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Archive => Archived Boards => Local Issues => Topic started by: sanya on February 08, 2017, 08:57:09 AM
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The REC use to be a thriving place, where both young and old, Scouts, Beaver, Rainbow’s, Guides, local football /rugby clubs and schools, used to come and enjoy the park regardless of weather or the season.
I believe that many people from Marple would like to support this group and get involved in finding the solution for its main problem. This is the flooding due to the unsolved drainage issue. The next task will be to reinstall the goal post and yet again to be used as a local football ground. Last but not least, to find funds to revive the children’s playground.
I would appreciate your comments, suggestions and of course your interest in getting involved with this group once it’s formalised in near future. I would be grateful for any help and expertise with starting this group.
-This is my initial letter to Wayne Bardsley / Stockport Greenspace Project Officer.
Dear Mr Bardsley,
My name is Sanya Furniss and I live in 30 Oldknow Road, Marple.
This past Sunday I visited Oldknow, St Martins, Strines and Arkwright Road households with the initial idea of starting the “Friends of Marple REC”.
I had an overwhelming response. I currently have 18 signed households which is around 80% of all of the residents that were at home.
Very soon, I’m planning to visit more local residents, Brabyns School, the local Scouts/Guides, Marple Athletic Football and post the idea on local Marple Forum website.
All of the local residents agreed that our initial and priority agenda will be:
1. A survey of the flooded REC,
2. Draining the REC of water,
3. Reinstalling the goal post,
4. Reviving the playground.
The REC is regularly mowed during the spring/summer time, therefore there is no questions of issues with the park maintenance.
While discussing with local residents, I have asked for their opinion regarding proposed orchard. The majority felt that there would be far too many trees (75) and the location was not a wise choice. In respect of reviving the REC, it will come in conflict with football ground and in relation to the covenant, it could become breach.
More or less, everybody suggested the upper part of the REC’s corner which would be more appealing with its current bench and that not 75 but 10 or 20 would be more appropriate.
This orchard project has caused many unhappy residents around REC. This leads me to not understand why the MESS project leaders are still claiming that they have support from residents around REC without prior consolation.
The truth is, only two locals have sponsored a tree and one volunteered to sledgehammer the posts for them but not to help with maintenance in the long term as MESS is claiming!
A few residents have raised the valid concern that the orchard would be an obstruction of the view of incoming traffic from Oldknow Road connecting to Arkwright Road regardless of the height of the trees.
Overall, there is very strong support from the whole Marple community in reviving the REC to its previous use where generations of people and families in Marple spent their recreational days.
Recently, I was advised by Mark Whittaker on how to start formalising this group and of course to have conversation with you in near future.
Unfortunately, I have missed the opportunity to talk to you yesterday afternoon as I was told by my neighbour that you were surveying the proposed orchard ground.
Best regards,
Sanya Furniss
01612928149 / 07929094482
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I've been saying for years that Marple REC needs a Friends Group and have been pleased to give @sanya some advice on how to get started.
Here are a couple of earlier threads about the Recreation Ground:
Toilets on Marple Rec to become a Barber Shop!: http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=5641.0 (http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=5641.0)
Marple " Rec" Recreational ground http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=5373.0 (http://www.marple-uk.com/smf/index.php?topic=5373.0)
Councillor @CllrKennyBlair has posted a brief statement about the Community Orchard on Twitter:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C4K7H80WcAYVUwc.jpg)
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I find it disappointing that the orchard proposal is being delayed and possibly scaled back. I thought that this would be an enhancement to a featureless area. Surely we need more trees and greenery, that is what parks are for, to enjoy nature. The community orchard in Chadkirk is very popular with people picking apples for pies and cider.
If they can sort the drains out, it would be used more by walkers and is much quieter than the Memorial Park and this should be reflected in its future plan.
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What a MESS.
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Most of the residents around Rec have no problem with the orchard except that is an unwise location and the number of trees in orchard. (75). We suggested upper corner with 20 trees.
You forgot to mention that Chadkirk orchards is in secluded, fenced old garden. While Rec is in centre of the Marple open space and frequently violated day or night by motorbikes, cars and drunken people on their way to train station or Roman lakes. The proposed place for orchard will be invitation for this kind of behaviour.
Also orchard will obstruct the view to incoming traffic from Oldknow Road. The junction with Arkwright Road is already dangerous.
For last 100 years it was used as playground and ground for games/sports. (Covenant states that the ground is for recreational use not for planting. Exception was during 2WW when it was used for growing veg.)
