Facebook - Friends of Denton Gardens

1 day ago

Let's welcome our new members:Cllr Beccy Cooper ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago

A great team effort cleared the second bed this morning. Well done everyone. And big thanks as usual to our friends at Coast for refreshments. New plants arriving on Wednesday, so all volunteers ready to plant really welcome 10-12. ... See MoreSee Less

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4 days ago

A good morning’s work clearing the eastern bed ready for the new plants. The western bed will be tackled on Saturday. ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Planting Sub-Committee Report - AGM, 1st September 2022 Louise Corcoran, Secretary, Friends of Denton GardensFriends of Denton Gardens Planting sub-committee has been blessed with having 2 amazingly knowledgeable and talented landscape architects - Jade Goto and Michal Zarzecki, plus invaluable input from Anthony and Dave from the Council Parks team, as well as input early on from our other expert landscape gardener, Jools Owen. This pool of talent has been hugely beneficial and I’d like to thank them all for their time and contributions.Pergola CIL ProjectVery early on, almost immediately after being constituted last September in fact, we had the opportunity to apply for up to £10k of funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy, or CIL, for a one-off project to improve the gardens, but the deadline was ridiculously short. However, we managed to pull together an application centred around the 2022 centenary involving replacing and replanting the pergola area and installing a commemorative centenary stone. We still have a bit more planting to do, in the borders either side of the pergola, and benches to install, but hopefully you have all seen, and many of you have helped with, the amazing transformation we have made so far with this work. So thank you to the volunteer gardeners who have helped make all of this possible.Sunken GardenWe are hoping to replant the sunken garden area next, and Jade has produced a beautiful planting scheme. We have already drawn on her ideas from this for underplanting the pergola, so the sunken garden would be an extension of this theme. You can see illustrations of the plants in the handouts being displayed this evening.We wanted to make the space more open and friendly, to encourage visitors and locals young and old, and to reduce hiding places and discourage anti-social behaviour. The concept employs coast tolerant plants that will offer softness, colour movement and openness, with year-round interest. The plants chosen are low maintenance and will attract wildlife, with a mix of grasses and perennials. The plants will flower successionally from May - October, after which the structure of the grasses and seed-heads will remain. The plants will be at a height that can be seen over, to make the space feel inviting and integrated with the rest of the gardens. Four specimen trees will be planted within the four corners of the beds, positioned to maintain the view through the garden.We do not currently have funding, but hope to fundraise during the course of the next year to take this forward, probably in a staged approach as we fundraise. Removal of the phormiums starts this winter in preparation and we would welcome your feedback.Former PondWe have also had discussions about the former pond. For the forthcoming season, we plan to plant it up with wildflowers while we consider longer term options. Returning it to a fully working pond looks to be too high maintenance, but installing a water feature could be more realistic. This is something for the new committee to take forward. Any comments or suggestions welcome.Woodland BorderOur next main project is the Woodland Border, which runs along the length of the western edge of the gardens, which Michal is taking the lead on.Our initial ideas are based around improving the ecological value of this area, complementing and improving on the existing planting. We are proposing selective clearing, crown lifting and thinning of the understory layer (shrubs and smaller trees) to open up the composition enough to make it unattractive for antisocial behaviour and rough sleeping, whilst also adding some new planting, including native trees and shrubs, to fill in some larger gaps. Some shade-tolerant thorny shrubs could be considered along the edge of properties to act as security buffer if necessary.The planting scheme could also include herbaceous ground flora, including ferns and flowering perennials, to extend visual interest into the winter months and early spring. The early flowering plants would also provide early-season foraging for insects.The ecological value would further be bolstered by manmade enhancements, such as log piles for beetles, and bird and bat boxes.Some interpretation boards illustrating the key features are proposed to raise awareness of the enhancements. We would hope to embark on this next year, and would love your comments.Eastern BorderThe eastern border will continue to be maintained as it is for the time being, but again we would welcome any planting ideas looking further forward. ... See MoreSee Less

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5 days ago

Good to see the council sprucing up and repairing the beach shelter today. 👍 ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

