Current News
Notes From the Chairman
From time to time we do receive reminders of the problems associated with an old building. We had thought that the problems with the bees that brought down part of the ceiling in the Dairy were cured with the removal of the bees. However the flat roof of the Dairy needed attention and re-cladding. The work was in progress when the tarpaulin lifted at the time of a heavy rainstorm (do you remember rain?). This brought another section of the ceiling down and revealed some very damp and rotten timbers. Work was then brought to a temporary halt by the continued presence of some bees.
All this placed the Dairy out of bounds for a period. I am glad to say that the work has now been completed and we are now able to include the Dairy with the Delft tiles and other displays in our offerings.
The face of the Park changes very slowly, almost imperceptibly. The dog-free area near the Sparrow Farm gate, which is normally unusable due to the high water table, is going to be made into a dog-friendly area. It is intended to create a pond there to drain that area and for the specific use of dogs. This will enable the Round Pond to be fenced off with the hope that wildlife, including the greater crested newt, will return to this area, which has been made sterile by dogs constantly using it.
The use of drones in the Park has increased. This has caused considerable concern, both in terms of safety and also intrusion. The Joint Management Committee are currently considering a suitable policy in this regard.
With the general pressure for people to take more exercise, parks are being used to a greater extent by organised (not-for-profit) groups such as Parkrun. One local council decided to make a charge for such use, thus conflicting with the convention of open availability. A huge row ensued and the government has embarked on a consultation exercise.
Whilst I applaud the extra use of the Park in this way, I would want two major constraints. First that such use should not be to the detriment of other legitimate users and second that any damage caused by such use should be re-instated. Our submission reflected these views. Of course, any use by profit-making organisations would be subject to proper agreement with the Joint Management Committee.
Finally, at the time of writing we are enjoying another heat-wave, which always brings its share of problems. Do remember to adopt appropriate protection.
Tony Kerslake
All this placed the Dairy out of bounds for a period. I am glad to say that the work has now been completed and we are now able to include the Dairy with the Delft tiles and other displays in our offerings.
The face of the Park changes very slowly, almost imperceptibly. The dog-free area near the Sparrow Farm gate, which is normally unusable due to the high water table, is going to be made into a dog-friendly area. It is intended to create a pond there to drain that area and for the specific use of dogs. This will enable the Round Pond to be fenced off with the hope that wildlife, including the greater crested newt, will return to this area, which has been made sterile by dogs constantly using it.
The use of drones in the Park has increased. This has caused considerable concern, both in terms of safety and also intrusion. The Joint Management Committee are currently considering a suitable policy in this regard.
With the general pressure for people to take more exercise, parks are being used to a greater extent by organised (not-for-profit) groups such as Parkrun. One local council decided to make a charge for such use, thus conflicting with the convention of open availability. A huge row ensued and the government has embarked on a consultation exercise.
Whilst I applaud the extra use of the Park in this way, I would want two major constraints. First that such use should not be to the detriment of other legitimate users and second that any damage caused by such use should be re-instated. Our submission reflected these views. Of course, any use by profit-making organisations would be subject to proper agreement with the Joint Management Committee.
Finally, at the time of writing we are enjoying another heat-wave, which always brings its share of problems. Do remember to adopt appropriate protection.
Tony Kerslake
Highlights of the AGM
The ‘Election of Officers’ saw the retirement of Mike Jones as Treasurer and his replacement by Richard Somers, Pauline Innes’ replacement as Registrar by Marjorie Gibbons and the retirement of long-serving Trustees Jo Flintan and Simon McArthur. Ian Collins, Joyce Shaw, Marguerite Lipscomb and Gerald Smith remain as Trustees alongside the Chairman Tony Kerslake.
The Friends have accepted the outline lease from the Borough and asked for the Draft (which is currently still awaited). The Treasurer explained why the trading limited company set up a few years age is now no longer useful and has closed. Our charity was nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service but, amongst the large number of other nominees, was not chosen.
The Chairman of the Joint Management Committee, Cllr Teasdale, suggested the FoN might choose to replace the Queen Elizabeth I Elm (under which she sat in 1550). The JMC are also keen to have the site of Nonsuch Palace better marked by an outline in white chalk.
There were tributes and presentations to Mike Jones and to Pauline Innes for their hard work on our behalf.
The Friends have accepted the outline lease from the Borough and asked for the Draft (which is currently still awaited). The Treasurer explained why the trading limited company set up a few years age is now no longer useful and has closed. Our charity was nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service but, amongst the large number of other nominees, was not chosen.
The Chairman of the Joint Management Committee, Cllr Teasdale, suggested the FoN might choose to replace the Queen Elizabeth I Elm (under which she sat in 1550). The JMC are also keen to have the site of Nonsuch Palace better marked by an outline in white chalk.
There were tributes and presentations to Mike Jones and to Pauline Innes for their hard work on our behalf.
Working Party Report
No major projects have been undertaken recently but ‘general maintenance’ continues in and around the Service Wing and Gallery.
The Dairy is now open again to our visitors, thanks to the Council’s replacement of the roof and ceiling. The steel gates and fence in the Stable Courtyard have been replaced (and repainted) after the car 'accident' so we are back to normal.
As usual, a great big thank-you to all the members of the Working Party. They do a wonderful job, keeping our Museum, Gallery and gardens at 'peak' perfection. We are delighted to welcome two new volunteers. If anybody else could spare a couple of hours, we would be delighted to see you - not only for the Working Party but any of the jobs, e.g. admin., etc., that are needed to keep everything running smoothly. Please phone me on 0208 393 0486 if you would like some more info.
Ian Collins
The Dairy is now open again to our visitors, thanks to the Council’s replacement of the roof and ceiling. The steel gates and fence in the Stable Courtyard have been replaced (and repainted) after the car 'accident' so we are back to normal.
As usual, a great big thank-you to all the members of the Working Party. They do a wonderful job, keeping our Museum, Gallery and gardens at 'peak' perfection. We are delighted to welcome two new volunteers. If anybody else could spare a couple of hours, we would be delighted to see you - not only for the Working Party but any of the jobs, e.g. admin., etc., that are needed to keep everything running smoothly. Please phone me on 0208 393 0486 if you would like some more info.
Ian Collins
Bookstall Report
Many thanks to all those who have donated books recently. Good quality hardbacks and paperbacks are always needed but, please, no Readers Digest or encyclopaedias. Please phone me (tel.no.01372 725075) to arrange collection or bring them along on a Thursday morning (although I would be grateful if you could telephone me beforehand). Thank you.
As ever, help on the bookstall would be appreciated, so if you think you can contribute a few hours when the Service Wing is open please contact me on the number above.
Simon McArthur
As ever, help on the bookstall would be appreciated, so if you think you can contribute a few hours when the Service Wing is open please contact me on the number above.
Simon McArthur
The Friends of Nonsuch (registered charity number: 1053923)
Enquiries to info@friendsofnonsuch.co.uk
Enquiries to info@friendsofnonsuch.co.uk