Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association

Minutes of AGM held 19^th July 2026

A meeting had been held on Saturday 13^th June at which the officers had presented their reports, some issues were discussed and some votes were taken.  The meeting had not been quorate however, so all votes were null and void.  As a result, this new meeting was arranged and the voting was redone.  The two reports from the officers given at the June meeting are attached.  Items discussed at the 13.6.26 meeting are shown in blue.  Items agreed at the July AGM are indicated in red.

Present: See attached list.  3 officers from the Nottingham Federation were present at both meetings to provide advice and information at the first, and to oversee the election process at the second.

Apologies: None

In the absence of a Chair, Anne-Marie Newton (Treasurer) opened the meeting at 10.40am by welcoming and thanking everyone for attending.  She reminded people of the reason for this second meeting and confirmed that it was quorate

Minutes from last year’s AGM.  At the 13.6.26 meeting AMN had read out the minutes of the last AGM and these were proposed by SH and seconded by CD as correct.

Chair’s Report:  In the absence of a Chair, there was no report at either meeting

Treasurer’s Report: See attached paper for full details.  In summary, the financial balance at the end of December 2025 was £8554.48, nearly £900 lower than the previous year.  This is due to having 2 rent bills to pay in the current year as well as 3 skips.  This large expense was mitigated by several steps taken by the Committee to increase funds and cut costs (see paper). 

Currently the Association has £1183.63 available to spend before income increases again when rents are due in the autumn.  The Committee is open to suggestions for how this money should be spent but currently recommend that it should be used for security cameras to protect the site, especially the main gates.

Secretary’s Report:  See attached paper for full details.  In summary, LG has been extremely active in developing the Association, its resources (e.g. chippings, fencing materials) and its finances.  17 plots have been let resulting in additional income and major improvements have been made without the Association having to pay for them.  She has been closely involved with the NFALG, particularly in working on the new lease and Management Agreement. 

At the 13.6.26 meeting there had been a discussion about whether tenants could be evicted from the site by the Committee or it needed to be approved at a General Meeting.  Pete McGuire explained that the Committee could terminate a tenancy in line with their responsibility to ensure plot holders kept to the local rules and the Allotment Acts, e.g. maintaining their plot properly.  Termination of membership of the Association should be approved by members of the Association at a General Meeting.

There was also a discussion about the Standards policy when it was pointed out that this should be used to help people meet standards required rather than punitive. This policy will be reviewed along with all the others as part of the new Lease process.

Election of Officers and New Committee

Visitors were asked to leave the meeting during the voting process.  Nomination forms had been available to all members and applicants were asked to give a 3 minute talk in support of their application for all posts.  There was a strong emphasis on the need to work co-operatively together and to develop a positive, community atmosphere.  Following these, votes were cast and counted by members of the Federation.  The results were:

Officers:                                                       

Chair:  David Murfet                           

Secretary:  Carol Brier              

Treasurer:   Anne-Marie Newton                            

Ordinary Committee Members:

Tom Jeavons

Shaun Taylor

Paul Hibbs

Marcia Nichols

Michael Graham

Lorenzo Hines                          

Following the voting in of the new Committee, items considered at the June meeting were put to the vote again.

1. Water:  As at 5.6.26 our account is £82 in credit but given the weather this is unlikely to continue.  Over the past 2 years our bills have increased by 50%.  BM suggested having meters installed on each plot, but this was not considered practicable.  Pete McGuire suggested approaching Martin Harris at the Council with 3 bills, to see if we can get on to the Council tariff with Severn-Trent rather than WaterPlus. In the meantime, it was proposed to increase the charge for water by a percentage to be calculated.  In principle, this was agreed but needed ratifying at a GM once the percentage had been calculated. This proposal was agreed at the 19.7.26 meeting.
2. Rent Increase:  Rents had not been increased for some time.  It was agreed that there should be an increase of 5% on next year’s rents.  This was agreed at the 19.7.26 meeting.
3. Honoraria: No honorariums had been taken in the past 4 years although it remained on the accounts.  Dave Murfet suggested providing a discount to Committee members and officers once they had completed a full year of office to encourage volunteers.  It was agreed that the Committee should consider this and put it to a General Meeting.  It was agreed at the 19.7.26 meeting to discontinue Honoraria.
4. Complaints Procedure:  This needs to be reviewed along with all the other Policies, Procedures and Rules of the Association.  It was agreed to participate in a Federation run workshop to update all these things.  This was agreed at the 19.7.26 meeting.
5. Community Orchard:  Steve Williams raised the question of maintenance, security and access to the community orchard.  The Federation has an apple press we could borrow.  It was agreed to set up a group with responsibility for the orchard.  This was agreed.