👩‍🌾🧑‍🌾👨‍🌾The gardening group are meeting Wednesday and Saturday mornings this week to prepare the ground for the new plants due to arrive next week. Everyone is very welcome to join us; enjoy the gentle exercise, the autumn sunshine, the cameraderie and the feeling of doing something good for our local environment. What’s not to like? 👍😀☀️🪴🪴 ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Friends of Denton Gardens Financial Report 2022: We have had quite a successful year financially.Our Secretary managed to secure ten thousand pounds of funding from CIL (CommunityInfrastructure Levy) which allowed us to buy the pergola, plants and centenary stone.We still have access to the remainder of the money which CIL have agreed to provide for twobenches which will be situated on the raised area next to the pergola and more plants tomake up the full £10K.Anthony Read, Head Ranger from his budget, generously covered many of the expenses thatwe incurred during the organisation and running of the summer picnic. He continues to helpus in our endeavour to make the gardens a pleasant place to be. A big thank you to him.£100 was donated by Anthony Pope at Mini Golf thanking us for the work that we did tomake the picnic such a success. Also the effort we put in to challenge the council's plan tocommercialise the gardens.Also £100 from Sue Belton of the Worthing Society to thank us for the new website that Ibuilt for the Society this year.And £25 from Stewart Roberts, a local resident.Thank you to you all.There were some other minor expenses during the year - printing some posters and leafletsfor the picnic and renewing our website domain name.After taking all of this into account it leaves us with a total of £189 in our bank account.We do intend to try and raise funds during the course of this coming financial year and wewelcome any suggestions that you may have. Please contact us via the website or by emailon friendsofdentongardens@gmail.com.If you would like to donate some money please visit our website and click the 'donate'button which is nice and easy to doA copy of our accounts will be made publicly available should anyone wish to view them.JP Rowe Treasurer ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Friends of Denton GardensAnnual General MeetingThursday 1st September, 18.00hrs Egremont Public House, Brighton Road, WorthingWelcome and Introductions - Chair, Nadine BarberNB thanked everyone for their support over the last 18 months.The group has successfully seen off the commercialisation threat to the Gardens - the original catalyst for the creation of the Friends group.The decision to then constitute (ie set up a formal committee with elected officers, a constitution, hold AGMs, etc), gives the group more gravitas and the ability to apply for funding.We now have a lovely voluntary gardening group running, which is informal and gentle, where anyone can meet, chat and exercise.Treasurer’s Report - Acting Treasurer, John-Paul Rowe - See separate reportPlanting Sub-Committee Report - Secretary, Louise Corcoran - See separate reportEvents and Link Press Officer Report - Annie WaranReported very positive feedback from centenary picnic, overwhelming support to do it again.Minor points learnt: need generator and microphone, need quicker or 2 face painters. Ideas going forward: fancy dress, involve local businesses more eg sponsorship of Tug of War, rain contingency. All ideas welcome.What’s Ahead?The Planting Report outlined most of the planting plans, and Anthony Read, Head Ranger, WBC Parks Dept, confirmed that work to start removal of the Phormiums begins in Nov.AR thanked and congratulated the group for all they have achieved in such a short timescale.AR suggested an Easter Egg hunt as a potential future fundraiser. Supermarkets would potentially donate.AR offered water butts to any residents adjacent to the Gardens who would be willing to connect these to their downpipes where practicable. Nikki Sheeran suggested also approaching the Crabshack and Rowing Club with this suggestion.Green Flag Status - AR reported that the application would be submitted in Dec. The judges have already seen the gardens and he is confident about the outcome. Community involvement key, and award affords Gardens greater statutory protection. Conservation Area Extension - Sue Belton from the Worthing Society, who staunchly supported FoDGs campaign to protect the Gardens, updated the meeting on progress to extend the Steyne Conservation area to include Denton Gardens, as well as Beach House Grounds and the southern end of Beach House Park. She understands a heritage consultant has been appointed and discussions with thecouncil will commence soon. SB will write an addendum to her submission as/when Green Flag Status awarded. AR will forward the Green Flag management plan to her. Shelter - issues with vandalism raised. Suggested that making it more attractive, eg. with plant troughs, would make it more popular, and greater usage would discourage vandals.Funding - suggestions floated included another CIL application, applying elsewhere eg. Heritage Lottery Fund, emphasise educational, environmental and community enhancement; explore business involvement - many local businesses are community minded - sponsor a bed? Speak to other groups - how are they funded eg. Broadfest.Amendments to ConstitutionNone.Election of OfficersChair – Nadine Barber Nominated by Krish Waran Seconded by Virginia De Nagy EndorsedTreasurer – John-Paul Rowe Nominated by Tony Barber Seconded by Simon Ward EndorsedSecretary – Louise Corcoran Nominated by Nikki Sheeran Seconded by Nadine Barber EndorsedAOBRe-wilding - Simon Ward asked about any plans for re-wilding, following areas previously being left unmowed. AR explained that one area was left unmowed for a period due to bulb planting, and the southern bank was left during no-mow May. Future ecological enhancements would come from plans for the woodland border, as well as wildlife-friendly planting choices made elsewhere.Thanks - NB took the opportunity to extend special thanks on behalf of the Friends to AR and the Parks Team for all their support.New Seafront Protection and Enhancement Group - Krishna Waran announced he was involved in establishing a new group aiming to enhance the town’s biggest asset - the seafront - and invited FoDG as a stakeholder to become involved. Worthing Journal - AW announced that there was an opportunity to submit a 200 word update to the WJ each month. Nikki Sheeran agreed to take this on if the committee supplied the information. ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

