SMBC Consultations

The information below has been sent to some Marple clubs and societies by SMBC. We draw attention to it as members may wish to respond to these consultations as affecting Marple and its residents:

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As you may be aware there are a range of consultations that are now live on Stockport Council's savings proposals for 2020/21.

You can have your say on these proposals by vising the Council's Consultation webpage (https://consultation.stockport.gov.uk/) and completing the online surveys.

The savings proposals include:

• Libraries
• Museums
• SEND Transport
• Street Cleaning
• Support Funds

Paper surveys are available in Stockport libraries and paper surveys for the museum’s consultation are also available in Stockport museums. If you require copies of these surveys in an alternative format, please email consultation@stockport.gov.uk to request this.

These consultations close in November 2019. It is important that we receive your views by November as all of the feedback will be pulled together into a report which will then be considered by Scrutiny Committees and then at the Cabinet meeting in December.  

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A Bright Future for Marple Civic Society - the conclusion of a lively workshop

There is no doubt that Marple still needs a Civic Society; an independent voice to continue working for Marple. That is the view of those who wrote to us and the many who attended the recent AGM and Evening Workshop to discuss:                                      "The Future of the Civic Society"  

             The next meeting of potential volunteers 

             is on Monday 20th May 2019

             in Marple Library at 7.30pm

if you haven't yet responded or attended an event, but are interested in volunteering, please come along to the meeting - you will be most welcome

Gillian Postill - Presentation

The latest event took place on Monday 15th April. Gillian Postill opened the Evening Workshop and gave a summary presentation of the society's function with examples of projects, campaigns and other typical activities it is involved in.

You can see the presentation slides HERE

Ian Harvey - Executive Director of Civic voice

 Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice, the National Civic Movement for England & Wales, joined us for the workshop. Ian's enthusiasm soon reassured us that we were not alone - he explained that many societies across the country had risen to   the challenge and overcome    the dilemma of leadership succession and gone on to build a better and brighter future for their civic societies. 

Ian promised to help and support Marple Civic Society in the process of transition.

     The lively workshop was led by Ian Harvey, Gillian Postill and member Geoff Green. 

Workshop session 1
Two key questions were examined:
1. Why do we need a society?
2. What does making Marple a better place mean to         you?





Workshop session 2                                               The groups discussed alternative structures and            ways of working that might work for the society in        the future





Finally, we asked for people willing to meet again with a view to discussing an action plan and volunteering to take the Civic Society forward to a bright and active future.
The response to the workshop and previous appeals for help has been heart warming - we believe the society has a bright future...........But we still need more volunteers - come along to the next meeting on Monday 20th May  2019 - see above for details

You can read a summary of the workshop HERE

View the presentation slides HERE and a summary of the workshop HERE

If you believe we still need a Civic Society in Marple, put the 20th May in your diary

see above (red text) for further details of next meeting

Invitation to Workshop Meeting - Monday 15th April re: The Future of Marple Civic Society

          

     It was the Civic Society's 57th AGM on Tuesday 26th March 2019

                       A Presentation & Discussion took place re:

                             'The Future of Marple Civic Society'  

                     This will be followed by an 

             Evening Workshop Meeting on Monday 15th April 

                  all welcome - you don't have to be a member - see further details below

Angus Yeaman retired after almost 50 years of service as a committee member in various capacities and as the society's President for the last 8 years. Although Angus was unable to attend the AGM, Arthur Procter gave him a beautiful photo which he took of 'The Roman' Packhorse Bridge and the Society had it framed to thank Angus for his outstanding contribution to the society.

Chairman Gillian Postill announces her retirement

The Chairman, Gillian Postill, announced her retirement after serving on the committee for 12 years and in the role of chairman for 9 years. She spoke of considerable community work in relation to the Town Centre and Marple Wharf and development of the Society's planning system, as significant activity during her chairmanship. She thanked committee members, past and present, for their support and hard work.

