing Together at Fairfax Drive and onwards to Key Med.
It is hoped to travel along Leigh Marine Parade in order to view the hanging baskets there.
Involvement of Leigh Town Council should thus be sought. A stretch of land near Prittlewell Station is overgrown. In order to clear this a landlord must be found. If found, it may be possible to engage Youth Offending or the Probation Service in this clearance project.
The east side of the borough must be represented in the portfolio, as the west side will be visited. Projects here to be considered are the St Luke’s allotment scheme and work carried out in Cluny Square and by Pear Tree Close Residents Association.
Denis will contact Metal a.s.a.p concerning use of their building for AIB.

Any other Business: Alison has resigned from Neighbourhood Gardeners but she will remain as Chairman of SIB. This was proposed by Jane and seconded by Dilys.
Aztec, the company who organise the Southend Garden Show, have kindly offered us the free use of a design garden or a floral display unit at their spring show. It was felt that the garden would be too large an area to organise at this late date but a floral display unit would be very acceptable. Simon suggested that we incorporate an ‘In Bloom’ village and ask for co-operation from local organisations such as Growing Together, Park Watch, ethnic groups,
and a recycling group. We would also ask for assistance from the nursery and hopefully would be able to display artwork from the schools that entered the competition in 2009.
Please e- mail Alison with further suggestions.
Simon informed us that we now have space on the Park Watch website. The pages are free on the site and it will include a downloadable entry form when available. Simon has sent an article to the CDRP and it will be published in their next edition of Communicate.
Fair-trade are involved in tea and coffee mornings to be held at Kent Elms and Central libraries soon. They will be good contacts for the Aztec display.
Simon has e-mailed the hospital but as yet, no response. They are, however, encouraging stroke patients and others to work on plots around the hospital. The Avro Centre are another group who may wish to be involved with SIB.
The possible launch date is 27th March.

The meeting closed at 9.05.

Date of next meeting: Monday, 8th March at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre

***********************************************************************

Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 2nd November 2009.

Attendees: Alison Rogers, Denis Lloyd, Dilys Haddow, Simon Wallace, Duncan Harris, Jane Sealy and Sue Holland,

Apologies: Yvonne Pedretti

The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

Matters Arising:
Jane and Duncan have designed a new judging sheet, which also includes schools. It was decided that schools should be sent an A.4 sheet explaining what is expected of them and giving them an idea of when they will be judged. Some details need to be sent out in January.
The photographic element of Southend in Bloom was also discussed. As not everyone has access to a front garden, and to encourage people in flats to enter, the new leaflet could say ‘for back gardens or balconies, please submit a photograph’. Denis suggested that we could have a best front garden and best container category. The container could be as a photograph or as part of the front garden being judged. We could give a special judges award for this category.
South Essex Homes could include on their form a tearaway slip asking entrants if they wish to enter Southend in Bloom also. The judging criteria must be agreed and it can also be put on to the website.
A scaled down version of requirements for each category could be included as postcard size hints/tips. The structure has to fit Southend Council website, which is limited in format and links. We may consider creating our own website in 2011 or setting up a Facebook group.
We now have a meetings focus list and an events calendar.
The library has been booked for display purposes in April. The library service would welcome a paragraph in the new leaflet detailing books available to help gardeners.
If we wish to be included in the Outlook magazine it must be remembered that items for publication must be received ten weeks prior to the actual publication date. For example, if we wish to submit a ‘teaser’ for next year, and photographs from this year’s competition, they must be received by 22nd December for the issue of the 1st March. The teaser should include the logo and indicate that leaflets will be available from libraries and various other outlets.
We also need to know the deadlines for the South Essex Homes newsletter.
In 2010 the judging for the schools must be completed during the first week of July.

