Moss Lea Allotment Society
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on
Tuesday 27th January 2015, 8pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club
Present
Steve Barlow, Steve Cowell, Andy
Warburton, Gwen Kinloch, Ray Hardcastle, Phil Almond, Tony, Harriet, Steve
Watson, Geoff, Brian, Joe, Barry.
1. Apologies
Pauline Oliver, Steve Richardson.
2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes of the meeting held
on 25th November 2014 were accepted as a correct record.
3. Matters Arising
There were no matters arising
from the previous minutes.
4. Secretary's Report
The lock on the gate is to be
replaced with a combination lock. Bolton Council has taken this action as there
are too many keys in existence for the locks on allotment sites across the
Borough. The four digit code will circulated to plot holders.
One plot had been taken through
the complete eviction procedure due to lack of cultivation, however it appears
that the rent has been paid on the plot (presumably the Council issued an
invoice). Cultivation of the plot will still be required if the eviction is to
be avoided. The rent on one of the other plots had not been paid and SB has spoken
to the plot holder who has agreed to pay.
The Onion and Leek Show is to be
held at Moss Lea and the society will be sponsoring a class at a cost of £10.
The number of entries in the Moss
Lea Show was less last year than previously and it is thought that releasing
the date for the show late in the season does not allow plot holders to prepare
effectively and they are less inclined to enter. This year the show will
definitely be on one of the last two Saturdays in August and plot holders
should plan for show produce to be ready at this time if they intend to enter.
5. Insurance
Insurance has been renewed at a
cost of £159.00 for the year. The cover has been upgraded to include employer's
liability.
6. Greenhouses
There has been no response from
the Council as yet regarding the Society's request to allow greenhouses on
plots. SB will raise this in the monthly return.
7. Site Maintenance and Repairs
The amenity hut door has been
replaced and painted, new architraves and a flood bar have also been fitted.
Both toilet doors are sticking and a request will be made for the contractor to
come back to rectify. The hut remains dry inside.
A skip will be hired in the
Summer. Waste for the skip should be placed at the back of the amenity hut in
the meantime, which will allow an estimate of the volume of waste for the skip
to be made.
The communal compost bins have been
covered. Plot holders are reminded to refrain from putting diseased plant
matter, tree roots etc in the bins as they are not suitable for composting.
Anything that cannot be composted should be removed from site or burned.
Concern was expressed over manure
deliveries being on grassed areas for prolonged periods, as this will kill the
grass. Plot holders should move manure from these areas as quickly as possible
and deliveries made to non-grassed areas if at all possible.
8. Any Other Business
The Maher's order is about to be
made by Andy Warburton. This will include a bulk order of compost.
Ray Hardcastle reported that the
society's funds stand at £ 1171.00 now that the insurance has been paid.
9. Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 24th February 2015, 8pm at Astley Bridge
Cricket Club.
