Author: A Place To Grow Your Own

Update: the information given by Council workers to PPAA Committee re manure deliveries would appear to have been superseded – 24 10 22.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 9^th 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 28^th November 2022 Zoom or site.

Sadly, it seems that a large proportion of fruit trees across the site have been blighted by what appears to be this problem – described in detail here by RHS. Furthermore, cruelly, it seems that well-tended and controlled trees have been badly affected, whereas overgrown, neglected ones have been generally untouched.

This agrees with the biology of this fungal disorder, where its spores enter a tree by wounds, especially those caused by pruning, the sawing off of branches etc.

The advice then, would appear to be that if anyone has a still-healthy tree, but which needs pruning, then they make sure – although opinions vary on this – that they have a fungicidal protective pruning paint to hand, to apply immediately that the branch is removed, and only to prune in summer.

The spore-releasing bodies start to appear this time of year – from September onwards – and so if anyone cuts off a diseased branch – the advice for so doing is to make sure that the branch is cut well beyond any evidence of the disease – then it should be removed from site straight away, as spores will continue to be spread even when it’s separated from the tree.

It’s not a happy thing to have to report, but we hope that by so doing we might save some precious fruit trees across people’s plots.

PPA Website Team

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Jenny Howell, Sue Jones, Dan Philips, Alan Coombs, Wendy Gunter (Treasurer)

Apologies: None

Introduction:

• Richard explained the meeting was convened to specifically review progress with regard to poorly cultivated plots.

Plots under observation

• Jenny, Sue and Richard had identified many plots that were in poor condition in contravention of the Council’s tenancy agreement. These had been recorded by dated photographs and, after discussion by the full committee and in accordance with Council instructions, Pre-Notice letters and emails had been issued to associated plot holders advising that they were on notice to provide a valid reason for non-cultivation or start clearance work within a two-week timeframe or a Notice of Non-Cultivation (formerly Clear or Quit) would be issued. 
• Jenny reviewed the schedule and the responses received to date were discussed. Responses included valid reasons for non-cultivation, significant improvements commenced, plot returned to the Council for re-allocation from the waiting list and no response.
• Plots where a Non-Cultivation Notice would be issued were identified and notices would be issued forthwith.
• Summary

i) 31 Pre-notice emails/letters issued

ii) 17 plot holders to be issued with Non-cultivation Notices

iii) 7 plots returned for re-letting

iv) 7 plots with significant improvement

Vacant Plots

• Dan reported that the plot holder he had approached had offered his services to carry out preliminary clearance of some overgrown plots and he would arrange for a couple of sample plots to be undertaken to confirm the scope of work. 
• If satisfactory a schedule of plots which are vacant and in seriously bad condition would be provided.
• Wendy reiterated her requirement for adequate records and invoicing.

New Lets

• Sue had Undertaken site viewings with prospective plot holders from the waiting list and had confirmed several new tenants with the Allotment Officer.
• Sue reported the following figures: (i) 12 plots let to new tenants (ii) 5 plots now ok to offer (iii) 6 plots requiring work before being offered  (iv) 4 viewings were due.
• Sue reported that the Allotment Officer was currently undertaking a detailed review of all waiting lists which had dramatically increased during the Covid restrictions.

Ground cover

• Richard reported that 2 new rolls of 3.3m width ground cover membrane had been ordered and delivery expected shortly.
• Sue advised that 68m of the existing roll had been sold.

Any other business

• None

Next meetings

• Committee meeting 19:00 Tuesday 11^th October 2022. Zoom or venue to be agreed.

Present:  Richard Masterman (Chair), Jenny Howell, Sue Jones, Dan Philips, Alan Coombs

Apologies: Wendy Gunter (Treasurer)

Previous Minutes:

• Matters arising from Committee meeting 8^th August 2022 to be addressed as agenda items.

Chair Report

• Items addressed in Any Other Business

Site Representative 

• In the absence of an appointed Site Representative other committee members have undertaken immediate matters and have continued addressing PPA issues including responding to plot holder Gmail queries, plot inspections and waiting list review.
• Sue is in regular contact with the Allotment Officer to maintain continuity of communication.
• Richard volunteered that after a short time on leave he would take on the role and it was agreed that, with the assistance of other committee members, a more inclusive approach would be adopted to ease the burden on the Site Representative.

Council matters

• It was noted that the Council’s reference to the Clear or Quit notice had been revised to a Non-Cultivation notice.

