Committee Meeting

Item

Discussion

1.       Apologies

Apologies received from Pete Bowler and Mike Ibbet

2.       Minutes of  previous meeting

Resolved to accept minutes of April

3.       Finance report

Sandy noting bank figures.

Noting Natwest closed 3 days a week. Natwest have not been ideal. SR has considered other banks  Nationwide has stopped that type of account, HSBC are closing in Thame, Lloyds are a possibility. Lloyds can open an online account and cash can be paid into the branch.

Given that it is problematic with all bank accounts deciding to give Natwest more time, but noting dissatisfaction with them. Draft a letter to them saying how unhappy we are with their service and give them one final push. Agreeing to do email and letter by registered post or hand delivered.

MS

4.       AOB Financial Matters

Invoice from plumber for £650

Electrician invoice advised £550 but not yet been issued. And need to ensure we get completion certificate (NICEIC) from electrician before we pay.

5.       Shop Rota

22/05 – BR

29/05 – PG

05/06 – GP (query with PB whether will do a meat raffle)

12/06 – SR

19/06 - PG

PB to come back on the meat raffle.

6.       Shop Report

Reorganisation/ clearance – agreed to try to clear the centre of the DC hut and throw out what is not needed. Proposing 3-4 people to do this including Titch and PG. Agreeing to set a date with PB to do this and to arrange for a skip to collect this. This will also take rubbish from vacant plots. Leave up to the driver as to where he comes in and leaves the skip – but would be preferable to have delivered to scout hut end. Proposing a large skip.

Decoration of the shop – do we want to paint the inside of the DC. Titch noting it will not be a quick job and will need plasterboard to be put on it to be a neat job. Noting that the building does not necessarily have the longevity for this. Noting that the CAGA does not own the land – so funders are reluctant to give money for a building. Considering finding out who owns the land.

Decoration of the outside – Titch querying whether this can be done. Garage doors need paint (black door) and concrete garages need paint and exterior of DC hut needs paint. Titch will look into what materials are need and BR proposing the work be one by a work party.

PG offering to paint the garage door black (with many thanks).

Changing shop layout – proposing a change to the layout to make the shop more welcoming. Considering options for changing the DC hut and the shop. Changing the notice board to have the products and prices displayed. BR to talk to PB. BR will arrange for large printouts. Proposing to move the chemicals to a safer place and put the chairs in a different place.

Querying whether survey may assist – MS will draft a short survey with some limited answers to consider at the next meeting. MKS will put card payments in the survey.

MKS will include a question about an environmental policy.

Ask whether people want a BBQ or summer gathering as part of the survey and if able to help (noting will be an adults only and open to full and associate members).

Do you want to have your allotment judged as part of the survey. 

BC

MS

7.       Update on DC and its future

Cleaning supplies – BR saying we have enough. Sr proposing a spreadsheet with what we have to keep track, and Sandy will consider the levels and replace when necessary.

Entrance mat to white boots before coming in to the shop – proposing a commercial heavy wearing rug. Screwfix/ tool station may have.

Enquiry about shelves outside – these can go to the person who enquired – PG will arrange

BR

PG

8.       Next work party

Will decide work party date once have skip and other areas have been cleared

9.       Report from plot letting committee

RL noting waiting list is 16. Skip – to clear pots to sort and relet. Proposing big skip for other work, but then using remaining space for plots and then possibly getting another skip if there isn’t space.

Next plot walk in June.

Plots have been prepared and let and not been cultivated. Proposing to have a plot walk soon to identify unused plots. Clear the plots and possibly leave them fallow for the year. RL saying skip needed sooner if not leaving fallow.  Proposing to let some plots for 15 months to get them worked sooner rather than renewing the subscriptions later.. Titch will talk to PB and will arrange with him when the hut will be cleared/ they will be ready to get a skip. Provisionally proposing working party for 11 June and SR will order a skip to arrive before then.

Horse manure to be delivered – and then requested donation for a wheelbarrow.

10.   Equipment

Rotavator – PB

Tich – rotovator

Robert Oliver- rotovator

Stuart Harding – rotovator

Alan Brawn – Rotovator

Ali – strimmer

PB – strimmer

PB – mantis

Tich – mower

Tractor – CAGA

Rotovator – CAGA

Rotovator – unknown

2 x mowers - CAGA

11.   Chinnor pump update, items for insertion

RL working on it

12.   AOB

BBQ – RL and SR have volunteered to do the BBQ. MS will ask the question and then can take from there. Possible to get food trucks/ pig roast etc.

Seating noted by PG – all agreed.

Bonfire day – to be agreed with Alan Brawn for suitable weather conditions.

Judging for plots – MI has found someone – but concerned not enough people may not have opted in. RL will compile a list of those who opted in/out.

Kitchen complete – ceiling painted.

New kettle – will provide a new one.

13.   Next meeting

7pm 15 June 2022