Present: Fred Pinney (Chair), Rebecca Pitt- Aikens (Secretary), Jane Henderson (Treasurer), Penny Moore, Karen Robinson, Annie Batten, David Helliwell (Trustee), Sarah Jinks, Marcel Kroip, Georgina Howes, Kumiko Helliwell, Boffin Cousins, Lizi Freeman, Anna Michell, Briony Doubleday, Kate Latham, Joy Wilson, Richard Frith, Catherine Unia, Victoria Bass, Tim Treacher, Kathy Bramble, Tony Cox, Sue Colclough, Clare Currie, Harm-Jan Fricke, Tatiana Clifford, Nick Wilson, Lizzie Wilson.
Apologies: David Custerson (trustee), Nic James-Moore, Jo Sloley,
- Minutes of 2024 AGM agreed.
- No matters arising.
- Report from the Chair – Fred P reported on various activities over the previous year including work parties, the Summer BBQ and produce show (thanks expressed to Rebecca PA) and the setting up of the Allotment WhatsApp group. . Extensive tree work has been undertaken including the pollarding of the willow in Deans Ham, and recent work kindly carried out by Andy Auty, thanks were expressed to both Andy and Jane H. Other projects of particular note include the creation of a Hugelkultur bed thanks to Tony Cox and a small team of volunteers which will be very interesting to watch settle in. Cath U and Harm JF were also thanked for supporting the Primary School plot which is looking great. Finally, great thanks were expressed to Marcel K for his ongoing work on our solar water pumps without which we would certainly be in trouble. The ongoing questions relating to the lease and the Flood Alleviation Scheme have not changed substantially and any news will be communicated to all if and when there is anything to report. The issue of the paths has not been addressed to date. (Please see AOB below as this was discussed further). FP also welcomed Sarah who will be bringing a hive of bees to the site which is hoped will bring many pollinators to our plants and contribute to supporting the bee population in the area. (See
- Treasurer’s report – Jane H presented the accounts. There is a healthy balance but expenditure on paths is once again anticipated. A slightly lower bottom line was due to the extensive tree work carried out this year.
- The Committee – The committee was proposed to remain the same with the exception of Karen Robinson who has chosen to stand down. We are very grateful to Karen who has given considerable time to the allotment association as the Treasurer and for all the work she has done with the website & digital coordinator. The remaining team was elected unopposed:
Chair – Fred Pinney
Secretary – Rebecca Pitt-Aikens
Treasurer – Jane Henderson
Lettings/Trustee – David Helliwell
Trustee – David Custerson
Member – Penny Moore
Member – Annie Batten
If anyone has the time to assist with the website management please do come forward as your help would be very much appreciated.
- Beekeeping on the site – Sarah Jinks kindly attended the meeting and discussed the implications of hosting bees on the Spragglesea site. One hive is proposed for the first summer, with no honey being taken until they are established. Following a walkabout with David H, Penny M and Sarah, identified a flood free quiet location in the top corner of Spragglesea. This has been okayed by the allottees nearby and the bees should arrive once the area has been cleared. Updates will be sent out prior to the bees arrival. Bees have been successfully kept on the allotments previously and Sarah discussed possible concerns in great detail. Clearly the hives should not be disturbed, and we urge parents and dog owners to be particularly aware. The hives will be sited in such a way to ensure the bees leave their entrance and fly upwards, as gaining height will limit the contact they have with gardeners nearby. Antihistamines will be kept on site but we urge anyone with any allergy issues to take normal precautions. Sarah is relatively new to beekeeping having completed her training during Covid, however she is pleased to have the support of her mentor who happens to be the Secretary of the Oxford Beekeeping Association. Sarah will be on the WhatsApp group if anyone spots anything they feel she should know about and of course you can contact the committee.
- Plots and Rents – Rents are proposed to remain unchanged. All the plots are currently let, and the waiting list has reduced from 21 to 14.
- Compost/Brash/Shredding – the need for a sort out in the processing area near the gate was discussed. It was decided that this should be a priority and will be started on at the next working party. The compost bins are to be consolidated and two bays to be rebuilt/mended for general use. The existing brash pile will be relocated to an area to be outlined within the processing area and used for material that cannot be shredded i.e. raspberry canes, hazel and all dead and dry wood. The existing ‘shredding pile’ will be moved to another spot and left as a source of material for decomposers/detritivores. Due to insurance, only the committee members who have been trained can use the shredder but days will be planned when it will be operated. Contact has been made with Oxford Garden Centre and allottees can get a 10% discount for some purchases (see WhatsApp group). They have also agreed to our having certain pallets which will be useful in the processing area refurb. The council have been approached to see if we can restart their use of the processing area corner as leaf and lawn clipping dump as it makes a great mulch with time.
- Keys & Access for Vehicles – keys are available from members of the Committee to the locks in the park enabling the site to be accessible to vehicles. Please contact the committee in good time if you need to borrow the keys and note we are not allowed to bring vehicles though the park at all on Saturday, Sundays or Bank Holidays.
- Any Other Business –
The problem with the condition of the path, particularly in areas of Dean’s Ham were raised and the committee understands this is of great concern to many. A walkabout of the site will be planned asap and we would welcome those most affected to come along please. Meanwhile FP is going to get quotes from contractors so we can have an informed debate this Spring. As a starting point, the second working party of the year will focus on path improvements.
Issues with Muntjac on the site were raised. Apart from trying to identify where they are getting in, we failed to come up with any solutions. An electric fence along the stream was suggested.
We are looking for assistance with our website management and digital input generally. If anyone has a few spare moments and feels confident in this area or wishes to learn new skills, please get in touch.
Upcoming Events
Working Party : Sunday 6th April 10.30 – 12.30 Composting: processing area sort out
Hulgerkulture Meeting : Date to be confirmed
Path Walkabout & Working Party : Date to be confirmed