The first planting day for the new Community Wood went very well on 21st January 2007. It was estimated that over 100 people took part and 400 trees were planted within the first two hours which meant those who came in the afternoon were disappointed. It was a lovely day. Thanks to the 1st Kennington Guides a tea tent was set up which was run by the clerk and her team of volunteers. Delicious cakes donated by people in the village and a cup of tea were enjoyed after the hard work. The next planting date was planned for 17th February 2007 when there would be 1,000 trees to be planted. There had been a donation of £300 from Oxford Said Business School. Anthony Roberts from Oxford City Council’s Countryside Services sent a message of very warm thanks to all those from the village who helped out and he hoped that this interest and commitment would continue. He outlined the following plan for the future development of the wood.
Spring 2007 -A ‘Friends’ Group would be established. He would like this group to be linked to Kennington and South Hinksey Parish Councils. Please contact the clerk if you want to be involved.
Summer 2007-Preparing the east field for planting by litter picking, mowing, spraying and marking out by Oxford City. Fundraising to buy more trees.
14th November 2007- Marshall and Galpin planting 225 trees to celebrate their 225th anniversary.
November 2007 to January 2008 – Two or three planting days on the fields with Earthwatch and the local community/ ‘Friends’ group.
On-going maintenance to be undertaken by ‘Friends’ group with advice/help from Oxford City Countryside Services.
There was a joint meeting with representatives of the Playing Fields Association on 30th January 2007 to discuss the proposal by T Mobile to lease land at Playfield Road Playing Field for a telecommunication mast. The report from the District Valuation service was discussed. It was agreed to inform T Mobile that if they agreed to increase the rent offered in line with the valuation report and to other amendments to the contract then the Parish Council as landowner would agree to the lease. The planning application had been submitted to the Vale for determination.
The clerk had been given the date for the installation of the new bus shelters. This was to be 14th and 15th February 2007. The old ones were removed on 29th January 2007. In addition the posts for the Real Time information had been installed on behalf of the County Council but there was no display yet. The litter warden had cleaned the paint damaged bus shelter opposite Egrove Park with graffiti cleaner.
There had been numerous reports about fly tipping in Sandford Lane. They had all been reported to the Vale. There was also concern about the broken handrail along the raised footway which would be reported to Oxfordshire Highways. The clerk had reported problems with the roadway and pavements in Upper Road, Bagley Close, Kennington Road, Colley Wood, Poplar Grove and The Avenue to Oxfordshire Highways.
