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Society Newsletter

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free to members

Christmas lights successThe Christmas Lights switch-on event, held on December 1st 2012 was again a success. As dusk fell, Councillor Gerry Ellis, the Mayor of Wirral led the switch-on of the lights and paid tribute to Oxton, its shops and close community. Afterwards the Mayor and Mayoress spent more than an hour visiting shops, looking at the Oxton History Archive and talking to residents.

Once again the cold weather did not diminish attendance. In addition to the usual homemade mince pies,

mulled wine, soup, hotdogs and car-ousel we had a bran tub and a raffl e. There were generous donations to the Salvation Army and Mayor’s Fund and £100 was sent to each of those charities.

Generous contributions also came from the businesses, which helped with the costs of the road closure and managing the lights display. For the fi rst time there will be a small fi nan-cial surplus which will be reserved for future lights purchases and maintenance.

“Oxton’s Fruit and Veg man” Page 3

History Periodical inside

Fairview Allotments Feature Page 6

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A visit from Civic Voice

On November 26th 2012 The Society held a pre-Christmas social event, a dinner at the Riverhill Hotel attended by over 40 members. We were delighted that Paula Ridley, Chair of Civic Voice, accepted the invitation to be the principal speaker. And we were also fortunate that Kevin Adderley, Director of Planning, Regenera-tion and Housing agreed to join us and introduce the evening. Kevin spoke of the signifi cant challenges facing Local Authorities and how the contributions of organisations such as the Oxton Society were much appreciated. Paula has kindly summarised her speech in the article printed below, which highlights some im-portant issues for The Society in 2013.

There has never been a dull moment since Civic Voice was established almost at the same time as the Coalition government. New brooms in government meant (and still mean) an endless supply of new policy proposals which sped us on a quick learn-ing curve of how to be effective campaign-ers. The last two policies to which we and the membership responded had response times of 24 December (!) on permitted de-velopment ) and 17 January (allowing plan-ning applicants to bypass the local author-ity). Our campaigning tools provide quick response forms to assist members to write to local MPs, as well as providing briefi ngs on the fi ner points of proposed policies.

However, campaigning, despite successes with others over the National Planning Policy Framework and Neighbourhood Planning, is not just a reactive activity, but a proactive one, and alongside our respons-es to government we have always run our own campaigns. Amongst the most success-ful was our Street Pride campaign which looked at unsightly street furniture, broad-band boxes etc and struck a real chord with not just our membership but others too, including BT, where we asked for planning safeguards to ensure street cabinets were well located and designed. The Secretary of State acknowledged Civic Voice as the “organisation” to work with when remov-ing street clutter.

In 2013 we are planning several initiatives as voted on by our members at our AGM: fi rst of all, we want to promote local list-ing. Several towns and cities have already compiled their own. Local lists attempt to log all signifi cant buildings which are not listed, but nevertheless, were they to disappear would make a hole in the townscape and be missed by the popula-tion because they are a much-loved part of the area. The existence of the list can also be useful if unsympathetic development proposals suddenly emerge. This is par-ticularly useful in cities and large towns which have many neighbourhoods, where it can be a great social and cultural tool for getting communities to work together. It is helpful to local authorities, and can identify buildings at risk from or victims of heritage crime (removal of lead from roofs etc.).

We know that 2014 is the centenary of the Great War, and we are about to enter dis-cussions with the Heritage Lottery Fund for a proposal to coordinate a programme relating to War Memorials. Many need some TLC and Civic Voice members are ideally placed to help here - maybe on their own, and with others. It is a great opportunity to fi nd out the stories behind the names while there is still a possibility of some living connection.

So - another busy year ahead - many of these activities will be promoted dur-ing Civic Day (June 22nd). And for the Merseyside Civic Society, just across the water, 2013 is the 75th Anniversary of the original establishment of the Society. They are already planning a special Civic Day effort.

Paula RidleyChair Civic Voice Honorary Vice President Merseyside Civic Society

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Colin Farquhar runs Village Greens in Oxton Village. He has kept shops in the village for over 25 years.

Colin’s childhood years were spent in the Isle of Man living with his fam-ily and grandparents in a tiny cottage in the country. The nearest school was 5 miles away and he and his brother and sister were taught the basics by a teacher who came to their house. When he was 12 years old his father obtained employment in the Manganese Bronze ship building firm in Wallasey. Colin puts down his father’s early death to the poor working conditions in the factory.

