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Briefing Document: Friends of Histon Road Rec (FoHRR) Survey Analysis
Date: February 9, 2024 Subject: Analysis of FoHRR Member Survey Responses
Introduction:
This document summarizes the key themes, priorities, and suggestions arising from the recent survey of Friends of Histon Road Rec (FoHRR) members. The survey aimed to gauge member priorities for activities, gather ideas for engagement, and understand preferences for meeting times and membership fees. The analysis below is based on the responses provided.
Key Themes and Findings:
Core Reasons for Membership:
Preservation and Enhancement: A primary driver for membership is the desire to protect and improve the Histon Road Rec as a valuable local resource. Members express concerns about overdevelopment, potential loss of green space, and maintaining the area’s existing character.
Community Space: Many see the Rec as an important community space for families, children, and social interaction. Several members specifically mention using the Rec for picnics, play, and socializing.
Opposition to Development: A significant concern is the perceived threat from the CIP/Hill development and the potential for it to negatively impact the Rec, with several members wanting to “ensure that the rec is maintained as it is without any interference from greedy development schemes” and prevent it from being treated as an “extension” of the development.
Enjoyment of Nature: Several members value the Rec for its biodiversity and “wild” areas, wanting to ensure the protection of hedgehogs and other wildlife.
Prioritization of Activities:
Top Priorities: Consistently, the highest priority for members is the enhancement and protection of the Rec. The top two priorities are generally:
“Represent the interests of the Rec to the Council and other organisations on behalf of members and Rec users” (This was mentioned as a 1st priority by many of the respondents).
“Activities to maintain or enhance the Rec (e.g., bat/bird/hedgehog box building, litter picking).”
“Work with the City Council, as appropriate, to establish priorities for the maintenance and enhancement of the Rec”.
Other Important Activities: Other priorities, in descending order, generally included:
“Carry out specific projects, with the City Council’s approval, to enhance & protect the Rec (e.g., grant aided restoration projects).”
“Seek improvements in play facilities, biodiversity, safety, accessibility to all areas in the Rec”
“Arrange community events at the Rec, open to all local people and Rec users (subject to grant funding)”. Although lower in overall priority, it is worth noting that many members do suggest events, which shows support for this kind of activity.
Specific Suggestions and Ideas:
Community Events:Fetes and Festivals: Many members expressed interest in traditional fetes, garden parties, and community picnics. For example: “A summer garden party with activities for all ages, especially to bring in the younger members of our community” and “a Community fete would be a great way to enlist support from a wider range of the community” and “Traditional garden fete- tea and cakes served in St Augustine’s, bric-a-brac stall, cake stall, tombola, book stall, toy stall, games, etc”.
Themed Events: Ideas included a 1940s themed event with period dress and music, a summer solstice celebration, and a litter picking party event. “Something with a historical theme e.g. 1940s with people wearing appropriate dress and a prize for the best outfit”.
Involvement of Local Groups: Several members suggested involving local arts, archaeology, and children’s groups, as well as local schools, possibly with stalls or activities at events. “Involve local Arts: groups, Archaeology groups, Children’s Playgroups” and “it would be good to involve as many of the community groups that meet at St Augustine’s on a regular basis, proposing that they each have a staall or event that we can fit into the programme. We could extend that invitation to Mayfield School and any other local groups.”
Children’s Activities: A strong emphasis was placed on activities for children and young people, including children’s races. “Summer event for Children and young people” and “Children’s races such as egg & spoon and sack race”.
Rec Maintenance and Enhancement:Biodiversity: Ideas included bird/bat box building, tree planting, creating a “wild area” fenced off from dogs, and biodiversity training for children.
Play Equipment: The need for sturdy, non-breakable basketball equipment and enhanced, weatherproof play facilities was mentioned.
Protection of Existing Features: Members expressed the importance of not removing the historic railings around the Rec and of keeping the “wild” spaces intact, noting that they are important for children and wildlife: “In an urban area there is very little space to do this – so the combination of nice play equipment as well as some chaotic not-maintained “wild” area has been good” and “Keep a part of “the rec” as a wild area, fenced off from dogs etc. it is our only WILD SPACE in our area left now for creatures like hedgehogs, frogs etc to make homes in”.
