Paignton Home Garden and Allotment Society (PHGAS) News

Minutes of the OPEN Meeting of the Paignton Home Garden & Allotment Society held at the RAOB Club, Paignton on Monday 4th March 2019

4/3/2019

Present: Alan Smith, Flis Cotton, Jackie Yates, Stefan Phillpott, Andrew Bibbings, Joe Wallis, Phil Moore, Pat Marriott, Jackie Green, Denise & Terri Harris, Kay Mason, Gary Buckingham.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1.   Apologies: Liz Barnes, Christine Guiver, Jodi Harris.

2.   Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

3.   Matters arising from the minutes:

The gate to the main DR site is being left unlocked while plotholders are on site, which is good to report.
Work to repair the metal gate to 22 DR has not yet started and the chairman and vice chairman have it in mind .

4. Correspondence:

Email received in January from 20a LP confirming that she is going to be helped on the plot – minimal work has been done though.
Email received from plotholder re: radios at the sites. Do we have a policy re: noise abatement? No – please adopt a common sense approach when on the sites and not bother the neighbours.
Two lengthy Emails and letters from DR plotholder re: 17a and 19 DR and the obligation of plotholders to leave their plots ready for the next person. Also, the requirement to spend money on removal of rubbish etc.
- These were discussed and it was agreed that plotholders are not permitted to remove soil from one plot for their benefit.
- Plots are taken over by new people at the start of a tenancy agreement based on the condition of them at that time. History has shown that people do not leave their plots in a good condition and that is not likely to change.
- It was strongly disputed that the soil on the plot in question was contaminated as there is no evidence of this whatsoever.

5. Chairman’s Report:

Seed sales have been slow from the shop on the Oakleigh site – please can plotholders support the shop… seeds are such good value and much cheaper than in the shops.
Additional chicken pellets have been ordered and so there are plenty available.
There has been a serious accident on the Oakleigh site which resulted in a plotholder being hospitalised for approximately a week. It has reinforced the need to keep the main gate both at Oakleigh and Derrell Road unlocked at all times when people are on site.

6. Vice Chairman’s Report:

There were several plot swaps on Lower Penns last month, but it has now all settled down and everyone seems to be happy with where they have ended up.

7. Treasurer’s Report:

Monies in Bank
- Deposit account - £1,326.60
- Current account - £614.63
Cheques:
- 100359 - Man with van - £430.00
- 100360 - Shield insurance - £529.39
- 100361 - NAS membership - £474.00

8. Sites:

Derrell Road
- 13a DR
- 19 DR - now ready to let
- PLEASE CONTINUE TO LEAVE MAIN GATE UNLOCKED WHEN ON SITE
Oakleigh
- 33a – please can plotholder remove the MDF doors as they have swollen in the wet weather
- 37a - please can plotholder remove the tyres as these should not have been brought on site
- 41a – please can plotholder remove the several sinks that are on the plot as they should not have been brought on site
Lower Penns
- 6b – no work being done on bottom half of the plot
- 20a -

9. AOB:

Please can visitors to the Derrell Road site not bring cars up the path, especially while it is so wet. The path is exceptionally slippery in current conditions and when possible, matting will be put down to make it less dangerous.
It was reported that a hosepipe was left connected and running while the plotholder was no longer on site. Please could all plotholders across the 3 sites always ensure that your hosepipe is disconnected before you leave the site – especially on Lower Penns, which is on a water meter.
13a and 13b Derrell Road plots will have to be remeasured as they are currently not equal. This is down to a polytunnel on one of the plots and 13b will be required to give back approximately 18ft to 13a. Chairman is to deal with this.
Oakleigh site – the space outside the seed shed and toilet is for turning/unloading only. Please do not park your car there while on site as it must be kept clear.

10. Date of next committee meeting:

To be held on Monday 1st April 2019 at 7.30pm at the RAOB Club.

Meeting closed at 8.15pm.

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Minutes of the OPEN Meeting of the Paignton Home Garden & Allotment Society held at the RAOB Club, Paignton on Monday 4th February 2019

4/2/2019

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Present: Alan Smith, Flis Cotton, Jackie Yates, Liz Barnes, Stefan Phillpott, Andrew Bibbings, Joe Wallis, Phil Moore, Pat Marriott, Jackie Green, Christine Guiver, Denise Harris, Jodie Harris, Jonty & Joyce Osborne-Lisle.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1.   Apologies: Kay Mason, Gary Buckingham.

