There are a lot of things going on at an allotment site. The AGM is one of the occasions plot holders and the wider community get a chance to come together to discuss what’s been going on and what needs to be done ongoing. There is always something! The on site Annual General Meeting was convened and held on 29 September 2019. Minutes of the previous General Meeting of 2 June 2019 were agreed as true and accurate.
Questions Asked
A plot holder raised questions about the maintenance of the brick lock-ups which are rented to the plot holders. The timber work is showing signs of age on many of them. Any wood and time to mend them would be appreciated, as estimated the cost of repair per lock-up would take 20 years rental to recover. Renters are responsible for ensuring the doors are painted properly.
Committee Members Reports
The Treasurer reported on the financial position of each of the Community areas and how the sale of honey and eggs was accounted for. The shop volunteers ensure no monies left on site. Grant monies accounted for relating to the containers used on site.
The Community bees are due to be closed down for their over-wintering. An estimate of 120 jars of honey would be extracted and made available for plot holders to purchase through the Community Shop. Thanks given to John who has managed the bees for many years, but he has now stepped down.
Rotas for feeding, watering and locking up, and requirements to securely and adequately house the Community Chickens were proposed. A Committee Member agreed to organise repairs and set up a WhatsApp group.
Discussions held on how to make the Community Shop more accessible and brighter to extend the use and hours of opening across the year; waterproofing the roof, painting the interior with white reflecting paint, creating a ramp and putting in solar light. A shop rota being set up on WhatsApp Group. Two people to look at outlining a mural for plot holders’ children to paint.
Planning events and maintenance
The (Community) Orchard Day in 2019 is planned for October. There will be instruction on pruning and ordering fruit trees as well as hands on work. Low level meadow flowers to be introduced to encourage pollinators. In addition, a social will be held 2 November with a bonfire near the orchard using some of the pruning.
A maintenance list was created for several areas on the allotment site. Acknowledged that flower beds near the shop are being cultivated by three plot holders. A Community Tidy Up/Maintenance day to be arranged. Trench digging for drainage suggested near Plots 13 and 14. Thanks given to a plot holder who installed solar lights in the toilet.
House keeping at the site
One half plot empty with a full plot due to be vacated. People on the waiting lists invited in. Requests to be sent out with invoices at year end for anyone who wishes to vacate in 2020. Mention that there could be the potential to extend the allotment site increasing the number of plots available in the next few years.
Notices to continue to be posted in the Community Hut, as well as on private Facebook Group. Advised the website nearly ready to launch.
Every year members get together to produce a year review and a look forward. New committee members are voted on and others who wish to volunteer time confirm what they wish to take part in. Plot holders are kept informed of progress in the private Facebook Group which you are welcome to join if you have a plot on Weaste Allotments. If you do not have a plot and would like one, please join the waiting list.