"We would like to welcome several new members to the Society and to thank all those members who took the time to write to object to, or to complete the petition objecting to, the recent Planning Application by the Dowhill Group. 

   "You will be aware that we have made our representations to Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council opposing this latest planning application. We are grateful to Mr George Basnett who kindly funded a legal planning specialist and that we were able to receive such good advice from them.  He really came to our aid at a key time and I am sure that all members will wish to thank him." (See the letter here).

   In a reference to the latest planning application to build on the Walled Garden, and where to find the details published on the Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council website, Pat wrote:

   "I think that you will find that the only letter agreeing to building within the garden is from Nantwich Town Council in spite of the fact that not all members of the Town Council wish the garden to be developed for housing.  Unfortunately, the majority party on that council, the Nantwich Independent Party, has never supported our efforts because they are afraid that we may ask them for funding from your money.  However, I think that we have much support on the Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

   "We have once more asked English Heritage to register the Walled Garden on their register of Historic Parks and Gardens in view of the unusual and historic records of the purchases made for the garden, which are recorded in the Wilbraham archives.  We await their response to this request.  We understand that the borough council has delayed putting the planning application before the Development Control Committee for 12 weeks.  We hope that by that time English Heritage will have made a decision.

    "We still await a decision from the Planning Ombudsman who is very busy at the moment! 

    "I shall be retiring as Secretary of the society at the A.G.M. due to illness and I do hope that somebody will feel able to fill the role in my place.  I wish to thank all those people who have so kindly supported me over the last few years.  I still hope that we win the battle to save this garden for Nantwich.

   "We wish to thank you all for your support."