Seventy five people attended the successful inaugural meeting of Friends of Magdalen Green (ably chaired by Councilor Fraser Macpherson) on 16 May 2007 in Dundee West Church. In addition to the formal part of the meeting there was opportunity to chat over tea and biscuits, to complete a short questionnaire about the Green and to view recent photos of activities on the Green. The meeting itself was in three parts, an introductory presentation, a lively discussion and the formal business - adoption of a constitution and election of office bearers. The following account is a summary of the minutes, which have been sent to all attendees.
Councillor Macpherson welcomed everyone and set the scene for the meeting with an account of some of the issues and concerns that had prompted the move to establish 'Friends of Magdalen Green', a group which would champion protection for and improvement of the Green. Liz Broumley, a local resident who has been involved in the steering group, gave an interesting, informative and humorous presentation, which covered a potted history of the Green, current concerns, positive attributes and possible future enhancements.
In the discussion which followed Councilor Macpherson informed the meeting that the Planning and Transportation Department intended to undertake consultation about options for improved residents' parking in areas adjacent to the City Centre in the coming months. This consultation will include the West End and therefore the Magdalen Green area. Parking issues were a key concern of the meeting and there is clearly need to seek imaginative solutions which will protect the Green and the trees on the northern edge from the effects of parking, while enabling residents to leave their cars within a reasonable distance of their homes. It was pointed out that the extension of the Roseangle car park into the children's play area has not benefited residents, and it was requested that the area should be reinstated as grass. There were differing views about a fence or other barrier on the northern edge of the green, some accepted that this might be a costly necessity whereas others argued for the open nature of the green. It was felt that parking might become a limiting factor to the numbers wanting to live in the West End, however it was pointed out that when 'No Parking' notices were erected the numbers of cars on the green reduced dramatically, suggesting that there is acceptable alternative parking within the vicinity of the Green.
In addition to parking a number of other issues were raised. There was discussion about the area that constitutes Magdalen Green. It was agreed that the children's play area to the east of Riverside Approach Road should be included, but not the reclaimed land to the south of the railway (although including that land would provide a car parking area and toilet facilities close to the railway foot bridge).
There were complaints about the amount of litter and the dumping of rubbish along the railway. Larger more functional litter bins are needed, along with more frequent litter collections.
It was felt that the southern edge of the Green would be improved with lighting, which could make the area safer and decrease vandalism. Solar lighting was suggested as a sustainable solution. (The possibility of developing this through a collaborative project with Dundee University and Dundee Sun City is being explored.)
There was consensus on the need to provide a formalised area for barbecues to stop the damage caused to the grass. (A request has already gone to Dundee City Council to provide BBQ stands) There was also agreement that toilet facilities would be useful.
There was discussion on how to involve young people and make them proud of the area, and to use the bandstand for a wider range of music. It was also suggested that the bandstand be flood-lit at night.
Many of the issues raised were reflected in the questionnaire returns, and together these views provide a basis for future action by 'Friends of Magdalen Green'.
The draft constitution was adopted subject to four amendments. In addition legal advice should be sought on member liability and OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) should be consulted about gaining charitable status.
The following office bearers were elected.
Chair person - Sheila Roy
Vice chair - Angela Mehlert
Secretary - Pat Orr
Treasurer - Liz Broumley
Below you can see a selection of photos voted by people at the meeting as the activities they most liked and least liked to see on the green.
