Here we are again at the beginning of another new year – it is amazing how time flies! 2013 has been a much quieter year after the flurry of activity in 2012 as a result of generous grants for the pond area and front entrance. Grant applications have also been made to enable the side kissing-gate and entrance to be brought up to the accessibility standards we’ve achieved at the front entrance. At the time of writing this letter, we have been successful in achieving two thirds of the cost from County Cllr Keith Witham's local allocation and from Window on Woking and we are planning to undertake the labour ourselves to get the job done. The need to replace this entrance was made all the more necessary by the damage done in the high winds and storms before Christmas when the pond and both brooks seemed to merge into one huge lake! Site Managers Roy Johnson and Nigel Emerson and volunteers were very busy removing fallen trees on the path network and shoring up some of the Hodge Brook bank which was undermining the path alongside.
We are indebted to the small band of volunteers who keep the green path network mown and the site safe for all our visitors. Many thanks are also due to Barbara Carr, our Secretary, and Steve Hull who were active in creating swathes of wildflowers in the fenced area and planting perennial wildflowers in the Wildflower Meadow which have added very welcome colour. Once again, due to the necessity of keeping the parish precept increase to 2% in 2013, Pirbright Parish Council was unfortunately not able to fund the seasonal mowing of the wildflower meadow as part of their paths and greens contract but this was done by another local contractor who did a very good job flailing the sides of the path network and cutting and bailing the wildflower meadow which is necessary to encourage the wild flowers to spread.
On a more negative note, we have to report a break in at the secure store and the theft of some petrol and also the theft of the fox sign on the far entrance onto Bullswater Common. We have installed a security bollard in front of the main entrance gate as an extra physical deterrent. Even the Wildlife Area is not immune from theft and vandalism... Our current major grant application to replace the 13 year old sit-on mower makes the necessity for greater security all the more important.
Every year, we are very encouraged to receive donations of all sizes from Association members, the vast majority of which is gift-aided which adds a significant amount through tax reclamation although this is now down to 20% from 28%. Not surprisingly, the level of donations has been noticeably reduced over the last few years with the economy going through very difficult times. Consequently our limited reserves have been gradually reducing and our income is now not covering our outgoings for running a Wildlife Area of 14 acres. This is despite all the work done by our Committee and wonderful volunteers. So your continued support and generosity is all the more vital!
If you are a UK taxpayer, you only need to sign the Gift Aid declaration when sending your donation – we will process the rest.
With all good wishes and thanks for your support.
Yours sincerely
Catherine Cobley
Chairman
NB: Date for your diary: Wednesday, 9 April – AGM in the Club Room of Lord Pirbright’s Hall. We are hoping to have a talk on Bats and details and an agenda will follow nearer the time. NB: Wednesday, 9 April – AGM in the Club Room of Lord Pirbright’s Hall. We are hoping to have a talk on Bats and details and an agenda will follow nearer the time. This year, we are particularly keen to recruit a Publicity Officer onto the Management Committee which will not be unduly onerous but an interesting little job for someone with enthusiasm and good communication skills. Please give me a ring on 481234 or email me at 'catherinecobley@aol.com' if you might be interested.