Present: Annie Batten, Fred Pinney (Chair), David Helliwell (Trustee/Lettings), Jane Henderson (Treasurer), Rebecca Pitt-Aikens (Secretary), Karen Robinson, Penny Moore
Apologies: David Custerson (Trustee)
Previous last two meetings 27.10.24: Confirmed
Report from Treasurer
- Bank balance – £4,700 approx
- Major outgoings – £80 New pump
£1,200 Willow pollarding
- Recent income – £0.00
Lease
- No major developments in discussions between council and Federation, so continue to monitor and wait until queries (liability and options) are clarified. (Fred)
- David C and David H both willing to stand as lessees in theory if that is required.
- No news re land at end of DH and flood alleviation scheme purchase.
Plots and Lettings
- No vacant plots
- Around 14 on waiting list
- Light touch plot monitoring seems to be working well.
- Offers of support to new members struggling with neglected plots will continue to be available (David + Committee)
Site Management
- Paths ongoing, no further progress. Two quotes still to be obtained to clarify options as well as costs & timescales (Fred)
- Possible path funding to be explored (eg Nat Allot Soc). (Annie)
- Andy Auty to be approached for more tree management after it has been such a success. (Jane)
- Hugelkultur Project has been a great success – used lots of brash from oversize heap. To be monitored …
- Why has council stopped dumping leaves and grass cuttings? (Annie)
Any other business
- Compost Heaps – not being managed or used very well, plus too much material for shredding. Compromise to reduce to two bays as some bays are collapsing and have a general sort out during a working party.
- Talk to Oxford Garden Centre for links and possible discounts/deliveries
- Strimmer service – cheaper alternatives to be explored for next year (Karen)
- Strimmer electrification – further investigation to be undertaken (Fred)
- Buy some new wheels for wheelbarrows (Fred)
AGM
- Agenda decided and to be circulated (Annie Jane, Rebecca)
Items for next meeting
- Post AGM followup
- Paths
- Compost and waste
- Lease
Working Party : Bee site preparation, compost sorting and rebuilding of 2-bays, shredding
Date/venue for next meeting
AGM: Thursday 27th March 2025
Possible Committee Meeting: TBC
Working Party: Sunday 6th April 2025 – 10.00-12.00 and 2.00-4.00 with refreshment