His older brother Tyrone attended St Anselms and went on to qualify as a lawyer. Colin went to Poulton School in Wallasey and left without taking exams. However he was a resourceful boy and needing money to buy a bike he found himself several after-school jobs. When he was in his 20s he got a job in Lip-tons, the U.K.’s first supermarket chain. He hit upon the idea of selling fruit and vegetables. Apparently his displays of grapes so impressed the boss that he asked Colin to set up fruit and vegeta-bles in the other Lipton stores in the area. Since 1989 Colin has been a “fruit and veg” man.

Colin enjoys watching football but his passion is for travel. Despite his 70 years he works 6 days a week and he looks forward to the day when he can holiday more often than the three weeks he can manage at the moment.

What is your earliest experience?Catching my first fish, three of them in fact! Three mackerel on one line.

What is the most important thing that has happened to you in your life?When I was a boy I liked to be in local gangs and fight. Joining the Boy Scouts gave me other things to do and I didn’t have to fight every boy I came across .

Who would play you in the film of your life?Ronnie Barker. “Open all hours!”

I think people would be surprised to know this about me?When my mother was pregnant with me she was on the boat crossing from the Isle of Man to Wallasey when she slipped and fell and went into labour. I was born on the ferry and my birth was registered in Wal-lasey.

Which person do you most admire?My friend Peter because despite having se-rious health problems he is always cheerful. He makes time for his friends and family as does his brother Robbie. Both have been good friends to me over many years.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?The Gambia. I have been birdwatching in the Gambia with my brother. I have trav-elled with my partner Sally all over the world. The highlight of our trips has been the visit to the Galapagos Islands.

Why do you choose to live and work in Oxton?After moving to Oxton 25 years ago, I have enjoyed being part of the village commu-nity. I know most people now and I find everyone to be very friendly.

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Oxton’s sandstone walls are a precious part of the street scene and make an enor-mous contribution to the special character of our neighbourhood. They provide a visual cohesion that makes Oxton feel like a special place even with the wide variety of buildings that are found be-hind the walls. There are about 3 kms of sandstone walls in Oxton. Although some of the walls have been lost and some are in need of urgent attention, the majority of walls are in good condition.

All of our sandstone walls need to be properly looked after to preserve Oxton’s unique character. The Society has just produced a new comprehensive Advice Note on “Gates, Fences and Walls” which is available on the website (www.oxton-society.org.uk) or in hard copy from the Secretary. The note contains a wealth of information on the best ways of maintain-ing your wall and details of contractors with experience of working with sand-stone.

Save our Sandstone Walls

Oxton Art Fair 2012

The Oxton Art Fair was started in 2004 by a group of friends who were aware that there was a core of artists residing in the area. In addition there was an influx of artists formerly of the area returning from overseas and newcomers attracted to the community atmosphere and picturesque village. This year was the ninth art fair and involved 12 Oxton artists and four guest artists. The 2012 show included a wide range of art including fine arts, illustration, printmaking, photography, mixed media, textiles, jewellery, glassware and ceramics.

It was another successful year and this was echoed by the comments of Colin Simp-son, Principal Museum’s Officer for The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, who said “The relationship that has developed between the Williamson and Oxton Artists through this initiative has been mutually rewarding and very satisfying. The quality of work produced by local artists is unde-niable and we are pleased to be a focus of activity throughout the year, but especially for this event.

The Oxton Art Fair goes from strength to strength and it now represents the busiest weekend of the year at the gallery.”

The 2012 show also included collabora-tion with the Society through the medium of a quartet of 15 minute talks covering:Della Robbia pottery: by Colin Simpson, Principal Museums OfficerCyril Scott: composer and enfant ter-rible by Graham Mclean, Oxton SocietyWalter Aubrey Thomas : architect of the Liver Building by Alan Chape, Oxton SocietyA.S. John Tessimond : Oxton born-poet by Ieuan Cilgwri - a local Poet.

The Society is hoping to continue this partnership with the Oxton Artists at the 2013 show and is also discussing the possibility of joint events with the Williamson Art Gallery.

Oxton Art Group Members

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In summary here are the most important do’s and don’ts.

DOCheck with the Council if you are thinking about demolishing part or all of your wall. Planning permission is needed if more than 50% is affected (tel 691 8183).

DORespect traditional building methods when repairing or re-building a wall. Unless you use lime mortar the wall will be damaged by frost and rain. (photo 1)DOPoint your wall so that it is slightly re-cessed and avoid “strap pointing” (Photo 2)DO Retain the “coursing” effect so that strong horizontal lines of mortar appear at intervals.(photo 3)DON’TUse Portland cement-based mortar for repairs or pointing. It is stronger than the sandstone and traps moisture in the wall which will lead to serious damage.DON’TAllow builders to persuade you that lime mortar is difficult to work with and expen-sive. Lime mortar is readily available from local suppliers at a reasonable price.The Advice Note has clear instructions on how to mix it.DON’TUse a contractor who has no experience of traditional working with sandstone.The Advice Note gives details of experienced contractors known to the Society.