Treasurer Gordon Johnson talks about past projects

Following the Business Meeting, Gillian led a presentation to address the future of the society in light of four committee members and the membership secretary retiring this year. 

Treasurer Gordon Johnson talked about the varied projects the society has been involved in, demonstrating the wide scope of the society's work. Planning co-ordinator, David Cooper, explained how the society now works in a systematic way in dealing with planning applications. 

Gillian explained that the society was in a good position - a healthy membership,  a secure financial position and well respected for the way it functions from a knowledgable evidence base.

  

Unanimous support 

that Marple Civic Society should continue

           for the protection of Marple   

The Society is ripe for new blood to get involved to build on the past and take it forward. Those present at the AGM were in no doubt that the society should continue - but that will only happen if volunteers come forward. 

 Gillian said: "working for Marple through the Civic  Society is one of the most exciting and rewarding  things you can do - and you don't have to be a  'professional' - I'm a nurse but I love Marple and I love   people - that's all you need to succeed"

                      See minutes of 57th AGM HERE

              Thanks to Arthur Procter for the photos

 

 

Ian Harvey -
Executive Director of Civic Voice
will join us to help facilitate the meeting

  Invitation to Workshop Meeting 

     "The Future of Marple Civic Society"

          Monday 15th, April 7.30 - 9.30pm
                 Venue: Marple Library 
     Registration and refreshments from 7.15pm

          Does Marple need a Civic Society?
                   if the answer is 'yes'
                - How should it function?
                - What should it do?
                - Who will do it?

Please join us to answer these questions and ensure that Marple Civic Society has a strong and bright future and continues to care for Marple

There is no charge for this workshop and everyone is welcome - you don't have to be a member of the society to attend - all are assured of a warm welcome..

AGM 2019 - 'The Future of the Society'

Just to remind you of the details of the Civic Society's 57th AGM

 Marple Civic Society - AGM

Followed by Presentation & Discussion re 'The Future of the Society'

Tuesday 26th March at 3.00pm - 5.00pm

In Marple Library

Refreshments served from 2.40pm

Four members of the committee are retiring this year after many years of service. 

Please join us to discuss the Future of the Society - to decide how we can move forward and build on the strength the society has built up over the last 10 years.

If you can't make the AGM come along to the evening workshop on Monday 15th April to discuss the same issue. Ian Harvey, Director of Civic Voice - the national civic movement for England and Wales - will be joining us to help facilitate the evening.

We hope to see you at either the afternoon or evening event. We are keen to give everyone an opportunity to share their views and ideas. You don't have to be a member to attend; if you care for Marple you will be very welcome.

Notice of AGM 2019 - 'The Future of the Society'

                 We hope you will join us for the Civic Society's 57th AGM                                            

                                          Marple Civic Society

                  AGM - followed by: Presentation & Discussion re "The Future of the Society"

                                               Tuesday 26th March at 3.00pm - 5.00pm

                                                                    in Marple Library

                                                   Refreshments served from 2.40pm

                Following the Business Meeting there will be a presentation and discussion about:

                                                         "The Future of the Society" 

Four members of committee will be retiring this year after many years of hard and dedicated service. 

There is no doubt that Marple would be a poorer place without a Civic Society but we are at a cross-roads - how does the Society go forward and build on the strength it has built up over the last 10 years? This is what we will be addressing at the AGM. 

If you can't make the AGM there will be an opportunity to come along to an evening workshop - details available soon - we want as many people as possible to help us to decide the "Future of the Society"

We have an opportunity to recruit new blood wth fresh ideas to reinvigorate the committee and the society - find new people with energy and enthusiasm to take forward a dynamic and thriving society that will continue to stand up for Marple. But how do we do that? We need your help to find the answer. 

Please join us - you don't have to be a member - if you care for Marple you will be very welcome.

