Present: Wendy Gunter (Acting Chair), Sue Pasek, Lewis Evans, Nerys Lloyd-Pierce, Martin Pasek, Keith Ball.
Apologies: Gordon Goldsmith, Mike Powell, Jane Williams.
The meeting opened at 19:00.
Previous Minutes:
Matters covered below.
Chairman’s Report:
Matters covered below.
Site Secretary’s report (shared role):
During October Sue has welcomed, on behalf of the PPAA, five new plot holders. Five more plots will soon to be ready for viewing, with another five requiring more work. No structure applications have been received.
The works party to clear plot 112b went ahead. Four Committee members and one plot holder spent a morning clearing the dense bramble overgrowth. Many thanks to plot holder Mandy for lending a hand.
Treasurer’s report: Wendy
There were no large spends in October. However, the planned Phase One of the tree works in November will see a larger expenditure than average.
Trees: Mike
Mike was unable to attend, but confirmed that the Phase One of the tree works were anticipated to start in the second half of the month.
Water: Martin
The site water has now been turned off for the winter.
Martin reported that there has been no further update from the Council re a date for the water leak repairs, although the matter remains in hand.
Manure and wood chippings: Wendy
Manure was delivered during October to both ends of the site’s pens. Wendy and the Riding School Manager agreed that notice would be given to the PPAA to co-ordinate future deliveries. PPAA made a gratuity payment of £60 for the recent one. Many thanks to CRS.
There have also been a number of substantial deliveries of wood chippings by the Council’s arborists, for which PPAA express thanks to the workers who made them.
Polytunnel: Sue
The six beds on the righthand side of the communal poly tunnel will be available from February 2025. Applications to enter the draw will be invited, and more information about these beds will be available in December
Notification procedure for tenancy breaches: Wendy, Martin
A draft of a generic letter – as proposed at the last meeting – to notify tenants of any breaches of their Agreement was presented to the Committee, and accepted without objection. A list – not comprehensive – of several reported cases where such a notice would likely be warranted was also accepted.
AOB:
Nerys outlined suggestions made in a report by The Gwent Wildlife Trust, with particular reference to supporting robins, blackbirds, and hedgehogs, and there was a discussion based on these.
Action: Nerys to audit bird boxes, types, and condition around site, and if needed, purchase more. Wendy, Treasurer agreed for PPAA to meet the costs.
Wendy also reported a suggestion made by a plot holder, that PPAA should purchase a wood chipper, for hire to plot holders. However, the Committee have been constrained to have a “no equipment hire” position for several years, owing to H&S and insurance issues, and also to a shortage of volunteer effort. It was therefore considered that this position should remain for the time being.
There was no further business and the meeting ended at 20:15.
The PPAA Committee meetings are regularly scheduled for the first Tuesday in the month, the next being on 3rd December 2024, at 1900, at the Butcher’s Arms, Canton.