2.   Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

3.   Matters arising from the minutes:

Man with van has attended the site and cleared all the rubbish from Oakleigh & Derrell.
Disabled plot on DR – work is ongoing to clear this plot and dismantle the raised beds that are falling apart.
Cleared DR Plot is almost ready to relet – it will need to be split into 2 x ½ plots.

4. Correspondence:

5b Lower Penns has given notice to leave her plot due to family commitments.
Email received in January from 20a LP confirming that she hopes to get back into working the plot. It was discussed and noted that no work had yet been done and sec was asked to send another letter.

5. Chairman’s Report:

Seeds had been delivered to Oakleigh today and would soon be available for sale by the Chairman. Alan will be at the shop on Oakleigh between 10-1 on Saturday mornings.
Red onions, white onions and shallots have been bought and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Fewer were bought than last year as we were left with loads, so they may go quickly. They will be good for planting in March.
Also available at the shop is ground netting at £1 per metre length x 2 metre width.
Chicken pellets and fertiliser also stocked – please ask Alan.
The water pipe to the main tap on Derrell Road will probably need lagging to avoid a leak or burst in the cold weather.

6. Vice Chairman’s Report:

Nothing to report

7. Treasurer’s Report:

Monies in Bank
- Deposit account - £1,326.38
- Current account - £550.63
Monies received - £81.00
Cheques:
- 100353 - G Buckingham (rodent course) - £120.00
- 100356 - Leigh Burns (website) - £64.02
- 100360 - Shield Insurance - £529.39
- 100359 - Man with van (clearance DR and Oak) - £430.00
- 100361 - NAS – membership subs - £474.00

8. Sites:

Derrell Road
- No site inspection
- SEE BELOW – PLEASE LEAVE MAIN GATE UNLOCKED WHEN ON SITE
Oakleigh
- No site inspection
Lower Penns
- 1A - letter
- 20A - letter
- 21A - letter

9. AOB:

Oakleigh Plotholders have requested permission to cut the hedge back by the entrance gate in order to improve access – agreed. If anyone would like to assist, please speak to Alan on plot 5.
The need for an emergency committee was discussed. In case of an accident, would any plotholder agree to have their telephone number left on the noticeboard at each site, so they could be alerted to attend the relevant site in case of an emergency? If the number was not displayed at the site, could it be circulated to plotholders on their particular site for use in an emergency? In the light of a recent potentially serious accident on Derrell Road, it was considered that this may be a good idea – please email sec or contact us with your thoughts or if you would like to volunteer?
Again, in the light of the above accident on Derrell Road, it was discussed that it was very important for emergency services to be able to access the sites.
It was agreed that the main site gate should be left unlocked while plotholders were working on the site. Please could we use common sense and the last one to leave the site is to lock the gate behind them – this is a major health and safety issue – especially if the emergency services are unable to gain access if required!
2 Oakleigh plotholders have volunteered to hold a key to DR as they live close by and it was agreed that this would be a good idea. Further details to be provided in due course, but from now on, could all visitors to Derrell Road site please leave the gate open while they are on site.

10. Date of next meeting:

OPEN committee meeting to be held on Monday 4th March 2019 at 7.30pm at the RAOB Club. All welcome.

Meeting closed at 7:55pm.

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Minutes of the OPEN Meeting of the Paignton Home Garden & Allotment Society held at the RAOB Club, Paignton on Monday 3rd December 2018

3/12/2018

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Present: Alan Smith, Flis Cotton, Jackie Yates, Stefan Phillpott, Andrew Bibbings, Gary Buckingham, Joe Wallis, Kay Mason, Phil Moore, Pat Marriott.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1.   Apologies: Jackie Green, Liz Barnes.

2.   Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

3.   Matters arising from the minutes:

No action on the metal gate on 21 and 22 DR. Chairman has agreed to go and have a look and see what will be required – posts and/or gates.
Man with van has not yet been arranged as Oakleigh site is still collecting rubbish.

4. Correspondence:

None

5. Chairman’s Report:

Chairman has reported that there are still plenty of broad beans left. It is not too late to put them in the ground. Please see Alan on Oakleigh, or contact us.
The seed shop on the Oakleigh St Michaels site will be selling seeds again in January.