Better still, bring a friend, neighbour or family member - join us for a chat over refreshments at 2.40pm - All are welcome (N.B. only members can vote for election of officers and committee members)

If you wish to stand for committee or to nominate someone, you can obtain a nomination form by emailing us: mail@marplecivicsociety.org.uk

SMBC Consultation on Street Cleaning, Highway Grass Verge Maintenance and Parks

Stockport Council is planning more budget savings in areas of Street Cleaning, Greenspace and Traffic and Infrastructure. The proposals include:


Streets and public areas:
- reducing frequency of street cleaning
- removing litter bins from streets
- mowing grass verges less often
- converting lawned land to natural habitat

Park Areas:
- reducing the number of bowling greens
- removing litter bins
- removing horticultural beds
- reduced maintenance to play areas
- mowing grass less frequently
- reduced maintenance of shrubs and hedges


For further information see The Marple Website HERE

To have your say, respond to the consultation HERE

The consultation closes 11 January 2019

Committee Meeting Minutes 27th November 2018

Committee Meeting Minutes for 27th November 2018 can be viewed HERE

St. Martin's Christmas Tree Festival

The society is pleased to be taking part once again in the St. Martin's Christmas Tree Festival



As in previous years member Kathryn Procter has installed and decorated the tree.  Many thanks to Kathryn for another splendid tree and for taking the photos.
Kathryn commented about this year's tree:

"The Real St Nicholas with his Father Christmas friends, are climbing the tree to reach the top where Rudolph and the sleigh are parked, as there are no other parking spaces in Marple - alongside the Angels with trumpets announcing their arrival ! - - - - - Ho Ho Ho - - -" 

Please try to visit St Martin's church on Brabyn's Brow to see the Festival and enjoy the many trees on display from the Marple community.

More photos HERE

Marple Civic Society and Friends of the Park meet with Library Management staff

Yesterday, members of Marple Civic Society and Friends of Marple Memorial Park met with two of the Library Management staff to discuss Open+ and the library consultation that is currently underway. Discussions were reassuring in part, although they were unable to tell us how many staffed hours would be lost from April next year.

The main points from the meeting were:

• We stressed our opinion that it is crucial Open+ and reduced staffing hours should not impact or restrict local groups from using the library facilities for meetings and activities in exactly the same way as they do now (including access to the toilet). The library managers appear to be committed to achieving that and we look forward to details of how it will be made to work.

• The restrictions to the upper floor of the library during Open+ hours are due to insurance issues, particularly the potential for an accident involving a fall from the balcony. We asked that they look into the viability and cost of installing some kind of (clear) barrier to make this safer, and give potential for the whole library to be open during Open+. We offered to discuss how the community may be able to help find funding for this if it did proved to be viable.

• We stressed the importance of groups being able to continue to use the library for exhibitions and for people to be able to visit them while the library is open, even during Open+. We also reiterated that we considered it unsatisfactory that half the library space (upstairs) will not be available to users during Open+ hours. The degree to which this impacts on general community use will depend on the level of staffed hours lost but we feel it is important to look for solutions to this issue.

• We expressed concerns about Open+ restrictions for unaccompanied under 16s. The severity of this of course depends on the extent of cuts to staffed hours and the timing of staffed sessions.

• We expressed concern at the potential loss of the wonderful library staff and were assured that there would be no redundancies. While this is positive and does help to alleviate concerns, we are conscious that promises have been made in the past and not kept (like the undertaking given by the council to retain a full-time Park Keeper in Memorial Park that was not fulfilled).

• We expressed concern that the leaflet promoting Open+ presents it in a purely positive way without telling people that from next April there will be cuts to staffed hours. This means that anyone reading it in isolation would not see a particular need to respond to the consultation. The library management emphasised that they are eager for local people to complete the consultation and asked for the help of Marple Civic Society, Friends of the Park and the Marple Website to encourage more people to respond.

