Present: Joe Wallis, Alan Smith, Steve Blair, Lorraine Montgomery, Jodi White, Pat Marriot, Gary Buckingham, Jacqueline Green, Christine Guiver, Andy Bibbings, Hadyn Mudford, Derrick Went, Stephen Brown.

Apologies: Lynne Gibson, Jodie White, Philip Moore.

As recently appointed Chairman, Steve Blair opened the meeting by thanking all new members of the committee for taking up their new post and for the existing committee members for continuing to support the society. The committee members were then asked to introduce themselves to the meeting.

The Chairman then set the scene for the meeting by describing Allotment use, past, present and future.

The Allotments Act 1908 required Councils to provide land to grow food if there was a demand. During the First War that demand boomed to 1.5 million plots. The Second War "Dig for Victory" campaign prompted a further surge.

However, the 1960s saw a decline following the ending of rationing and the mass production of cheaper food. As a result, as plots became vacant, some people took on a second or third one.

In case you wondered, a full plot measures 10 poles (or rods) which is about 250m2.

Incidentally, we charge £42 however, the Council run allotments in Exeter cost £84, Plymouth charge £181 and Bath over £200 so there is great variation across the country.

Today, allotment gardening is becoming more popular but now it’s a hobby rather than a necessity. Most newcomers are content with half a plot or even less so as sites become available we sub divide them into manageable units.

Perhaps it timely for those with full plots or multiple plots to consider if they still have the vitality and enthusiasm to continue to keep them well cultivated or if they wish to return some land to the Committee for the 100-plus people on our waiting list to get started.

1.    Minutes of the previous meeting 2nd September 2024 were noted and agreed.

2.    Matters arising from previous minutes and AGM:

• Tree at Oakleigh
  • Torbay Council need map, photographs and concise description of the issue before they will process. Oakleigh site reps are to provide this for the secretary to populate the online Tree contact form on Council website. The documents are in the possession of Brian Coles and the secretary will ask for them to be sent through to her so the application to have them attended to be lodged.
• Request for an additional water tap at Oakleigh
  • Costing for the materials had been prepared by the plot holder making the request this was reported as £68. Whilst the materials cost is low the committee concluded that the overall project involved a considerable amount of trenching which was not that straight forward and as the labour is not available without employing a contractor it would be overall expensive. The offer was made to reimburse the plot holder for a dual tap connector to reduce the probability of the existing tap being in use when they needed it.
• Request for committee to buy in bulk compost
  • It was decided this was not practical because there is a lack of storage space and also it a reliance on a few barrowing many bags across site. However, the secretary agreed to contact Otter Nurseries and Longcombe Cross Nursery to ask if a discount scheme can be set up for plot holders.

2.    Correspondence:

• There is a lot of ongoing correspondence on behalf of site reps and plotholders regarding site specific issues taking place. Enquiries and dirty plot letters are being issued between meetings as site inspections take place.
• There have been 5 more requests to join the waiting list. The secretary is continuing to pass applicants on to York Road, 4 have taken up plots there, so our list remains at about 130.
• The secretary would like to request that any plot holders not intending to keep their plots on next year please let us know now ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements. This saves a great deal of admin time and gives new tenants a good chance to clear plots over the winter and get ready for next spring. Also, anyone struggling with the size or number of plots please let us know.
• A complaint from a plot holder about the use of general emails was briefly discussed, they feel offended being tarred with the same brush as those guilty of the subject matter.  The feeling of the meeting was that site reps and secretary spend a lot of time chasing plotholders who are not acting in the communal interest or abiding by the regulations. A general mail is a useful efficient way to get a message out quickly and those who are happy it does not apply to them are free to ignore it.

3.    Chairman’s Report

• The Chairman opened the meeting with his report, please see above.