PPAA matters

• Items addressed in AoB.

Treasurer’s report

• Nothing additional to report from previous meeting

Any Other Business

Overgrown plots:

• The Committee had previously resolved to address the poor state of some plots and have continued the implementation of the Council’s Non-Cultivation policy.
• Many plots have been identified as in poor condition and are heavily overgrown.  Pre-Notice Warning of Non-Cultivation correspondence has been issued to the respective plot holders and follow up inspections will take place.
• Richard and Jenny have kept a schedule of plots under observation which will be regularly reviewed and updated prior to each committee meeting. The Committee will then regularly monitor progress towards correct cultivation.
• The inspections together with information received from the Allotment Officer revealed that several of the overgrown plots are vacant and Sue volunteered to begin the process of re-letting these.
• The Committee agreed to approach a plot holder who has previously offered their services to strim/brush cut overgrown areas to enquire if there is an interest in further work to speed up the backlog of overgrown vacant plots.
• The Committee agreed to make available at cost the ground cover membrane held in the PPA shop to plot holders as a temporary measure whilst clearance and cultivation progress. The cover would be returnable to the shop if still in good condition.
• The current waiting list is large and as vacant plots are offered to new prospective tenants’ consideration will be given to dividing whole plots in to “a” and “b” half plot size.

Manure

• Sue has made enquiries with regard to manure delivery and reported that the stables are very keen to continue the supply but they have no means of transportation. Parks Department have previously delivered but this service is now withdrawn.
• Manure remains free to plot holders who are able to collect.
• Sue is making further enquiries with Parks Department to see if further deliveries are possible.
• It was suggested that an enquiry could be made to plot holders via the website blog to see if anyone has access to suitable machinery to assist.

Communications

• Dan has instigated a sub-group to rationalise and improve communications and dissemination of information to plot holders. Work is progressing with a report anticipated for the next committee meeting.

Next meetings

• A review of the Pre-Notice Warning notifications 19:00 Thursday 15^th September 2022 by Zoom.
• Committee meeting 19:00 Tuesday 11^th October 2022. Zoom or venue to be agreed.

Following that instruction has given the world everything from prodigies like Mozart to the Hitler Youth, but what’s that to do with allotments?

Well, we’re fortunate in being surrounded by handsome mature trees in the parks around us, which beautify our setting. The downside is that these – especially ash, sycamore, and willow – produce a myriad of wind-blown seeds, which readily take root on every plot across the site. The hawthorns also do this, but saplings tend to be either close to the trees or where birds drop after having eaten the haws.

It’s just a matter of fact that considerations of shading and the terms of tenancy require us not to allow broad leaf trees such as these to grow on our plots (nor, for that matter, conifers or fruit trees more than 4m tall). Also, we mustn’t maintain them if they’re already growing there when we take on our plot, but remove them. If we didn’t, then the whole site would rapidly revert to primordial forest.

So we should dig these up as soon as we notice them. When they’re seedlings or saplings this is very easy and no trouble at all. However they grow very quickly, putting down deep tap roots, and so the longer we delay, the harder this unavoidable job will be!

If anyone – or their predecessors to their plot – has overlooked to remove such a tree, and tackling it would be problematic, then if they message PPAA Committee, and where the stem or trunk is more than say, 50mm in diameter, they’ll give what help they can for its removal. 

If the tree’s semi-mature or larger, then in some instances  – where it’s kept well pollarded, or is not a very large variety, e.g. buddleia – a pragmatic decision to leave well alone may be taken, but please don’t any of us ignore the likes of ash, hawthorn, willow, and sycamore!

Present: Philip Reardon (Site Rep), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Richard Masterman (Chair), Jenny Howell, Sue Jones, Dan Philips, Alan Coombs

Apologies: Jon Townley

Previous Minutes:

• Items from Committee meeting 8^th June 2022 to be addressed as agenda items
• Items from Working Group meeting 11^th July 2022

1. Work to update the Constitution is on hold. Jenny stated her view that proposals should be formulated prior to Council feedback/agreement. 
2. Web site updates have been completed with continuing review. Thanks to Sue and her team.
3. Maintenance of plots: covered by agenda item

Chair Report

• CAHA/Site Reps meeting had taken place with notes distributed to committee members
• Skips had been arranged, filled and removed from site.