This was agreed at the 19.7.26 meeting. The members of the group to be Ray B, David M, Tom H, Steve Y, Steve W, Michael G., Anne-Marie N., and Lisa G.

Other items discussed at 13.6.26 meeting:

• Working parties:  There had been very poor attendance.  More advertising was needed.
• Rat poison:  A fox had died on site, possibly because of rat poison. It should not be used on site.
• (Needs a vote and rules amending)
• Minutes and agendas:  These need to go out promptly.
• More frequent inspections were suggested rather than just one in August, and this was agreed. 
• This will need ratifying at a GM with proposals on frequency and timing.

Present at the Meeting (plot number in brackets)

• Anne-Marie Newton (64)
• Anthony Pearson (51)
• Balwant Tumber (6)
• Barry Mitchell (81)
• Callum Gough (73)
• Carol Brier (80)
• Charles Dewa  (56/57)
• Chris Skinner (23/24)
• Christine Scothern (75)
• Cullen Gill (48)
• David Goulding (38)
• David Murfet (46)
• Diane Yorke  (19)
• Ian Carmichael (74)
• Jane Bowden (79A)
• Kay Graham (49)
• Lesley Hurst (47)
• Lisa Goulbourne (1)
• Lorenzo Hines (52)
• Marcia Nichols (15)
• Melek Portakal (79C)
• Michael Graham (66)
• Paul Sanders (18)
• Paul Hibbs (83),
• Richard Ravenhill (29)
• Ray Bauser (27)
• Sarah Mugabe (12)
• Shaun Taylor (84)
• Simon Hudson (82)
• Steve Yorke (67)
• Tom Hutchinson (61)
• Tom Jeavons (34)
• Winifred Beck (3, 43, 44, 45)

Visitors

• Colin Nicholson (Federation Secretary)
• Emma Atkinson
• Mick Jackson (Federation Chair)
• Pete McGuire (Federation)
• S. Atkinson
• Sean Gough

Lisa Goldborne Report June 2026

Over the past year, I have worked incredibly hard to move our Association forward and make real, lasting improvements to our site. One of the biggest achievements has been letting 17 plots over the course of the year. This has significantly increased our income and helped strengthen the Association’s financial position.

You have also seen progress on a number of improvements that members have been asking for for many years. I worked hard to secure agreement for major capital works at no cost to the Association, like the rail fence the hut roof. And the top gate that has already been repaired and the asbestos removal was also achieved. I also worked closely alongside another member to achieve improvements to the lane surface, These are important investments in the future of our site and will benefit all plot holders.

Financially, the Association is in a stronger position than this time last year. Our account balance is around 300 pounds higher, despite having paid for three skips this year, two rent payments and renewing the National Allotment Society membership, which had lapsed before I took on the role. I believe this demonstrates careful financial management while continuing to invest in the site.

I have also taken a very hands-on approach. I have made myself available on the site most days, helping wherever needed. I have regularly brought in chippings and fencing materials, making them freely available for any plot holder who could make use of them. My aim has always been to support members and improve the site in practical ways.

Throughout the year, I have attended every NFALG meeting on behalf of our Association, ensuring that our site has been represented and that we benefit from the support, advice, and opportunities available. Looking back over the last year, I am proud of what has been achieved. There is always more to do, but I believe we have made genuine progress, strengthened the Association’s position, and laid solid foundations for the future.

I’d like the opportunity to continue building on that progress. There are still important projects to complete, including progressing the lease and seeing our planned improvements through to completion. I remain committed to working hard for every plot holder and doing what is in the best interests of the Association. For those reasons, I would be grateful for your support and your vote to allow me to continue in this role for another year. Thank you.

Treasurer Report June 2026

The financial balance at the end of Dec 2025 was £8,554.48, which was £882.54 lower than December 2024.

The current balance in our bank and cash account is £6,743.63; this is approx. £200 lower than it was at this time last year.

However, this is a significant success as we have had a back log of two separate council rent invoices to pay since September last year. The primary reason that the financial situation is as positive as it is due to several measures that the Committee have put in place to mitigate against the risk of running out of funds.

• We have introduced a new prudent spending and expenses process.
• Lisa has managed to source some essential materials free of charge
• And all vacant plots (bar one recent one) have now been let out which has led to additional income to the association through.
• We also identified some overbilling from our water provider and corrected this, which lead to a large credit that has covered our usage for most of the year to date.