4.    Vice Chairman’s Report

• No report

5.    Treasurer’s Report

• Opening Balance - £7,477.50
• Paid Out
  • Bank Charges - £5.00
  • Water Penns RD - £13.05
  • B&Q - £14.15
  • Kings Seeds - £496.03
  • Pallet delivery - £15.00
  • TOTAL - £543.23
• Paid In
  • Subs - £21.00
  • Seed sales - £571.80
  • Chicken Manure - £12.00
  • Pellets bfb - £90.00
  • Broad Beans - £2.50
  • TOTAL - £697.30
• Closing Balance - £7,631.57
• Cash - £18.90

6.    Site Reports

• Derrell Road
  • A big thank you to Greg for all his hard work whilst volunteering as one of our site reps (in particular for our lovely little orchard) Also a big welcome to Stephen who has come on board as our new site rep, many thanks for volunteering.
  • DR is fully occupied, but we do have a couple of plots which have been under cultivated for a while. These plot holders will receive a polite reminder to undertake work to rectify this before the early spring site inspection so as to avoid further action being taken.
  • Unfortunately, despite an email being sent regarding the inappropriate use of the bonfire site and the request for removal of offending items, the compostable materials still remain. As this behaviour is not deemed to be acting in a community focused manner, the site reps reserve the right to ask the culprit, if identified, to resign their plot.
• Oakleigh
  • A swap of allotments has taken place to resolve two ongoing issues.
  • Currently 3 vacant plots, 2 are ready to be filled and this is in progress. One plot holder still in the process of moving so will be available soon.
  • A site inspection took place last week and as a result a number of dirty plot letters will be issued in addition to others being contacted to clarify their intentions with regard to future use of their plots. A general email was also sent all plot holders asking them to tidy up their plots and remove any rubbish. 
  • The site reps raised some concerns about the derelict buildings on plots 1 and 2, which pose a hazard. The plot holder agreed to make them safe. The discussion continued regarding the fact the site is predominantly half plots and those with multiple plots could consider if they are able to continue to keep them fully cultivated.
• Lower Penns
  • A number of plot holders have been contacted to confirm their intention to use their allotments fully next year. All responded positively and this will continue to be monitored by the site reps. 
  • Andy Bibbings has continued to inspect the site boundaries and infill gaps as necessary to improve security.
  • Most plot holders have taken steps to clear and tidy their site for the winter.
  • There was some minor damage due to the recent stormy weather, plot holders were alerted and have made safe blown material/ structures.

7.    AOB

• Derrick Went had agreed to coordinate updating the website however he has had no response to his emails to the webmaster. The secretary is to contact the webmaster to ascertain if the preference is to give Derrick Went the editing rights to maintain the website.
• There is a section of Oakleigh boundary wall that has collapsed adjacent to Baston Gardens. Derrick Went agreed to complete the online Council webform to get this attended to.

8.    Date of Next Committee Meeting

• To be held on March 3rd 2025

Present: Lorraine Montgomery, Joe Wallis, Brian Coles, Adrian Beal, Jodie White, Pat Marriot, Jacqueline Green, Derrick Went, Brian Knott, Lynne Gibson, Samantha Bearne, Maria Simcox, Gary Buckingham, Phillip Moore, Andy Bibbings, Haydn Mudford, Katy Buckingham, Debbie Buckingham, Liz Barnes, Flis Cotton, Alan Smith, Steve Blair, Greg Beal

Apologies: Christine Guiver, Ann Manning

President Joe Wallis welcomed all to the AGM meeting. He thanked the Secretary for all her work over the year. He noted the Chairman Brian Coles was now stepping down and thanked him for his service over the last two years and also thanked Adrian Beal who is also stepping down as site representative at Oakleigh.

1.    Minutes of the last AGM held on Monday 6th November 2023 were agreed.

2.    Chairman’s Report

• As another year draws to a close, we can look back on 2024 as a year of mixed fortunes. As for the weather my impression was that it was cooler and wetter than previous years, and this obviously affected the results of our efforts. We did well with broad beans earlier in the year and managed to escape a blackfly infestation – autumn seeding does reduce the risk of it. The spring was quite cold and this delayed a lot of the planting, but we managed to get a healthy crop of runner and French beans, along with cabbages and courgettes. Slugs and snails were a problem due to the wet weather, and of course we are now limited on the slug bait that we can use nowadays. Other crops such as tomatoes were a disappointment.
• We have welcomed in some new plotholders – some are quite industrious with their organisation and efforts, but others not quite as active and enthusiastic. When they are confronted with the work needed to maintain an allotment, the enthusiasm soon fades. Perhaps TV gardening programmes make it look too easy.
• As you are probably now aware, I am stepping down from the Chairman’s post, due to health reasons. I must say that I have enjoyed the last couple of years, but it is time for somebody else to step in and, hopefully, keep improving the running of the Society.
• Good luck all of you for the coming year ahead.

