The Spring update outlines significant recent developments and plans, and hopes to encourage you all to come to our next AGM at the Gregson on Wednesday 26th April at 7.30 pm. It’s your opportunity to hear about developments and have an input (if you wish) on plans for the future. We have given an outline of some of these in this newsletter.

Perhaps the most significant planned item is a Centenary Event planned for Sunday 3rd December 2017. This is to mark the centenary of the death of Miss Whalley’s brother who died in battle in WWI which led to the Field being left in Trust to the people of Lancaster. This event will require a lot of planning and work and will need funds beyond our current meagre bank balance.

Recent Events

The Gregson Bonfire was yet again popular and attracted a very large crowd. People enjoyed the spectacular firework display and bonfire and, as part of ‘Light Up Lancaster’ had a taste of Las Fallas de Valencia Festival (a traditional Valencian Fire Festival). This included magnificent music from the Banda LaPeris Llapisera and traditional burning of a Falla sculpture.

FMWF Working Party Oct ‘16 A small hard working group cut back a huge amount of overgrown scrub, brambles and willow to allow the orchard to once again flourish. We are aiming to prevent the field and paths from becoming overgrown and scrubby rather than a mixed wood and open grassland. Over 400 daffodils were also planted alongside Derwent Rd which are now starting to show their heads.

Japanese Knotweed The Council have informed us that the small area of Knotweed was sprayed last October and will be sprayed again in spring/early summer.

Village/Town Green Status & Local Green Spaces Applications

You may have noticed in the latest Bulk Green leaflet, that we have been successful in our application for Local Green Space Designation. This is excellent news as it provides additional protection for the Field which will be regarded as a green space in local planning. We are still awaiting a decision on Town Green status.

We have applied to, and are currently liaising with the Fields in Trust organisation to have the Field designated a WW1 Centenary Field. For further local interest, a Lancaster University project featured recently on the local BBC news and BBC website has an interactive map of the Lancaster streets where people who died in WW1 lived. Website links to these at the end of this newsletter.

Financial Status

Many thanks to the household that generously made a donation of £100 towards our sparse funds. Our funds are still very limited and we really do need further donations (big & small) from local individuals and/or businesses. Please send an e-mail if you wish to donate, or do so at the AGM. We will not publicise your details, if you prefer to remain anonymous.

Funding

We have made recent funding applications to Lancaster Green Spaces and the Lancashire Environment Fund, and are constantly looking for other potential sources of grants. If you know of any potential sources or contacts, please let us know.

Publicity and Communication

Please have a look at our Facebook page and our web site www.misswhalleysfield.org.uk If you have any ideas on improvements or photographs or additional information to add, please let us know.

Events

AGM Wednesday 26th April at 7:30 pm in the Olive Bar (upstairs) at The Gregson.

This will include updates to routine items as well as an opportunity to contribute to our Five Year Management plan and the Centenary Event on Sunday 3rd December 2017 @ 10.30 am, including information on a proposed interpretation panel showing details about the Field, and a Memorial Plaque recognising the gift to the people of Lancaster from Miss Whalley. 
We hope that the Mayor will unveil the plaques in the presence of dignitaries and as many locals as possible. We would also like to involve local schools by encouraging them to contribute time capsules. We are working with Fields in Trust to help with publicity and give increased recognition of the historical and environmental importance of the Field.

Working Party on Sunday 12th March @ 10.00 am meeting at the Derwent Rd end.

We need more local help! No previous skills required! 
We are organising a working party to spread wood chippings on the existing small pathways to help identify and prevent them from being overgrown. Lancaster City Council are to provide the chippings. 
All welcome, big, small, young and old. All children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. Please bring shovels, gloves, wheelbarrows and other relevant tools.

Further Links & Contact Information

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MissWhalleysField/
FMWF website – https://misswhalleysfield.org.uk/
Fields in Trust site – http://www.fieldsintrust.org/centenaryfields.aspx
Lancaster University project – http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/ww1streets/cas_lists/casualties-uvwy.html#942
FMWF contact – marg.wig@gmx.co.uk

If there is anyone who would like to get more involved and/ or join the Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field Committee, simply contact us via the above E mail or at the AGM.