Site Representative 

Council matters

• Nothing further received regarding storm damage to perimeter walls, overhanging trees or the blocked/overflowing culvert. Dan suggested escalating the issues via CAHA.
• The allotment management software operated by the Council is in the process of a full upgrade but is not expected to be operational for some considerable time. This further slows down the Council’s process of managing poorly attended and overgrown plots.

PPAA matters

• Philip reported that of the 15 confirmed vacant plots 10 had been let to new tenants although 4 of the outgoing plot holders were contesting their removal. He stated that the 5 remaining plots would remain unlet pending Council resolution of the disputes.
• There was discussion regarding the provision of detailed information to the committee regarding the status of overgrown plots, plot inspections, Clear or Quit notices and a detailed schedule which committee members could work from in order to assist with progressing site actions. 
• Philip stated that he felt a lack of support from the Council, from some committee members, and had been subjected to aggressive threats from some plot holders, and stated that he would step down from the roles of Site Representative and PPAA committee member with immediate effect, and withdrew from the meeting.
• In the absence of a Site Representative other committee members undertook to monitor Council/Site Rep correspondence and other duties pending appointment of a new site representative.
• The meeting continued.

Treasurer’s report

• Wendy confirmed the PPAA account was up to date and in order with a positive balance.

Any Other Business

• Dan agreed to set up a sub-group to review all communication formats with a view to rationalising. 
• Plot holders are reminded to keep contact details up to date with the Council to avoid obsolete details being used.
• The boundary lines between plots have become very indistinct in places. A member of the Community Gardens has previously carried out minor maintenance work and will be approached again to see if interested in helping to clear paths.
• Dan reported that the work within the polytunnel had progressed well and further improvements to provide additional grow beds will continue through the coming months.
• Sue agreed to contact the stables to get an update on manure deliveries.

Next meeting – to be confirmed

It is proposed to hold an in-person meeting on site in August to review the Site Representative position.

Next scheduled committee meeting 19:00 Tuesday 04 October 2022.

Minutes for PPAA Working Group held on 11 July 2022 at 19:00 by Zoom

Present: Phillip Reardon (Site Rep), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Richard Masterman (Chair), Jenny Howell, Sue Jones, Jon Townley, Dan Phillips, 

Apologies:  Alan Coombs, Martin Pasek.

Introduction

• Richard advised that a number of issues had arisen which warranted a dedicated working group to separately consider outside the normal framework for committee meetings.

Constitution

• The Committee are aware that the PPAA Constitution as it stands is out of date and contains references which are no longer appropriate and an overhaul should be considered.
• Any changes to the Constitution must be accepted by Cardiff Council and also by a vote of plot holders at a special or annual general meeting.
• To avoid any misinterpretation a note has been included on the website to explain that amendments are being considered for future implementation.
• With this in mind the group agreed that the original Constitution would remain in place unaltered whilst revisions are drafted for consideration by the Committee and submission to the Council in readiness for discussion and vote by plot holders at the AGM 2023.
• The working group will report to the Committee and reconvene in due course to assess progress.

Website

• In a similar manner the website also requires an update to make it more relevant to current plot holders.
• A committee helper has undertaken a few obvious alterations and the working group will provide further suggestions for inclusion and consideration by the Committee.

General Information for Plot Holders

• The document on the website will be amended to be in line with the Constitution 

 

Maintenance of Plots

• The Committee are fully cognisant that a number of plots are badly overgrown and can be a source of great irritation to adjacent plot holders not to mention the huge list of people waiting for a plot who otherwise might be more productive.
• Phil explained that official process of Clear or Quit notices managed by the Council had got back to a slow start following the Covid enforced moratorium and a number of notices were with the Council awaiting execution.
• There was lots of discussion regarding what if anything the Committee can do to improve the site situation with the following plan:

1. Site inspections will continue and a schedule of plots of interest and status will be produced for regular review by the Committee. 
2. The Committee will be considering ways to follow up poorly tended plots with the associated plot holder in advance of the formal Clear or Quit procedure.

Finance

• Wendy confirmed the grant had now been received.
• The simplified method for paying for the website is now in place,
• Wendy highlighted the requirement for the return of the key deposit from leaving plot holders and the collection from new.

Hedge and Verge Trimming

• Plot holders are to be reminded that they are responsible for maintaining the dividing path between plots and also their part of the verge to a site road.
• Some careful hedge trimming has been carried out by a committee member with emphasis on minimising any interference to wildlife.

Exposed Drainage Chamber on Road 3

• The lid has been recovered and reinstalled by a committee member.    

