Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Ray Edwards, Richard Masterman, Jenny Howell (plot holder, Chair candidate), Frank Berry (Riverside Community Gardens rep.) Mel Evans, (plot 39b,) Geoff Edwards, (plot 76,) Roger Phillips, Monica Nobrega, (plot 62a,) Liz Pengilly (plot 10b,) Lewis Evans, (plot 88b) Richard Waters, (plot 103,) Stephen Pearse (plot 52a,) Wyn Williams, (plots 97b, 99a,) Martin Pasek (Operational Support). Apologies: Ian Douglas, Dan Phillips, Alex Brown, Jane Williams, Nerys Lloyd-Pearce.
Chairman’s Welcome and Introduction – Tim
Tim reminded the meeting of the recent passing of Adrian Walsh and Alan Turner, of their many years of service to the community of gardeners at the site, and as key figures in the PPAA Committee. He briefly outlined the position re the shop operation under Harlech Gardening Club. That is, that the matter of winding it up has been passed to the Council for their opinion, and that until this is settled, a new system for running a shop could not be put in place.
Tim announced that he would be standing down as Chair, and the assembled expressed their thanks.
Site Secretary’s Speech – Sue
Sue said that there were currently no plots vacant, but expected that some would become available through non-payment.
Sue also said that the problem with rubbish or junk on site had improved, and emphasised that the best way for the problem to be avoided would be for plot holders not to bring materials to site on the off chance that they might be useful at some time. Geoff Edwards expressed the feeling that understanding and some patience needed to be shown towards plot holders, who either might have a practical difficulty in removing such items, or still be considering whether they had a use. His point was accepted.
Sue went on to say that the letting of the brick cubicles was progressing well, and that all the usable ones were now let, with particular interest among new plot holders. She invited anyone who had skills relevant to their refurbishment, or who wished to tender for such work to come forward.
The Committee invite any plot holder(s), in a position to refurbish any or all of those brick cubicles still in disrepair, to let us know their terms for the specification TBC.
PPAA Accounts – Wendy
Wendy brought printed copies for the attendees. She confirmed that Dave King, plot holder, had audited the accounts, and that he was content.
Wendy explained that the number of categories has been increased, so as to make identification of items easier, and so to improve transparency.
There were no questions.
Return of Officers and Election of new Chair – Tim
Officers were proposed and seconded by attendees.
Sue Jones was returned as Site Secretary.
Wendy Gunter was returned as Treasurer.
Jenny Howell was elected as the new Chair.
The rest of the Committee were also returned.
AOB
Roger Phillips asked what was going to happen to the delivery of seed potatoes, onion sets, and so on, which had been made for the shop. A discussion arose, during which it was mentioned that PPAA did not have the authority to dispose of the property of Harlech Gardening Club. However, it was also suggested that if the social community of gardeners on the Pontcanna site, (as Alan’s and as Adrian’s acquaintances), acted reasonably, then those items probably could be used, especially since the bereaved had apparently declined to be involved with them. It was proposed that gardeners distribute them amongst themselves, and contribute a reasonable sum to a kitty, which would then be passed to the relevant estates, or to HGC as appropriate. However, no particular person who would oversee such actions was identified at this meeting.
Richard Waters mentioned that he had received an email questionnaire from the Council, as to satisfaction with the job being done by the Committee under the Local Management Agreement. He said that he felt that the questions were often loaded, perhaps in order to supply evidence, for a conclusion that had already been formed. He wondered if that might be to support the outsourcing of allotments management by the Council, and if that were the reason for its sending. Sue said that Council officers would probably consider it necessary to do such work from time-to-time, but Richard’s comment was noted.
Richard also remarked that the wood chips had all been used. Martin pointed out that the Council had made abundant deliveries during the winter, and would have made more, if the chips had been used up to create space. However it is now nesting season, and so work on trees is at a low level. Accordingly deliveries are few.
Plot holders are urged to make use of the more plentiful supplies of wood chips available between October and March.
Thanks to outgoing Chairman – Jenny
Jenny thanked Tim for his seven years as the Chair of PPAA, and in particular she expressed admiration for his unfaltering, steadying influence over the Committee. Tim was warmly applauded.
There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 1148.
Pontcanna Permanent Allotments 
Sue is a bit tied up just now, so I thought that I’d post this without delay. I don’t think that I’m putting words into her mouth though.
Since the AGM, Sue has been contacted by the Executor for Adrian’s estate. Sue will have more to say on this, but a key point is that nothing connected with the shop must be touched until he has inspected all the property forming part of that estate and given his assent. I understand that this will be during the next few days.
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