Articles

Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Dan Phillips, Richard Masterman, Jenny Howell (plot holder, observer), Frank Berry (Riverside Community Gardens rep.) Martin Pasek (Operational Support). Apologies: Ian Douglas, Ray Edwards, Alex Brown.

The Committee welcomes new member Richard Masterman.

Sad News- Tim. The Committee were very sad to hear that Alan Turner, hitherto holder of plot 41, passed away recently.

The Committee extend their heartfelt sympathies to Alan’s family, and to his many friends and acquaintances that he made during his decades as a committed, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and industrious allotment gardener.

Riverside Community Gardens Fire, Theft, and Vandalism- Frank. The Committee were appalled to hear the details of the offences committed, but also heartened by the undaunted spirit of the volunteers in getting to work straight away with clearance and rebuilding. Frank expressed gratitude to Dave King, for removing debris from site to be incinerated. The feasibilities of various measures for improved security were discussed, including the possibility of shared funding for that with PPAA. Frank explained the insurance claim procedure, and the Committee wished him every success with that.

For reasons connected with the investigations into this matter, and with future security, not all points discussed are minuted here.

Minutes of January meeting and matters arising- Tim.

Site Secretary’s Duties. Sue said that there are no vacant plots at the moment. She has let four plots since the last meeting and the waiting list is still about thirty. She was also pleased to report that the number of holders in payment arrears is relatively few.

The Committee cordially welcome the new plot holders onto plots 10a, 19a, 35b, and 86.

Storage unit appearance. Alex was not available for an update.

Programme of works. The main items remain brick shed refurbishment, and the clearance of usable land, to which has been added flood relief for susceptible segments of track. As quotes for the first have been rather high, it was agreed to lower the specification, and to investigate off-the-shelf items such as exterior-grade doors.

Sue has a quote for a digger plus driver at £150 per day, which was agreed to be reasonable.

Asbestos. The material in the old club house has been removed by the Council’s newly-approved contractor.

Committee numbers. The Committee are pleased to welcome Richard Masterman as a new Member.

Sue reminded herself to change the wording of the welcome letter for new plot holders as agreed. AP Sue.

Fly tipping. Owing to the recurring severe weather, the rescheduled Litter Pick also had to be cancelled. The Committee thank Ray for his efforts so far, and hope that a future event will be more fortunate. AP Ray.

We remind all plot holders, yet again, that their tenancy is at risk, and that they may be exposed to heavy fines, for fly-tipping around the site or over the fences.

Water supply. The water is back on, and Sue was pleased to report that there has been interest by plot holders in adopting the cleaning and maintenance reporting for nearby troughs.

The Committee cordially thank those volunteers, who have already cleared sediment from the troughs near to their plots. Thanks to their efforts and those of the Committee, all troughs have now been cleaned.

Shop. Following the recent further sad news, it was agreed by the Committee that the winding up of the present undertaking is not within its gift, and it was resolved to invite the Council to propose a solution.

The Committee understands that the shop was run by Harlech Gardening Club, and that any audits, accounts, and the like, would therefore be in the name of that entity. However, that is not entirely clear. Tim reported that as it stands, and at this difficult and sensitive time, he did not perceive any will amongst the recently bereaved to be involved in any way with this. However, if that were to change, then the Committee remain open to any such approaches that they might make with regard to winding up its affairs. (This is a necessary step, before any proposed shop operation could be brought back under PPAA control, which would be required by the Council for proper authorisation.)

AGM 2018. Wendy brought the accounts, and they are ready for presentation on 22nd April 2018. However, it was agreed to move some major items, such as expenditure on waste clearance contractors, to their own line, rather than to include them under “general” or “other” expenditure. This is both in the interests of transparency, and also to publicise the specific actions taken by the Committee on behalf of plot holders.

Extending BACS payments for PPAA subs- Wendy. Wendy proposed handing the paper BACS details to new plot holders, (and, ideally, to anyone else who might not have them.) The Committee thanked Wendy for all her recent hard work, and under circumstantial difficulties.

Plot holders are reminded that the PPAA subs do not just help to cover manure usage, but also contribute towards public liability insurance for them, running repairs, and so on. They are therefore urged to take advantage of the convenience offered by this payment method. Furthermore, for those who understandably wish to avoid “internet banking”, this method of payment can be set up over the counter, or often by telephone with the plot holder’s bank.

Plot holder injured in accident- Sue. Sue was pleased to report that a plot holder, Monica Nobrega, has offered to tend the injured plot holder’s allotment while she is unable to do so herself.

The Committee warmly commend Monica’s kindness and support.

Increased notice board space- Ray. Dan reported that he and Ray had discussed putting noticeboards on the gates, and this idea was met with the approval of all. AP Ray, Dan.

 

AOB

AGM- Tim. Tim asked the Committee to confirm that the AGM would begin at 1100. (Carried.)

