Present:
Committee: Steve Blair, Stephen Brown, Lorraine Montgomery, Gary Buckingham, Lynne Gibson, Jacqueline Green, Derrick Went, Phil Moore, Andy Bibbings, Hadyn Mudford.
Also in attendance: Uta Banner, Jude Evans, Katy Buckingham
Apologies: Jodi White
Welcome everyone to our last meeting before the AGM.
I would like to thank you all for your work during the year to keep our allotments thriving and I hope that you are all keen to continue. I especially thank our Secretary, Lorraine and Treasurer, Jodi and at the AGM I shall be proposing that the Society considers offering them an honorarium because without their hard work we would not be able to continue.
Two of our founder members, Joe, The President and Alan, the Vice Chairman have decided to hang up their hats and stand down. I am sure that we all thank them for all that they have done over the years to create a vibrant, thriving Committee that we have today. I could mention all of the things that they have done for us over the years but if I did, we would still be here after closing time.
Talking about resignations, our Minister for Housing and Communities resigned recently, having been accused of sub-letting her Council house without permission and not paying tax on the income and then pretending that her third expensive home in Hove was her main residence to avoid paying £40,000 stamp duty. What is not in dispute is that she gave 5 Councils permission to terminate leases on under used allotments so they could build houses on them.
This is a reminder that we need to continue with our regular site inspections to give early notice to plot holders who are either hoarding rubbish or not cultivating their land that they need to improve.
I contacted Coastal Compost last week and they still require £200 delivery charge in Paignton whatever size of skip ( 6,12, or 18 yard). Therefore, I welcome Site Reps to consider asking the Committee for a load, especially if they have the area available to receive 18 yards.
Several DR members have recently bought treated timber from Timber Land at Yalberton as they are the best value locally. They told me that if a couple of plot holders made a reasonable order then they would nor charge for delivery and they would drop off a load of used pallets for compost bins etc free.
Thank you all again.
3. Matters arising from previous meeting
4. Correspondence: (Secretary)
Communications with plotholders on behalf of site reps has been ongoing since the last meeting. 12 warning letters, two notices to quit issued.
Also, 6 plots have been re-let since the last meeting, 8 new applicants have been added to the waiting list since the last meeting. In the process of re-letting posts we have removed 11 names from the top, ie. not contactable or no longer wanting a plot. A few have said they are wanting to remain on the list but not in a position to take it just now. So thewaiting list stands at around 105.
5. Treasurer’s Report -
Opening Balance £ 9503.63
Paid Out
Bank Charges £ 17.00
Rubbish clearance plot4/5 £ 295.00
Strimmer petrol (AB) £ 32.48
Toilet block LP (PM) £ 48.43
Fuel/Light/Lock DR (SB) £ 35.29
Toilet refurb DR (SB) £ 83.30
Hedge trimmer OAK (GB) £ 31.49
Shed Toilet repair DR (SB) £114.39
Water LP’s £ 508.30
TOTAL £ 1165.68
Paid In Subs £417.00
Closing Balance £ 8754.95
6. Site Reports
Derrell Road
Two site inspection have been carried out recently on DR and most plots are
in good order. The Site Reps have communicated with several plot holders
regarding lack of cultivation, which has resulted in some improvement,
although further inspections will continue, to ensure those improvements
continue.
One plot holder who made a promising start, was then absent for prolonged
periods of time which caused their plot to become overgrown. Despite our
requests for improvement little progress was apparent so they were served
with the first formal letter. This has provoked some work to be carried out,
so while we wait to see if it is sustained, we are deferring service of the
second notice and conducting monthly inspections.
The toilet block has been revamped, cleaned and painted. The Turning
space has been cleared of brambles and the fence reinforced. Removing the
brambles has also made access to the communal tool shed easier. Thanks
to all involved in carrying out this work and a special thanks to Gary for
painting the toilet block.
All plots are occupied at the present time.
Oakleigh
1.Security continues to be a big issue at Oakleigh with another recent break in and on-going vandalism from the children accessing the site from the park. To be discussed as separate item.
2. Site inspections have continued monthly throughout the Summer and there has been a noticeable improvement on some plots.