3.    Vice Chairman’s Report

• The Vice Chairman had nothing to add.

4.    Treasurer’s Report

• Opening Balances
  • Deposit Account - £2,412.52
  • Current Account - £5,282.55
  • Cash in hand - £165.00
• Paid Out
  • NSALG subs -  £429.00
  • Insurance - £549.99
  • Shop/ seeds - £362.82
  • Bank charges - £72.54
  • SWW Lower Penns - £441.38
  • SWW Oakleigh - £593.77
  • Repairs/ maintenance - £700.22
  • Total - £3,149.72
• Paid In
  • Subs/ Key Deposits - £4,686.50
  • Shop/ seed sales - £552.30
  • Total - £5,238.80
• Closing Balances
  • Deposit Account - £2,448.20
  • Current Account - £7,477.50
  • Cash in hand - £58.00
• The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the meeting.

5.    Election of Officers 2024/2025

• The current Chairman Brian Coles is standing down. The Society wish to thank him for all is work over the last two years.  
• The remaining committee members except for 2 site rep posts at Oakleigh i.e., Brian Coles and Adrian Beal are happy to continue in post.
• The secretary confirmed nominations received as being one for Chairman Steve Blair and two for Oakleigh site representatives Lynne Gibson and Derrick Went.
• Voting took place and those present duly appointed Steve Blair as the new Chairman. Lynne Gibson and Derrick Went were also appointed as site representatives for Oakleigh.
• It was agreed Steve Blair would also continue as Vice President. 
• Committee Members are confirmed as:
  • President Joe Wallis
  • Vice President Steve Blair
  • Chairman Steve Blair
  • Vice Chairman Alan Smith
  • Treasurer Jodie White
  • Secretary Lorraine Montgomery
  • Site Representatives
    • Derrell Road: Steve Blair, Jacqueline Green, 2 Vacancies to be filled
    • Oakleigh:, Pat Marriot, Gary Buckingham, Lynne Gibson, Derrick Went
    • Lower Penns: Andy Bibbings, Christine Guiver, Phillip Moore
  • Wildlife Officer: Hadyn Mudford
    
• It was also noted that Derrick Went has volunteered to work with the Web Master to update the Societies Website. The secretary is to put the Web Master and Derrick in contact. 

6.    Representatives of Other Organisations

• Joe Wallis reported that the SW branch of the National Vegetable Society has disbanded due to lack of interest. The funds have been transferred to the South division and will be held available for 5 years if there is interest to re-form it. Joe Wallis will remain in contact with the South division.

7.    Any Other Business

• Two items had come forward from plot holders:
  • A request that the committee consider buying in compost in bulk,
  • A request that consideration be given to installing an additional tap at the lower end of Oakleigh.
• It was decided both these items required more investigation and should be discussed at the next monthly meeting.
• A brief discussion took place to review how effective new measures introduced at the last AGM had been over the year:
  • Enforcing the 2 month probation period – this had been done and was agreed to have been effective.
    
  • Regular inspections taking place and initiating action between meetings – this had been happening and had been effective in speeding up actions with plot holders.
    
  • Plotholders initiating contact with the society when issues with looking after their plot – this has been taking place but was worth emphasising again to all.
    
  • Reducing dirty plot letters to 2 
• it was agreed to reduce the warning/ dirty plot letter from 3 to 2 per tenancy year, before a termination letter will be issued. The first letter will give 4 weeks to make a significant improvement and the second will give only 2 weeks. In place and to be continued
• List of banned items was introduced reflecting Torbay Councils items needing to be paid for disposal. This had been effective in greatly reducing the unwanted materials being brought onto sites, in particular on Oakleigh.
• Joe Wallis thanked everyone for their participation and continued support of the society. 

