Thanks to everyone who came to yesterday's meeting. There were 17 attendees: Me, Daniel, Annette, Victoria, Kelly, Rebecca, Jackie, Jan, George, Philippa, Stuart, Amanda (Councillor), Marilyn, David, Keith, Noel, and Marianne.
Treasurer, bank account, and charitable status
Introduction to our new treasurer, Annette Rieger
We have applied for a Lloyds Community Account
When we have a bank account then we can register with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Once we are a charity, we may change our bank account to the Co-op Charity and Community Bank Account
Our Committee is Daniel (chair), Annette (treasurer), and Francois (secretary), who are also Trustees
We discussed having additional Trustees or Committee roles – anyone interested should contact me
Committee and Trustees will be formally elected at our first AGM, likely to be in January or February
We discussed our Constitution and other governing policies; they can be viewed here. Please send any comments to me, Daniel, and Annette.
At our AGM we will be instituting annual membership fees, probably £6 to match Friends of Margravine Cemetery
Francois mentioned the FCF admin space on Notion – accessible to any FCF members who are curious or want to help out with any admin.
Summer event re-cap
We reflected on a very successful and enjoyable summer event
Numbers: We had about 30-40 people at any one time, probably around 60 in total, including at least 15 children. Rebecca and I had about 15 people on the guided tour. We had 7 new member signups, and £71.50 in donations (event expenses were £73.46).
Table & chair transport can be improved: we discussed using a trolley, or borrowing folding tables & chairs from St Andrews Church (would require a vehicle)
Rebecca and I need to consider accessibility on our walking tour
Winter party
Mentioned the Friends' winter party, hosted by Vanessa & Alistair
Saturday 15 November 6pm
Future events
Discussed various possible future events
Discussed having a suggestion poll for members' ideas (with an option whether the member is able to help organise it)
Remembrance day event (11 Nov)
Suggested by Daniel
Potentially involving the Canadian High Commission and invited speaker regarding Commonwealth war graves
As the date is very near, this will probably something for next year
Commonwealth War Graves tour
Suggested by Maya
Maya had contacted them to check availability of a volunteer who can come to give a talk / tour. They are busy, so a date would be up to them
Discussed arranging a lecture with an invited speaker, also involving Fulham Society, Friends of Margravine Cemetery, and the school
Discussed potential venues, incl. the school, and the Sands End community centre
Spring blossom walk, with the Fulham Society
Potential weekends 28/29 March or 4/5 April. Fri 3rd is Good Friday, so March would be better
Listed status for the chapel, other conservation efforts
Rebecca gave an update: we've cleared the first hurdle, but now we're waiting for English Heritage
We have the support of the Fulham Society in our application
Discussed ownership, protection, and possible future uses of the chapel
It is designated a Building of Merit, belongs to Hammersmith & Fulham Council, and is part of the Crabtree Conservation Area
It is currently unused but Friends have been given access by arrangement with the Council
We would love to use it for events or exhibitions, but this would be many years in the future
We also want to fundraise for licensing more historic photos, and for the restoration of the Seddon grave
Tree watering and tree planting
Tree watering has finished for this year, but the young trees will still need watering next year
In Nov/Dec we will get 16 new cherry trees, donated by the Sakura Project
Francois has already cleared this with Parks, and suggested these planting locations
Planting is likely to be by the Council's tree contractor, Red Squirrel
Cllr Amanda suggested arranging with the Council a date when FCF members are able to attend to ensure that they are planted in the agreed place.
We will ask Parks about removing wire tree guards next year, especially the cedar and pine trees
We discussed tree donations – the Council have referred me to their tree donation scheme which costs £170 for planting & maintenance + 10% admin, on top of the cost of the tree
Francois will follow up with the Council if this can be waived if the Friends handle planting & maintenance
Francois and Daniel will also ask Friends of Margravine Cemetery
Expenditures & income
Our mailing list management, Groups.io, will cost us £164 / year after we exceed 100 members; we are currently at 98
Discussed alternatives such as Mailchimp
AOB
Maya cautioned about the admin involved in changing bank accounts, especially once standing orders have been set up
Mentioned the successful bat walk which had over 40 attendees
Maya mentioned an exhibition of works by a local artist, Clive Cobb