Once drained Rec can be revived to its old use as many generation of Marple residents remember.
Is it better for our children to play sports and have a place to socialise or in lack of facilities to wander around without purpose?
This is today’s article from BBC. Public parks in danger of falling into neglect, warn MPs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38935787 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38935787)
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I think it is a wonderful idea to form a "Friends of Marple Rec", it is just a shame that it was not done years ago. That way the group could have done something about getting better drainage and keeping the playground and the goalpost, instead of people just complaining about it. You should also know that one member of MESS, supported by the group, worked very hard to get the Rec registered as an asset of community value, again something that could have been done by a "friends of" but was not. All of the issues mentioned above as well as reinstating the toilets were already on the agenda of Friends of Marple Orchard.
I think it is sad that only when another group like MESS Incredible Edible Marple proposes to do something positive to improve the Rec you raise objections.
I would like to respond to a number of your objections.
1. You are concerned about the number of violations of the Rec by drunks and vehicles. I would have expected that there would be fewer problems because cars would be stopped by the trees, and I cannot see how the presence of trees will will make this any worse. How would it be an invitation?
2. You state the "orchard will obstruct the view to incoming traffic from Oldknow Road." This is just not true. The trees will be planted over 50 feet (15m) from both Oldknow and Arkwright Roads at the corner, behind the line of the existing trees, which is clearly obvious from the map you received. If there is any obstruction it will be from these existing trees, not from the orchard.
3. You also say the "Covenant states that the ground is for recreational use not for planting." Again this is not correct. The covenant says it must be used "solely as a public park or recreation ground" (page 1 line 6). There is no mention of preventing planting, and clearly for it to be a park things must be planted there.
4. You say "Is it better for our children to play sports and have a place to socialise"? and I say yes it is much better and this is exactly what the orchard is designed to encourage. We cannot go back 100 years, we need to go forward and create parks and recreation areas that the current generation will use. You also say "it will come in conflict with football ground" but again this not the case. If you look at the map, you will see that the trees will be over 30 feet (10m) from the end of the pitch which was marked out for under 16 football.
5. You clearly think there are too many trees, but they will only occupy 4.5% of the area of the Rec and the trees will be spaced based on guidance from the Royal Horticultural Society, the grower supplying them, and the the council tree expert. They will also be small trees, low enough for the apples to be picked without using ladders and with space between to allow sunlight to get to the fruit. They will be much smaller that the existing trees, and further away from the road. Finally, they will not encroach on any playing areas, sight lines or possible archaeological sites but instead be on a currently unused, featureless area of the Rec.
If you look on the council website about community orchards https://www.stockport.gov.uk/community-orchards you will see how an orchard can enhance the community and bring greater use of the green space the orchard is part of. I have also attached the latest version of the map with distances marked on it to help you understand the exact layout.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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I think it is a wonderful idea to form a "Friends of Marple Rec", it is just a shame that it was not done years ago. That way the group could have done something about getting better drainage and keeping the playground and the goalpost, instead of people just complaining about it.
Yes, well!
When Mark raised the matter of a "Friends of the "rec" sometime back I was, as far as I know, the only person who volunteered ( at least on this web site).
I don't live in the immediate vicinity of the rec but spent a lot of time playing on the swings when I was a little girl. If anyone is proposing a "Friends of the Rec" group I'd be willing to "muck in". I'm not much good at heavy manual work due to age and moderate delapidation but can offer "secretarial" skills, catering skills including baking for fund-raising and, having been a teacher for 25 years, quite good at harrying the troops( ;)) and the local powers that be!
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I also agree that it is a good idea to have an orchard - Marple has 4 parks and it would be good to see the rec have an alternative use.
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Most of the residents around Rec have no problem with the orchard except that is an unwise location and the number of trees in orchard. (75). We suggested upper corner with 20 trees.
You forgot to mention that Chadkirk orchards is in secluded, fenced old garden. While Rec is in centre of the Marple open space and frequently violated day or night by motorbikes, cars and drunken people on their way to train station or Roman lakes. The proposed place for orchard will be invitation for this kind of behaviour.
Also orchard will obstruct the view to incoming traffic from Oldknow Road. The junction with Arkwright Road is already dangerous.
For last 100 years it was used as playground and ground for games/sports. (Covenant states that the ground is for recreational use not for planting. Exception was during 2WW when it was used for growing veg.)
Once drained Rec can be revived to its old use as many generation of Marple residents remember.
Is it better for our children to play sports and have a place to socialise or in lack of facilities to wander around without purpose?