8.    Date of next meetings:

• Next AGM is October 6th 2025
• Next monthly meeting is December 2nd 2024

Meeting closed at 8.20pm.

Present: Joe Wallis, Brian Coles, Adrian Beal, Jodi White, Pat Marriot, Gary Buckingham, Jacqueline Green, Christine Guiver, Andy Bibbings, Hadyn Mudford, Lynne Gibson

Apologies: Lorraine Montgomery, Phil Moore, Steve Blair, Alan Smith

1.    Minutes of the previous meeting 1st July 2024 noted and agreed.

2.    Matters arising from the minutes:

• Tree at Oakleigh.
  • Torbay Council need map, photographs and concise description of the issue before they will process. Oakleigh site reps are to provide this for the secretary to populate the online Tree contact form on Council website. The documents are now in the possession of the chairman and will be scanned in as the application is probably electronic.
• Bank paying-in procedure
  • Joe Wallis raised the fact that his rental cheque had not been cashed at the time of the last meeting. Physically paying in at a bank branch is becoming more difficult as they are disappearing. The treasurer says that paying in can be done at Post Offices, which will ease the situation.

3.    Correspondence:

• Quieter than usual – there are a few more names added to the list.
• Ongoing management of plots requiring letters and emails to plot holders.

4.    Chairman’s Report:

• It never rains – it either pours or it is annoyingly damp, with not enough rainfall to make an appreciable difference. The latter is true of this summer, with not enough warm sunshine to suit some plants such as outdoor grown tomatoes. However we have done extremely well with runner beans, climbing French beans and cabbages. The leeks we have planted appear to be doing well. However this damp weather has brought out the slugs and snails, and they are a problem to contain as the old slug pellets are now illegal and are no longer available. Back along we tried beer traps (yoghurt pots sunk into the ground filled with beer), but the local wildlife drank the beer and left the slugs behind. There might be a drunken fox on the loose at Oakleigh!

5.    Vice Chairman’s Report:

• Not present

6.    Treasurer’s Report:

• Opening Balance - £7,389.53
• Paid Out
  • Bank Charges - £11.20
  • Water Penns RD - £251.80
  • S Blair mower repair - £45.00
  • S Blair petrol - £20.00
  • B Coles keys - £31.50
  • Brian Coles petrol - £7.80
  • TOTAL - £367.30
• Paid In
  • Oak pellets - £41.00
  • Subs - £114.00
  • TOTAL - £155.00
• Cheque - £125.00
• Cash - £295.00
• Closing Balance - £7,597.23

7.    Site Reports:

• Derrell Road
  • DR continues to be fully occupied.
  • This season the majority of plot holders have enjoyed their allotments and harvested some good crops. We intend to ask the small minority if they have plans to make their plots more productive.
  • After 2 visits to Stoke Gabriel and £45 outlay, the big mower is now working well.
• Oakleigh
  • We have 2 more plots to let, as a result of evictions, and we will be contacting people from the list in this next couple of weeks.
    
  • Site inspections are to be carried out this week.
    
  • We are still trying to resolve a boundary issue between a plotholder and an access lane to a property in Batson Gardens, it appears that some work has been done towards it.
    
  • We have had another issue between a plotholder and a neighbour in Batson Gardens over the height of a boundary fence, and the fence has now been taken down to the 2 metre rule avoiding planning permission. We have heard nothing more so hopefully the dispute has died down.
  • Regular site inspections are now in progress, and hopefully many of the problems that we have encountered are going to be a thing of the past.
• Lower Penns
  • Very quiet, everything is running smoothly.

8.    AOB:

• Membership joining fee
  • We had an issue recently where a new plotholder raised the matter of paying the £50 new member fee, as he was already a family member on another plot. The question is do we waive the fee for family members and co-workers, or do we rename the fee as something else, i.e. new tenancy fee. It was agreed at the meeting that we rename the fee as a new tenancy fee.
• Site Security
  • We have experienced some more break-ins at Oakleigh, but strangely nothing has been stolen or disturbed. Indeed my own shed was broken into and nothing was taken or disturbed. As it is suspected that children and youths are the culprits, it is suggested that the side gate is locked after 4 p.m.
• Plot 3A Oakleigh.
  • The plotholders have raised the fact that the boundary tree roots are growing into their plot by a good 12 -15 feet, rendering a good slice of their plot unproductive. They are at present paying £41 for a full plot, although the plot is no bigger than 3B or 3C, which are charged at £21 for half plots. It was agreed that the rental is to be reduced to £21 as a half plot.