3. We have several new plot holders getting on well with their new plots.
4. We have purchased green manure anyone interested please contact Gary.
5. We have a new site Rep Lee Lewis. Our Site Reps are:
Gary Buckingham Plot 19
Derek Went Plot 12
Lynne Gibson Plot 16b
Lee Lewis Plot 9a
6. Please would people if you haven’t already done so, please number your plots.
Lower Penns
Some trees were cut down by the council outside the boundary of Lower Penns Road close to the entrance gate, with resultant wood chippings made available for plot holders to use.
The site reps have been busy :
A number of taps have been serviced/mended/replaced, including the one in the sink in the toilet.
The grass on the main path has regularly been cut and boundary bushes trimmed.
The notice board has been refurbished.
Repairs to the boundary fencing have been made and some overhanging tree branches lopped.
The site reps also helped Oakleigh site clear three half plots so they can be relet to new tenants.
Regular plot inspections have been made with three first dirty plot letters sent in June and none in July. However, the September inspection has identified six plots that need to be sent letters.
It has been noted that a number of plots have had good harvests (especially fruit) which have not been picked and instead left to rot which is disappointing.
Plot 14b plot holder was offered help through the co-worker scheme discussed at the last meeting, but declined the offer, preferring to work on her own. She did, however, advise that she would make a decision as to whether she gives up her plot after this growing season.
Plot 2a is being divided into two quarter plots to enable the existing plot holder to remain on site but with a smaller area to look after.
Following an inspection today (15.09.25) 4 first warnings are to be issued and 2 final warnings. All having reverted to an unacceptable unkempt and overgrown state.
7. Plot Awards
Oakleigh site reps would like to reintroduce the Best Plot and Most Improved Plot Awards. The chosen plot holders would receive a from the Secretary and a £20 voucher from Longcombe Nursery (Where a discount id offered to plot holders).
This was agreed as a good idea, and plots will be put forward per site at the pending AGM on November 3rd.
8. Site security Oakleigh
Options for security
The lower part of the site adjoins the park which is about 1 metre lower and mostly separated by a bramble hedge. However, in the area behind our old shipping container the fence and hedge have been pulled down creating the obvious point of access for intruders.
This section is about 5 metres wide between a dead tree and a laurel tree.
Unfortunately, the whole area is a dumping ground for rotting timbers, car tyres, plastics, and much more so a lot of clearance is required before starting any remedial work.
We are not seeking to prevent determined, professional criminals, just the feral kids who set light to the new picnic table days after it was installed and stole tools from the allotment to damage the soft play area.
Lynne has kindly obtained a quotation from a fencing company, This was £2262, a considerable cost but noted for a substantial longer metal fence.
An alternative solution is to use wooden stakes and 2-inch weld mesh in the 5 yards where the boundary is compromised and to also plant nature friendly spiny shrubs such as blackthorn, Berberis and Holly. As these mature, they will create food and shelter for birds, and the fence will become redundant.
The Chairman had costed the fencing materials at £150 and the plants at £150.
The fencing company proposed 2 men for a day, with the area having been cleared first by the society.
The alternative plan also requires 2-man days (after the initial clearance). The initial task being to tidy the area and make it safe to work and create the planting strip. Then prune the trees and remove the old, damaged wire fence to enable access.
The next job would be to drive in the stakes and attach the wire and weld mesh.
Finally plant the shrubs.
We would struggle to get a local labourer to want the job but if we had some volunteers, we could reward them with £300, either £100 each for 3 or £150 each for 2.
This alternative plan was discussed and agreed as a way forward, with two likely volunteers having been identified. Oakleigh site reps will organise the clearance of the area asap and then two volunteers from DR will scope the job and confirm their willingness to do the work.
The Chariman proposed if this plan cannot happen because volunteer help is not confirmed then a quorum will be convened to make a decision on taking forward the more expensive option.
9. AOB
Seed Catalogues are available and were passed to DR and OAK site reps to distribute.
Next Meeting is the AGM 3rd November 7.30pm at RAOB – all plot holders are invited to attend.
Date of Next Committee Meeting: Monday 2nd Feb 2026 (pending the room being booked)
Meeting Closed at 8.15pm
Committee: Steve Blair, Stephen Brown, Lorraine Montgomery, Gary Buckingham, Lynne Gibson, Jacqueline Green, Derrick Went, Phil Moore, Andy Bibbings, Hadyn Mudford.
Also in attendance: Uta Banner, Jude Evans, Katy Buckingham
Apologies: Jodi White
- Minutes of the previous meeting 2nd June 2025 were agreed.