Any Other Business

• None. 
• Actions from this working group and the previous committee meeting will be discussed at the next committee meeting.

Date of Next Committee Meeting

• Revised to Tuesday 09 August 2022 at 19:00 by Zoom.

Looking around the site, it really is fun to see the diversity of ways in which people have numbered their plots.

Part of the Council’s directions on allotments instructs that plot holders clearly number their plots. If anyone isn’t sure what number they are, then it’ll be on their tenancy agreement, or they can find their plot on the site map.

As the reader can see, I’ve taken a few pictures of a variety of numbers dotted around the site – maybe they’ll give some of us a little inspiration. Whatever, as long as our plots are numbered they can be as plain or fancy as anyone likes!

Sue Jones, PPAA Committee

Minutes for PPAA Committee Meeting held on 08 June 2022 at 19:00 by Zoom

Present: Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Richard Masterman (Chair), Jenny Howell, Sue Jones, Jon Townley

Apologies: Dan Philips, Alan Coombs, Philip Reardon (Site Representative), Martin Pasek.

Previous Minutes:

• Items from previous meeting to be addressed as agenda items

Chair Report

• Richard suggested committee WhatsApp group and agreed to set up.

Site Representative – items for discussion: 

Council matters

• Nothing further received regarding storm damage to perimeter walls
• Nothing further received regarding the off-site tree report
• No further information received regarding the overflowing culvert. It would be useful to have an update so silt discharges can be effectively cleared.
• A point was raised at the AGM regarding Council’s revised procedure for new structures and clarification of what qualifies as requiring permission. The revised document has been issued to plot holders and the committee are not aware of any further query.

PPAA matters

• The principal matter for concern is the over grown nature of many plots.
• Phil had reported for the AGM the situation regarding vacant plots, void plots, waiting list and “clean or quit” notices
• The committee are actively looking in to the management of unattended plots although a number of constraints hamper progress:

1. Unattended plots cannot be cleared until the Council advise rental payment has not been received and a tenancy has been terminated. This has often taken an unnecessarily long time and is not within the control of the Committee.
2. Plot holders are responsible for maintaining a minimum level of cultivation and the Committee are unable to intervene.

• It is recognised that the pandemic has caused an unavoidable increase in the number of unattended plots but Council restrictions are now lifted and enforcement of the Plot Holder Agreement signed by all to maintain their site will be implemented.
• The identification of each plot number was discussed and the merit of holding a competition for the best plot sign or issuing each plot with a permanent plot number tag was considered and, although this has been done in the past and labels have disappeared, it was agreed that this would be looked at further.

Treasurer’s report

• Wendy confirmed that audited accounts have been issued to the Council and grant payment approved and payment is awaited.
• Wendy requested submission of any outstanding PPA subscriptions and key deposits from new tenants so she can update records.

Any Other Business

• Fly tipping remains a problem. 
• It was previously agreed to obtain two skips for litter picking and for plot holders to dispose of awkward waste from their site. Richard undertook to arrange for early July. 
• It was noted that the leaking water trough by the old shop has been repaired.
• Sue highlighted all paths and verges separating plots from the access tracks and neighbouring plots should be kept clear by the associated plot holder(s). This includes the verges up to the edge of a made-up roadway.
• It was agreed that the committee would consider hiring a large brush cutting machine and obtaining additional weed barrier matting to assist with clearing overgrown plots and other areas although it was noted that some communal ground would be left for re-wilding and pollinator habitat.
• The plant sale has been set for Sunday 12 June 2022 at the poly tunnel. Dan Philips and Ian Douglas are coordinating and have issued a general flyer advertising the event.

• Next meeting – to be confirmed nearer the date

Committee 19:00 Tuesday 02 August 2022 

Pontcanna Permanent Allotment Association

Minutes for Annual General Meeting held on 24 April 2022

Present: 

Committee: 

Richard Masterman (Chair 9), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer 113b), Sue Jones (122b), Dan Phillips (124b), Jenny Howells (128)

Plot holders:

Roger Benson (127b), Roger Phillips (60), Sue Waring (60), Tim Llewellyn (8), Alan Coombs (5/48a), Dick Waters (103b), Jane Davies-Williams (88/89), Reg Matthews (), Graham ?? (70), Jana Herak (65)

Apologies for absence:

Phillip Reardon (Site Representative), Jon Townley, Simon and Liz Coombs

Chair’s Welcome and Introduction

Richard welcomed all to the AGM which is the first face to face meeting for some while. He explained that allotment committee meetings had continued through the Covid restrictions via Zoom and he thanked his fellow committee members for their interest and enthusiasm in keeping PPA running well and one of Cardiff’s best sites.

