HORFIELD AND DISTRICT
ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION LIMITED
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Monday, 19th February 2007
Held at the Good Shepherd Hall, Kings Drive from 7.30pm.
PRESENT
Mr.Neil Pirie, Chairman,
Mr. John Molton, Secretary,
Mr.Brian Styles, Treasurer .
And between 50 and
60 members.
NOTICE
OF THE MEETING HAD BEEN CIRCULATED IN THE NEWSLETTER TO ALL MEMBERS
APOLOGIES
Mr. D Probert, Mr
Watts, Ms Rossiter, Mr Cooksey, Mr & Mrs Rawlinson-Smith
MINUTES
OF LAST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Were distributed to the membership present and adopted on a
proposal by Mr Ben Probert and seconded by Ms Paddy Dance.
MATTERS
AIRISING
·
Mr Ben Probert enquired about the
outcome of the audit review with regard to the appointment of auditors. The
treasurer reported that Mr K Momber (annual fee £300) would be proposed as
auditor.
·
Pete Clee reported on the progress of
works on the playing field at the top of Golden hill. The work is now near
completion. Water run off appears to have increased with a worsening of
flooding in Donkey Lane and Davis Field. Retrospective planning permission for
the construction of the mound and the omission of palisade fencing is still
pending. There are no plans for the installation of fencing between the playing
field and Longs Field.
CHAIRMAN'S
REPORT
A report from the
Chairman was circulated to the meeting outlining the capital projects achieved
in the last year including the improved access, parking area and water
provision on Birchall at a total cost of £5,147. The repairs to the Wessex wall are in train and will proceed into
the next financial year. In addition significant tree work has been carried out
on Baptist Field. The Chairman thanked the whole hardworking Committee,
including retiring field reps, Jon Palfrey and Howard Millbank and Secretary
Ingrid Morris for their contribution. He welcomed Emma Hedley to the committee
as Birchall Field rep and thanked John Molton for stepping into the role of
secretary. He highlighted the need for another field rep for Birchall. The
Chairman noted the high turnover of plots, (25% per year), which also reflects
BCC experience. Despite this the level of cultivation is improving. He also
noted the success of the September Show, although the plant sale suffered from
bad weather. The Association has now purchased a large tent for social events.
The Chairman briefly mentioned the proposed investment in Davis water supply
and the possibility of improved pathway/s. Davis tenants will be invited to the
next committee meeting to discuss the plans in detail. Working weekends have
proved very successful in the last year with much better participation by plot
holders. Finally the Chairman appealed for more responsible behaviour with
regard to bonfires, the locking of gates and not bringing rubbish on to the
fields.
TREASURER'S
REPORT
A summary draft account and report were distributed to the
members present. Full audited accounts are available to members on request. A
slight increase in revenue was accounted for by a small rent rise and an
increase in occupancy. The Treasurer highlighted the gap between H&DAA and
BCC rents and indicated the importance of the BCC annual grant in enabling the
continuation of our low rents. He also ascribed the low rents to the
availability of volunteers to carry out the administration of the Association
and the maintenance of the sites. The Treasurer pointed out the high and rising
cost of water and the importance of water conservation.
The accounts were accepted by the meeting, proposed by Pete
Clee, seconded by Rodger Crudge.
It was agreed that K.V. Momber & Co. continue as
auditors, proposed by Ben Probert, seconded by Ken Smith.
In accordance with Company Articles one third of the
Directors must be elected each year. The following Directors stood down: H.
Millbank, J Palfrey, N Pirie, B Styles, C Styles, K Smith. The Following
members were elected unopposed: L Dobbins, E Hedley, N Pirie, B Styles, C
Styles K Smith. Proposed by Anne Miller, seconded by Rodger Chainey.
PRESENTATION
OF TED HILL CUP & FIELD PRIZES.
The Ted Hill Cup, and a £25 garden voucher, for the most
improved plot during the first year of tenancy were presented by Phyllis
Brookes to Dr R Ginham & Dr A Davies (St Agnes). ‘Best newcomer on field’
awards went to Ms F Reid & Mr J Mcsorley (Baptist), Mrs A Cadney (Davis),
Mr.N Hayward (Longs), Mrs A Jay (Grahams Telecom) and Mr M Wright (Grahams
Highbury).
BCC
ALLOTMENTS MANAGER
Mr Clampin invited comments on the draft ‘Allotments
Strategy’ document. He raised the possibility of participation in a new scheme allowing
GPs to prescribe gardening as a treatment for patients.
Mr Clampin highlighted the increasing participation of
Allotments Associations and individual plot holders at the Bristol Flower Show
and encouraged our involvement in the show and in the Allotments competition.
ORGANIC
ORCHARD
Ms Pauline Markovits reported the registration of the
Orchard as a BBC ‘Breathing Site’ and the possibility of lottery funding under
this scheme. Since November the orchard volunteers have cleared and planted
areas adjacent to the car park which will be bordered with narrow raised beds.
A screened area has been created for the hut and proposed compost toilet (not
yet funded). Ms Markovits mentioned the considerable quantity of rubbish that
has been removed from the cleared area. Ms Markovits also suggested that people
on the waiting list be encouraged to join the Organic Orchard to gain
experience of cultivation and the use of the site.
VOTE
OF THANKS Mr Ben Probert proposed a vote of thanks to all the members
who provided light refreshments.
THERE
BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN DECLARED THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8-40 PM.