Based on all the upcoming or potential liabilities and expenses for the association between now and 31st August 2026, we have a total available cash of £1,183.63. This is a little higher than last year. As a non-profit making organisation, we are open to suggestions as to how these funds may be best utilised to benefit the association, including social events etc. My recommendation would also be that we investigate the cost of some security cameras to protect the site and the main gates.

Mins prepared by Jane Bowden

Looking for a natural way to enrich your soil and keep your beds moist during dry spells? We have access to free guinea pig manure for allotment plot holders.

Often called “black gold” by vegetable growers, guinea pig droppings are a fantastic, organic soil conditioner:

Superior Moisture Retention: Packed with fibrous plant material, it acts like a sponge in your soil helping hold moisture where your crops need it most.

Nutrient Rich: Gentle, slow-release source of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Safe for Beds: Unlike raw horse or poultry manure, it is a “cold” manure, meaning it won’t burn plant roots when applied or turned into your topsoil.

Want to Try It or See How It Works?
Fellow plot holder Steve York has been using it on his plot with great results and is happy to share his experience, show you how he applies it, and help you get started.

How to Get in Touch
You are welcome to help yourself to the Guinea pig manure from the bay at the bottom of the car park near Steve Yorke Plot, 67, or arrange a quick chat/demo on site, contact Steve directly:

Phone: 0115 8491526
Mobile: 07907817421

Hi Old Park Farm Allotment Holders.

It was great to see so many involved in the voting of our new committee on Saturday, and I wanted to say thank you on behalf of our new committee.

Secretary: Karol Brier
Treasurer: Anne-Marie Newton
Chairman: Dave Murfet (Plot 56)

Committee Members: Michael Graham, Tom Jeavons, Marcia Nichols, Shaun Taylor, Paul Gibbs, Lorenzo Hines

We’ll keep you updated as we settle into our roles.

Many Thanks
Your New Committee

Hi everyone.

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who came down to help at the work party on Sunday 19th: Anne-Marie N, Winifred, Jane, Marcia, Scott, Tom H, Ray and Lisa.

The effort we all put in makes such a huge difference to our site, and it is greatly appreciated.

Additionally, before-and-after pictures will be posted on the Facebook page and hopefully here too.

Kind Regards,
Carol Brier
Secretary
Old Park GHA: Members Co-operative

Good morning, everyone

I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote. I am really honored to be your new Secretary for Old Park Farm GHA and I’m really looking forward to getting to work for the benefit of all our plot holders and new committee members.

Furthermore, I would like to thank the federation for coming in to count the votes. A special thanks must go to Steve York—we asked for his help, and he did a brilliant job making sure everything was run properly this time around. I’m very grateful for his help getting us back on track. I would also like to thank Jane for taking the minutes.

However, my main goal is to make sure we all move into this next chapter with a sense of stability and cooperation. I am keen and the new committee to get things running smoothly for everyone, so please do reach out if you have any questions or ideas, you can also keep an eye on our website for the latest updates and information.

Additionally, we have a Facebook page where we can all give friendly tips and advice click on the link  Old Park Farm GHA | Facebook   

For now, while we get a dedicated secretary email and phone number set up, you can reach me directly at karolbrier9@gmail.com or contact me by calling or texting 07903602622. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Kind Regards 

Carol Brier

Secretary 

Old Park Farm GHA: Members’ Co-operative

Dear Members,

The committee has received formal advice from Tyler Harris, Legal Adviser at the National Allotment Society (NAS), regarding our upcoming Annual General Meeting on July 18th. At the request of the NAS and the Nottingham Federation, the following advice is being shared with all members to ensure our AGM is conducted fairly and in line with our constitution:

The AGM must be run in line with custom and practice established over past AGMs and in line with our constitution.
The voting system must remain the standard “1 member, 1 vote” format, as changes to this are not permitted under the association's constitutional rules.
It is strongly recommended that the Nottingham Federation act as an independent party at the meeting to observe the registration of members and act as tellers for the vote count.
To ensure members feel comfortable, the vote may be conducted as a paper ballot rather than a show of hands.

The goal of this advice is to clearly establish the committee moving forward, allowing the NAS and the Federation to support us in forging a new path for our association.

Good evening all members,

I wanted to start by thanking everyone that attended the AGM on the 13^th June. It was fantastic to see so many people there this year. Which is why it is with regret that I have to provide this notice.

