Thanks to everyone who came to today's meeting at Fulham Cross Girls School. There were 14 attendees: Me, Daniel, Annette, Victoria, Keith, Alice, Josh, Noel, Kelly, Jacqui, Philippa, Stuart (Councillor), Amanda (Councillor), Trish
Apologies: Maya, Rebecca
Here's what we discussed:
Preparations for the AGM on 19 Nov
Invitations
Listed who have already been invited, and who have confirmed.
Agreed who still to invite, including representatives from: Idverde, Law Enforcement Team, other local Friends groups, Nature Champions, Parks Forum, London Parks & Gardens Trust, War Graves Commission, and local schools
Invitations will ask whether they would want to make any contributions at the AGM.
AGM proceedings
Quorum for the AGM confirmed as 8.
Discussed the election of officers.
Confirmed that the current officers were accepted at the meeting on 12 Oct 2025, and that having these roles in place was a requirement for applying for charitable status.
It was agreed that nominations for all officer positions should be invited from all members by email before the AGM.
It was agreed that the AGM minutes will be published, recording the AGM proceedings including the outcome of the election.
Membership fees and donations
Agreed that at the AGM we will call a vote on instituting an annual membership fee.
Confirmed we are no longer using JustGiving for donations, but can accept donations directly via Square.
Agreed that we should get a card reader in order to take donations or membership fees at the AGM.
Agreed that voting should be restricted to verified members.
Agreed we should have a membership desk at the AGM with card reader.
Agreed that a Membership Secretary role will be up for election at the AGM.
Accounts
Treasurer confirmed that the financial year end will be 31 December.
Treasurer summarised the current FCF finances. As we don't have a membership fee, our only income has been grants and donations.
Treasurer said accounts as of 31/12/2025 have been independently audited and will be presented at the AGM, together with the interim accounts for 2026.
We are waiting to hear of the outcome of 2 grant applications.
AGM structure
Agreed the AGM agenda
Agreed the topics to be included in the Chairman’s and Secretary's report.
Discussed whether to produce a printed newsletter. Agreed this was not essential.
Practical arrangements
Agreed to confirm the audiovisual equipment that will be available at the venue.
Agreed what refreshments to provide.
Gardening and AOB
Encouraged members to come to the regular gardening time, Sundays 2-3pm, and gave examples of current tasks (bramble removal, creating stumperies, twig fences around wood anemones).
Discussed whether to replace the Spider Baker memorial that used to be nailed to the zelkova tree. Members agreed it would be better to put it into storage (chapel or waiting room).
Discussed getting branded high-vis vests as other Friends groups have. Agreed that we should, once we have the funds.
A member asked when it would be possible to view the inside of the chapel. Agreed that it would be good to arrange this with Parks for our next History walk.