Moss Lea Allotment Society
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on
Tuesday 30th September 2014, 8 pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club
Tuesday 30th September 2014, 8 pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club
Present:
Steve Barlow
|
Gwen Kinloch
|
Andy Warburton
|
Phil Almond
|
Steve Richardson
|
Barry Ashton
|
Steve Watson
|
Pauline Oliver
|
Steve Cowell
|
Apologies: Ray Hardcastle
Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the meeting of 5th August 2014 were accepted
as a correct record.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.
Secretary’s Report
Association of Bolton Allotment Societies: Steve and Phil attended
the monthly meeting. The operational
management agreement continues to be discussed.
Clear guidance is being sought from the Council on nomination of
buddies. The Association is concerned
that societies are having to pick up the costs of site administration and will
be taking the matter up with the Council.
They will also be discussing insurance matters with the Council. There are plans to re-instate the annual
onion and leek show, which will be held at Astley Bridge Cricket Club. The 50p sub paid from members’ subscriptions
to ABAS will stand for 2014/15 and there will be no more to pay this year.
Monthly Return: This includes a section on breaches of
tenancy. Steve reported that one plot
has moved to stage 1, which involves a formal letter concerning the lack of
cultivation. There are various steps in
the process, which may eventually lead to the tenant vacating the plot.
Tenancy Changes: A
request to consider 2 half plots as one full plot has been agreed.
Site Repair &
Maintenance: Drainage on plots 18 & 19 is poor and a request for
drainage pipes has been submitted to the Council. There were compliments from Show visitors
about how good the site looked. Steve
extended his thanks to all who help to keep the site tidy and in good
repair. The cold frame area has been
cleared of brambles but it was agreed that the whole area needs a good
tidy. Anyone with ideas on how it could
be better used should speak to Steve.
Waiting List: There is currently 1 name on the waiting list. Two more people have expressed an interest in
having a plot and may therefore join the waiting list.
Community Plot: This has been let to two newcomers. However, a plot is being vacated and one of
the new tenants will be offered this. It
was agreed that if those working the community plot did not want to leave it
for a vacated plot then the latter would become the community plot instead.
Thanks: One of the new tenants has expressed his thanks to Steve
for the welcome he has had from society members.
Compost Area: This is being
so well used that a second bay has been built and the first compound covered
over to allow material to rot down.
There is concern about what is being added to the heap; much is material
that could be composted on individual plots and a lot is pernicious weeds and
diseased material that no one will want to use when it finally rots down. Guidance is needed to get the best out of the
facility.
Trespass & Theft: There is no evidence of trespass but produce
and materials are still going missing.
It may well be someone on the site but it was agreed that tenants had to
be reminded to keep the gate closed at all times. There was some discussion about installation
of CCTV cameras but this will not be pursued for the time being.
Amenity Hut: This can now be used for tool storage. It was noted that the lock had been mended.
Show Report
The number of entrants and entries was lower this year compared with
last. Nevertheless, the Show made a
profit of about £200 and it was generally agreed that it went well. The quality of the cakes that had been
donated for refreshments was particularly high and contributed to the success
of the afternoon. Steve thanked everyone
who had helped to make the day a success.
The recipient of the
Liddicote Bowl had complained that this was not a fitting trophy for the
category. The Gillibrand Cup will
therefore be re-instated as the trophy for most points in flower categories.
Discussion turned to
improving the kitchen facilities in the amenity hut. Kitchen units are to be installed for general
use during the year. A new sink unit may
be considered. Better facilities for
boiling water are needed, bearing in mind that they will be required for just
one day in the year.
Proposed Expenditure
A generator for the amenity hut has been purchased. There was no support for the proposed
purchase of a rotovator because they are generally mis-used and create more
weed problems than they solve. The
purchase of two sickles was agreed. It
is possible to turn the strimmer into a bush cutter and therefore there is no
need to purchase an additional piece of equipment. Improving the security
of the amenity hut by replacing the doors and frames was deemed to be a
priority. Estimates of cost are needed
then Steve will take the matter up with the Council in the first instance.
Greenhouses
Steve presented draft conditions that would govern the siting and
construction of greenhouses on individual plots should this be agreed by the
society and the Council. These were
discussed and some amendments made. A
voting slip will be circulated to all members, to be returned by the next
meeting when Steve will announce the results.
The outcome will be submitted to the Council for consideration.
AGM
The Society’s annual general meeting will be held next month. Four posts are up for election. Steve will continue as Secretary and Ray
Hardcastle has agreed to continue as Treasurer.
Nominations are sought for the position of Chair and Show Secretary. It was proposed and agreed that the post of
Maintenance Officer should be added to the list of named positions. Steve Watson has been nominated for this
post. Job specs will be drawn up for
each position to allow members to consider whether they want to stand for
election.
Any Other Business
Web Site: Steve Richardson
is looking into setting up a web site for the society. It would be used to post information about
the site and society business.
Councillor Visit: Local councillors who were unable to attend the
Show have asked if they can visit the site at a later date.
Area Forum: It was agreed a society rep should attend these
meetings to access the grant moneys available to local groups.
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