Update: the information given by Council workers to PPAA Committee re manure deliveries would appear to have been superseded – 24 10 22.
Present: Richard Masterman (Chair), Sue Jones, Dan Philips, Alan Coombs
Apologies: Jenny Howells, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer)
Previous Minutes:
Matters arising from Committee meeting 30th August 2022 and Working Group meeting to be addressed as agenda items.
Agenda Items
Polytunnel
Dan had previously circulated discussion document proposing actions to make more efficient use of the poly tunnel with additional grow beds for plot holders, reduced storage by utilising adjacent containers and retaining areas for plant sale propagation.
There is potential for external cold frames which would further enhance the facility.
Dan volunteered to produce a winter works programme and to establish a small working group to implement
Sue stressed the necessity that the draw for allocation of beds must be available to all plot holders who meet the agreed criteria.
The Committee approved the proposals. The key elements agreed were:
The beds will be allocated for the growing season 1 March to 31st January to broadly align with plot tenancies (2nd Feb to 1st Feb) and allow bed holders to maximise their use over winter. The ballot will be held in February each year.
Successful applicants will be charged £5 pa towards polytunnel upkeep.
Conditions for entry for ballot:
Entrants must be a PPAA plot holder with a valid tenancy agreement for the coming year and be a paid-up current member of the PPAA. (£5.00 annual subs).
Only the plot holder named on the plot tenancy may apply and only one application per plot is allowed.
Successful candidates cannot sublet or transfer their grow bed to other plot holders.
The use of the bed is for two consecutive designated growing seasons (March to January).
A new ballot will be held each season. Half the beds will be allocated and drawn each year. If a bed become vacant during its allocated term it will be reallocated for the remainder of the term.
Should a successful candidate cease to be a tenancy holder then their grow bed will be forfeit and reallocated.
In the event of a large number of applications, applicants who have already had a grow bed for two consecutive seasons will be ineligible for the draw
Plot inspections
Jenny had forwarded an update on plot inspections as follows:
17 No notices of non-cultivation had been issued
3 No plot holders are considering leaving PPA
9 No plot holders have advised they are in the process of improving
5 No plot holders have not responded in any way
The specified notice period expires 12 Oct and further inspections will take place in accordance with Council procedures and requirement.
Any plots not improved without valid reason will be reported to the Council who will issue termination notices. An appeal period would still be available for individuals
Dan reported that the clearance of some vacant and overgrown plots is progressing well.
Ground cover membrane has been usefully used on several plots and it was agreed that future inspections should continue to ensure the plot is cultivated properly as it’s intended purpose and ground is not simply covered. Site inspections are proposed for late November/early February 2023 prior to a Committee meeting and before Council renewal notices are issued.
The separation between some plots has become indistinct and plot holders are requested to take time to maintain the access paths.
Vacancy list
Sue reported that she had met and offered plots to new tenants as plots have become available and the waiting list is now greatly reduced although still in excess of 60.
Manure delivery
Sue reaffirmed the Council response that deliveries would not re-commence.
The cost of engaging a private contractor to deliver manure and is being investigated. However, plot holders are encouraged to collect their own supply from the stables at no cost.
Communications
Dan reported that the sub-group were making good progress with rationalising the various communication platforms currently open.
Undesirable self-seeded saplings and overhanging ivy.
These will be addressed as a secondary priority behind the clearance of overgrown plots.
Information for new plot holders
Alan had provided a link which might be of interest to new plot holders.
Sue advised that she highlighted to prospective new tenants various Council and PPAA driven documents which are available to assist with allotmenteering.
Vehicles
Following an unnecessary verbal exchange from a driver to older and less able pedestrians all drivers are requested and reminded to show due courtesy and respect to other site users. Please note the site speed limit is 5 mph as it is on the main Llandaff Fields park road.
Chair Report
Nothing further to report
Site Representative
Committee members have continued to undertake matters and are addressing PPA issues including responding to plot holder Gmail queries, shop purchases and contact with the Council
Council matters
Richard reported that the next Council run meeting for all Site Representatives would take place 9th November 2022 and he would attend.
PPAA matters
Items addressed in Agenda Items
Treasurer’s report
Nothing additional to report from previous meeting
Any Other Business
Richard to turn off site water main and report meter reading to the Allotment Officer
Items for discussion next meeting
Committee recruitment
Date of next meetings
Next Committee meeting Monday 28th November 2022 Zoom or site.
Pontcanna Permanent Allotments 