Plant sale-Tim. Ian has said that it will be on 19th May 2018.

Complaints by plot holders about PPAA Committee members- Sue. It was acknowledged that plot holders, naturally, are free to make criticisms about any or all, to whomever they might choose on the Committee, but that formal complaints must be addressed to the Council’s Allotments Officer, Celia Hart.

The Committee respectfully remind plot holders that they are all unpaid volunteers, and that they have to share their time in this regard with the same demands as those affecting everyone else.

There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 2025. The next meeting will again be at the Butcher’s Arms Canton, on Wednesday 02/05/2018, at 1900.

We are saddened to report that a very familiar face on the site and of the shop, Alan Turner, has passed away. No doubt many of you will have fond memories of Alan and indeed, many of you will have been introduced to your plots by Alan, who over the years did much to improve the running of the site.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Alan’s Family and many friends.

We are very saddened to hear the news that the Riverside Community Gardens suffered a devastating attack by vandals on 13th March.

Their main shelter has been subject to an arson attack and their other storage containers broken into.

If you feel you may be able to assist in helping the rebuilding process, please keep an eye on the Facebook Page and we will endeavour to post any planned events on this website too.

Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Ray Edwards, Alex Brown, Dan Phillips. Martin Pasek (Operational Support). Apologies: Ian Douglas.

Minutes of January meeting and matters arising- Tim

Site Secretary’s Duties. Sue said that there are three vacant plots at the moment. She expects to let them over the next few weeks. She has let six plots since the last meeting and the waiting list is about thirty. AP Sue.

The Committee cordially welcome the new plot holders onto plots 156b, 157b, 68a, 45b, 35a, and 45a.

Storage unit appearance. Alex hopes to begin work before long. AP Alex.

Programme of works. Site Secretary was unable to attend the Brick Shed Working Group meeting, organised by the Council’s Allotments Officer, Celia Hart, on Wednesday 14/02/18. However, Sue has since learnt that the Council have appointed a surveyor to evaluate any which should be demolished, but not before 2019 at the earliest.

A number of potential expenditure allocations were discussed: resurfacing of the car park; proper bay construction; site security improvements; options for cubicle improvements; and the clearing of compost and waste.

Asbestos. Awaiting removal by the Council’s newly-approved contractor.

Committee numbers. A probable new Committee member has been identified, and the Committee look forward to welcoming him to the next meeting.

Alex proposed that Sue explain to new plot holders, that they are entitled to be elected to the Committee from Day One of their tenure and PPAA membership.

Dan proposed that new tenants be asked as to any relevant knowledge or skills that they might have, and whether they might be willing to act in an advisory capacity to the Committee from time-to-time if nothing else.

Sue said that she would add something along these lines to the Welcome Letter. AP Sue.

Fly tipping. Owing to the recent severe weather the Litter Pick had to be cancelled. Ray said that he will reschedule the event, if possible to coincide with another national or municipal campaign. AP Ray.

We remind all plot holders, yet again, that their tenancy is at risk, and that they may be exposed to heavy fines, for fly-tipping around the site or over the fences.

Water supply. A walkabout is proposed for Sunday, 25/03/18, at 1100, involving trough cleaning, and the water will be turned on afterwards. AP all.

Shop. Alex reported that he has received a number of questions as to the future of the shop, following the sad passing of Adrian, and Alan’s recent ill-health.

Background: At one time, the shop was run by PPAA Committee members. However, when the shopkeepers left the Committee, they continued to run it independently, as part of Harlech Gardening Club, but with no connection to PPAA at all. Our understanding is that this operation has not been on any basis authorised by the Council. However, the Council have not as yet indicated what action they might take, if any, in relation to that, although they have been considering the matter for some months now. (There is no will on the part of any of the present Committee members to take on the shop operation in the manner required to comply with the Council’s guidelines, to remove the aforesaid irregularity. There is certainly no will to continue what could turn out to be an unlawful operation either.)

However, if there should turn out to be plot holders, willing to run the shop in the manner required by the Council, then the Committee would be interested to hear from them. (Basically, that would mean that it would not be run for personal gain, and that proceeds would contribute to PPAA funds. Regular accounts would also have to be produced.)

AGM 2018 date. 22nd April 2018 is confirmed. Dave King has offered to audit the PPAA accounts.

Hedge planting group. The day was a success. Whips have been planted alongside the security fencing in the southeast corner and filling in various gaps in the main hedge etc.

AOB

Gate being left open – Wendy. The Committee were disappointed to hear that this problem has resurfaced. Those believed to be responsible are known, and they will be requested to observe the rules.

Extending BACS payments for PPAA subs – Wendy. This very simple and effective means of collecting PPAA subs could be extended by publicising the bank payment details for PPAA on FB and on the website.

Plot holders are reminded that the PPAA subs do not just help to cover manure usage, but also contribute towards public liability insurance for them, running repairs, give entitlement to serve on the Committee, and so on. They are therefore urged to take advantage of the convenience offered by this payment method.