6. Vice Chairman’s Report:

7. Treasurer’s Report:

Monies in Bank
- Deposit account - £2,925.48
- Current account £303.35
- Monies received £306.00
Cheques:
- SW Water Lower Penns - 100354 - £108.36
- Keith Parker - 100355 - £7.03
- Alan Smith - Seeds and rat poison - 100357 - £28.92

8. Sites:

Derrell Road
- Disabled plot beds are falling apart and need to be dismantled. Plot is to be let on the basis that it is not a disabled plot.
- Treasurer Jackie proposed a vote of thanks to Gary on Derrell Road for all his help in dismantling the sheds at Derrell Road and it was agreed that his help had been invaluable.
Oakleigh
- No inspection this month.
- All plotholders apart from 9 had replied to letters.
Lower Penns
- 1a – letter 1
- 21a – letter 2

9. AOB:

Andrew Bibbings reported that Tuckers seeds will cease trading on Christmas Eve. The Society will try to support Kings as suppliers as they are affiliated to NAS.
Seed prices are attached and can be sent upon request at any time.

10. Date of next committee meeting:

No meeting in January.
To be held on Monday 4th February 2019 at 7.30pm at the RAOB Club. All welcome.

Meeting closed at 8:05pm.

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Minutes of the OPEN Meeting of the Paignton Home Garden & Allotment Society held at the RAOB Club, Paignton on Monday 5th November 2018

5/11/2018

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Present: Alan Smith, Flis Cotton, Andrew Bibbings, Liz Barnes, Gary Buckingham, Joe Wallis, Christine Guiver, Kay Mason, Leigh Burns.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

1.   Apologies: Stefan Philpott, Jackie Green, Jackie Yates, Phil Moore, Pat Marriott.

2.   Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved.

3.   Matters arising from the minutes:

The metal gate on 21 and 22 DR has not yet been replaced and is ongoing.

4. Correspondence:

Sec has received requests to join the waiting list and has replied to them all.
Stefan Philpott, plotholder on LP has put himself forward for vice chairman if the position is vacant. This was discussed and it was agreed that the Society would take him up on his offer for the remainder of the year and the matter would have to be put to the vote at the next AGM.
Plotholder on DR has a 2 stroke petrol strimmer for sale – almost new. Buying this on behalf of the Society was discussed, but it was agreed that as it was a 2 stroke and therefore different to the one already owned by the Society, then it may cause confusion and the wrong fuel may be put in. If anyone wants to buy it, please either contact us or see Kay on plot 8b DR.
Sandra Luscombe (plot 28 O) has given notice to give up half of her plot.

5. Chairman’s Report:

A man with a van will be required to take the rubbish from the cleared plots at Derrell and Oakleigh. Chairman asked the Committee if it was ok to spend the funds. This was agreed as it was a necessary expense.
It was asked that if possible, could more notice be given to plotholders when the clearance was arranged, so that help could be given.
Chairman has reported that all the green manure has been sold, but that there are plenty of broad beans left. Please see Alan on Oakleigh, or contact us.
The seed shop will be selling seeds again next spring.

6. Vice Chairman’s Report:

7. Treasurer’s Report:

Not present – (apologies given)

8. Sites:

Derrell Road
- 3b – letter 2
- 13a – surgery – will be getting back in to it.
Oakleigh
- 27a – giving up?
- 37 – ask intentions?
- 14b – has planted on paths – some crops will have to be moved.
- 3b, 7b, 8, 9, 29b, 33a – ask intentions
Lower Penns
- 20a – letter 2

9. AOB:

The Webmaster advised last month that a change of host for the PHGAS website will be required as we were previously on a free plan. He provided 3 options to be considered and it was agreed that we would go with his best choice and cover all his expenses. Sec was provided with receipts for his outlay on the site for previous 3 years and agreed to let the Treasurer know.
Gary Buckingham reported that he had passed his exam on pest control and so was authorised to provide this facility to the Society. He confirmed that if and when the time came for his services to be required, then poison and bait boxes will need to be purchased.

10. Date of next committee meeting:

To be held on Monday 3rd December 2018 at 7.30pm at the RAOB Club. All welcome.

Meeting closed at 8:15pm.

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Annual General Meeting of the Paignton Home Garden & Allotment Society held at the ROAB Club, New Street, Paignton on Monday 1st October 2018

1/10/2018

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Hon Vice President Joe Wallis welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the committee for their work over the last year.

Present: Joe Wallis, Keith & Jane Parker, Alan Smith, Flis Cotton, Liz Barnes, Gary Buckingham, Pat Messenger, Andrew Bibbings, Jackie Yates, Jacqueline Green, Gary Quinn, Phil Moore.

1.   Apologies: John O'Neill, Nigel & Catherine Ambury, Leigh Burns, Pat & Steve Marriott, Christine Guiver, Kay Mason. Elaine Care.

