Thursday 16 February 2012

Dick Ford 1932-2012

Edna and Dick at a Tree Musketeers stall 
with (foreground) Anne Woollett,
another great friend & activist 
now looking after a Norfolk woodland 
Many of the trees now growing and flourishing on Millfields were planted or looked after by Dick Ford, who died last week.

I first met Dick over a decade ago in what was then the Hackney Tree Wardens, local people volunteering to plant and care for trees. He was a man it was very easy to like – large, gentle, good-humoured and warm, with a big face and a throaty chuckle. And if Dick was on an outing, you got not only the pleasure of his company, but Edna's home-made scones as well. So they were both very popular.

It was Dick and Edna's popularity, in fact, which led to Hackney's famous Tree Musketeers replacing the more demure Tree Wardens, following a wardens' AGM at which Edna, not being a paid-up member, was asked to leave the room. My missus protested and we both left, as did most of the other active members. After that the Tree Musketeers were formed, where we understand that it's people not rules that make a group tick. So the Musketeers are, in a way, part of Dick's legacy.

Dick lived in Overbury Street and Millfields was his local park. Thinking over which trees we planted or mulched together, I'm sad to think that the cherries near the substation's west wall were among the many Millfields trees ripped out by National Grid. It's not only the greenery you lose when they send the bulldozers in. But the arboretums on north and south are still there and looking better every year, as are other teenage trees dotted round the edges and avenues. So next time you're enjoying them, don't forget to think of Dick Ford.

Tim

Friday 10 February 2012

Working group takes up Casimir Road

The Casimir Road entrance was a major item at the 7 December group meeting and had an excellent outcome: several group members with relevant skills stepped forward to form a working group. Since then another local professional has volunteered her time and skills - having seen one of her park designs featured in our discussion paper on a noticeboard.

We also decided to press for the removal of all railings along the National Grid lay-by, including the 'green'. The committee has taken this up with LBH.

The rules for committee elections were adopted. They basically describe what we did last year, but additionally give the opportunity for prospective committee-ists to describe themselves to the group before the election meeting.

For the full minutes, follow the link at our Meetings Records page.

Leyton Marsh: WF rubber stamps, resistance continues

Following Tuesday's Waltham Forest planning committee decision to approve the ODA application for basketball courts on Leyton Marsh a meeting has been arranged to discuss a campaign against the development.

Monday 13 February, 7pm  
Hare and Hounds, 282 Lea Bridge Road E10
The meeting is being held in what except for Monday evenings is the dining area. Children are welcome. But sorry no dogs.

Please contact MUG committee member  if you need further details or want to comment.

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Previous stuff at: 16 December and 15 January