This is today’s article from BBC. Public parks in danger of falling into neglect, warn MPs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38935787 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38935787)
What about re-instating the playground swings, etc?
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Sanya,
I've sent you a PM.
Henrietta
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The only problem with starting a Friends of the Rec NOW is that there is a Friends of Marple Orchard already set up. Who is going to do what? FoMO have already talked about reinstating the playground, restoring the goalposts and reopening at least one toilet.
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The only problem with starting a Friends of the Rec NOW is that there is a Friends of Marple Orchard already set up. Who is going to do what? FoMO have already talked about reinstating the playground, restoring the goalposts and reopening at least one toilet.
@sanya @geoff-t Why not all get together then?
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It obviously makes sense to pool resources, so why not work together?
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The only problem with starting a Friends of the Rec NOW is that there is a Friends of Marple Orchard already set up. Who is going to do what? FoMO have already talked about reinstating the playground, restoring the goalposts and reopening at least one toilet.
Yes, the only problem is that 70 households around REC have knowledge about plans of starting the Friends of Marple REC and their agenda.
Yes, majority of those 70 households never heard about Friends of Marple Orchard and never been approached by their representative.
When was this group formed?
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I note Friends of Marple orchard have no web presence, and that MESS is suggesting on their website all enquiries go to them & that their website is the place to go for information. Is one possibly a subgroup of the other?
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The only problem with starting a Friends of the Rec NOW is that there is a Friends of Marple Orchard already set up. Who is going to do what? FoMO have already talked about reinstating the playground, restoring the goalposts and reopening at least one toilet.
Yes, the only problem is that 70 households around REC have knowledge about plans of starting the Friends of Marple REC and their agenda.
Yes, majority of those 70 households never heard about Friends of Marple Orchard and never been approached by their representative.
When was this group formed?
Don't search for problems @geoff-t and @sanya ! Find solutions! You all want similar things and to make Marple Recreation Ground a better place for local people AND residents would be a wonderful thing. Get together - ask one of our local councillors like @Malcolm Allan or @CllrKennyBlair (or both working together) to facilitate a meeting between you. Work out how to harness the power of those 70 households and MESS to get the drainage problem resolved, reinstate the football pitch, reopen the toilets, install a new play area AND plant an orchard in a location and quantity that everyone agrees on!
This is a fantastic opportunity - TAKE IT!
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Following on from "admins" comment, I'd be delighted to work with you both. I'm a member of 7 park friends groups in Marple and they are all successful but different. Some rely on just a few dedicated workers, who turn up every second month, another has 30 members or more and has a weekly session where 20 show up regularly. One is brand new and very vibrant but finding their way, another is a re-formed group recovering, another has been going for something like 15 years, another raised a huge amount of money for new play equipment. There is no limit to what can be done and achieved. The ambitions for the rec can be realised! They all get additional support from various places, including grant funding and donations of plants etc. The point is they are all dedicated volunteers who give of their time freely and have the same purpose, which is to help the community by improving the green space for all. They are all lovely friendly groups and a joy to work with. These two "new" groups here have far far more in common than differences. This is a great opportunity to improve the rec and turn it back into a great part of Marple for all to enjoy. I'm happy and ready to help, not just with talking but with actions too. Malcolm
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It obviously makes sense to pool resources, so why not work together?
Here here!
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I noticed someone is camping on there this evening. Is this a trial of a new money-making scheme - use it as a campsite?
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Hope they had a waterproof groundsheet!!
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Sanya, where are we up to with this?
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I noticed today that the proposed Orchard (which I thought was on hold pending consultation with local residents) appears to have gone ahead. Can anyone tell me if:-
- Did any local consultation happen, if it did I appear to have missed out?
Who is responsible for any maintenance work like pruning (which I am lead to believe needs to be done annually) windfall collection etc?
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I noticed today that the proposed Orchard (which I thought was on hold pending consultation with local residents) appears to have gone ahead. Can anyone tell me if:-
- Did any local consultation happen, if it did I appear to have missed out?
Who is responsible for any maintenance work like pruning (which I am lead to believe needs to be done annually) windfall collection etc?
And a mess it looks too. How are the council going to cut the grass now?
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Here's a report on the Community Orchard that MESS have asked me to pop on the site for them (Arthur's photos added now too).
