Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

CHINNOR ALLOTMENT & GARDEN ASSOCIATION

Draft Minutes Committee Meeting 17th February

Present Chris McGuire, Margaret Lambert, Jackie Gunn, Maureen Dyroff

  1. No apologies
  2. No matters arising from previous minutes that won’t be covered in meeting.
  3. No incidents reported to the Committee
  4. Finance report

Balances 95 day account £11905.84. Current account 378.29 plus £91.05 (uncleared) total £492.47, grant account £2034

  1. Other Financial matters

Latest electricity bill £83. MD to check with EON and to enquire about a smart meter. In meantime meter will be read regularly.

Registration with HMRC, ML to investigate. Letter sent to SR.

  1. Chairs report – Attached

CM has prepared a mission statement

Our community of allotments and gardens. Land for all to grow their own food, plants and flowers for ourselves and those we wish to give to. Keeping us healthy physically and mentally.

We have an elected Committee appointed by our members. The Committee are here to help our members in the pursuit of growing good healthy crops of all types and for all seasons. At the same time addressing the care of the creatures which also inhabit our world.

We have horticultural equipment which members are encouraged to borrow and use after demonstrating competence in its use.

Our aim is to foster mindfulness and love. As John Lennon said, ‘All you need is love’.

  1. Secretary’s report – items covered elsewhere
  2. Action points from meeting with CPC

A productive meeting was held with CPC. Points covered included the proposed new tenancy agreement. CAGA to send in their comments.

  1. Fire cover carried out a fire risk assessment of the Growing Hub and garages (14/02/26) New fire extinguishers were commissioned (9/02/26). Report to follow immediate actions implemented including signage to ensure external toilet to be kept unlocked whilst building in use.
  2. The Growing hub reopened on 15/02/26. It was pouring with rain. £150 was taken in sales and raffle. Raffle made a profit. CAGA is not registered with SODC to hold raffles so tickets can only be sold on the day and will not be held every week. Seed potatoes and onion set arrive on Wednesday 18th. A volunteer to help with the Growing hub to be sought. Raffle again
  3. Growing Hub rota

23/02 JG, MD & JH, 1/3 MD, JH & ML, 8/3 CM 7 ML, 15/3 ML & JG, 22/3 ML + volunteer.

  1. Plot letting report

JG contacting those not paid, outstanding rents are coming in. Three or four people on waiting list.

  1. Working Parties

Saturday 7th March - 9.30am to 12 noon. Hedge cutting last opportunity before birds start nesting (eastern boundary), cutting brash to put in bottom of new raised beds. Mowing. It was noted that central track needs levelling.

Thursday 19th March - 9.30am to 12 noon

  1. AGM feed back

Thank you to all members who attended. Meeting was quorate. The NAS rep who chaired the meeting brought knowledge and insight which was of value to members.

  1. Committee member report -MD

Action points to be followed up Fire report, asbestos survey, PAT testing of electrical equipment, leaking roof. Also CAGA don’t have a  Health and Safety policy and only a GDPR statement. Statement on use of data to be prepared for all documents. Defibrillator to be purchased and  installed when grant money received.

  1. Diary of events – non planned
  2. March pump article submitted and newsletter emailed to plot holders.
  3. Grant applications CAGA have been awarded £3000 by SODC ( Councillor Grant) balance of money for defibrillator and for raised beds. CPC informed and will now release the £1000 awarded to us for the defibrillator.
  4. Organisational status of CAGA

This needs to be put on a formal basis for the benefit of Committee members and plot holders. NAS recommend becoming a cooperative, a process they can help with. MD has film on becoming a Co-operative. Committee will watch this.

 

Next meeting:   Wednesday March 18th  6.30 at Growing Hub (TBC)