2.   Minutes of last AGM held on Monday 2nd October 2017 were read, proposed and seconded then signed.

3.   Correspondence:

Email received from plotholder on 14a DR. She has used Roundup weedkiller on her plot and is aware that this may be of concern to other plotholoders. She wanted the committee to know that she is using it responsibly to get rid of thistles. She will use it sparingly, only when necessary.
Request from plotholders on 19LP to keep bees. Sec has replied that this is fine as long as they are trained and take out insurance to the value of £5m.
Ongoing bonfire matter: The homeowner below Lower Penns has sent another email to say that he disputes that the fire was not on site and has provided more date stamped photos as evidence.
We have received an email from the Webmaster who has advised that a change of host will be required as we were previously on a free plan. He has provided 3 options to be considered and it was decided that this was not a matter for the AGM. Sec has been asked to hold this until the next meeting and ask him to be present to discuss with the committee.

4. Chairman’s Report:

Chairman has reported that it has been a productive year overall.
He is disappointed at the level of support for the Society seed shop and there was discussion as to whether or not it should continue next year.
There will be seeds available to buy before Christmas and onions before spring planting. The Society has lost stock this year and approximately £40 has been written off. This has been possibly due to the weather and the late start of the season. It was agreed that we would keep the shop going another year and monitor its popularity.
The finances of the Society are in good shape. There will be some major outlays in January as usual – being the stock, insurance and club affiliation fees.
A new light commercial lawnmower for DR has been purchased. A good discount was negotiated and so it was thought to be worthwhile.
As he was resigning, the Chairman thanked everyone for making his tenure in the position of Chairman, so pleasant.

5. Treasurer’s Report:

Income
- Rent/membership £3,958.00
- Bank interest £1.89
- Chicken pellets/shop £1,146.85
- Fuel £37.58
- Sub-total £5,144.32
Expenditure
- BBQ £154.85
- S W Water £1,011.48
- Stationery/postage £42.12
- Shop £1,374.31
- Subs £1,009.39
- Maintenance £1,218.43
- Assets £379.00
- Fuel (for mower/strimmer) £17.83
Deficit for the year: -£63.09
Monies in the bank:
- Current account £175.81
- Deposit account £3,374.52
- Cash in hand £10.37
- Total: £3,560.70

The asset register was updated and a list of cheques written for the whole year was provided to the secretary. The Society assets were minimal and comprised mainly the mower and shop produce, which were both of benefit to all members. The Treasurer thanks the vice-chairman Alan Smith for the huge amount of time he spent in helping to organise and promote the shop.
The Treasurer reported that she thought the seed shop had done fairly well as it had shown a profit of £33.24. She felt that the Society finances were looking healthy.
The Hon Vice President thanked the Treasurer for her hard work over the year.
It was proposed that the treasurer’s report be accepted and this was seconded.

6. Motions and Proposals:

None.

7. 2018 Election of Officers:

Chairman: Alan Smith (proposed and seconded)
Vice Chairman: (no proposals – vacant position)
Secretary: Flis Cotton
Treasurer: Jackie Yates (proposed and seconded)
The Chairman proposed to re-elect the remaining committee members en-bloc - this was proposed and seconded.
Web Master: Leigh Burns
Wildlife Officer: Jacqueline Green
Fundraising Officer: (none)
Site Reps (3 for each site)
- DR: Jacqueline Green & Kay Mason (+ 1 Vacant)
- Oakleigh: Gary Buckingham, Pat Marriott, Liz Barnes
- LP: Phillip Moore, Christine Guiver, Andrew Bibbings
Volunteers for the vacant posts above would be gratefully received.

8. Representatives on Other Organisations

National Vegetable Society – Joe Wallis. He agreed to report to PHGAS on NVS matters.

9. Any Other Business:

A plotholder asked why the BBQ is not held on DR and it was felt that the space was better on Oakleigh.
The Hon Vice President thanked the Committee for their work over the year and reported that he had judged a few events this year, with hopefully, more next year.
He felt that generally produce had not been as good this year as it could have been and so PHGAS plotholders were no exception.
He hoped we could have a BBQ and show again next year and offered to judge this if it could be held on a Sunday as he was busy every Saturday in August.
He will write to the RAOB club once again to request the use of their facilities next year for meetings.
Hon VP said he was very disappointed at the turnout for the AGM and felt that a lot more people could have attended, given the number of members in the Society.
Pat Messenger wished to report that she felt that the Society had become a lot more efficient and friendly in recent years and she felt this was down to the work of the committee, to whom she offered her thanks.

10. Date of next meeting:

Annual General Meeting to be held Monday 7th October 2019 at 7.30pm at the RAOB Club.
Committee Meeting to be held Monday 5th November 2018 at 7.30pm at the RAOB Club.

Meeting closed at 8:05pm.

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