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These are notes from the committee meeting held on 6th July. Attendees: Dave, Rod, Alice, Martina, Lorraine, Georgina, Stuart and Lyn (note-taker). Apologies: Geoff, Graham. 

Plot/tenant update

This is going well this year. Allocations so far this year: 4 in Feb, 2 in April, 1 in May and 2 in June.

Three plots are available: 9, 18 and 52, with emails out to prospective tenants and waiting for responses.

Some recently allocated plots are being chased for progress.

Working party

Suggested that we call for volunteers to join a ‘working party’ the afternoon of 10th August to help clear a plot where a smokehouse has been built. Bricks can be salvaged, and hardcore kept to mend trackways. Dave can provide a sledgehammer for use on the day. 

Recent thefts

Unfortunately it appears some items have been taken from plots recently – without permission. Hose connectors have gone missing too.

Also, when plots seem to become vacant it should not be assumed that anything is abandoned… best to check with the committee before taking anything. Need to put a reminder to this effect on the noticeboard.

Taps

Lorraine emailed Becky about further taps, in April – heard nothing yet.

Best to approach councillors for more allotment funding. Idea to invite councillors Micky Lane and Alice Mpofu-Coles to next meeting. Lyn to action.

Looking back at previous minutes, we requested one in 9/10 area, one for 2,3&4, and another near plot 18.

Dangerous damaged fence

People advised to be careful of broken fence and barbed wire – use the other entrance. Council are aware of the damage and inspected it last week – but what’s happening? Lyn to follow up.

Vote of thanks

Thanks to Melvyn for mending the water supply near plot 41 with a new ballcock, recently. Proposed vote of thanks by Lyn, seconded by Alice, and all in agreement.

Any Other Business

1. Need for a reminder email
   - To remind people to take home any plastic bottles or plastic gloves and not to leave them on the plot as rubbish
   - To ask people to keep their dogs under control if visiting the site, and to clear up any mess - please

2. Helpful hints
   Produce an ‘etiquette’ leaflet that can be given to new tenants along with keys. With hints for considerate behavior that are not necessarily covered in the Ts&Cs of the tenancy agreement. Need a volunteer to draft this

3. Bark chippings
   Pete manages the process and it works well. If we ever need to manage this among the committee there are resources we can use to find another source of chippings

Next committee meeting

Sunday 15th September at 2pm. Will prepare for AGM.

AGM

29th September in the afternoon, with social to follow including food-sharing.

Will ask for ideas for socials at that meeting.

Next socials

10th August at 12.30pm – with working party to follow

7th September at 2.30pm

Notes taken by Lyn, plot 40