9.    Date of Next Committee Meeting:

• AGM to be held on Monday November 4th 2024. Any items to be raised at the AGM must be forwarded to the Secretary at least 7 days before the meeting

Present:  Steve Blair, Greg Beal, Phil Moore, Andy Bibbings, Christine Guiver, Gary Buckingham, Pat Marriott, Adrian Beal, Joe Wallis, Brian Coles.

Apologies: Lorraine Montgomery, Jodi White, Jacqui Green, Alan Smith.

1.    Minutes of the previous meeting 4th April 2024 noted and agreed.

2.    Matters arising from the minutes:

• Tree at Oakleigh
  • Torbay need map, photographs and concise description of the issue before they will process. Oakleigh site reps to provide this for the secretary to populate the online Tree contact form on Council website.

3.    Correspondence:

• Busy - there have been 8 new requests to join the waiting list since the last meeting and 5 requests for updates on position on the waiting list, which remains approximately 130.
• There has been some correspondence regarding boundaries at Oakleigh, see notes in any other business.
• Ongoing management of plots requiring letters and emails to plot holders.

4.    Chairman’s Report

• The main growing season is now upon us, but with a colder than usual June, I have noticed that some plants have been slow in growing, but now warmer weather is with us they are beginning to catch up. We have had some good results from the autumn planting items –the broad beans are probably the best ever crop that I have experienced. Likewise the onions are doing well, and our strawberry yield is among the best we have had.
• At Oakleigh there have been some “observations and requests” from neighbouring houses about overgrowth of trees, briar etc causing problems. I would request that all site reps check their boundaries to ensure that we are not upsetting owners of neighbouring properties, and encourage plot holders to trim back any excess growth.

5.    Vice Chairman’s Report

• Not present

6.    Treasurer’s Report (provided after the meeting)

• Paid Out
  • Bank Charges - £19.80
  • Water LP’s - £30.72
  • Fruit Trees - £170.00
  • Repairs/ Maintenance LP’s Loo - £212.20
  • Total - £432.82
• Paid In
  • Subs - £940.50
  • Shop sales - £15.00
  • Total - £955.50
• Closing Balance - £7,389.53

7.    Site Reports

• Derrell Road
  • DR remains fully occupied and mostly well cultivated.
  • A plotholder suggested that people were bringing domestic waste to the bonfire site and the ashes of a recent fire contained asbestos residue. We inspected the ashes and concluded it was more likely to be fibre glass. Either way we would like to remind everyone that this facility is provided solely for disposal of combustable, non contaminated allotment material.
  • Another plotholder recently found a full dog poo bag on the main path. We chose not to ascertain if it was dog, cat, badger or fox faeces but again, would like to remind those who bring dogs to the site to act responsibly.
  • The lawn mower is defective. Adrian and I tried to resolve the issue but failed so it is now at a local garden machinery workshop who gave us an estimated repair cost below £50. This compares favourably to the alternative options. A new one costs £375. Cheaper versions are available from £190 and DGM wanted £125 plus parts for a service.
• Oakleigh
  • We have managed to let 4 vacant half plots this spring and early summer, and it appears that the new plot holders have got off to a good start, with Obaida on plot 7B having made remarkable progress, bearing in mind that this was a problem plot with a lot of rubbish dumped on it. We have a couple of plots that have recently become vacant to let after the end of this month.
  • Whilst Adrian and Gary manage to keep many of the communal areas trimmed back, we would like to remind plot holders that it is their responsibility to keep the paths between the plots clear so that access for other plot holders is not impeded.
  • Regular site inspections are now in progress, and hopefully many of the problems that we have encountered are going to be a thing of the past.
• Lower Penns
  • We are fully occupied and majority of plots are being well managed. A handful of plots are being monitored by site reps where concerns have previously been raised and progress is slow or more intermittent than needed.

