AGM OF KNAPMILL WAY ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION
19TH MAY 2012
PRESENT: Allyson; Janet; Roy; Cathy; Lynne;
Bob; Steve; Denny; Dennis; Tim; Gloria; Jeff; Rachel; Susan
APOLOGIES: Nick; Mike; Vilma; Liz; Jo; Brian
MATTERS ARISING: none
CHAIRS REPORT: Allyson gave a report to the meeting
of the challenges and rewards she has experienced as chair in the last
year. She emphasised that trust,
care and mutual respect have been the key to our community coming through a
year that has seen many individually, and also us all as a site, face very difficult
situations.
The officers
roles were discussed, and plotholders encouraged to consider stepping up to the
challenge of taking on one of these jobs, with the help and support of current
officers. If not this year – maybe
next time?
SCRETARYS REPORT: Denny highlighted various
improvements made to the site- fencing (protecting us from potentially
dangerous dogs who had invaded the site on several occasions)and fire damage
repair to existing fencing, new lock to gate (thanks to plotholder who kindly
gave a donation to cover the cost), improvements to the communal area etc
Gratitude
was expresses to those plotholders who have given up their time-(and
money-petrol has been kindly donated by Nick and Bob for example) to help with
maintenance- led by Bob and Nick. And to those who do the many necessary small
jobs- like toilet cleaning etc.
Also thanks
to Rachel for working so hard on the communal area, and organising the weed and
plant day recently. (Thanks to all who helped) As a site we came 2nd in the borough in the
allotment competition, and hopefully we can get 1st this year!
Our autumn
visit from Valerie Fairbrass (Self managed allotment team) identified three
plotholders who were failing to cultivate their plots. Letters were sent and good responses
were received from all, resulting in plots coming up to standard this year.
Thanks to those concerned for their cooperation. Val will be visiting again later this year- please be aware
we are all expected to regularly cultivate our plot,having ¾ cultivated at all
times.
A special
vote of thanks was offered to Allyson and Nick who worked closely with Katy
Delaney and Lewisham Team to resolve the extremely stressful situation that had
developed with a plotholder. The
committee appreciate all the support they received through this difficult
period.
NICKS REPORT:A statement was read out from Nick
who has kindly stepped in to help Allyson as chair over the last few months.
Main
points- New dip tanks are planned to
help those furthest from existing ones during hose pipe ban. Please do not be tempted to break the
hosepipe ban- as we as a site could be liable for the fine, and may also lead
to water meters which will escalate each plotholders rent.
Difficult
member- A plotholder was found to be in serious breach of our tenancy agreement
and was served a notice to quit.
The plotholder employed a solicitor to fight her case, however with the
support of Katy Delaney and team, this plotholder was relocated to another
site.
Our plans to
improve the site can now continue as we put this difficult and time consuming
situation behind us.
Stalls at
festivals-lets raise some cash to go towards alloment projects. Details to
follow.
Theft- we
are now signed up to the safer neighbourhood scheme, but please be vigilant
with putting tools away ect
Nick
encouraged members to support other allotments such as those in Greenwich in
fighting huge rent rises, and to be aware of the pressure put on the council
from developers.
TREASURERS REPORT: Mowers have
not been serviced, and petrol donated by Nick and Bob – hence lower maintenance
costs this year.
Insurance
we have is the cheapest- basically, do we want to pay more for better cover?
(Allyson to look into this)
It should be
noted that if you, a visitor, or an intruder was to hurt themselves on a
non-garden connected item, ie a toy, or a chair ect, the plotholder where the
incident happened would be personally liable if sued. Our insurance would not cover this.
Please be
aware of this in the things you leave out on your plots.
Fences- we
do need repairs to some sections, and it is hard to get the council to cover
costs of this. It has been
suggested we plant pyracantha bushes (very thorny) which will deter intruders
and dogs and will grow to a decent thickness if planted now whilst fences are
still serviceable.
Bank
Account- Santander have taken over from Alliance and Leicester. The account is very difficult to use
and we get no interest. New
accounts were discussed and it was decided to change to the coop
Donations
were received towards the social fund when rent requests went out, plus
individuals gave lump sums. Total-£328.29 many, many thanks for these. Not everyone can give money, and not
every one can give time, but everyone can give something if they have the
desire to.
SUMMARY- total
receipts: £1542.53
Total
payments £638.82
Balance
from 2011 £827.75
Bank
account balance - £1532.13
Petty cash £199.33
BALANCE
(INCLUDING £371.82 MAYORS FUND) £1731.46
ELECTION OF OFFICERS: As no nominations received, currents
officers agreed to remain in their current roles.
Denny and
Lynne strongly suggested that members think about taking on officers jobs next
year and are available to explain the roles and help the change over. The work is minimal most of the time,
and there are many positives to the jobs.
AOB: Social-
bank holiday Tuesday 5th June. Jubilee picnic without the flags!!
Works
programme- Allyson to produce
Toilet
cleaning rota?? Let Denny know if you can help
Closed
meeting (meeting was from 2 -3 pm)
