Agenda and minutes

The Chair opened the meeting welcoming the new Members Jeremy Simons, Deputy Chair of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; Dawn Wright, representative of the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee; and Anne Fairweather, Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee. The Chair thanked outgoing Member Karina Dostalova, former Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee for her contributions.

Apologies were received from Martin Humphery and Jeremy Simons.

There were no declarations.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 October 2019.

RESOLVED, that – the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 October 2019 be agreed as a correct record.

Report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath

Members considered a report of the Superintendent of Hampstead Heath relative to the Mid-Year Update Report for Keats House Charity 2020/21. The following points were noted:

·         During the COVID-19 lockdown, Keats House closed to the public, however this time was used to carry out works to ensure safety and preservation of artifacts; install new displays; conduct research on collections; promote Keats House as part of the Our City Together initiative. The house reopened to the public from Sunday 26 July 2020 with revised opening times and procedures.

·         The Artist in Residence’s continued, including sharing photography of the garden; writing for Our City Together; and facilitating a virtual flower-pressing workshop for the public.

·         Keats200 programming was offered online and programming would continue past 2020.

·         Works on the gates and toilets were tied up with the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) project. In the interim, the wooden gates had been replaced with like-for-like gates which would last until the spring when the project for CIL-funded elements would be carried out (pathways, lighting, exterior toilets and enhancements to the gateway).

·         Expenditure from Keats House reserves for improvements to the gates to be considered by the Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee.

·         The Department of Open Spaces was working with the Chamberlain’s to reset the budget in light of the impact of COVID-19.

·         The contactless payment system would be set up as soon as possible.

The Keats Community Library provided the following update:

·         The library was closed from 17 March to 18 July, using the closure as an opportunity to clean the library and restock books. Since 18 July, the library has been open two days per week and operating with COVID-safe regulations, including mandatory masks. The library has been very busy since reopening due to high rate of library loans and outdoor programming. Discussions were

There were none.

The Chair encouraged Members to visit Keats House to show their support.