We were not able to hold an AGM in 2020 because of Covid-19, but here is the annual report for 2020 by Collin Carr, Chair of the Friends Committee:
What a year! We are nearly 6 months into the Covid 19 pandemic and it has had a dramatic effect on us all. As a consequence, we have had to postpone our AGM but I thought that it would be helpful to complete a report for the year highlighting the things that we have still managed to do with the help of volunteers and the Council during the last 12 months.
We have managed to litter pick throughout the year and clear any debris resulting from the high winds. We also cleaned out all the birdboxes, ensuring that we reviewed all the contents and advised the RSPB accordingly. In response to RSPB advice, we then planted around one hundred whips which are now flourishing and will eventually provide an additional food source for the birds who visit the park.
The two Observation Tables are becoming a recognised feature, attracting and encouraging both residents and many visitors to enjoy the views and pick out the many outstanding landmarks that Bath has to offer. At the main viewing point, the landscape around the table has been refreshed to allow more seating and easier movement around the site. Hopefully, in time further work will be planned, helping to enhance this outstanding viewing point further.
We repeated the wild flower seeding day in spring this year but unfortunately, this had to be carried out with a very restricted number of people as the pandemic had started to impact on all our lives and restrict movements. The ground was prepared, seeds sown and the emerging wild flower display has been colourful and rewarding. Hopefully, next year this activity will include the engagement from local children who enjoy the park.
Our Green Flag status has been retained and the new parking arrangements are settling down but unfortunately, some adjustment is still required to accommodate the activities of the park’s very popular Bowls Club.
The main casualty, due to the pandemic, has been the postponement of this year’s Picnic in the Park. The bands were booked, side shows arranged and everything was in place for the local community to enjoy yet another day of music and fun. Clearly, the event was not going to take place so we have booked a new date for 4th July 2021. Let’s hope the virus is under control well before that time.
As stated at the last AGM, we are now affiliated to the Bear Flat Association and we feel that this is now a consolidated position that benefits us all and one that will continue for the foreseeable future.
Finally, the children’s play area has been given an overhaul with new equipment, designed to help children with restricted mobility to enjoy the facilities that the park has to offer. It appears to be very popular with the children so far.
As always with an organisation like ours, there are concerns about the future and we are always looking for new members who are enthusiastic about the park. Meanwhile, I would like to thank our dedicated committee and as always my special thanks go to Sue Evans, Secretary for her extensive and valuable commitment to the organisation, to Mike Davies for keeping our finances in order and to Judy Boyd for all the work she does in preparing our Picnic in the Park event.
Let’s hope 2021 will allow us all to enjoy all that the park has to offer. Best wishes to all Alexandra Park lovers.
Collin Carr
Chair of Alexandra Park Friends
Let’s hope 2021 will allow us all to enjoy all that the park has to offer. Best wishes to all Alexandra Park lovers.
Collin Carr
Chair of Alexandra Park Friends