At its December meeting the committee decided to experiment with bi-monthly meetings and this is reflected in the listing on the Diary page. The main reason for this change is the significant reduction in the number and nature of planning applications for new-builds or building alterations or extensions. However, it also reflects the fact that, in the normal process, any applications that require action are dealt with as they arise, partly to avoid missing deadlines for comment and partly because ‘discussion’ can now be by way of e mail communication, both between members of the committee and with local residents. The change is not set in concrete and we will review it later in the year to see whether or not it is proving to be satisfactory.

Dates have now been set for the AGM, which will be on Tuesday 8 May, and the Summer Garden Party, which will take place on Saturday 23 June, after - but in tune with - the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, earlier in the month.

Tree Warden needed. We have recently agreed with Stephanie French, who is the Tree Champion for our Neighbourhood Partnership Ward, that she will work more closely with us to help safeguard our wonderful stock of trees. Until recently, Robert Huddleston and Brian Hall have been kindly fulfilling the role of Tree Warden, but the new arrangement calls for a more formal role – hence the need for someone with a bit of time to spare to look at and advise on any trees being listed for felling or over-zealous ‘Tree Works’. A brief job description is available on our Publications page

If you haven’t spotted it already, there’s an interesting potted history of Sneyd Park in the January issue of The Bristol Nine free magazine (pages 23/24), kindly penned for us by Aubrey Matthews.

Sneyd Park is part of the Stoke Bishop district of Bristol, much of it falling within the Sneyd Park Conservation Area (SPCA). The association’s area of interest is bounded by the following highways: Rockleaze, Downleaze, Stoke Hill, Old Sneed Avenue (to the junction with Roman Way and Avon Way) and Glenavon Park, to the edge of the Portway.

The links page offers access to Bristol City Council pages on conservation areas and specifically to an SPCA document with a defining map.

Under its constitution, the association’s aims and objectives are:

To maintain the existing character of the area by aiming to represent the views of the residents in general matters of planning and environmental issues and to promote community issues of benefit to the residents of Sneyd Park.

Membership is open to all residents within Sneyd Park. Benefits include help with planning matters, three newsletters each year in March, July and November and one or two social events. Our annual membership subscription is £3.00 per household. To find out more about joining, please contact the membership secretary.

Each year at the AGM in May a small committee is elected and this normally meets monthly, excluding August. The committee publishes minutes which may be found here.

We look for new ideas and input from members and welcome constructive criticism. If you feel you would like to join the committee or may be able to help the association in some way, please contact the chairman.