Unfortunately, despite the volume of people that joined the AGM and cast their votes, the total number of plot holder members that signed the official registration form was less that the required volume of 20 for the meeting to be deemed quorate. Although the committee do feel that more plot holders did attend, we can not officially record the AGM as a valid meeting, which is why the minutes have not yet been published.

What this means

This means that the 13th June AGM results are null and void, and the committee reverts to the structure in place prior to the nullified AGM until a new quorate AGM takes place.

In the interest of working together to resolve the situation, the committee has voted to co-opt Carol, Winnie and Tom into the committee until the new AGM, bringing our current number up to the maximum of nine people.

A new AGM will be held on Saturday 18^th July, at 10.30am in the Polytunnel.

It is vital that as many plot holders attend as possible as we will only be handing out the voting forms to those that have been verified for voting purposes, and have signed the registration document. The meeting will only take place once the quorate volume has been confirmed: 20 plot holder members, including at least 2 officers.

If you wish to be considered for either an officer role, or an ordinary committee member, please ensure that you submit your nomination form to Steve York by no later than the 12pm on Thursday 16^th July. Nomination forms will be available in paper format in the Polytunnel, or please speak to Steve of the Committee members if there aren’t any remaining.

All nominees will have the opportunity to speak at the AGM to present why they believe they should be voted for. The ballot box will be opened only once all nominees have spoken.

We will once again be arranging an independent adjudicator to accompany the meeting to count the votes.  

If anyone has any questions or concerns, or if you would like a digital copy of the nomination form, please do contact me on opfgha.treasurer@gmail.com.

Thanks

Anne-Marie

Important Notice – Seasonal Heatwaves and Temporary Fire Ban on All Allotment Sites

Dear Allotment Holders,

With the current period of hot, dry weather and the increased risk of fire, a temporary fire ban is now in place across all allotment sites until further notice.

This means that the lighting of bonfires, incinerators, fire pits, barbecues, or any other open flames is not permitted on allotment plots. Even small fires can spread quickly in dry conditions and pose a significant risk to neighbouring plots, wildlife, site infrastructure, and surrounding properties.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping to keep everyone safe during this period.

Water Use and Conservation

Although no hosepipe ban has currently been announced for the East Midlands, we would like to remind all tenants of their responsibilities under the Allotment Handbook and Tenancy Agreement.

Water is a very important asset for gardeners, but it is also an expensive and valuable natural resource.

As part of your Agreement, you must not:

• Use the water supply for purposes other than allotment gardening.
• Leave a hosepipe running when you are not using it or leave a tap on unattended.
• Use a hosepipe if a hosepipe ban is in place.

If you do use the water supplied to the site, please:

• Be aware that other plot holders may also be waiting their turn.
• Try to use watering cans rather than hosepipes wherever possible.
• Ensure hosepipes do not leak and are securely attached to the tap.
• Store rainwater using water butts, IBC containers, and other suitable collection systems.

Helping Your Plot Through Hot Weather

To reduce water use and protect your crops during heatwaves, consider:

• Watering early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Applying mulch around plants to retain moisture.
• Prioritising young plants, seedlings, and crops most vulnerable to drought.
• Making the most of stored rainwater before using mains-fed supplies.

Thank you for your support and understanding. By working together, we can help protect our allotment sites, conserve water, and reduce the risk of fires during the summer months.

Nottingham City Council
Allotment Services 
Greenspace and Natural Environment Team

Dear Members,

Due to the extreme heatwave forecast for the coming days, please be aware of the following safety measures to keep our site secure and everyone safe:

• Extreme Fire Risk: The site is at significant risk of fire. No fires are permitted. Please avoid any activity involving ignition sources.
• Damping Down: To reduce fire risk, please feel free to “damp down” dry grass or vegetation on your plot using a watering can or hose. Please do this carefully and use water sparingly—remember our water usage costs are a major concern for the Association, so please only use what is necessary.
• Personal Safety: We strongly advise against heavy physical labor during the hottest parts of the day (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Please stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade, and look out for your fellow plot holders.
• Site Hazards: Please stay alert for hazards such as broken glass, which can magnify sunlight and start fires in dry vegetation. Please clear any glass or metallic debris you find on your plot or on the paths.
• Vigilance: If you see any signs of fire or smoke, please report it immediately by calling 999.

Please take care of yourselves and each other during this period.

Kind regards,

Carol Brier 

Secretary,

Old Park Farm GHA;Members’ Co-operative