Meeting Minutes Tuesday 27th January 2015

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.