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September 2007 |
Chairman's ReportThe capital infrastructure works to the Meadows have now been completed with the Milking Parlour refurbishment and a nice rustic fence surrounding the area. We used as much of the old materials as possible salvaging some old tiles from the demolished side of the Milking Parlour in case spares are required. What remains is a genuine echo of the past milking activities with many of the old facilities and artefacts there for all to see. It is open to the elements with security features to deter undesirables. Contrarily, welcome visitors have free access to inspect an informative and pleasant place to investigate. A new barn has been built with the same dimensions as the one it replaced but is built in wood not corrugated iron and so is likely to stay standing in the event of the merest hint of a wind! The wood does look a bit stark at the moment but it will tone down very shortly. The same is true of the little shed in front of the milking parlour looking from River Lane which contains a loo and washing facilities for our cowman Ian and although not a pretty building it will be less obtrusive when it is screened by planting planned for the Autumn. We are in active discussion with The National Trust to complete the final phase of Trustees' responsibilities to hand over the management of the Meadows to them. The negotiations are based on ensuring that the objectives of The Petersham Trust are maintained. The HerdThey will stay with us until October/November when they will return to their winter quarters where this year's calves will be born. They cannot remain because the grass does not have sufficient nutrients to support winter grazing. LandscapingA great deal of work has been done with fences, gates and trees and maintenance work is carried out on a continuous basis. This work absorbs a great deal of the Trust's income but is essential in maintaining the Meadow's unique character. Milking Parlour
The original intention was to renovate both wings. However, the quotations were over £500,000 or more than twice the original estimates. The Trustees felt that the cost was just too high and they could only afford to renovate just one wing. This project's development took months to complete including delays in the preparation work, evaluation of tenders, the planning process and a tardy builder's programme. Happily the project has now been New Barn
In contrast to the Milking Parlour, the Barn has been completed on time and at the price agreed. The cost of the work has been funded largely by two significant donations and the Trustees would like to publicly acknowledge the generosity of the two donors. The barn has a traditional oak frame with a cedar shingle roof and its high quality appearance is admired by all. Dinner with Jazz - 7.30pm 15th October at the Dysart Arms, PetershamJacqui Dankworth, the celebrated jazz singer has agreed to perform for us. Steeped in music from childhood with Dame Cleo Lane and Sir John Dankworth as parents and inspirations, Jacqui has her own beautiful, subtly powerful identity. Admission is by ticket only at £50 including a glass of prosecco on arrival, a 3 course dinner and coffee. The Dysart Arms will be closed except for the Trust's dinner. The Trust is very grateful to The Dysart Arms, Savills, Marcar Engineering and Liberty Wines for sponsoring this event. Tickets are available from If you are unable to come, please purchase some raffle tickets at £2.00 each. The prizes include a week's holiday at a Portuguese villa and dinner for 2 at the Petersham Hotel. Please send donations to Sylvia who will fill out the raffle ticket details. Donations - Registered Charity No. 1077284Please help us to maintain Petersham Meadow by sending us a donation, large or small, gratefully received. You can do this by sending a cheque to Data ProtectionAs a matter of policy, the Trust does not share its address list with anyone nor would it divulge any data without first asking permission. Should you like to be removed from the mailing list, please advise us at:-
The Petersham Trust, 18 Breamwater Gardens, Ham, TW10 7SQ |