MARPLE’S COMMUNITY ORCHARD
On Saturday morning the 25 March 2017 the sun shone brightly when MESS (Marple, Mellor and Marple Bridge - Energy Saving Strategy) planted 75 trees on the green between Oldknow and Arkwright Road. The Orchard is planted on land which is a ‘Community Asset’ and with apple, pear, cherry, plum and nut trees, all will be welcome to enjoy the fruit. 75 people sponsored a tree with many there in person to plant their tree. Some of the trees were planted in the memory of a loved one or to welcome a new member of the family or to celebrate an anniversary. It was a memorable day, bringing people together, many who had never met before in the shared interest of taking care of the environment.
To make the day extra special, his Worshipful Mayor of Stockport, Chris Gordon and his wife, Mayoress of Stockport, Dr. Margaret Gordon were in attendance. Chris said, “Having been involved recently in creating a Community Orchard in my own church and the success we have had, I am delighted to see another group setting up an orchard for the benefit of all.”
MESS was created 7 years ago with the aim of reducing Carbon emissions and to take good care of the environment. MESS members meet at 7pm on the second Monday of each month at Marple Fire Station. Anyone interested in ECO issues and how to make Marple an even better place to live can find out more from info@marplemess.org.uk (The same weekend MESS also launched its Switch to Green Energy campaign. Fliers are being delivered and are also available in Marple Library and from MESS). Come along to a meeting. They are a friendly group and you would be made very welcome. Maureen Matthews, Chair of MESS said, “When the blossom comes out, we will all marvel at our achievement and share the joy with all who live in Marple and who visit this lovely place”.
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17523346_1303846199702797_6743256288567212746_n.jpg?oh=5ecd97fd4465c0192b43386f0a788ddb&oe=5955A544)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17458382_1303846349702782_8787737925283210476_n.jpg?oh=6990bcfe21965f2cca18b168af9194b9&oe=599A5B38)
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17362674_1303845659702851_6413200588572997779_n.jpg?oh=62972e9bc4910a43857c28b1cdd26f80&oe=5960B239)
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Does not answer my initial question, what happened to the public consultation and who is going to prune the 75 trees? Unfortunately it may have gone un-noticed by MESS but trees grow. One of the problems we have in Marple is that a lot of the great views are now spoilt by trees that have been allowed to outgrow their environment.
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Does not answer my initial question, what happened to the public consultation and who is going to prune the 75 trees? Unfortunately it may have gone un-noticed by MESS but trees grow. One of the problems we have in Marple is that a lot of the great views are now spoilt by trees that have been allowed to outgrow their environment.
Well we voted no on the form we got from the council. I think it is a backwards step and I was very sorry to see it has gone ahead. I would be very interested to know the figures from the consultation.
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Did william wragg turn up for his photo opportunity?
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Dear Maureen Matthews, why didn't you have this orchard in the gardens on longhurst lane / Parkside?
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And a mess it looks too. How are the council going to cut the grass now?
Correct amazon and have you seen the state they've made over at strines road / lime kiln lane looking for samuel oldknow teeth again!
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Does not answer my initial question, what happened to the public consultation and who is going to prune the 75 trees? Unfortunately it may have gone un-noticed by MESS but trees grow. One of the problems we have in Marple is that a lot of the great views are now spoilt by trees that have been allowed to outgrow their environment.
It wasn't intended to address your questions @Victor M it was simply an announcement a member of MESS asked me to add to the site for them. I appreciate the timing of it made it look like it may be but I simply posted it at the first opportunity I had after receiving the request.
There were public questions asked about the consultation at Marple Area Committee meeting on 8 March but the answers aren't published in the minutes, they just say "...the Corporate Director for Place Management and regeneration be requested to provide a written response within 7 days." But councillors @Malcolm Allan or @CllrGeoffAbell should be able to advise the outcome.
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Dear Maureen Matthews, why didn't you have this orchard in the gardens on longhurst lane / Parkside?
Possibly because there is a very active group who look after these gardens?
However if community orchards are seen as a good idea why not one in the rec ground further up Longhurst Lane near the Devvy? No traffic problems, lots of space there so could retain the goals/ play equipment etc though perhaps not enough room for 75 trees. Accept this is possibly getting to the limits of the Marple connection but not MESS which covers Mellor.
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Possibly because there is a very active group who look after these gardens?
However if community orchards are seen as a good idea why not one in the rec ground further up Longhurst Lane near the Devvy? No traffic problems, lots of space there so could retain the goals/ play equipment etc though perhaps not enough room for 75 trees. Accept this is possibly getting to the limits of the Marple connection but not MESS which covers Mellor.
could we not have a small supermarket o the rest of it people seem to be Able to do what they like .what do we have councillars for .
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Possibly because there is a very active group who look after these gardens?
