The Millennium Green is a charity - to donate, please see the donation page on our website. About the Millennium Green
When and How was it Established? In the period from 1996 to 2000 the Millennium Commission ran an initiative to provide new areas of open space that could be enjoyed by local communities. They were to be breathing spaces - places for relaxation, play and enjoyment of nature and pleasant surroundings. They could be small or large and in urban or rural locations. They were called MILLENNIUM GREENS. Some of the criteria that had to be met were:
The site to be held on trust as a permanent resource for the local community
There had to be public support for the proposal and that it would make a substantial contribution to the life of the community
Anybody may use any part of the land on foot, for informal enjoyment and play
Local people must be able to reach the Millennium Green safely and conveniently from their home
The community had to have convincing proposals for the long-term management of the site
During that period Henbury Parish Council were looking for a way to provide an outdoor recreation facility and in 1998 took the farsighted decision to establish a Millennium Green in the village. They invested a great deal of time and effort in fulfilling the above conditions laid down by the Millennium Commission, who provided 50% of the fund for the land purchase. The rest of the money was raised from local subscription and grants from the Landfill Tax Scheme, Macclesfield Borough Council, Manchester Airport Community Trust and several others. In September 1998 a charitable trust, known as Henbury Millennium Green Trust, was set up to purchase the land, create the Green and maintain it in perpetuity for the inhabitants of Henbury. It joined forces with the Parish Church of St Thomas, Henbury, (who own half an acre of the Green adjacent to the Vicarage), and finally took possession of the land between Pepper Street and the Vicarage in March 1999. Working to a plan developed by a landscape architect, the first step was for local volunteers to plant 1500 trees followed by the creation of the wildflower meadow, children’s play area and footpath by a landscape contractor. Finally the sundial, with its 1 tonne gnomon of Kerridge stone, was aligned with great accuracy by the thirteenth Astronomer Royal to tell the time at this location. In 2011 the Henbury Millennium Green Trustees approached the Parochial Church Council of the Parish Church of St Thomas, Henbury to ask if they would be willing to sell their part of the Green to the Trust. This land was held in trust for the PCC by the Chester Diocesan Board of Finance. It was agreed to sell the land and the sale was completed in 2013. Thus, the Millennium Green Trust now owns and maintains the whole of the Henbury Millennium Green. This piece of land is integral to the function of the Green as a community facility. It includes the flattest part of the Green, where the Marquee is erected for both the Summer Fete and also the Bonfire Event. It was felt that bringing this piece of land under the control of the Millennium Green Trust would strengthen their ability to maintain the Green in its current form in perpetuity for the inhabitants of Henbury, which is their primary aim. Following consultation via the 2010 Parish Plan, the Green was selected as the place to install professional play equipment for children under 10, and local residents formed a team to arrange for sponsorship and purchase of the equipment. Equipment was selected to be in keeping with the aims of the Trust, and finance was provided by WREN, community grant funds from Cheshire East Council and Manchester Airport , and from Peak and Plains. The new play area was officially opened by David Rutley MP in July 2014. What does it provide for Henbury Residents? By November 1999 the Green was ready for its first village events, the Guy Fawkes bonfire and, on December 31st, a torchlight procession that featured on BBC TV North West News to welcome the New Millennium. Since then it has been used every year for community events such as the Summer Fete and Bonfire but also by residents of all ages for informal recreation, be it a gentle stroll, kicking a ball about, playing cricket, making a den in the bushes, sledging in winter or watching the wildlife which has moved in, attracted by the now well developed natural environment. It will continue to provide the same facilities in the future as it did in the past. The Children's Play Area equipment was installed in July 2014 and provides a selection of structures such as a basket swing, a 'trim trail' and a tower with slide. It is designed to encourage children to exercise safely and test their skills at balancing as well as climbing. Who owns and looks after it? The Millennium Green Trust owns and is responsible for maintaining, and improving, the Green in line with the Trust Deed under which it was formed and with a Planning Agreement made with the Borough Council. The Trust is managed by a group of Trustees whose names and contact details are given on the ‘Contacts’ page. The Trust holds an Annual General Meeting each spring, open to all residents and interested parties, at which it reports on its activities and finances and seeks feedback from the community on matters concerning the Green. How is it financed? The Trust derives its income from grants made by the Parish Council and the Henbury Events Committee, covenants from local residents and also fundraising events such as the bonfire & firework display. It also benefits from interest earned on an Endowment Fund built up from donations received since its formation in 1998. Regular maintenance such as grass and hedge cutting, public liability insurance and safety audit cost a significant sum each year with money also being required for ‘one off’ maintenance jobs and improvement projects. How is it maintained? The Trust works to an Annual Maintenance Plan, which is reviewed and updated each year. Some routine maintenance, such as the mowing of the grass area and hedge cutting is done by paid contractors. The rest of the maintenance is done by the Trustees ably supported by volunteers. The work includes (but is not limited to):
Cutting and clearing the wildflower meadow in the autumn and re seeding where appropriate. Thinning and coppicing the woodland to maintain wildlife habitat and tree health and of course to provide fuel for the annual bonfire. Progressively replacing the hedgerows – removing the old sycamore and replacing it with hawthorn. Keeping the footpath free of weeds. How can I contribute to the well-being of the Green? Volunteer to help with the maintenance. The ‘Events’ Page of this website includes details of planned working parties where you are invited to come along and help us maintain the green. Report any damage or defects to the play area to one of the trustees or volunteer to help with the required routine inspection of the playground. Volunteer to help with our events, for example the Annual Bonfire which is our major fundraising event. Come to the AGM and meet the trustees and let us know your thoughts on the Green. Above all - use and enjoy the Green – it’s what it is there for.