Award Ceremony Feedback:
It was appreciated that members of the Southend in Bloom Committee were identifiable by their buttonholes.
Councillor Jarvis was very impressed as he felt that gardening could be included as part of the bid for Southend to become the Capital of Culture. There would probably, however, need to be more community involvement and cohesion with regards to horticulture. At the next meeting we will discuss more fully the role of Southend in Bloom in the councils bid to become Capital of Culture.

Forward Planning:
It was felt that we must have a broader theme in order to encourage more inclusion and a wider range of entrants. The theme is to be ‘The World on a Plate’. This gives us the opportunity to include cookery including recipe swaps and maybe a recipe book. Hopefully this will encourage a greater involvement from Scouts/Guides. It will also tie in with food on a budget. Vegetables can now be grown here that are included in international cookery. There are many different curriculum links that teachers can use in this project. The Soil Association produces a resource pack. A list of sources can be given on a fact sheet for teachers, also a ‘frequently asked question’ fact sheet providing answers to ‘What is Southend in Bloom?’ and ‘How do we enter?’ etc.
We need to know the best person to contact in each school as often communications get misplaced.
Blenheim School publish a magazine entitled ‘East Side Story’, which could be advantageous to us.
By the next meeting please….
Consider the theme of ‘World on a Plate’ and research resources, useful contacts and ideas for the new leaflet cover design.
A poster would also be useful next year as it could indicate where leaflets will be obtainable from and give website details.

Any Other Business:
Via the SAVS newsletter we could ask if any groups involved with green issues would like to contact us with a view to becoming involved with Southend in Bloom.
Denis will contact South Essex Homes and enquire if we could have a representative from their organisation to sit on our committee.
Alison will contact Dan Turpin to enquire if he would kindly represent the Youth Council.
In January we will hold a review of the structure and representation of the committee. The probability is that a future requirement of membership of the committee would be the consecutive attendance of a predetermined number of meetings without just cause of failure to attend.

Action Plans in Brief:
Resources
Front cover
Contact Youth Council and South Essex Homes
Teaser for Outlook magazine for 22nd December

The meeting closed at 8.35.p.m

Date of next Meeting: Monday, 7th December at 7.00.p.m in the Civic Centre.
***********************************************************************
Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday, 28th September 2009.

Attendees: Alison Rogers, Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Dilys Haddow, Duncan Harris, Sue Holland

Apologies: Yvonne Pedretti, Jane Sealy, Jackie Humberstone

A vote of thanks was given to Amy Helm in recognition for all her hard work. We wish Amy success in the future.

Anglia in Bloom:
The judges’ report for Anglia in Bloom 2009 was discussed. Southend was awarded High Silver.
It was felt that in 2010 the judges should visit the western side of Southend. Chalkwell Hall would be an ideal venue for the commencement and places to visit could include: Leigh (hanging baskets), Marine Parade (bedding), Belton Gardens (conservation), Belfairs Woods (new centre) and Belfairs High School (new ‘green’ classroom). Contact major buildings and schools en route early in the year as they may wish to be involved, e.g. Southend University Hospital, Blenheim School and Growing Together.
Suggestions for group/portfolio involvement and displays in Chalkwell Hall included: METAL (recycling/ crafts), AVRO Centre (recreation of the old orchard), SAVS (residential care homes) and Fairhaven’s Hospice.

? An Event
It was suggested that an exhibition/conference could be held in February 2010 in order for groups to meet and discuss plans for Southend and Anglia in Bloom 2010. This would encourage participation in projects and with the portfolio. Recycling and a wider green agenda for the council could be considered. Involvement from groups associated with allotments, schools, recycling and cycling were suggested. However, such an event would require a venue and financial resources/sponsorship.

Southend in Bloom 2010
One proposal for next year’s event is ‘Food from Around the World’. This would involve ethnic groups and give the event an international dimension. It would also provide an opportunity for seeds to be given away. Suggested seeds were: herbs, salads, Chinese leaves. We could approach Kings, seed suppliers to Springfield Allotment Society and the Council. A herb bed could be planted in Chalkwell Park and also Leigh Library Gardens. Action Point: views on herbs to be given away considered for next meeting, also herb related items (usage, benefits etc).
Children could give their favourite recipes and maybe make up a booklet.
A separate application leaflet needs to be done for schools, or maybe a micro flyer inserted into the main leaflet.
The owners of the ‘My Kitchen’ restaurant, (vegetarian), in Leigh Road may wish to participate and would possibly provide the food for the launch event.