Site Representative’s Report

Phillip had tendered his apologies for not being able to attend and had provided a written report, as follows, which Richard read out:

Letting of Plots – At the start of the covid19 restrictions, the Council placed a moratorium on all letting of plots, and on the issuing of Clean or Quit notices. This meant that we had several plots that had become overgrown due to the holder’s sheltering and non-attendance, there was understandably no action taken.  At the tail end of last year, the council allowed us to start to let plots and to start to issue notices.  Currently we have around 15 notices in the pipeline and will be taking further action on these when advised to do so by the council.  I’m pleased to report that in March we had no available plots to let following the letting of several plots.  Unfortunately, since then, we have had approximately 20 tenants give up their plots due to multiple reasons. I will be looking at letting these over the next few weeks.  

The waiting list is currently closed for our site with 127 people on it.  

I’m also pleased to report that we have now got a regular delivery of both horse manure and wood chips. These were stopped by the council during covid to allow them to deploy their resources elsewhere.  

The council have recently reissued the application for placing any structures on an allotment.  This will be emailed out to all plot holder within the next few weeks.  No structure (Sheds, Greenhouses etc) can be placed on a plot without this application being completed and approved.

I would like to place on record my thanks to the Committee and Chair for all their hard work over the past year. 

A few points were raised and discussed:

• Unattended and overgrown plots cause a significant nuisance to adjacent plot holders. It was noted that Clean or Quit orders had only recently been reintroduced and that currently approximately 15 were under consideration. These are to be progressed.
• Clarification on the Council’s revised procedure for requesting a structure was requested. It was noted that the revised application form would be issued shortly.

Treasurer’s Report

Wendy circulated a financial report for the year explaining that not much significant expenditure had taken place except for the improvements to two site roads which had deteriorated badly.

Plot holders who purchase items from the shop via bank transfer must enter ”shop” in the bank reference.

No queries or questions were raised and the report was accepted.

Election/Appointment of Officers and Committee Members

Two plot holders expressed their interest in joining the committee which is very welcome.

There were no adjustments to the current set up and all officers and general committee members were proposed and seconded as follows:

Site representative Phillip Reardon

Chair Richard Masterman

Treasurer Wendy Gunter

General Sue Jones, Jenny Howells, Dan Phillips, Jon Townley and Alan Coombs

Any Other Business

Several issues were raised and discussed:

• Recent storm/tree damage and condition of boundary walls is of concern for security and safety reasons. This is a Council issued. PPAA have no responsibility.
• Council maintenance of large perimeter trees which overhang plots causing safety concerns. No report regarding the survey the Council stated would be commissioned has been received.
• Council removal of the obviously dead off-site tree behind the poly tunnel and adjacent plots.
• Fly tipping of off-site waste materials

These items were noted for follow up and further review at future committee meetings.

The provision of an annual or twice annual skip for plot holders to dispose of bulky waste like paving slabs, damaged glass from greenhouses/cold frames etc and rotten wooden pallets was discussed. It was generally agreed that this would be overall benefit despite the risk that it might allow off-site material to appear. It is regularly noted in Committee Meeting Minutes that such an activity would be a breach of plot holder agreement with the Council and could result in termination of the rental agreement.

Two water tanks have reported leaks. These will be remedied.

The blocked culvert under Road 3 by the old club house which regularly backs up and deposits silt on the road has been looked at by the Council who are undertaking some work. The last update from the Allotment Officer was that work would continue through April although detail of the proposed works and progress is not available.

Following the good work of Ian Douglas in repairing the storm damaged poly tunnel, Dan and Jenny are coordinating a reorganisation of the internal layout. Dan suggested that the plant sale could resume again this year but possibly on a reduced scale. Further details to be provided. 

The poor trimming of hedges carried out by an unknown contractor was noted. This had been done without prior notification when some direction could have been provided to reduce the impact on the habitat for nesting birds. It was suggested that a recent change of personnel at Parks Department might facilitate better communication in the future regarding hedge management.

A plot holder asked if assistance could be provided with some work to a fruit cage she could not manage. There are no formal arrangements and it was suggested that the good nature of fellow plot holders could be prevailed upon.

No further items to discuss and the meeting closed at 11:48