- Chairman’s Report
Welcome everyone to our last meeting before the AGM.
I would like to thank you all for your work during the year to keep our allotments thriving and I hope that you are all keen to continue. I especially thank our Secretary, Lorraine and Treasurer, Jodi and at the AGM I shall be proposing that the Society considers offering them an honorarium because without their hard work we would not be able to continue.
Two of our founder members, Joe, The President and Alan, the Vice Chairman have decided to hang up their hats and stand down. I am sure that we all thank them for all that they have done over the years to create a vibrant, thriving Committee that we have today. I could mention all of the things that they have done for us over the years but if I did, we would still be here after closing time.
Talking about resignations, our Minister for Housing and Communities resigned recently, having been accused of sub-letting her Council house without permission and not paying tax on the income and then pretending that her third expensive home in Hove was her main residence to avoid paying £40,000 stamp duty. What is not in dispute is that she gave 5 Councils permission to terminate leases on under used allotments so they could build houses on them.
This is a reminder that we need to continue with our regular site inspections to give early notice to plot holders who are either hoarding rubbish or not cultivating their land that they need to improve.
I contacted Coastal Compost last week and they still require £200 delivery charge in Paignton whatever size of skip ( 6,12, or 18 yard). Therefore, I welcome Site Reps to consider asking the Committee for a load, especially if they have the area available to receive 18 yards.
Several DR members have recently bought treated timber from Timber Land at Yalberton as they are the best value locally. They told me that if a couple of plot holders made a reasonable order then they would nor charge for delivery and they would drop off a load of used pallets for compost bins etc free.
Thank you all again.
3. Matters arising from previous meeting
- Oakleigh trees. Secretary offered to contact the Council.
- Oakleigh boundary wall Incident number ID 262363, Derrick has continued to follow up but no a repair yet.
- Co Worker Scheme – 2 people offered both declined. Contacted 20 people at top of list since the last meeting (4 took plots) but no takers of co-worker position. Those nearing the top would rather wait and get own plot. Also started offering to new people on the list 2 have said they are willing, but they are complete gardening novices so they would need guidance. Appears what is more effective is to encourage those struggling to find themselves a co-worker. However, the secretary will continue to offer co-worker positions to those on the list.
4. Correspondence: (Secretary)
Communications with plotholders on behalf of site reps has been ongoing since the last meeting. 12 warning letters, two notices to quit issued.
Also, 6 plots have been re-let since the last meeting, 8 new applicants have been added to the waiting list since the last meeting. In the process of re-letting posts we have removed 11 names from the top, ie. not contactable or no longer wanting a plot. A few have said they are wanting to remain on the list but not in a position to take it just now. So thewaiting list stands at around 105.
5. Treasurer’s Report -
Opening Balance £ 9503.63
Paid Out
Bank Charges £ 17.00
Rubbish clearance plot4/5 £ 295.00
Strimmer petrol (AB) £ 32.48
Toilet block LP (PM) £ 48.43
Fuel/Light/Lock DR (SB) £ 35.29
Toilet refurb DR (SB) £ 83.30
Hedge trimmer OAK (GB) £ 31.49
Shed Toilet repair DR (SB) £114.39
Water LP’s £ 508.30
TOTAL £ 1165.68
Paid In Subs £417.00
Closing Balance £ 8754.95
6. Site Reports
Derrell Road
Two site inspection have been carried out recently on DR and most plots are
in good order. The Site Reps have communicated with several plot holders
regarding lack of cultivation, which has resulted in some improvement,
although further inspections will continue, to ensure those improvements
continue.
One plot holder who made a promising start, was then absent for prolonged
periods of time which caused their plot to become overgrown. Despite our
requests for improvement little progress was apparent so they were served
with the first formal letter. This has provoked some work to be carried out,
so while we wait to see if it is sustained, we are deferring service of the
second notice and conducting monthly inspections.
The toilet block has been revamped, cleaned and painted. The Turning
space has been cleared of brambles and the fence reinforced. Removing the
brambles has also made access to the communal tool shed easier. Thanks
to all involved in carrying out this work and a special thanks to Gary for
painting the toilet block.
All plots are occupied at the present time.
Oakleigh
1.Security continues to be a big issue at Oakleigh with another recent break in and on-going vandalism from the children accessing the site from the park. To be discussed as separate item.
