Committee Meeting

Item

Discussion

1.       Apologies

Sandy Russel (SR)

2.       Minutes of  previous meeting

Minutes of January meeting accepted.   Discussion took place as to whether financial figures should be included in minutes.  The majority (6) voted against with only one vote for the motion.

3.       Finance Report

SR had emailed everyone her report and figures.

SR

4.       Any other financial matters

It was noted that the meat raffle has done well so far this month. Shop takings beginning to increase due to people purchasing seeds etc to sow.

Noted that reimbursement is required to MI for printing costs (£45) for questionnaires.

As Sandy is currently researching card readers for making digital payments in the shop MI suggested that ‘Shopify’ might be worth looking at.   

5.       Shop Report and stock take findings

Overall shop sales are still currently low but will improve as we go into spring.

The potato order is due to arrive at the beginning of March subject to availability though not guaranteed. Hopefully, they will be in the shop on the 5^th March.  Pentland Javelin, Kestrel, Cara, Desiree and Pink fir apple will be in 2kilo bags.

A Facebook announcement will be made when they arrive.

PG

RL

6.       Shop rota

26/2 PG, 5/3 MG  12/3 MI 19/3 PG, 26/3 RL

7.       Plot letting report

17 empty plots and 13 on the waiting list. Rod reports a slow take up with people not responding to emails. Jackie offered to help by phoning people on the list.

In future the checking of stand pipes will be included in the monthly plot walk.

RL

JG

8.       Midweek working parties

The 1^st midweek working party was a tremendous success. Lots of helpers turned out and completed the task of installing the new plot number posts. Thank you to all helpers and a Special Thanks to Veronica Collier for making the cups of tea and providing biscuits.

In future working parties will be on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month from 2 – 4 pm. Next one on the 15^th March.

RL

9.        Memorial  trees

A victoria plum and a greengage have now been planted in the orchard in memory of John Chown and Peter Bowler. Memorial plaques will be purchased to place on the trees. 

RL

10.    Chinnor Pump Update

Doug Plotmoor aka Rod has this in hand. Suggestion for inclusion was plot availability.

RL

11.   Website & Newsletter update & email account admin, etc

All in hand and MI is currently working on the price list.

A newsletter will be sent out advising plot holders of seed potatoes and next midweek working party on 15^th March.

MI

12.   Questionnaire results.

117 questionnaires delivered by hand to plot holder’s homes, 41 were completed and returned. Very interesting results and some surprising ones too. Several requests to provide manure were made so it has been decided to act quickly and try to source some and have it delivered to the site. Other suggestions discussed and action will be taken.

Red posts to be placed on the plots of committee members so others will know who they are and can be approached.

MG

BR

13.   S106 monies

BR has spoken to CPC who advised him to discuss directly with SODC. Committee looking at possible projects for CAGA. Some of which are DC roof replacement, Bottom car park improvements, Water conservation, also to renovate the inside of the DC.

BR 

TC

MI

14.   Allotment lease & Land registration

No further progress at the moment.

BR, MI & GP

15.   Future social activities/events

Possible dates for Plant sales are Sundays 7^th & 14^th May. To be confirmed.

Set dates are :

Plant Sale & Open Day 4^th June in conjunction with Chinnor Open Gardens event,

BBQ on Saturday 8^th July,

Drinks & Mince Pies 17^th December

16.   AOB

There is an opportunity to buy some stock from an allotment group which are closing their shop. Rod to investigate.

It has been decided that we wouldn’t be able to make full use of the computer which was donated. This is to be returned to the donor with Thanks for thinking of us.

Thanks to Tich for putting up the new smoke alarms in the DC

Peter Bowler’s tools to be sold and monies donated to charity.

Details of activities for the next working party to be sent to Mike I for inclusion in the next newsletter.

Mike G offered to help Peter G unload new stock when it arrives.

Defibrillator machine needs new batteries and paddles. Bryan is sourcing this.

RL

MG

TC

TC

MI

MG

BR

17.   Date of next meeting

22^nd March 7 pm @ The Crown