However if community orchards are seen as a good idea why not one in the rec ground further up Longhurst Lane near the Devvy? No traffic problems, lots of space there so could retain the goals/ play equipment etc though perhaps not enough room for 75 trees. Accept this is possibly getting to the limits of the Marple connection but not MESS which covers Mellor.
Not in view publicity
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@Condate @red666bear @Victor M
I will reply to a few comments here as best I can.
First off, I hope this will be an asset to Marple in years to come. Fruit trees do not grow tall - there is a much taller tree in the background of the pictures for instance. When the fruit is ripe it is for all to enjoy. Incredible edible have already done something similar with vegetables in the Memorial Park.
I think there has been a lack of communication here that has caused unnecessary angst. However there was a consultation (that delayed the initial planting) that I believe was 2-1 for the orchard. Cllr Blair (who knows the law) also checked the legal position with the council. There is a covenant (dating from 1909) re the area that allows for this, but not farming nor housing. Given that green belt may be sacrificed for the housing need, nothing is ultimately safe!
The MP was poorly and did not attend - so no photo op! However, as you can see, the mayor along with @Malcolm Allan and myself did attend, but as always it's about the people of Marple doing something, not us. That's what the Neighbourhood Plan is about too. in answer to a perhaps tongue-in-cheek question, councillors are there to help and facilitate good things for the community. As local finances are tighter and tighter, this will become more and more import.
I hope in time this orchard will be seen as a good asset for all. It might even help with the tendency of the Rec to be waterlogged.
I hope that in time this will be seen as a good asset for all of Marple.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Incredible edible have already done something similar with vegetables in the Memorial Park.
I'm sorry to correct you @CllrGeoffAbell but Incredible Edible haven't done anything in Memorial Park with vegetables. The veg patches in the park were created and are maintained by Marple Allotment Association, and a wonderful job they do too.
Incredible Edible did plant some Wild Harvest tree saplings provided by the Woodland Trust in the park back in 2014. These comprised a mix of Hazel, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Elder and Dog Rose, some of which can be harvested for jams or left to feed the local birds and wildlife. Of course they have done lots of great veg planting around the town centre in the large wooden containers.
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As my question regarding the pruning of these trees has not been answered I take it that no pruning will take place. The RHS web site states that fruit trees should be pruned every year. In a few years time the fruit will be at such a height that it will not be possible to pick it without the use of a cherry picker (please excuse the pun), the trees will be that dense that no or little sunlight will get through to the ground, the grass therefore won't grow and it will eventually become a bog. Just like the area in front of the lime kilns where trees were planted 15 years ago (by the council) and never pruned. Please tell me I'm wrong and someone in Incredible Edible or MESS has done some forward planning!
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As my question regarding the pruning of these trees has not been answered I take it that no pruning will take place. The RHS web site states that fruit trees should be pruned every year. In a few years time the fruit will be at such a height that it will not be possible to pick it without the use of a cherry picker (please excuse the pun), the trees will be that dense that no or little sunlight will get through to the ground, the grass therefore won't grow and it will eventually become a bog. Just like the area in front of the lime kilns where trees were planted 15 years ago (by the council) and never pruned. Please tell me I'm wrong and someone in Incredible Edible or MESS has done some forward planning!
Maybe a good idea for some at the time but time goes quick .in ten years what will it look like .
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Rather than moaning - I think that we should be greatful that we have members of the community who are actively trying to improve our community. Apple trees do not grow huge - we have two in our garden that have never been pruned.
It also looks like a couple of the trees were damaged yesterday - let's hope that this is not an act of vandalism.
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I'm sorry to correct you @CllrGeoffAbell but Incredible Edible haven't done anything in Memorial Park with vegetables. The veg patches in the park were created and are maintained by Marple Allotment Association, and a wonderful job they do too.
Incredible Edible did plant some Wild Harvest tree saplings provided by the Woodland Trust in the park back in 2014. These comprised a mix of Hazel, Blackthorn, Crab Apple, Elder and Dog Rose, some of which can be harvested for jams or left to feed the local birds and wildlife. Of course they have done lots of great veg planting around the town centre in the large wooden containers.
So corrected. Thanks @admin
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I thought it might help to add some more to what Geoff has posted below.