8.    AOB

• Coastal compost deliveries
  • Coastal have brought in a delivery charge £171.00 which is a lot. Steve Blair had reported that York Road allotments were charged £60. This was investigated by Lorraine, Coastal said they were trying to share delivery costs for splitting loads for a trial but have now confirmed the £171 as the charge. The delivery cost would appear to be the same regardless of the size of load.
  • This was thought to be expensive for the quality and it also would introduce the need to make sure it was distributed very fairly if the society was paying for it. This would be too difficult.
  • Lorraine suggested if groups of plot holders are happy to pay this directly between them they could then manage the ‘pile’ themselves for their own use recognising the committee would need some involvement to make sure an issue with access or neighbours was not created.
  • After a discussion, the committee decided not to continue with the deliveries of the compost, but if individual plot holders wanted to manage a delivery on their own account and pay direct, then the committee would have no objection. However it was pointed out that they must clear up after the delivery is cleared.
• Allotment Society Website
  • Steve Blair notified Lorraine that there was a  need to update information on the website. Lorraine had tracked down the Webmaster Leigh Burns, (son-in-law of John O’Neil on Oakleigh). Leigh has kindly offered to continue to update the website. Lorraine has given Leigh the updated committee members and corrected the number of plots on each site. Leigh has also posted the latest minutes.
  • It was suggested that if committee members could find time to look through the website and note down any mistakes and amendments needed, and pass them to Lorraine for updating.
• Site Boundaries 
  • A couple of requests have been received about boundary issues at Oakleigh, mainly to do with overgrowth, so all site reps were requested to inspect the boundaries and encourage plot holders to keep the boundaries tidy so that our neighbours are not inconvenienced.
• Frequency of meetings
  • With modern methods of communication, the consensus of opinion from committee members was that monthly meetings were not necessary going forward. So this year it was proposed that our next meeting is September, with the AGM in November, with a follow up meeting in December to implement any items that arose from the AGM.
  • Then for 2025 quarterly meetings were quite adequate, with the AGM moved back to October, with the follow up meeting in November 2025.
• Cashing cheques
  • Joe Wallis raised the fact that he passed over his rental cheque in April and to date it has still not been cashed. Is there a problem with banking cheques nowadays? – bearing in mind the fact that many bank branches are closing. Should we be looking at a standard payment method i.e. bank transfers? Perhaps this will need further discussion when the treasurer is present.
• Finances
  • It was suggested that at the AGM a full breakdown of income and expenditure is presented. Again the feasibility of this should be discussed at the September meeting when the treasurer is present.
• Equipment inventory
  • A request was made for an inventory of equipment owned by the Society and the response was as follows:
    • Derrel Road – 1 Mountfield ST55 Lawnmower &  1 Honda 4 stroke strimmer
    • Lower Penns – 1 Honda 4 stroke strimmer
    • Oakleigh – 1 Einhel 2 stroke strimmer, 1 JCB rotavator, 1 4 stroke 240V generator and 1 4 stroke petrol powered jet wash with the hose missing.

9.    Date of the next Committee Meeting

• To be held on Monday September 2nd 2024 at 7.30pm.

Meeting closed at 8.15pm.

Present: Lorraine Montgomery, Brian Coles, Adrian Beal, Andy Bibbings, Phil Moore, Joe Wallis, Greg Beal, Gary Buckingham, Alan Smith, Jodie White.

Apologies: Jacqueline Green, Christine Guiver, Steve Blair, Hayden Mugford, Pat Marriott.

1.    Minutes of the previous meeting 5th Feb 2024 noted and agreed. 

2.    Matters arising from the minutes:

• Compost deliveries from Coastal. Two further deliveries of compost were received on 16th February one at Derrell Road and one at Lower Penns. Oakleigh plot holders were given priority to take it as they had previously missed out. No further deliveries have been requested at the moment.

