Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on Tuesday 31st March 2015

Moss Lea Allotment Society

Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on

Tuesday 31st March 2015, 8pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club

Present

Steve Barlow, Steve Cowell, Steve Watson, Andy Warburton, Gwen Kinloch, Phil Almond, Ray Hardcastle, Steve Richardson, Barry.

1. Apologies

Mrs Slater.

2. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Minutes of the last meeting held were accepted as an accurate record.

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.

4. Secretary's Report

Steve reported on the last ABAS meeting, which are held on the second Monday of the month and are open to all members. Most plot holders in Bolton are now members of ABAS (502 members) and membership is 50p annually, which the Moss Lea Society pays on behalf of its members.

The Bolton Allotment Competition was discussed at the ABAS meeting. There are classes for plot of less than 200 square yards, larger plots and new tenants (those who have had plots for less than 12 months). The closing date for entries is 16th may and judging is in June and July. More details will be posted on the Moss Lea blog page.

Moss Lea will also be entering the Rose Bowl competition again for the best allotment site.

ABAS meetings will now start at 7:30pm instead of 8:00pm to allow time for a presentation at the start of the meeting. The next meeting on 13th April will have a presentation on exhibiting onions.

Steve has raised the issue of problems with the Council's efficiency in administration relating to allotments. Examples include the plot holder who was almost evicted because the Council could not find a record of rent payment and an individual who applied for the waiting list but did not appear on the list which was received by Steve. Other societies seem to be experiencing similar problems.

The Council is to make a change to its eviction procedure. Eviction notices will no longer be posted on the plot, instead they will be sent to the tenant by registered post.

The remaining half of the community plot has been taken on. There are two names on the waiting list, however all plots are occupied.

5. Greenhouses

Steve Barlow has been advised that the decision on a change in the site rules allowing greenhouses on individual plots cannot be made by Bolton Council staff and will have to be referred to elected members.

6. Site Maintenance and Repairs

The concrete garage which has been donated to the site has now been erected, but still requires a roof. Roofing with corrugated bitumen panels is proposed, however the best methods for supporting and fixing these needs to be looked into a little more. Cost of the roof will be approximately £200 and Ray Hardcastle (Treasurer) confirmed that this is available. Keys are also needed for the door. Several people have been involved in obtaining and erecting the garage and thanks are given for the effort and time put in.

Use of the garage was discussed and it is likely to be used for tool storage and to free up space in the other hut. It could also be of use during the annual show.

The skip is to be ordered for the weekend of 25 - 26 April. In the meantime waste for the skip can be put next to the amenity hut.

Some of the old cold frames need to be cleared and this can be done when the skip is on site. Cold frame space is available and people who want space for a cold frame should let Steve Barlow know.

Covers have been put on the communal composting bins. A third bin needs to be constructed.

There are some broken panels in one of the greenhouses. There are some spare panels which can be fitted.

Areas of the site for sowing wild flowers were considered. This will enhance the site and give a better chance of winning the Rose Bowl Competition.

The new combination lock will be fitted on the gate on Saturday 25th April.

8. Any Other Business

Steve Richardson demonstrated the Moss Lea Blog page, which contains minutes from the meetings and links and will also have details of shows and competitions posted on it. A Google search for 'Moss Lea Allotments Bolton' will find the site. There is potential to do more with the page in future and anything for posting on the page should go to Steve.

9. Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 28th April 2015, 8pm at Astley Bridge Cricket Club.