Additional Post

It has been pointed out that an item was missing from the minutes of the March meeting that are posted below.

The Committee is investigating the possibility of having a Green Waste Skip on the site. This skip would be (as its name suggests) purely for green waste, essentially weeds, prunings etc. We feel that such a skip should help eradicate the practice of tipping materials down the bank and into the valley at the edge of the site. Members have previously been warned (there is a sign on the shop door) that the Council regard this practice as 'fly-tipping' and will take action (including giving 'Notice to Quit') against any tenants caught tipping.

A Green Waste skip can be provided at a much reduced cost against the cost of general purpose skips. However if any waste other than green waste is in the skip the full price is charged on disposal.

The Committee is considering ways in which the use of such a skip could be managed.

Committee Minutes March 2016

Minutes from a meeting of the Committee of

Harpers Lane Allotments Society

Held at Hollywood Rd. Social Club

08/03/2016

Present: Keith Worsley (Chair), Margaret Jackson (secretary), David Jackson (Treasurer), Kathryn Worsley, Glyn Platt, Pev Evans – apologies from Veronica Burns

Items discussed:

It was confirmed that Dave Wynne’s request for his plot to be made a joint tenancy with his wife has been actioned by the Council. Mr Wynne has the forms and is returning them.

The Secretary has spoken to the Council about the rats problem and has been promised that the rat catcher (Billy) will be in touch in the near future. If we hear nothing soon we are to contact Malcolm Russell who will chase up the matter.

The Secretary will be trying to establish a kitchen and toilets cleaning rota to begin as soon as possible.

The shop will open for the first time this season on Sunday 13^th March. It will then be open from 12.00 – 1.00 p.m. each Sunday. The exception will be the Easter weekend when the shop will be open on Saturday 26^th March and Monday 28^th March. The Secretary is setting up a rota to staff the shop.

Projects

1.       The area in front of the Amenities Hut needs to have the top layers of mud scraped off and a small trench dug in front of the Hut to catch run-off. Hopefully this will prevent the periodic flooding of the Brew Room and Shop.If any members know of a local contractor who has a suitable JCB / Mini-digger who might be able to do the work at a reasonable costs could they please contact a Committee member.

2.       The guttering on the Amenities Hut needs to be checked and cleared out.

3.       The roof of the Amenities Hut needs to be checked and repairs made.

4.       The windows and doors of the Amenities Hut could do with replacement. The Council is very unlikely to do this. We need to consider if and how we should raise funds to do this ourselves.

5.       The D-shaped grass area behind the Amenities Hut is to be covered with the blue material to reduce weeds etc. An area will be kept free for approved bonfires (see the Secretary if you wish to have one)

Fund-raising

The Council has issued new guidelines on produce sales etc.

The Society could (if it wishes and if there is support) have an Open Sunday on a weekly to monthly basis at which surplus produce could be sold on behalf of the Society funds. If any members are interested in this please contact a Committee member.

Similarly we could have another Spring Event along the lines of last year’s successful market.

Members may wish to consider whether we should have a Car Boot Sale again, either in conjunction with the Spring Event or separately.

The Open Day and Society Show is being moved back this year to avoid clashes with the holiday plans of many plot-holders. It will be on either August 28^th or September 11^th. (September 4^th was originally considered but this clashes with Guide Dogs Open Day which many of the stalls who traditionally support our Open Day will also be attending)

Other Items

The Society has been donated a pallet of 60 bags of ‘Revive’ compost / soil conditioner by Viridor. It has been decided that (as long as stocks last) plot-holders will receive one bag of compost when they pay their 2016 subs (£10/ £8).

Vacancies / Waiting Lists

Mr and Mrs Kerfoot have relinquished plot 46B – this plot will now be re-let by the Society.

A new updated waiting list has now been received and agreed with the Council and the plot will be offered to the next person on that list.

Annual Bolton Allotment Competitions

The Secretary has now received information about the Fairhurst, Greenhalgh and New Entrants Trophies for 2016. Any plot-holder interested in entering these competitions should contact her (preferably during shop opening on the 26^th or 28^th March).

Bolton Vegetable Show

The All-Bolton Vegetable Show will be held at Trinity Methodist Church on Saturday 20^th August 2016. There are 25 classes – the Secretary has details. We hope that plot-holders will enter produce in this Show.