APCA minutes

Present:- Simon Middlecote (Chair), Sue Andrew, Ruth Kerry, Chris Holmes, Jo Mansfield, Tracey Turrill, Sheila Ashton, Catherine Bailey
Apologies:- Caroline Stone, Councillor Penny Gowland

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The minutes of the meeting held on 8th September 2025 were noted.

TREASURER’S REPORT
Ruth gave details of the income and expenditure for the Association.
The public liability insurance was due for renewal
It was AGREED to note the report, and that Simon would arrange to renew the public liability insurance.

ENVIRONMENT
1. Planters for Buckfast Way
Sue had spoken to Dan, who was willing to make the planters. Simon had measured how many planters were needed and their size.
It was agreed that Sue would contact Dan.
2. Leaf Mould Bin
There were now 3 leaf mould bins on the estate.
3. Willow Weave
This had now been pruned.
4. Telegraph Poles
There was a discussion about the recent erection of telegraph poles on the estate for fibre connections, which people had been unhappy about and the lack of information from Openreach.
It was AGREED that Simon would post on the Abbey Park Facebook page about this.

5. Remembrance Displays
There was a discussion about the remembrance displays and everyone thanked Tracy and Catherine for the excellent displays.

ROADS AND PARKING
1. Buckfast Way
It was suggested there was a need for a zebra crossing on Buckfast Way by the new development.

Concern was expressed about the white van which was permanently parked on the end of Buckfast, causing an obstruction and making it difficult to safely turn into Buckfast Way.
It was AGREED

1. That consideration be given to having a zebra crossing on Buckfast Way and that Simon would contact Councillor Penny Gowland about it
2. That Sue contact Rob Archer about the white van.

2. Yellow Lines on Rufford Way
There was a need to extend the yellow lines outside the Willow Tree pub as the bus was still being affected by parked cars going to the rugby club.
It was AGREED that Simon would contact Councillor Penny Gowland about the need for more yellow lines

3. The Park
Comment was made that there had been issues with Boy Racers on Buckfast Way and Rufford Way. People were encouraged to report such incidents to the police on 101

SOCIAL EVENTS
Litter Picking
It was noted that the next litter picking session was on Sunday 30th November.

Summer Gathering 2026
It was noted that the Summer Gathering was proposed to be held on Sunday 5th September from 1pm to 4pm and there was a discussion about who to involve.
There was also a discussion about the making of a tapestry to mark the 50th Celebration of the estate.
It was AGREED

That the Summer Gathering be held on Sunday 5th September from 1pm to 4pm.
That Tracy and Catherine devise a plan of action for the production of the tapestry.
That Sheila approach Bikeworks to see if they can attend.
That Catherine see if the Fire Service could attend.

ABBEY PARK HISTORY
Simon explained that there was an argument that the Abbey Park estate could be listed as a heritage asset because of its unique characteristics. This would prevent developers harming it. He was gathering further information about this.
It was AGREED to support this approach.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Replacement Tree
A tree had fallen on the path and had yet to be replaced.
It was AGREED that Sue chase up a replacement tree with Rushcliffe.
Red Cross – Resilience Workshops
The Committee had received an invitation to help shape the Red Cross support for community groups’ resilience in the face of flood or other emergency event.
It was agreed that Sue and Sheila would respond as necessary.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next committee meeting was arranged for Monday 23rd February 2026 at 7pm

The meeting closed at 8.35pm.