ANNUAL REPORT - Year Ending 31st December 2010

Year Ending 31st December 2010

ANNUAL REPORT

We firstly would like to thank our volunteers, supporters and sponsors who enabled us to achieve the following.

December 2010

• As an ongoing project to enhance the wooded area, Len and Don planted bluebell and daffodil bulbs.
• To maintain the rose bed which we sponsor, Len and Don weeded and removed any debris and planted new roses.
• Lens continual wish to bring colour to the park doesn't stop on land. So, with the help of volunteer Don and Kevin from Parks Services Maintenance Team, they launched the Park Services boat, retrieved lifebuoys and rubbish from the lake, and went on to plant 10 baskets of water lilies in the non-fishing area of the lake. These lilies will not only provide colour but will also afford valuable cover for small fish and, hopefully, encourage amphibians to colonize the lake.
• Project Board Meeting for HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund) Application. Conservation Management Plan was discussed and Friends raised their issues. In addition the Friends are now considering implementing some activities included within the Activity Plan.
• First Tuesday in December. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

November 2010

• We held our Autumn/Winter quiz this month at St. Michael's Church Hal. It was a great evening starting at 7pm with a short break at 9pm for a fish and chip supper. The winners this year were, "Could do Better". Len and Chris organised the evening which raised a whopping £807.
• A Public Consultation was held in Raphael Park to provide feedback for the HLF Stage 2 Application.
• Alexis joined the team this month which gives a great boost to our strength. Our many thanks go to her for giving up her valuable time.
• First Tuesday in November. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

October 2010

• Autumn News Letter 2010 issued, providing general information of Friends activities throughout the Spring/Summer.
• Parks services donated some end of season geraniums which were being pulled out of Raphael park flower beds. Geoff Pepper kindly organised with Grounds Maintenance to put the old plants in sacks and dropped them off to Julia so we could prepare them for winter potting ready for planting next Spring. Gary of Parks Services dropped off ten bags of plants of which we managed to salvage about three- quarters. They are now in pots now waiting to be planted late next Spring. Must say not sure how many will survive; this is Julia's first attempt at gardening!
• First Tuesday in October. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request

September 2010

• Len purchased 1000 bluebell bulbs and 25kg (misprint on newsletter) of daffodils and he and Don planted these in the woods. A further batch will be ordered later this year.
• Green flag was raised in Lodge Farm Park. This is a great accolade for the Grounds Maintenance team and our monthly litter pickers.
• First Tuesday in September. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request.

August 2010

• First Tuesday in August. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request.

July 2010

• Special litter pick and toilet clean up was carried out prior to the Fun Day.
• Funday - We had a great day the weather was once again extremely kind to us. The whole day was hosted entirely by the Friends group and many volunteers. We provided free to the public, live music, circus entertainment, kids fitness routes and an interactive farm animal experience. Byron Redstar Football Club organised a kids football tournament and Havering 90' Joggers organised a number of races throughout the park and surrounding streets. We had 42 individual activities taking place throughout the event which ran from 9am to 6pm on Sunday 11th July. The event was hosted by us to promote the Friends of Raphael & Lodge Farm Parks. The final net profit for the day amounted to £1521.
First Tuesday in July. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request.

April - June 2010
• These months the Friends Team were very busy organising the Family Fun Day. We had a marvellous line up for this year including almost all stands from last year and quite a few new ones too. The event is huge and becoming very popular. We managed over 40 different activities/stands on the day and this required a huge amount of organisation. Thankfully, we have a wonderful team of organisers and volunteers.
• Arrangements were made with the Maintenance Team to ensure that the park will be as smart as possible; the plans included cleaning, painting of public amenities.
• Litter picks were carried out the first Tuesday of each month; separate reports of findings are available upon request.



March 2010

• We held our Spring/Summer quiz this month at St. Michael's Church Hall. It was a great evening starting at 7pm with a short break at 9pm for a fish and chip supper. The fish and chips were a great success and will be a feature of future quizzes. The winners this year were, "Naughty Nines". Our thanks to Len and Chris who organised the evening which raised a whopping £885, for our lovely parks.
• We achieved Official Friends Status for 2010/2011 which is a great accolade for the Friends Team.
• First Tuesday in March. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request


January - February 2010

• Plans are afoot organising the Spring/Summer Quiz Night. Raffle prizes to obtain and halls to book, advertising, etc.
• First Tuesday of January & Feburay. Litter pick run by Len; a separate report of findings is available upon request