Ruislip Lido July Update
Dear Friends, firstly thank you to all of those who made the AGM last month, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did it was so good to see so many faces and some new members as well. Also, thank you to the number of you who sent apologies and I look forward to seeing you all at our next get together.
The AGM was an opportunity to pass on our gratitude to a number of people who make the Friends possible including the committee; Mark Saragossi for designing and running the website, Roger Yates and Pat Tavener for working every Monday around the Lido, (there is always room for more people if you have time! Just turn up on a Monday morning or give me a buzz on the mobile). Of course we all thanked Shaun for his tireless work and support.
Our Finances were discussed and we have about a thousand pound of membership money and donations. Two members came up with the idea of bins and it was suggested we invest in pop up bins that we could put our logo on and could be put wherever Shaun feels they would be best used on a daily basis.
We then voted in the committee and the following are the results on the night:
- Chair: Vicky Brownlee
- Deputy Chair: Nicky Saragossi
- Membership Secretary: Roger Yates
- Treasurer: Hazel Toms
- Executive Members: David Seaman, Godon Dallas, Lindsey Hannigan, Pat Parkin and Claire Carroll.
Just to update you on a few other points of significance,
- The bird recognition plate is being put in place next to the telescope.
- Three more large bins have been placed on the beach area, and on Willow Lawn
- Cycle Path - This is not now coming to the Lido but will be coming into the area so we continue to attend any meetings to ensure it is not going to adversely affect the Lido.
- Cycle racks are to be placed on the beach area in the next couple of months.
- The Council are looking at funding for the toilets but in the mean time there is a 7 day a week extra litter picker who is to check the toilets every hour throughout the summer.
- The Beach Warden proposed by the FORL has received agreed funding and a job description/advert is to be placed in the press. The warden will be responsible for the beach toilets, first aid and preventing anti-social behavior. The Council believes that this should be in place by the end of this summer. However the MAG and FORL agree that the job description is not ‘fit for purpose’ and will be seeking alterations.
- Sadly a swan had its throat attacked; a Great crested Grebe got caught in some netting and drowned and two people were seen to steal two swans’ eggs from a next. Please anyone with any information about these incidents contact parks patrol or our mobile/website.
- A letter of complaint with regards to reducing the water level in April/May thus stranding wildlife and nesting birds especially the frogs has been submitted. We await a response from the Council.
- I am arranging a meeting between the council Parks Patrol and ourselves to thrash out ideas to work with and to support the officers. Can I ask any stories good or bad about the Parks Patrol let us know. We really want to work with them as they could be a huge asset to the Lido.
The MAG and residents associations have been contacted regarding a plan to reintroduce row boats and peddle boats on the Lido. So what are your views? We have a number of concerns/objections- The Lido is at capacity now, the car park is already overflowing with no real opportunities for expansion. The safety implications if someone were to jump or fall in, and the associated issues with the water quality. He is suggesting the boats will only be available for over 12yr olds (oh good more teenagers!). The boats will be moored in the middle of the Lido at night, (no one would swim out at night surely). There is also the issue of the pub, alcohol water and boats, not a good mixture. But more than anything the wildlife, we are just ending one of the most successful nesting years seen.
I think you can tell by my list where my heart lies but please WHAT IS YOUR VIEW?? Phone me, stop me round the Lido drop a line on the Website, it is vital that when asked it is the members’ views we put forward not our own. The committee are unanimously against this proposal; are you??
The council is proposing a public consultation for ways to improve the facilities at the Lido this will include, Toilet, Car parking, Shelter and the boating proposal. The idea is to look at the area as a whole rather than each project in isolation. We will keep you updated as and when we hear more to ensure each of you gets your say, after all we are the people who love and use the Lido!
The litter picking day on the 28th June was a huge success with over 15 members!!! Thank you all. May I suggest another day on Saturday 1st August meeting at 8.30am in the car park. When everyone is done re meet outside the Waters Edge for a debrief … an ice cream or if it is 11 o’clock a G&T?
There are full minutes of the AGM and detailed accounts if anyone would like a copy of either please let us know.
Look forward to seeing you on the 1st August 2009 for litter picking.
Vicky Brownlee Chair FORL
07804 626007
Comment by David
July 22, 2009 @ 8:30 pm
I vote AGAINST boats on the Lido. I feel they would adversely affect the birds which are such a feature. Perhaps a small ENCLOSED area for kiddie’s hand pedalos such as was there some years ago would be acceptable BUT modern hooligans would have a fine time trashing it. Perhaps that would be the franchise holder’s problem and not ours.