Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association

Present: Simon Hudson, Jane Bowden, Wendy Thomas, Winnie Beck, John Stooke, Ray Bauser, Mark Robinson, Carol Brier

Apologies: Roy Lawson

Observer: 

Meeting opened at 10.40am

The minutes from the previous meeting held on 14^th August 2022 were accepted without changes.

Matters Arising

• Communication: CB agreed to finish the new website ASAP to improve communication.  It was agreed she should add a link to the old site.
• Trees: Razor wire to be finished by RL and RB. 
• Plot 3:
• Break ins/thefts: Ladders and roller have gone missing.  Seems unlikely to be someone external to the site.
• Keys: In line with the original decision made at the AGM, keys to the hut will not be given to RB.  Instead, the focus will be on sorting out the ‘asbestos shed’ so that items could be stored safely – see below.
• Maintenance: The Maintenance sub group needed to meet as a matter of urgency to sort out a priority list of jobs and to organise work parties so that jobs were shared out more fairly.

Treasurer’s Report

• Current financial situation:  We currently have about £9000 in the bank of which about £5000 is committed, leaving about £4000 available for spending.  Although this would probably be enough for any plans, it was agreed that we really needed to put together a brief development/financial plan in order to identify likely costs and where we might need to seek outside funding. 
• Spending plans: RB hadn’t produced a plan/costs for the ‘asbestos shed’.  JS had approached 2 companies for quotes on a steel door but both need chasing. JS agreed to organise replacing the roof.

Secretary’s Report

• Rents:  A few rents were still outstanding.  JS and MR would work together on rents in future as chasing up late payers was time consuming. It was agreed to offer some people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, the option of paying monthly in advance so that their rent demand wouldn’t come as a big block of money.
• Keys:  There’s a problem with people not returning keys meaning that it was possible that ex tenants could access the site.  It was agreed that, in future, key deposits would increase to £40 but that we should not go to the expense of changing the locks.
• Hedges:  Hedges need to be cut over the next few months.  JS to send out letters to gardeners whose hedges were too high and would post a message on the website.
• BBQ and Show: These were successful although there were less people than last year.  The show was good and we made about £70 profit.
• Plot 39:  RL and WT had asked to be considered for plot 39.  RL’s request was rejected as he was asking for a second plot which is not allowed under the Plot Allocation policy unless there is no waiting list.  It was agreed that WT could move from her plot due to the problem of glass pollution.  It was agreed that there should be a working party after WT leaves plot 1 on 1st January, to clear the top 2 layers of plot 4 using some sort of large, possibly mechanical sieve, to extract the glass.  RB to make.  Polytunnel will be left and shed sold for £200.  Another proposal for dealing with overgrown plots was considered.  Steve Williams has offered to clear a plot if he could have it for one free season.  Offer to be considered when appropriate.
• Loaded Trailers and Rubbish brought on site:  RB now has 2 working trailers and the other 2 have been removed.
• Water:  Although we are not using excessive water, there is still a problem with people leaving taps on and not paying fines or being impossible to contact. The previous system using timers was unreliable.  It was agreed that in future the policy should be altered so that after leaving a tap running twice and being warned after the first one, JS will padlock the tap for 2 weeks and give keys only to those other gardeners who share it.  Water will be turned off on November 14^th.
• Honoraria/Job descriptions:  The 3 officers would provide a summary of their roles and responsibilities for the next meeting.  CB to circulate some samples.
• Skips: Both are now full.  In future people need to ensure items that can be burnt are taken to the bonfire in the lower carpark rather than using space in the skip.  A bathtub had also been dumped by someone who had clearly brought it from off site.  JS to follow up this unacceptable behaviour.
• Complaints:  A written complaint had been received about the behaviour of a gardener.  Another, informal, complaint had also been made against the same person.  The complaints referred to aggressive and abusive shouting leading to people feeling uncomfortable whilst at the site.  The formal complaint will be investigated by JS and MR.  The person will be provided with the written complaint and asked to attend a meeting in the polytunnel.  If the informal complaint is put in writing, then this will also be provided and considered.  JS to discuss situation with Jo Tarrant if possible.
• Plot 3:  Following discussion about the structure being built on the plot, it was agreed that, provided the decking is used to support the IBCs to collect and store water, the structure could remain.  If WB wants any further structures on the plot, she must apply to the Committee for permission, in line with the agreement she signed.

Any other Business

Local Federation:  JB and JS had attended a meeting of the local federation where it had been agreed that officers of that group would continue to negotiate with the Council on the new lease and management agreement.  It was agreed that we would join the local federation (cost approximately £25) as we would benefit from this negotiation and also sharing issues with other associations. (JS)

• Christmas Social:  WB proposed having a Christmas social at a local pub.  She would research it and JS to publicise it.
• Community Garden:  CB proposed that we should dedicate one plot to a community garden to benefit a variety of people and groups in the local community.  Generally, people were in favour of the idea in principle.  CB to put together a proposal. 
• Top Gate:  It was agreed that RB would adjust the size of the gateway into the upper allotment site to make access easier.
• Fence round Association hut:  Thanks were given to JS and Martin Spilsbury for installing the new fence.
• Macmillan Coffee Morning:  Had raised £270.

Rolled over items:

• Sub committees: JB had drafted some terms of reference. To be considered at a further meeting.
• Noticeboards: JS is still working on the design of these.
• Stock Control sheet for the shop:  JS/MR to devise something
• Following the inspection, RB had been readmitted to the committee.  However, the plot remains in an unsatisfactory state despite assurances.  JS/SH/MR

Date of next meeting:  To be confirmed

Meeting closed at 12.45pm.