A success story for FairviewAllotments. Liz Heydon writes:

This small site with 27 plots is tucked away behind Fairview Close, just outside the Oxton Conservation Area. After a long period when occupancy of plots was very low, things started to look up. A fresh wave of enthusiasm for ‘growing your own’ has brought new life to our site with old timers and newcomers working and learning together. We all benefit from fresh vegetables, fresh air, exercise and the companionship of new friends. There is now a waiting list of more than 30 people wanting to join us with the average wait being about 5 years.

Over the years our site had become ne-glected and aspirations for improvements seemed unlikely to materialise unless we E

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Gardening

Check your diaries and your ‘to do’ lists

There are no gardening tips this month, but there are two important things to ensure you have in your diaries. Firstly, whether you are one of the 200 active volunteers on the day or simply a welcome local visitor, make sure you keep Sunday 12th May free for Secret Gardens of Oxton 2013. Tickets will be on sale from early April and the next newsletter and the Society website will have all the details. And, if you enjoy gardening at any level, remember the Secret Gardens plant stall. This is one of the most successful and valu-able contributions on the day but it relies for its success on donations of plants from members. So if you are sowing seeds or re-potting plants this spring, keep a few extra aside to donate to the stall; be sure to label them at the time, as well labelled plants always sell better. If you need any advice on what is required, email plantstall@heike.co.uk or ring 07710 146787.

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took action ourselves. In August 2009 we formed a society which enabled us to apply for Big Lottery funding. Before applying for the £10,000 grant in 2010, we had to agree what our priorities would be.Once you let your imagination run free, there is no end to the possibilities! Derelict

boundary fences were an important con-cern as there had been a number of break-ins where tools and equipment had been stolen. As well as replacing the fences, we replaced the gates with higher and wider ones making access easier and improving security.

In order to bring the facilities up to date for a modern, inclusive allotment site we

also needed a toilet. Follow-ing the example of many other sites up and down the country, we installed a composting toilet. This does not need mains electricity, water or drainage and has now been working well for some time. The Council in-stalled solar panels on the shed roof so that we could have hot water and therefore conform to the highest building control standards. Our many new plot holders include women and families with young children who are keen to be involved in

gardening. As one of those women, I find the access to a toilet extremely reassuring!

Although we have always had one or two individual winners of the allotment compe-tition, the drive to tidy up the site has given all plot holders the extra push needed to keep their plots in good order and we have received several comments from visitors to say how much the site has improved. In fact, in 2012, we won an award for being one of the ‘Most Improved Sites’ on Wirral. We now have group social events includ-ing a summer BBQ, and an ‘Open Day’, a

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Local what’s on

TWO RIVERS FESTIVAL 2013

Bushell Hall Birkenhead School WirralEnsemble Epemeo 8 Feb 2012James Gilchrist, tenor and Anna Tilbrook, piano 7 March 2013Norika Ogawa, piano 26 April 2013 For tickets and further information contact www.birkenheadschool.co.uk

Williamson Art Gallery and Museum RefurbishmentThe Williamson will reopen on Friday 1st February with a café, shop and changes to most of the gallery displays.

Last Friday @ OxtonThe next event will be on Friday 22 Febru-ary from 7.00pm. Tickets (£10 and includ-ing drink and food) from the Green Shop, Oxton Village Books and Stirling’s Wines. More details at https://www.facebook.com/LastFridayAtOxton

Wirral Archives ServiceA series of free monthly Thursday afternoon workshops on a variety of family and local history topics.Upcoming workshops: From 2 - 4pm7 February An Introduction to Family History7 March Family History – Taking it Further 4 April Battle of Brunanburh

All workshops are held within the Lower Ground Floor Conference Room at the Cheshire Lines Building.http://www.wirral.gov.uk/my-services/lei-sure-and-culture/wirral-archives-service/workshops Guided WalksPlease see the History Periodical for the Spring programme of guided walks.

bonfire and we welcome visitors to the Oxton Secret Gardens who walk through from the car park on the Oxton Fields. We always enjoy sharing our success with all those who visit and receiving their commiserations about the weather. With luck, no further commiserations will be required in 2013.

Fairview allotments

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40 Poplar Road: ref CA100/12Proposal: To fell a walnut tree as it will be affected by the proposed development of the house to provide more accommodation.Oxton Society comments: This tree is a fine example of a relatively rare tree within the conservation area. We did not wish to see it felled without understanding how it is affected by the proposed development and whether the development can be amended to retain the tree.