• We also explained a growing concern that consultations like this one seem to come to people's attention via the grapevine, rather than any formal notification process. This gives an impression that although the council is consulting they hope to do so without too many people noticing or understanding the significance. We believe that consultations that may be of concern to Marple residents should be formally announced at Marple Area Committee Meetings and will raise this as a public question with the Committee. The library managers also agreed to raise this internally themselves. 

So what can you do? Pretty much as before:

• Complete the consultation using the the comments section to highlight your own concerns and what you think is important. In particular (in our view) that local groups must be able continue as they are and that it is unsatisfactory for half the library to be out of bounds during Open+ hours.

• Please also express your concerns to local MP William Wragg and to our six local councillors.

You have until 15 December to respond to the consultation HERE

Community Mural at Rose Hill Station

Mural at Rose Hill Station illustrating different aspects of Marple

If you go along to Rose Hill Station to see Santa arrive at 3.30pm on the 17th December you will have the chance to see the wonderful community mural at the entrance to the station. The mural, part of a Big Lottery funded Intergenerational Project organised by Friends of Rose Hill Station, was painted by many local Marple people and illustrates different aspects of Marple life.

Painting of the canal basin at Stockport Road by Angus Yeaman

The Society's President, Angus Yeaman, contributed a painting on behalf of the Civic Society. It depicts the Society's first major canal regeneration project where access was created from Stockport Road down to the canal basin.

President Angus Yeaman
 celebrating his 90th Birthday
with Committee Members at Peruga

Angus celebrated his 90th birthday this year and continues to take an active role with the society after serving for 45 years on the society's committee. 

Committee Meeting Minutes 25th September 2018

Committee Meeting minutes for 25th september 2018 can be viewed HERE

Cobden Edge Cross

On Sunday 16th September a group of the Marple community braved the mist and rain to walk up from Linnet Clough to the new cross for a service of dedication, celebration and thanksgiving for the new "Cobden Cross". Marple Civic Society is one of the many local donors that has enabled the cross to be replaced by the council of churches in Marple, Compstall, Marple Bridge and Mellor. 

 

The New cross of solid French Oak sat in a stainless steel cradle, that replaces the old cross that had rotted and broken, now stands as a symbol of the christian community in the area.

As the cross was dedicated the mist slowly rolled back and by the time the congregation was leaving the sun came out. This great land mark now fully restored has a guaranteed life of 500 years.

Free Defibrillator Seminar delivered to Marple Residents

Photos by Arthur Procter

The Defibrillator and Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) seminar that took place last Thursday was a great success. Thirty five or more people attended and warmly applauded Phil Cooke for establishing three local defibrillators in the Greater Marple Area.  Although there are numerous defibrillators in the town, the one situated on the wall of the Regent Cinema on Stockport Road is available for use 24 hours per day. Others in dentists, doctors, supermarkets etc are only available when the premises are open - but heart attacks can happen anytime. That's why the civic society was keen to work with Phil to get a 24 hour community defibrillator installed in Marple town cente. Mark Whittaker joined in too and this became a real community project.

The seminar was delivered by one of the many volunteers from Community Heartbeat. Alan is a retired first aid worker and trainer and had the knack of relaxing the audience and getting them to join in.

If you are able to spread the word of where the defibrillator is located, by putting a poster on your website, in a shop or anywhere else on public view, that would be really helpful in spreading the word.

Knowing where there is a 24 hour defibrillator when it is needed could save a life.

See more photos HERE





Alan, from Community Heartbeat demonstrating Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation

Free Defibrillator Training - 19th July 2018 - Places still available

A quick reminder that training has been arranged with Comunity Heartbeat Trust so that people can learn how to use the recently installed defibrillator in Marple Town Centre at the front of the Regent Cinema on Stockport Road.

 Everyone is welcome to attend this free seminar and you don't need any special skills to attend.

The seminar can take 50 people and there are still a few places available - if you haven't yet booked onto the seminar there is still time to do so. The more people who know how to use the defibrillator the more chance we have of saving lives of those who have a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Do come along........