Opposition to Development: Members want action to “stop its Annexation, change of use, & removal of historic railings that serves only to increase CIP/Hill’s profits” and oppose the introduction of new access points or any reduction in the size of the secure children’s play area.
Involvement and Communication:Recruiting Members: There was an emphasis on the importance of recruiting more members who are willing to contribute time and effort rather than simply expressing views.
Better Communication: Some members wanted clearer communication regarding the main issues, aims, and actions of the organization. “Be clearer as to the main issues, aims & actions of the organisation” and “Keep me contacted with specific work being done”.
Online Voting: The suggestion was made to allow for online voting.
Involvement in Decision Making: Some members wanted to be more involved in meetings where decisions are made.
Meeting Preferences:
Weekday Evenings: The majority preferred weekday evenings for meetings, particularly between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Flexibility: The need for flexibility is expressed, with some members expressing the difficulty of attending in person and suggesting online attendance.
Membership Fees:
Support for Fees: The majority of respondents supported the introduction of annual membership subscriptions.
Preferred Amount: A £5 per household fee was the preferred option, although some were also happy to pay £5 per member.
Fairness: Some members expressed concern that those contributing time and effort should not be charged to do so.
Benefits: Several members questioned what benefits membership would bring and suggested providing specific benefits to members.
Quotes:
“To work for and represent members in achieving the best outcomes for the proposed EIP and Development projects.”
“We are short of green spaces in this area now that Darwin Green is being built.”
“I am interested in all efforts to improve the local area.”
“I have found recent discourse around local developments sadly combative in tone and I find that unproductive.”
“Valuable local green space including children’s play area under threat of adverse modification.”
“As a grandmother, I have been to Histon Road Rec with my daughter and my 2 x grandsons. I have also used the area to come with friends, have a small picnic / social time. So I wish to help keep the lovely “low key” recreational area, healthy and safe for us and the next generation.”
“A wish to make sure the Rec is well looked after in the interests of all local residents.”
“A desire to protect and improve a space which is important to us all.”
“to ensure that the rec is maintained as it is without any interference from greedy development schemes”
“One thing I would say is that it has been great for my children that the Rec has had these spaces which seemed to be not maintained, but allowed for children to pick blackberries and build dens, etc.”
“I use the rec. My grandchildren use the rec when they visit.”
“support efforts to improve a valuable local resource”
“The key issue is preventing CIP/Hill persuading the Council to effectively change the use of the Rec by allowing it to be designated an extension of their developmnet”
“To be informed and involved in management of this open space”
“I have lived I the area for 28 years and regularly go to Histon Road Rec. I am concerned that the Rec will lose wildlife and biodiversity if land is lost to developers.”
“The key is to recruit more members prepared to contribute their time and efforts rather than simple express their views.”
“Summer party Provide cakes or an activity”
“Traditional garden fete- tea and cakes served in St Augustine’s, bric-a-brac stall, cake stall, tombola, book stall, toy stall, games, etc”
Conclusion and Recommendations:
The survey responses provide valuable insights into FoHRR members’ priorities and preferences. The key takeaways are the strong desire to protect and improve the Rec, the importance of community events, and a willingness to support the organization through membership fees.
Based on these findings, FoHRR should:
Focus on Rec Protection and Enhancement: Prioritize activities that directly address the protection of the Rec’s character and biodiversity, as well as actively represent the interests of the Rec to the Council in the face of development projects.
Organize Community Events: Plan a range of community events that cater to different interests and age groups, while involving local groups and schools.
Improve Communication: Keep members informed of ongoing issues, work being done, and actions the group is taking, and allow online voting for those who cannot attend meetings.
Implement a Membership Fee: Introduce a membership fee, starting with £5 per household, while considering specific benefits for members and ensuring that fundraising events can be used for major projects.
Seek Member Involvement: Encourage more members to contribute time and effort to the organization, especially on the committee or in planning events.
This analysis provides a strong foundation for FoHRR to plan its activities and achieve its aims of protecting and enhancing the Histon Road Rec for the benefit of all local residents.”