7 Mount Pleasant: ref CA--/12Proposals: 1. To fell a horse chestnut leaning against and causing damage to the sandstone boundary wall. 2. To reduce the crown of a sweet chestnut by 3m to the point where it has previously been pollarded.Oxton Society comments: These trees cannot be seen from a publicly accessible area. The Society therefore offered no comments.

37 Fairview Road: ref CA093/12Proposals: To fell a pine. Oxton Society comments: We had no objec-tion to this work as we accepted that the

Trees and planning: applications to the council and society comments

Wirral Borough Council decides all planning applications and applications for tree work. The Council invites the Society to comment on development proposals in or adjacent to the Oxton Conservation Area and on tree work proposals. The Society’s role is to present informed argu-ments to the Council for the protection and sensitive enhancement of the Conservation Area.The Society’s ‘Planning Group’ draws up the Society’s comments on development proposals and a ‘Tree Group’ comments on proposals for tree work. These groups use as guidance the Council’s own published planning framework and the Society’s Policies and Code of Practice are published on the Society’s website and available from the Honorary Secretary (see back page for contact details). Individuals may have their own views and the Society expects them to exercise their right to make representations direct to the Council and/or their elected Councillors. Comments sent to Wirral Borough Council since the last newsletter are set out below.All trees in the Conservation Area, including fruit trees, with a trunk diameter (at chest height) of more than 7.5 cm (about 3”) are protected by law. Wirral Borough Council’s Arboricultural Officer must be informed in writing six weeks in advance of all proposed work whether it is the pruning of branches, the cutting of roots or felling. The Society’s comments concentrate on trees, or part of trees, which can be seen from a place where the public has access.

crown has been damaged by considerable ivy growth thus destroying its character and in addition the roots are now damaging the adjacent structures. We welcome the inten-tion to plant a replacement which will attain a significant stature.

34 Templemore Road: ref CA094/12Proposals: 1. To fell a plum tree. 2. To fell a cupressus.Oxton Society comments: 1. We had no objection to this as the tree is clearly dead. 2. We had no objection to this as the tree has outgrown its position and has been poorly pruned in the past. We welcome the proposal for replacement planting.

8 Duncote Close: ref T122/12Proposal: To crown thin a lime which has been shedding limbs. Oxton Society comments: This tree is subject to a TPO. We had no objection to this work however we consider the crown thinning should have a percentage limit; in this case we suggest 15%.

Planning

There are no planning applications to report

Contacting the Oxton Society and the Newsletter

Contributions to the Newsletter are welcome and should be sent to the Editor by email to info@oxtonsociety.org.uk or by post to the secretary, 4 Willan Street, CH43 5ST. You can also contact the society by any of the telephone numbers or email addresses given in this Newsletter and via the Oxton Society website or via the page on Facebook. Many smart phone apps will get you straight to the Oxton Society website by means of the code printed here. If you are having diffi culty with this, you may fi nd the appro-priate free download @www.neoreader.com. Do you have an email address? If you are not receiving e-mails with news updates, your current email address is not in the database. Please send it. Details are confi dential and never passed to 3rd parties.

8 Printed by Impressions, Palm Hill, Oxton Village Prenton, Merseyside CH43 5SP, 0151 651 0463

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The membership year ends at the end of February and renewal notices are being sent with this newsletter to members who are due to renew. Once again it has been decided to keep the membership fees at the 2007 level. If there is no form included with this newsletter it means that you have already paid for years in advance. Many thanks.

77% of members now pay their member-ship fees for 2 or more years in advance. This is greatly appreciated as the Society estimates that collecting annual member-ship fees every year from the remaining 23% ‘costs’ the Society over 25 hours of volunteer time plus the fi nancial cost of re-newal notices. So, please renew your mem-bership for a number of years in advance. It really does help.

Membership fees for 2013/14

Finished decorating and have le� over paint?

Your fresh, but surplus paint will prob-ably end up on a forgotten shelf or even disposed of – in a responsible and safe way, of course. But why not give it to a community project which can re-use it? Leftover paint is a valuable resource and there are over 60 paint-reuse schemes in the UK. Our local one is based in Wallasey at the Wirral Environmental Network. “Community RePaint Wir-ral” welcomes your offers of un-used paint. Contact them at 639 2121 or hannah@la21.net.

Gardens welcome forthe Secret Gardens

It’s not too late to offer to open your garden on the day. More gardens are still needed. If you would like to discuss it, ring Steve Ferguson now on 652 6089.