Firstly the Council have agreed to mow between the trees as part of their regular mowing work on the rec. The trees have been planted specifically to allow this. The trees are dwarf stock and will not grow above 6 feet or so. Some are quite high already because MESS have bought mature trees. MESS in the form of Incredible Edible have committed to pruning and maintaining the trees. It might also be of interest that some park groups in this area have been offered pruning training by Cheshire Wildlife Trust. This is to help a number of volunteer groups maintain the fruit trees on their Parks. If anyone wants to see a mature community orchard properly maintained by volunteers, then the one at the entrance to Werneth Low Country Park, on Higham Lane is a good example. The tree density is not much less than the one on the rec and they have some non-dwarf stock, but it looks well maintained and I would think not at all obtrusive or unpleasant.
On Saturday’s planting Cllr Finnie was also there later on as well as myself and Geoff. I think I should add that all six Marple Area Councillors worked on this together. It was the Councillors who unanimously asked the planting was postponed in the light of objections and to ensure a consultation was carried out by the Council. Consequently, 120 letters were sent out, with 80 replies of which 52 (65%) were in favour and 28 (35%) were against. The results were summarised to councillors with details of the substance of objections that had been made. All of us looked very carefully at this along with legal advice and the wording in the Deed of Covenant, plus advice from planning, and the plans set out by MESS, such as the area they intended to use, the state of the ground, the spacing and the ongoing maintenance. I think I speak for us all when I say we worked hard to take everything we could into account before reaching a conclusion. The Trust Deed places any decision firmly in the hands of Stockport Council who are corporate trustee of the Deed, not local councillors or residents.
I know this has been a disappointing result for those people against the plan, and they will remain unhappy. I know most objectors were not against the orchard per se, just the location. However, a majority of people supported the idea, and many have already drawn much pleasure from the planting day alone. There were some touching stories unfolding on the day. The orchard will also encourage pollinating insects which could improve the quality of gardens in the immediate area. It is hoped the trees will also reduce, if not stop the motorcyclists and others who have been riding across this corner of the Park. There is also a good chance the trees will help drainage in that area. Trees also help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality through their own aspiration.
I’d like to see improvements made to the Rec and some objectors to the orchard would like it to be better too. I’m open to discussing and maybe promoting such ideas. I know the drainage needs to be improved along Arkwright Road and that the missing set of goal posts needs re-instating. To me it’s a valuable area of public land that we should cherish, use and enjoy.
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So the trees have been planted - great - and I LOVE the nice geometrical grid pattern of the planting. SO natural!
Yes, I know about the mowing but it should have been possible to satisfy natural aesthitics AND the mowers.
(And I'd have thought they were planted too close together even for dwarf specimens to grow healthily.)
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My family and I love the new orchard.
Its going to look lovely every spring. Then the rewards of fruit in the autumn.
We need more trees to produce fresh air and help with well being.
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I can't believe the amount of negative comments on this topic, the forum should be renamed the moaning community forum & noticeboard.
Good people taking the time and effort to make a difference to the local community then having to read some of the daft and ill informed comments on here.
To those who gave up their valuable time to plant the trees I'm grateful, we live in a lovely area and this is only going to enhance it, to those moaning negative smart ar*e's lighten up and get a life. >:(
Rant over, have a great Easter everyone, peace and love :)
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I can't believe the amount of negative comments on this topic, the forum should be renamed the moaning community forum & noticeboard.
Good people taking the time and effort to make a difference to the local community then having to read some of the daft and ill informed comments on here.
To those who gave up their valuable time to plant the trees I'm grateful, we live in a lovely area and this is only going to enhance it, to those moaning negative smart ar*e's lighten up and get a life. >:(
Rant over, have a great Easter everyone, peace and love :)
I don't think anyone denies that the people who organised this meant well. Time will tell if what has been done enhances, or diminishes the area. What's done is done and we'll have to deal with it. I don't think there's any point arguing about it now. It will become clear in years to come and we can discuss things then. No doubt there will be plenty of other topics to discuss in the mean time.
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Yes, the only problem is that 70 households around REC have knowledge about plans of starting the Friends of Marple REC and their agenda.
Yes, majority of those 70 households never heard about Friends of Marple Orchard and never been approached by their representative.
When was this group formed?
Hi @geoff-t
The orchard is here and done.
So far: you have had no communication of any kind with the local REC people or Marple community.
NO voice of any kind of constitution for Friends of Marple orchard!
You have clearly made this Friends of Marple Orchard up, just to get the community on your side and to plant the orchard in the REC. Disgrace. You have made false promises, like the Conservatives, and have done NOTHING.
In the last meeting of Incredible Edible it was clear that Orchard supporters have NO agenda and NO interest in improving or reviving REC.
Well done “Geoff-t”. You have killed one very enthusiastic local community initiative that could benefit all Marple for the sake of the 75 trees. Cheers.
