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January 2012
Swifts are regular visitors to Shrewsbury in the Summer having overwintered in Africa. They arrive in the Town regularly during the first week in May where they nest, often under the eaves of our medieval buildings. These nesting sites are declining somewhat so we've installed a Swift Nest Box on the Northern Gable End of UBF. It can be easily seen as you walk up St Mary's Water Lane. The entrance hole is clearly visible so if you see evidence of occupation and breeding, please let us know!
Meadow and Garden Beds July 2011
How lovely our Meadow looks at the moment! A recent mowing session shows it at it's best and the raised Garden Beds are a triumph and credit to the green fingered members of Blackfriars community. If you would like a plot to grow your own produce, then please contact the Blackfriars Garden Committee (Amanda and Margaret on email margaret.clitheroe@btinternet.com.) More pictures of the Meadow and Garden Beds are on our Flora and Fauna page (click here).
March 2011 - Trees
In early March we had to fell one of the Lombardy Poplars which had rotted at the base and was in danger of toppling onto Lower Blackfriars in a high wind. It will be replaced, at the behest of the council, by a Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', a large imposing tree with a narrow columnar habit, commonly known as the Cypress Oak or Upright Oak. It will obviously be planted further away from Lower Blackfriars than the poplar was.
At the same time the Norway Maple near the gable end of Lower Blackfriars was lightly pruned to try to minimise the ongoing building maintenance problems it causes.
Pictures are posted on Flora & Fauna.
March 2011 – Update on Raised Garden Beds
Some of the new raised beds at the far end of the meadow have now been planted, mainly with fruit bushes, and no doubt, as the weather warms up, salad crops will start to make an appearance. If you’d like any information on these, please contact Amanda (apartment 28) or Margaret (apartment 12).
Feb 2011 - Raised Garden Beds
The raised veg/fruit beds are now installed. Work carried out quickly and efficiently with minimum disruption to residents. More news to follow (but any enquiries or questions in the meantime, please contact Margaret No. 12 or Amanda No. 28)
Dec 2010 – Trees and Shrubs
Tree roots have caused some damage to the small wall by the bin store. This will be repaired as soon as permission is granted to cut down the tree (which will then be replaced with a suitable shrub). Plans to replace the tree opposite UBF are also in hand (roots are starting to lift the pavement).
Dec 2010 – Recycling
Thank you for your recycling efforts. Please remember the paper bin in the bin store is not for cardboard – paper only please! Your efforts to fill the glass recycle bin with empty beer and wine bottles so quickly is quite staggering!
Bike Shed Update Sept 2010 - The Bike Shed now has a Yale-type lock. Residents who want a key should contact Eddie Clitheroe.
July 2010 Raised Garden Beds - Blackfriars has received authorisation from Shrewsbury Planning Department to create some Raised Vegetable/Garden Beds in the Meadow (situated along the far boundary, beyond the picnic tables). The Beds will measure approx 12ft x 6ft (a good workable size) with space in between for easy access. It is proposed that each bed could be shared between 2 residents. First option would be given to Apartment Owners, and then to long term Renters. Communal Garden Tools and Watering Cans will be available. If you are interested and require more information on this project, then please contact Blackfriars Garden Committee (Margaret Clitheroe – margaret.clitheroe@btinternet.com)
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August 2011
The Garage Doors in St. Mary's Water Lane and the Picnic Tables in the Meadow have been painted!
Spring 2011 – Birds
Blackfriars has been visited by a surprising number of bird species since it was built in 1998, and this is my list of the ones I have spotted – in the gardens, meadow, car park, flying overhead or passing by on the river. We are regularly visited by Sparrowhawks, Buzzards and, in the last year or so, a Peregrine Falcon flying fast towards the town’s church towers has often been seen. Rarities include Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Black Redstart and a Cuckoo calling across the river. The river itself is regularly inhabited by Goosanders and in the winter by a pair of Little Grebes. It's harder now to record new species but if you do see something unusual to add to the list, please contact me. Eddie Clitheroe
Full List of Birds see Flora & Fauna
Dec 2010 – Raised Garden Beds
The raised fruit and veg beds will be installed soon at the far end of the Meadow. There are a few beds left so if you fancy growing fresh produce for the table, then please contact Amanda at No. 28 or Margaret at No. 12.
Dec 2010 – Common Entrance Doors
Problems continue with the steps leading to the blue common entrance doors (despite several attempts to put this safety problem right). A permanent solution is being sought as regular repairs are expensive.
Dec 2010 – Bike Sheds
Eddie (No. 12) has spare keys to the Bike Shed.
Dec 2010 – Buildings Decorating Update
The external painting of Blackfriars has at long last been completed. Thanks to everyone for their patience and co-operation. If there are any problems (such as missed or sticking windows), then please contact Pooks. Next external painting is 7 years away! Painting of internal common areas is scheduled for 2012.
June - The AGM will be on 17th June 2010, 6.30pm at the Telepost Club, Town Walls, Shrewsbury.
March 2009 Newsletter from Directors (Recreation - Field Use).
Click here to download the newsletter.
Trees
February 2009 - Several saplings of Birch, Rowan and Scots Pine have been planted to enhance the field. A Norway Maple at the rear of Upper Blackfriars, causing frequent and costly removal of it's seedlings from gutters and drains, has been felled and replaced by two Silver Birch. If anyone would like to plant a suitable tree in the field as a token of remembrance, or to recognise an event such as a birth or anniversary, please contact Eddie Clitheroe.
Leasehold Flats Guide
Nov 08 - We have added a useful guide to the "principles and obligations behind the occupation of leasehold residential property" - click here.
June 2009 - A second Picnic Table has now been installed in the field. Please refer to entry March 2009 Newsletter from Directors (Recreation - Field Use) to view terms of use.
Meadow - February 2010.
More trees have been planted in the meadow. We hope you made good use of the two Picnic Tables following the 'BBQ' summer. Suggestions for further improvements are always welcome. Whilst Blackfriars operates a no-pets policy it is realised that visitors may bring a dog on the day they visit. They are welcome to exercise their pet in the meadow but please remember that children also play there so please clean up any mess your dog may make. Thank you. |