All plot holders are automatically basic PPAA members.
It’s essential – and that word’s used advisedly – that these meetings be well-attended, to make sure that any votes taken represent a fair consensus of the site’s views. (It’s not a happy fact, that poor attendance at such meetings on too many allotment sites has resulted in their falling into the hands of self-interested minorities, who work not for the good of all, nor for the continuation of allotments generally, but only for the short-term advantage of themselves and of their friends.)
Those interested – and let’s hope that there are many! – might find the agenda more pertinent after reading the retrospective below, to which agenda items may relate.
2023/2024 Retrospective
A summary of the main points as to the site’s running since the last AGM:
- Sue has shown and let around forty plots to new tenants.
- All water troughs have been fitted with low pressure valve nozzles to speed filling, and the exposed pipework insulated against frost. There was no apparent damage when the water was turned on in the Spring. Several new float valves were also fitted.
- A major leak from underground pipework has been repaired by contractors.
- The Heritage-Listed boundary wall has been rebuilt at the site where a large tree fall partially demolished it, and the surplus stone stored for any further repairs.
- The two gate locks have each been removed and replaced for servicing three times.
- The north gate has been modified to ease key access from the site side.
- The anti-flood measures taken on Road Three have prevented any further flooding of the area with silt, although the tarmac can still be slippery in wet weather owing to fallen leaves etc. and warning notices have been installed.
- The very large pile of fly-tipping adjoining plots 48 a) and b) has been removed by contractors, and the area tenanted.
- After some uncertainty, Cardiff Riding School appear to be content to continue to use the free disposal facility for their manure heap on PPA and on other nearby allotment sites.
- The Council arborists continue to bring good quality wood chip, mainly during their busy period out of nesting season. The many plot holders who don’t come during the winter miss out on this abundance, however!
- Six hedgehog hibernation boxes have been installed around the site.
- Planting of pollinator and other wildlife-friendly shrubs at suitable points around the site has begun.
- There have been episodes of criminality affecting the site. Secure containers and premises at RCG and for PPAA were entered, apparently by thieves using power tools, and there have been waves of shed thefts.
- The south gate and adjoining fencing have been modified to make climbing access by intruders far more difficult.
- The spine hedge has been strengthened by the addition of thorny dry hedging at sparse points.
- Two CCTV IR- capable cameras have been purchased, tested, and found to be satisfactory for installation at appropriate points on the site.
- The security grilles on the shop windows have been ruggedised, and the wooden doors repaired after a break-in. New barge boards have also been fitted, and the gutter re-attached to this.
- New battery-powered power tools – a hedge cutter and brush cutter – have been purchased, and are in regular use. They are now stored off-site.
- The regular use of the main car park for parking unconnected with the allotments has been resolved as it stands.
- The draw for the poly tunnel has been held, and six beds assigned to the plot holders whose names came up.
- Hedges have been maintained in accordance with Local Management Agreement requirements.
- Around 450 square metres of previously-classed-as-not-rentable plots have now been restored and let. A further similar area is undergoing restoration to rentable condition.
- The site shop has been stocked with seasonal and other popular items, and many plot holders have taken advantage of this.
- Committee meetings have been held every month, and the minutes posted on the website, as well as on the two site notice boards.
Standard Agenda
Subject to ability to attend by relevant persons.
(Specific topics for discussion are warmly invited for consideration. These may be given their own heading, or included under Any Other Business, and the Chair may in due course publish a more detailed version as appropriate.)
Listing of all those present – plot holders and Committee
Chair’s welcome and introduction
Site Representative’s (shared role) report
Treasurer’s report
Election/appointment of Officers and Committee members
Any other business
This is usually the main general discussion part of the meeting
PPAA Committee
