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 (12.5.24): Confirmed
Report from Treasurer
- Bank balance – £4,800 approx
- Major outgoings – £80 New pump
£1,200 Willow pollarding
- Recent income – £20 – old pump sale
Lease
- No major developments in discussions between council and Federation, so continue to monitor and wait until queries re 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
- 3 vacant half plots on Deans Ham available immediately (David)
- Around 15 on waiting list
- Light touch plot monitoring seems to be working well.
- It was agreed that a healthy balance of larger and smaller plots should be maintained. Consequently, one small available plot will be offered to extend an existing allottees plot while three half plots will be offered to new allottees.
- Offers of support to new members struggling with neglected plots will be made, and basic clearing prior to renting will be attempted (David + Committee)
- Remeasurement of several plots has been carried out, new half plots (see above) need measuring and boundaries confirmed with allottees (Jane, David)
Site Management
- Paths ongoing, no further progress. Two quotes to be obtained to clarify options as well as costs & timescales. (Fred)
- Possible path funding to be explored (eg Nat Allot Soc). (Annie)
- Electrification of Temple of Mars is prohibitively expensive, contact with park boat club and council to be made to see if an accommodation may be reached (Annie)
- Tree management was considered at length. It was queried as to whether a five year plan would be sensible. Complete Tree Services are already planned to come in and give a quote for a management plan, this could include fruit trees on plots.
- Existing site rules re planting trees to be highlighted in newsletter (Rebecca)
- Hugelkultur Project – using lots of brash from oversize heap
Admin
- Working party Nov/Dec – composting area, date to be fixed (Jane & Rebecca)
- Spring working party – composting area + shady bed (Jane & Rebecca)
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 winter working party. Ongoing need to decide whether to replace the bays and continue the system or alter it somehow.
- Stihl strimmer replacement is on hold as it is not urgent, however research on shredders to be started (David & Fred)
Items for next meeting
- AGM
- Lease
- Tree management
- Paths
Date/venue for next meeting
Possible Committee Meeting: Thursday 20th March 2025 tbc
Possible date of AGM: Tuesday 25th March 2025 tbc