2. Site inspections have continued monthly throughout the Summer and there has been a noticeable improvement on some plots.
3. We have several new plot holders getting on well with their new plots.
4. We have purchased green manure anyone interested please contact Gary.
5. We have a new site Rep Lee Lewis. Our Site Reps are:
Gary Buckingham Plot 19
Derek Went Plot 12
Lynne Gibson Plot 16b
Lee Lewis Plot 9a
6. Please would people if you haven’t already done so, please number your plots.
Lower Penns
Some trees were cut down by the council outside the boundary of Lower Penns Road close to the entrance gate, with resultant wood chippings made available for plot holders to use.
The site reps have been busy :
A number of taps have been serviced/mended/replaced, including the one in the sink in the toilet.
The grass on the main path has regularly been cut and boundary bushes trimmed.
The notice board has been refurbished.
Repairs to the boundary fencing have been made and some overhanging tree branches lopped.
The site reps also helped Oakleigh site clear three half plots so they can be relet to new tenants.
Regular plot inspections have been made with three first dirty plot letters sent in June and none in July. However, the September inspection has identified six plots that need to be sent letters.
It has been noted that a number of plots have had good harvests (especially fruit) which have not been picked and instead left to rot which is disappointing.
Plot 14b plot holder was offered help through the co-worker scheme discussed at the last meeting, but declined the offer, preferring to work on her own. She did, however, advise that she would make a decision as to whether she gives up her plot after this growing season.
Plot 2a is being divided into two quarter plots to enable the existing plot holder to remain on site but with a smaller area to look after.
Following an inspection today (15.09.25) 4 first warnings are to be issued and 2 final warnings. All having reverted to an unacceptable unkempt and overgrown state.
7. Plot Awards
Oakleigh site reps would like to reintroduce the Best Plot and Most Improved Plot Awards. The chosen plot holders would receive a from the Secretary and a £20 voucher from Longcombe Nursery (Where a discount id offered to plot holders).
This was agreed as a good idea, and plots will be put forward per site at the pending AGM on November 3rd.
8. Site security Oakleigh
Options for security
The lower part of the site adjoins the park which is about 1 metre lower and mostly separated by a bramble hedge. However, in the area behind our old shipping container the fence and hedge have been pulled down creating the obvious point of access for intruders.
This section is about 5 metres wide between a dead tree and a laurel tree.
Unfortunately, the whole area is a dumping ground for rotting timbers, car tyres, plastics, and much more so a lot of clearance is required before starting any remedial work.
We are not seeking to prevent determined, professional criminals, just the feral kids who set light to the new picnic table days after it was installed and stole tools from the allotment to damage the soft play area.
Lynne has kindly obtained a quotation from a fencing company, This was £2262, a considerable cost but noted for a substantial longer metal fence.
An alternative solution is to use wooden stakes and 2-inch weld mesh in the 5 yards where the boundary is compromised and to also plant nature friendly spiny shrubs such as blackthorn, Berberis and Holly. As these mature, they will create food and shelter for birds, and the fence will become redundant.
The Chairman had costed the fencing materials at £150 and the plants at £150.
The fencing company proposed 2 men for a day, with the area having been cleared first by the society.
The alternative plan also requires 2-man days (after the initial clearance). The initial task being to tidy the area and make it safe to work and create the planting strip. Then prune the trees and remove the old, damaged wire fence to enable access.
The next job would be to drive in the stakes and attach the wire and weld mesh.
Finally plant the shrubs.
We would struggle to get a local labourer to want the job but if we had some volunteers, we could reward them with £300, either £100 each for 3 or £150 each for 2.
This alternative plan was discussed and agreed as a way forward, with two likely volunteers having been identified. Oakleigh site reps will organise the clearance of the area asap and then two volunteers from DR will scope the job and confirm their willingness to do the work.
The Chariman proposed if this plan cannot happen because volunteer help is not confirmed then a quorum will be convened to make a decision on taking forward the more expensive option.
9. AOB
Seed Catalogues are available and were passed to DR and OAK site reps to distribute.
Next Meeting is the AGM 3rd November 7.30pm at RAOB – all plot holders are invited to attend.
Date of Next Committee Meeting: Monday 2nd Feb 2026 (pending the room being booked)
Meeting Closed at 8.15pm
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