Booking is essential - see details below

Details of the Seminar:

Marple Library - 19th July - 6.30pm (for approx one and a half hours)

Marple Memorial Park, Marple

Please confirm your attendance by email to:
pmc@robertsandroberts.co.uk

Committee Meeting Minutes 26th June 2018

Committee meeting minutes for 26th June 2018 can be viewed HERE

Free Defibrillator Training Seminar in Marple Library

Now that the 24 hour defibrillator has been installed in Marple Town Centre at the front of the Regent Cinema on Stockport Road, it is important that people know how to use it.

Training has been arranged with Comunity Heartbeat Trust so that people can learn how to use the defibrillator and find out how it works. Everyone is welcome to attend this free seminar and you don't need any special skills to attend. 

There are 50 places available and everyone is welcome. The more people who know how to use the defibrillator the more chance we have of saving lives of those who have a Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Do come along........

Details of the Seminar:

Marple Library - 19th July - 6.30pm (for approx one and a half hours)

Marple Memorial Park, Marple

Please confirm your attendance by email to:

pmc@robertsandroberts.co.uk

24 hour defibrillator installed in Marple at the Regent Cinema

We are delighted that a 24 hour defibrillator connected to the ambulance service is now in situ on the front wall of the Regent Cinema on Stockport Road in the centre of Marple. It comes with full instructions for use and the phone number of the ambulance service. 

The use of a defibrillator in the case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest increases the survival rate and every second and minute matters. The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyses the patients heart rhythm and determines if a shock from the defibirillator is required - if it isn't, the AED will not shock the patient. So it can be used safely by non medical people. However, training will be organised very soon for community workers and residents and we will let you know when we have details.

After successfully installing a life-saving defibrillator in Marple Bridge and Compstall, Phil Cooke, Chairman of Marple Bridge Association (MBA), turned his attention to Marple. He approached Marple Civic Society who made a successful bid to Marple Area Committee for £1000 towards the £2000 funding needed to install a defibrillator in Marple. The civic society also pledged £200 and undertook to pay the £126 annual running costs for 5 years.

Marple's 24 hour defibrillator - Regent Cinema
 thanks to electrician Mike Beese for installation support

Finding a suitable location wasn't easy so after protracted discussions with several local businesses and consideration of several sites from Rose Hill to Possett Bridge we were delighted when the owners of the Regent Cinema readily agreed to have the defibrillator attached to the front wall of the cinema - it is an excellent location; prominent and easily accessible in the centre of town.

Raising the funding was surprisingly quick and easy. Within a couple of days of an appeal on The Marple Website the funding was secured thanks to some very generous local people.

Here is a summary of the funding for the Town Centre Defibrillator:

Total Installation costs - £2,000
Annual Maintenance costs for 5 years - £126 x 5 = £630

Installation Costs:
Marple Area Committee Flexibility Funding    - £1,000
Marple Civic Society                                       - £200
GT Landscapes and Construction Ltd            - £100
The Marple Website                                        - £50
Stephanie Lorusso                                          - £650
                                                               Total - £2,000

Maintenance cost for 5 years:
Shop Local Club Card                                                 - £50
1st Julian Wadden Commission contribution              - £122
Balance by Marple Civic Society and Julian Wadden - £458
                                                                            Total - £630

Further details of the project and funding sources on The Marple Website - see HERE

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Members' Privacy Policy

On May 25th new regulation is coming into effect to make sure companies and charities are protecting their customers and members' information which they hold on databases. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is intended to protect us all from being exploited when we give organisations our personal data. The Civic Society has always had a policy for processing and protecting personal data but this is an opportunity to update our process and bring it in line with the new regulation.

If you are content with the information that we hold, how we process it and how we currently contact you then you do not need to do anything. Because of the civic society's position as a membership organisation we do not need you to grant consent for your information to be used and you do not need to reply or complete any forms.

For detailed information on how the society handles and protects your personal data, how you can change it and how we contact you and for what purposes, see our privacy policy for members HERE