General Planning for 2010
Actions:
· A timetable to be produced
· Deadlines set by which tasks must be accomplished
· Deadlines to be known for Outlook, the free magazine sent to householders
· Agenda for each meeting, please send items for inclusion to: Sueat156@ aol.com, at least one week prior to next meeting
· Meeting Focus list, to be arranged by Alison
· Judging sheets to be amended. Detailed criteria will be discussed at the next meeting



Proposed Officers: Chairperson Alison Rogers
Press Officer Simon Wallace
Photography/ Displays Duncan Harris
Secretary Sue Holland

Proposals for new Committee Members from:
· Museums/conservation, possibly Roger who is involved with ‘Bug Hunts’ or Clare Fox, (Simon can contact)
· Enterprise, Tourism & Regeneration, (Councillor Jarvis is the portfolio holder)
· Park Watch/Allotment Watch
· Growing Together
· Women’s Environmental Group, (Eileen Pack)
· Environmental Groups
· Youth Council
· South Essex Homes (resident led and could possibly help with local cleansing)

Southend in Bloom Awards Evening 2009

Some invitations still need to be sent out.
Key Med will project the slide show.
The nursery will provide flowers/plants.
To be given out: recycling bags, booklets on composting, and copies of the ‘Eat Well, Waste Less’ book. Library vouchers may be available.
The certificates are nearly all printed.
As South Essex Homes are attending the numbers will be nearer to fifty than thirty.
Any photographs relating to Southend in Bloom should be sent to Denis please.
Denis is to write the briefing notes for the Mayor.
A press release will be done, Simon will check with the media team.
Photographs will be taken.

The meeting closed at 8.50 p.m

Date of next meeting: Monday, 2nd November at 7.00 p.m. in the Civic Centre
***********************************************************************
Southend in Bloom Committee Meeting held at Southend Civic Centre on Monday 10th August 2009

Attendees: Alison Rogers, Denis Lloyd, Simon Wallace, Dilys Haddow, Jane Sealy, Amy Helm and Sue Holland.

Apologies: Jackie Humberstone, Yvonne Pedretti, Duncan Harris and John Williams.

Awards for Category D, Residential Photographic

Bronze: Leigh Hall Road
Norwich Avenue
Delaware House

Silver: Gordon Road

Gold: Hillside Road
Whittingham Avenue

Awards for Category D, Commercial Photographic

Silver: Pier View Guest House, Royal Terrace
Adalah Rest Home
The Moorings, Eastern Esplanade (with a special recommendation for their support of Anglia in Bloom).
Gold: Sea Life Centre

Any other business: Next year the judging criteria used for Southend in Bloom will be the same as that employed for us in Anglia in Bloom. The criteria will be made known to the general public in order for them to understand what is required of them. A points system needs to be used for justification purposes. The points equate to Gold = 90-100, Silver = 89-74 and Bronze = 73-50.
Next year there will also, possibly, be an award for ‘Best garden in Town’. This will not be awarded this year as both gold award gardens received full marks.

Alison will judge one last garden in Leigh and Sue will judge the plot of the youth group at Southchurch United Reform Church.

The Children’s Award Ceremony will be held at Leigh Community Centre on the 21st September, 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. If committee members could arrive at approximately 6.00 pm to help set up, this would be very helpful.
Denis will make all necessary arrangements. The Leigh Times will be contacted. Amy will arrange appropriate prizes. Tea, cakes and goodie bags will be provided.

Date of next meeting: Monday, September 28th at 7.00 pm, Civic Centre.
***********************************************************************