Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association

Present: Steve Yorke, John Stooke, David Kirkham, Wendy Thomas, Tom, Hutchinson, Charles Dewa, Winifred Beck.
Meeting was opened at 10:30 by the Chair who thanked all for attending.
Apologies: None
Matters Arising: None
Chairman’s report:
The Chair offered his sincerest apologies for how the AGM had turned out due to a small number who just seemed to want to repeatedly upset proceedings.
He advised that water had been turned back with no leaks, and since being turned on, and only a small amount was being used.
Treasurer’s report:
DK advised that he would do things differently from Mark. He will be using a graph, and guided the committee through it and if anyone had any issues with it he would be happy to discuss any said issues.
There is currently £8331 in the bank with liabilities to be confirmed.
All cash transactions would require a paper trail, therefore any transactions willrequire signing for.
A financial plan is in progress.
DK requested an OPFGHA email address, JS to sort.
Secretary’s report:
JS advised that he was now in possession of a cctv camera and that he required a good sturdy post to attach it to. The cost of a data sim would cost in the region of £60 per annum.
JS had nothing else to add, as items he had intended to discuss would be discussed during the course of the meeting.
Business discussed:
Local Federation meeting:
The local federation would next be meeting on the 27th April 2024. DK to attend with JS.

Jane Bowden/Lisa Golbourne emails:
Jane had recently sent an email to Lisa, the said email was not received by Lisa as Jane had intended it to be, friendly advice. Lisa responded to that email by emailing and texting JS. JS emailed Jane advising her that Lisa was very upset, Jane then emailed Lisa with an apology, the apology was rejected by Lisa, as she believed it to be a very poor apology.
SY pointed out that the original email could only be offensive if you wanted to take it that way, this was discussed and voted on with 4 to 2 in favour of agreeing with SY. It was also agreed that a letter would be sent to Jane advising her that she should not send out such an email to any member in the future, and should she do so, a written warning would be given.
DK raised an issue with the responses that Lisa sent to JS, the issue being that she used foul language in one of them. It was agreed by all, regardless of how angry and or upset Lisa was at receiving the email, foul language written or verbal is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. A letter advising her that any future communication with an Officer, a committee member or any member of Old Park Farm should be civil and respectful, and any future use of such language may result in her receiving a written warning.
AGM 2024: Voting
SY confirmed the results for the voting that took place are as follows:

• Reduction of Quorum from 20 to 15 at AGM/General meeting
• 13 Yes
  12 No
  1 Abstention
• Move future AGM’s from March to June
• 21 Yes
  3 No
  2 Abstentions
• Honorariums to be ended
• 11 Yes
  13 No
  2 Abstentions
• Honorariums to be repaid
• 7 Yes
  18 No
  1 Abstention
• Total ban on shooting
• 14 Yes
  10 No
  2 Abstentions
• Temporary ban on shooting until policy in place
• 17 Yes
  8 No
  1 Abstention

Vote 6 overrules vote 5

• Officer/Committee member eligibility
• 22 Yes
  3 No
• Authority for lock change
• 24 Yes
  1 No
• Authority to purchase chipper
• 23 Yes
  2 No
• Quarterly General meetings
• 17 Yes
  8 No

AGM 2024:
JS brought an email he had received along with a number of verbal conversations he had had with attendees at the AGM to the attention of the committee. It is clear from this email and conversations he had, the conduct of a small minority of members was unacceptable, aggressive, intimidating, rude, and generally out to cause trouble were the terms used to describe them.
These same points have been raised before with regards to the conduct ofsome attendees at open committee meetings in the past; these subsequently had to be closed. The issue was discussed and It was agreed by a majority that letters are to be sent to those members advising them that their conduct is
not acceptable, will not be tolerated in the future and action will be taken against them, if not by the committee, by the membership.
Plots:
Tara Cuthbert had raised concerns about the amount of carpet that is buried in her plot. An attempt to remove some of the carpet was made by a working party, but the plot is literally covered. SY advised that it would take Bobcat to be able to clear it. Tara will be given the opportunity to look a plot 5 and transfer if she wishes.
SY to enquire and confirm the cost of hiring a Bobcat.
Plots 50 & 64 still need a considerable amount of work to get them ready for letting.
Plot 70, Wilf Hayden has now decided to give up the plot. SY will contact Neville Wilf’s son with regards to the return of the keys.
Plot 34 has been let to Carl Pemberton.
Work Party 14th April:
SY advised that the had working party hadn’t been much of a success due to the lack of volunteers, therefore not a great deal was done.

June General Meeting
A general Meeting will be held on the 16th June 2024.
BBQ & Show:
This year’s BBq & Show will be held on the 14th September.
AOB:
A request had been received from Sid Mallyon asking for a family member, Ryan Wilcox to be added as a joint member on his plots.. SY & JS verified that Ryan has done a vast amount of work to bring the plots up to standard, and then some, so the request was granted/confirmed.
Rolled over items:
Composting Toilet
Lower car park
Notice boards
Website
Date of next meeting – 2nd June 2024.

Meeting closed at 12:55

Minutes recorded and produced by John Stooke