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Dear Maureen Matthews, why didn't you have this orchard in the gardens on longhurst lane / Parkside?
As a resident with a front view of the new orchard in the Rec, I have been puzzled for the past few weeks about the orchard REC visitors. Personally, it feels more like graveyard visitations.
Most of the visitors look like they are having remembrances or saying prayers for 10 minutes and then they leave.
It became clarified to me from the comments on the MESS and Icredible Edible web presents :
“one family had the ashes of a loved one to add to their tree's roots”
“great atmosphere and fantastic way to remember our loved ones.”
Certain people from MESS visited the local churches and asked them to put pressure on Stockport Council to get approval for the swift go-ahead of planting the Orchard in REC. They got it in 2 days. You call this democracy!!??
I was told as the rest of the REC locals that the REC’s Orchard is going to be recreational/ educational ground BUT not to be a graveyard remembrance place!
REC needs drainage, goal post and revival of playground ...not ghosts. :)
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Sanya - rather than complaining why don't you take the lead in setting up a committee to solve the:
"REC needs drainage, goal post and revival of playground" issues that you describe.
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This thread is a reminder that there are actually only two kinds of people: the people who get things done, and the people who moan about the people who get things done!
The orchard is a great scheme - hats off to all those who went to the time and trouble to organise it.
As the Cannonball Kid rightly said: I can't believe the amount of negative comments on this topic...... we live in a lovely area and this is only going to enhance it
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Sanya - the new trees will act as drainage.
What a lovely view you will have, gorgeous blossom in spring, lovely changing leaf colour in the autumn and free fruit. Lots of fresh air too.
Well done to everyone involved, such a brilliant local thing to have.
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As a local resident it appears that MESS & Incredible Edible by default have taken on ownership of the Rec why don't they form a Friends of the Rec?
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As a local resident it appears that MESS & Incredible Edible by default have taken on ownership of the Rec why don't they form a Friends of the Rec?
In February @geoff-t seemed to be saying that's what they had done:
The only problem with starting a Friends of the Rec NOW is that there is a Friends of Marple Orchard already set up. Who is going to do what? FoMO have already talked about reinstating the playground, restoring the goalposts and reopening at least one toilet.
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As a local resident it appears that MESS & Incredible Edible by default have taken on ownership of the Rec why don't they form a Friends of the Rec?
The rec has been run down for a number of years, and no one was interested in doing anything about it. As soon as a group like Mess tries to do something positive for the community people start moaning. Mess have not taken ownership of the rec.
Victor why don't you and Sanya form 'Friends of the Rec' and do something about the drainage and goal posts.
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Do we know who is a member of Friends of Marple Orchard, how you get in touch with them or is it MESS, and do any of them live near the Rec?
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"Do any of them live near the Rec ? " what's that got to do with it !?
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This thread is a reminder that there are actually only two kinds of people: the people who get things done, and the people who moan about the people who get things done!
Perhaps four kinds of people : the people who get things done which should be done; the people who get things done which are not necessarily wise , people who moan about the people who get things done which are not necessarily wise and people who moan about people who get things done regardless of whether it was wise or not. Remember the politicians' fallacy from 'Yes Minister'. "Something must be done. This is something. Therefore it must be done".
As for the orchard; it's there now, so that battle is lost. There's no point going on about it now; we need to make the best we can of the situation as it is and remember, nobody doubts the sincerity of those responsible.
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With regard to
"Do any of them live near the Rec ? “what’s that got to do with it
I have tried to find their presence on the net and can't, they are not listed on the council website under community orchards so I was wondering how you got in contact with them. I was wondering :-
- What their plans for the Rec were, long and short term
- Whether they planned to expand the Orchard?
- If it was going to grow was there a cap on it's size
- How you went about getting a tree planted if you wanted to
- Do they hold open meetings
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They should be contactable via the details on the MESS web site http://marplemess.org.uk/incredible-edible
There is an email address, phone number and residential address listed on the site.
Or a PM to @geoff-t should also reach one of their members.
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Certain gentleman from Incredible Edible/MESS group was watering orchard on REC this evening. On 3 occasions he parked his car on the REC's green. When I approached him and warned him that he is not allowed to park the car on parks green he arrogantly told me : " I don' care! " and continued to water the trees.
Should I have called police to report violence of the Rec’s ground?
For me, this incident just confirmed my suspicion on Incredible Edible/MESS intention for the future of the REC. No interest in Rec or it's revival.