3.    Correspondence:

• Very busy, new tenancy agreements went out over 2 days last day February/ first day of March (5 by post), approx. 150 in total. About 30 people sent in updated details as requested. Co worker details are important for our insurance so please send through if you haven’t already.
• There have been 6 new requests to join the waiting list since the last meeting and 10 requests for updates on position on the waiting list, which is now approx. 130.
• I will be co-ordinating with treasurer to chase up unpaid subs.
• Email - the Totnes Show is on Sunday 28th July, and the website is up and running and the invitation is on there if anyone to enter.

4.    Chairman’s Report:

• The monsoon season has been extended this year, with 3 times the average rainfall in February, and 2.5 times the average for March. The outlook does not look any better in the foreseeable future – what a depressing picture! The ground is too wet to do any appreciable amount of cultivation, so it looks as if sewing and planting is going to be a little later this year.
• That’s the pessimism over for this month, as it has to warm up and dry up sooner or later. On the bright side on our plot we have a good showing of autumn sown broad beans, which started flowering at the end of February. Our autumn planting of onion sets have also got off to a good start, and the rhubarb looks as if it is taking over the plot.

5.    Vice Chairman’s Report:

• Alan Smith was in attendance but had no comments.

6.    Treasurer’s Report:

• Opening balance - £4,484.94
• Paid out
  • Water Lower Penns - £24.01
  • Water Oakleigh - £593.77
  • Bank Charges - £5.00
  • Sawdust and Fence materials - £98.31
  • Total - £721.09
• Paid in
  • Subs bank payments - £2,722
  • Subs cheques - £400
  • Subs cash - £230
  • Total - £3,352
• Closing Balance - £6,485.85
• A discussion took place regarding reducing the time for payment of subs after 1st April to 2 weeks. This was thought to be reasonable because a month’s notice of the subs being due is given. This will be an agenda item for the next AGM.

7.    Site Reports:

• Derrell Road
  • All plots are let and the recent arrivals have all made great progress despite the weather.
  • Greg has planted the fruit trees on the former bonfire site and they look fantastic. He awaits a delivery of cardboard to complete the weed suppression.
  • We have not undertaken a full site inspection recently as it has been too wet for most planting.
• Oakleigh
  • In the next few days we will probably know which plots will be vacant, from the termination of dirty plot letters and also from non renewals of rentals. As soon as we know, then we can get on with getting these plots let and to welcome new members.
  • There are some outstanding decisions on dirty plot letters. 10b, 11b, 21 ,22 and 42a. Site reps to carry out an inspection and give instructions. Also to look at progress on other sites to highlight any other plots needing a letter.
  • The outcome of the inspection will be followed up week beginning 15th April.
• Lower Penns
  • We have 3 new tenants in the few weeks on plots 16b, 18a and 11b. New plot holders on 16b have made a fantastic start in a very short space of time.
  • Generally, the site has become busy and almost all plots have shown significant progress despite the very wet weather. Plot 14a is of concern, plot holder to be contacted and 14c is to be re-let.
  • We had a break in to 4 sheds a few weeks back it was reported to the police, one plot holder had some tools taken.  All 4 sheds suffered damage in breaking off locks.
  • Site reps have since been very busy securing the boundaries in particular the top boundary to open space where the incursion occurred.
  • We are currently making improvements to the on-site toilet so this facility can come back into use.
  • Hayden the wildlife rep has asked said he would like to investigate introducing hedgehogs onto the Lower Penns site as a way of naturally suppressing the slug and snail population and to reduce the use of manufactured pellets. Also he would like to increase the number of ponds on site, if possible, in order to encourage frogs, toads and newts to again deal naturally with slugs and snails. He wanted it discussed so he can look into it further if no objections. This was discussed and it was agreed Hayden can investigate further and come back to the committee with his proposals.

8.    AOB:

• Secretary was asked to contact Torbay Council asking them to inspect the Fir trees on the Lower boundary to Baston Gardens (bottom of plot 3). Brian Coles to send some photos and location map for secretary to use to contact the Council to describe the concerns being reported.

9.    Date of next committee meeting:

• To be held Monday 3rd June 19:30 At The RAOB Club off Winner Street.

Meeting closed at 8:15pm.