I am pleased to announce that the documents relating to our recent AGM are now available to read on our website. Please click on the following link for the Minutes, Treasurer's Report and Planting Sub-Committee Report. ... See MoreSee Less

Committee Meetings - Friends of Denton Gardens

www.friendsofdentongardens.org

Committee Meetings 2022 Friends of Denton Gardens AGM 2022 Was held on Thursday 1st September 2022 at 6.00pm at the Egremont Public House, Brighton Road, Worthing Download the minutes and the financia...

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2 weeks ago

Let's welcome our new members:Chris Matthews ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Let's welcome our new members:Amy Sutton ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Let's welcome our new members:Janet Margaroli ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

The new planting round the new pergola is settling in well and is beginning to look fabulous. ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

Let's welcome our new members:Claire Rebecca Iden,Alison Chivers ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

Some great ideas in Worthing ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

Last night Friends of Denton Gardens had its first Annual General Meeting. The group has achieved so much over the past year:*Successfully fought off plans for major commercialisation of Denton Gardens*Formed the FoDG committee to enable us to apply for funds*Applied for (and spent) £10,000 CIL grant to replace old pergola and planting and embed a centenary stone to commemorate Alderman Denton’s gift*Held a very successful Denton Celebration Picnic Day, with the Mayor unveiling the commemorative stone*Established a weekly volunteer gardening task group every Wednesday morning*Established an experienced and committed garden design group who have devised a 3 year plan for the GardensHuge thanks go to Krish, who was fundamental in quashing the ill-conceived plan; to Annie for coordinating all the events for the Celebration Picnic Day; to Louise who successfully applyed for and managed CIL funding; to JP whose professional skills established the FoDG website, Facebook page, email, information boards, posters, leaflets etc etc; to Jade and Michal for bringing their landscaping expertise to the group; to the gardening volunteers, including David, Carolyn, Joy, Chris, Tom, Jacki, Guy, Nikki, Jools, Virginia, Tony, Edward, whose commitment and energy is steadily bringing the Gardens back to their former glory; to The Worthing Journal for regularly publicising our cause and activities; to Coast for the welcome weekly refreshments; and to everyone who has supported us over the past year. We must also thank Head Ranger Anthony Read for supporting and guiding us and facilitating our ideas and the Parks gardening team for their friendship and advice. For the future we must find more funding or sponsorship to enable the replanting of the sunken garden area. The volunteer gardeners will continue their good work. And there’s a big demand for another Picnic Day next year as well as other events. Please contact us if you love Denton Gardens and would like to get involved and/or have ideas for the gardens or how to raise funds. Everyone is very welcome. Nadine Chair. ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

Let's welcome our new member:Sarah Wiltshire ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

www.friendsofdentongardens.orgAnnual General Meeting - Everyone is very welcome6pm Egremont Thursday 1st September 2022 Agenda1 - Welcome and Introduction Chair Nadine BarberTreasurer’s Report JP RowePlanting Subcommittee Report Louise Corcoran2 - What’s Ahead for Denton Gardens?3 - (Re?) Election of OfficersReview of Constitution4 - Any Other Business and Discussion ... See MoreSee Less

Home Page - Friends of Denton Gardens

www.friendsofdentongardens.org

Denton Gardens is a public ornamental gardens located just to the east of the Steyne Gardens Conservation Area in central Worthing.

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4 weeks ago

A reminder to all Denton Gardens Friends that we are having our AGM this Thursday 29th August at 6 pm in the back room at the Egremont (courtesy of mine host Greg - thank you 🙏)We’ve had a phenomenal year of community action and activities, and we’d love to celebrate this, thank our supporters and chat about what’s next. 👏👏👏Everyone is welcome and we hope as many of you as possible will be able to come along. See you there? 🪴👩‍🌾🧑‍🌾👨‍🌾🪴 ... See MoreSee Less

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1 month ago

Some of our trusty volunteers in Denton Gardens this morning. Welcome to Tom and Joy and Alice who were able to join us for the first time. The group is making a real impact on the garden. This Saturday morning is our monthly session and so the weeding and clearing goes on... ... See MoreSee Less

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