The Commoner
Welcome to this 2012 spring edition of our newsletter. Well, what a spring! A very dry, warm start (let's hope this was not our summer...). Drought restrictions and then the rain. This must be the wettest drought in history. The Friends of Rede Common (FoRC) volunteer working party meet on the third Saturday of each month between 10am and 12 noon at the Columbine Close entrance. Tools are provided for the tasks ahead. Volunteers should wear sensible, strong footwear and suitable clothing for outdoor work. Gloves are provided but it is recommended you bring your own. We also provide refreshments for those taking part. Get in touch if you would like to help, comment, even if your support is only every now and then. DIARY DATES 2012 Thursday, May 17 Volunteer Day (St. Georges Centre, Chatham) Saturday, May 19 - Working party 10am-12 Saturday, June 16 Working party 10am-12
The Friends of Rede Common
Sunday, July 15 Rede Common Open Day 11am -3pm ...see below
Saturday, July 21 - Working party 10am-12 Saturday, August18 Working party 10am-12
!!!!!!!!
Rede Common Openday Sunday 15th July 2012 11am -3pm
We really want this to be a
!!!!!!!!
'big event'
so put the date in your diary and pop along to see what is on offer and most of it is for free. Refreshments and toilets will be available. There will be dog information plus short obedience demonstrations from Medway Dog Training Club, bug hunts, whistle making, RSPB, Kent Wildlife Trust, Strood Youth Club leaders doing face painting and games, a bit of dancing, music and more...What fun it will be!! It is to be a celebration of this site with nature, fun and the environment to the fore. Fine weather and a good crowd is all that is needed for a great time. The site is not suitable for wheelchair access and the ground is uneven so sensible footwear is recommended. Dogs on leads for this day please.
Contact Details:
Email: RedeCommon@[Link] Find 'Friends of Rede Common' on Facebook
Margaret Salter (Chair) Ph: 01634 718643
Rita Hunt (Treasurer)
Ph: 01634 295580
NEWS & UPDATE Shipping Container
One of the issues we have is tool storage and having the correct one on hand. The volunteers only use hand tools but someone has to store them and remember to bring them, this can be a nuisance when that person cannot attend on that day. We have been lucky with an offer of a 20ft x 8ft second-hand shipping container from Strood Academy. We have to move it, renovate it and improve it's security. All of this costs and we thank our local labour ward councillor. Issac Igwe, for a donation. Then there was planning permission for siting this on the hard standing. All this is now in place and the container is on site!!!! There have been a few objections but with a fresh coat of paint and some careful planting it is hoped to reduce it's visibility from neighbouring houses. Lots of people with wire brushes and paint brushes are needed to get it looking good, if you can help please get in touch. No date has been arranged as yet as the weather has been so unpredictable.
Paths
The hard surfaced paths are increasingly in a bad state of repair. This has not been helped by the torrential downpours we have had of late. We hope Medway Council Greenspaces team will repair them before they get any worse. The council have said they will strim around the hard standing and the grass footpaths. The current contractors do not do this. We believe the common should be used more by local schools, scouts, girl guides and other groups as a learning resource. If these groups could travel to and park on the site it may encourage greater use. Email responses to: RedeCommon@[Link]
Bird Survey
A member from the Kent Ornithological Society (KOS) kindly carried out a bird survey on the common late last month. He is currently writing up a report and will let us have a copy of his findings. The results will be posted on the notice boards. Come and chat to KOS members on the Openday.
RHS South & South East In Bloom Its your neighbourhood
Rede Common entered this community project last year and we were delighted to receive a Level 3 (Developing) award. We have entered again this year and have sown the wildflower annual seed mix provided by the RHS in April. Thanks to our volunteers and a bit of luck with the weather the seeds have germinated and it is hoped they will add an additional splash of colour and attract more bees and butterflies. The judges will be on site on Monday 16th July at about 1 pm to see if we have improved on last year.
St George's - Volunteer Day
Thursday May 17th. This Council. Many interesting Friends of Horsted Valley encourage local groups and was a good day organised by the Medway Local Access Forum and Medway speakers and groups. It helped raise the profile of Rede Common. The will kindly share their educational pack with us and it is hoped this will schools to use the site for educational purposes.
Litter and Dog Poo!!!
We pick litter each workday and for the most part have noticed a decrease in the amount being dropped. We appreciate the kind words from people we meet on the common saying that they notice our efforts and say we are improving the area. Thank you to the responsible dog owners who clean up after their dogs, sadly there are still some who leave the offensive dog mess for others to unexpectedly find. This is upsetting, smelly and a health risk. With such a great site for dog walkers, please be considerate and clean up your dog's poo. Thank you.