I have dropped my initiative to start Friends of Marple REC ( initial post) after #Geoff-t hijacked my proposals and turned it to Friends of Marple Orchard. Now we are all puzzled about their existence.
PS Memorabilia on Rec orchard have started to appear ;)
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Certain gentleman from Incredible Edible/MESS group was watering orchard on REC this evening. On 3 occasions he parked his car on the REC's green. When I approached him and warned him that he is not allowed to park the car on parks green he arrogantly told me : " I don' care! " and continued to water the trees. Should I have called police to report violence of the Rec’s ground?
That's a good example of the point I made earlier:
there are actually only two kinds of people: the people who get things done, and the people who moan about the people who get things done!
1. In this weather, those trees will desperately need watering.
2. The ground is bone dry so the car will have done no harm at all.
3. Right now the police have a got more important things to do.
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I'm a little late to the party here, and I don't live within sight of the Rec so my opinion is worth considerably less than those who do, but, from what I can gather - and for those who need to catch up...
1 - The rec was always a grubby patch of land which didn't really do anything. (I have fond childhood memories of playing in the Memoria and Cromwell parks, none of the Rec)
2 - Some people have gotten together and raised some money to plant some trees which will flower and then fruit.
3 - Someone has watered them so they don't turn into a load of dead trees which will neither flower or fruit.
4 - Someone is complaining about this and suggesting that the police who are in the process of recovering the slaughtered bodies of children in Manchester should arrest a grey haired man for watering the trees.
5 - If the man hadn't have watered the trees someone would have written a post about people not caring for the trees that they didn’t want in the first place and that it is sad that the trees are now dead.
6 - This is bloody ridiculous
Ok, great.
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Andy
You forgot to mention it is also now a graveyard full of grieving and weeping relatives, and ghost of the dead come out at night and frighten the residents overlooking the REC.
Its now turned into hell on earth with the police involved, can't go on
You couldn't make it up could you. ;D
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Andy
You forgot to mention it is also now a graveyard full of grieving and weeping relatives, and ghost of the dead come out at night and frighten the residents overlooking the REC.
Its now turned into hell on earth with the police involved, can't go on
You couldn't make it up could you. ;D
Could put the sorting office on there .then free up the space for a alldi were the sorting office is .
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Something needed doing about the condition of the Rec. That doesn't mean doing anything will do. Many people think planting the orchard was a bad idea and not what was needed and was rushed without proper debate and the whole thing hijacked by a small group which was not representative. Undoubtedly, the people responsible did and do sincerely believe it was a good idea. In maintaining the orchard, they should behave responsibly and remain polite at all times. Let's just keep calm and wait a few years until it becomes abundantly clear whether the orchard is a success, or as many believe, a mistake.
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I'm not entirely sure how fruit bearing trees that help turn carbon dioxide into oxygen and fruit can ever be classed as a mistake ;)
I presume they're apple trees. Anyone planning a Marple Community Orchard Cider? Would be a way to bring everyone together! Or we could just tarmac it. Whatever.
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I'm not entirely sure how fruit bearing trees that help turn carbon dioxide into oxygen and fruit can ever be classed as a mistake ;)
I don't have a problem with the concept of the orchard. However, I do think that they made a massive mis-step in placing it where they did, right in the middle of the flat, fairly well used, part.
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Certain gentleman from Incredible Edible/MESS group was watering orchard on REC this evening. On 3 occasions he parked his car on the REC's green. When I approached him and warned him that he is not allowed to park the car on parks green he arrogantly told me : " I don' care! " and continued to water the trees.
That is the unfortunate consequence of having some unaccountable body taking over responsibility for the Rec. Should have pointed him in the direction of the containers they put in the precinct which are in desperate need of a little TLC.
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Which is a consequence of austerity and local government cuts - think carefully who you vote for.
That is the unfortunate consequence of having some unaccountable body taking over responsibility for the Rec. Should have pointed him in the direction of the containers they put in the precinct which are in desperate need of a little TLC.
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Which is a consequence of austerity and local government cuts - think carefully who you vote for
Agreed, unfortunately a lot of the electorate don't link the lack of council services with the Government cuts, they think it's down to the council.
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Perhaps four kinds of people : the people who get things done which should be done; the people who get things done which are not necessarily wise , people who moan about the people who get things done which are not necessarily wise and people who moan about people who get things done regardless of whether it was wise or not.
It goes without saying that the people who moan about the people who get things done do so because they think they are 'unwise'. The point I was trying to make is that you moaners were to get off your backsides and join those who 'get things done' then maybe we would then be able to benefit from your 'wisdom'. 😏