Issue - meetings

To receive presentations by the following interested groups on the Committee:

i.          New River Action Group – Rachael MacDonald (to follow)

ii.         Hornsey Historical Society – Jacob Callaghan (to follow)

i.          New River Action Group  (NRAG)

The Committee received the presentation by Rachael MacDonald on the New River Action Group, which had lobbied successfully to stop the New River from closing 25 years ago. Further to questions from Committee Members a discussion took place and the following was noted:

The New River was self regulating; whilst there were pumping stations all along the 25 mile flowing river to extract water, water was also pumped back in, in a complete circle, as well as the river collecting rain water.

Thames Water allowed members of the public to walk along the New River although it was not a public right of way and was sometimes closed.  Local authorities through which the river runs were responsible for the maintenance of those sections of the river.

ii.         Hornsey Historical Society (HHS)

The Committee received the presentation by Jacob Callaghan on the Hornsey Historical Society, a registered charity to research and celebrate local history.

Further to questions it was noted that the Hornsey Historical Society took part in the recent Open House and other such events to ensure historical material was available for  consultations.

The Park Manager reported that he had joined the Hornsey Historical Society on behalf of the Alexandra Park and Palace Trust and he intended to work with the Society in order to maintain Alexandra Park’s Green Heritage Award.

RESOLVED to note the presentations.