“Bring-and-Take” cubicle problems- Sue. The recent order from the Council means, in principle, that this should be let to a plot holder, rather than to be used as it presently is. However, the Committee recognise that this facility is enjoyed by many during harvest times.

Unfortunately, the will to continue this benefit has been tested recently, by some plot holders apparently using the shed as yet another place for what amounts to fly-tipping.

Please do not leave anything other than grown produce, or as-new-condition, purpose-made gardening sundries in this cubicle.

Under no circumstances leave reclaimed building and glazing materials, rotten wood, canes, split or perished plastic sundries, furniture, polythene, cardboard, rusty or damaged tools, or anything else which would normally be described as junk. We are very short of volunteer effort and of funds. People’s time and PPAA finances are being wasted in having to dispose of such materials. Please take them off site and to a Council recycling facility.

Plot holder injured in accident- Sue. The Committee are very concerned to hear that a plot holder has been seriously injured in a road accident as a cyclist, and we extend our most heartfelt wishes for her full recovery. We understand that this may take a long time however, and Sue proposes that another plot holder, or more than one, might tend her plot during this period in a mutually beneficial way. Details would be published on the website and on FB. AP Sue, Alex.

Increased notice board space- Ray. Ray noted, that whilst the existing boards can accommodate PPAA minutes and a few standing notices, there is not enough room for ad hoc ones relating to events and so on. He proposed fitting extra displays to the existing stands or otherwise. AP Ray.

There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 2021. The next meeting will again be at the Butcher’s Arms Canton, on Wednesday 04/04/2018, at 1900.

Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Ray Edwards, Ian Douglas, Martin Pasek (Operational Support). Apologies: Alex Brown, Dan Phillips.

Minutes of January meeting and matters arising- Tim

Site Secretary’s Duties. Sue said that there are six vacant plots at the moment, and she expects to let them over the next few weeks. AP Sue.

Storage unit appearance. We await information from Alex. AP Alex.

Polytunnel bed allocation 2018. All bed holders have paid, and Ian has repaired a roof tear.

Programme of works. Sue will attend the next Brick Shed Working Group meeting, organised by the Council’s Allotments Officer, Celia Hart, on Wednesday 14/02/18. More than one contractor has been identified to carry out improvements, and the initial estimates are encouraging. Sue is still identifying current users of the cubicles, but it is hoped that improvements can begin soon. AP Sue, Ian.

The Committee thanks those plot holders who have come forward as cubicle users. We appreciate that the notice served by the Council was arguably precipitous, and acknowledge the forbearance of all concerned. 

Asbestos. The Council now have an approved contractor, and so asbestos should soon be removed.

Committee numbers. As at the last meeting, there have been no volunteers as yet, but a few people had been identified, who had implied in conversation that they might be interested. AP all.

Tree waste dumping/manure/wood chip supplies/fly-tipping. Martin has spoken to Mike Boyer and identified the material which has been left by him. It seems that other deliveries are sometimes made by the Council’s workers when they are nearby. There is no evidence at the moment of fly-tipping of tree waste by anyone else. However, the problem remains of deliveries being made by the latter before the pens are empty, with a build-up of decaying material at the rear resulting.

If any plot holders are able to clear the backlog, by using this wood chip, then that help would be much appreciated.

 The Committee regrets the damage to the southern manure pen, caused by the last delivery. It would appear that requests to the Council to advise care on the part of the contractors have had no effect.

There do not seem to have been any egregious instances of fly-tipping around the site since the last Meeting, but it is still happening.

We remind all plot holders, yet again, that their tenancy is at risk, and that they may be exposed to heavy fines, for fly-tipping around the site or over the fences.

 Water supply. Any trough cleaning will need to be done before the water is turned on again in mid March. AP all.

Gardening Tutorials. Unfortunately, owing to a lack of response, these had to be cancelled. Ray will identify a list of subjects for an event later in the year, autumn. AP Ray.

Shop. As at last month, there is no further news from the Council on the formal position. However, please see AOB.

For the avoidance of doubt, the PPAA Committee clarify that there is no connection between its activities and the operation of the shop, which is independent of it.

Potentially usable land behind polytunnel. The clearing work has been started by Alex, Ian, and Sue, and good progress is being made. AP all.

Spine road, fly-tipping over the fence. There is to be a Great British Tidy, in progress on March 3rd and/or 4th. Ray proposed a site event to coincide with this at the last meeting. It was now also proposed to clear rubbish tipped over the fence into the park. AP Ray et al.

All noticed that the Council have cut the hedge. This was unannounced as ever, and now leaves the site exposed to easy view by the general public. It is also now easier for fly-tippers to throw rubbish over it into the park. The Committee’s advice on this point would appear to have been ignored, therefore.

Budget Plan. Dan Phillips sent an email with a helpful list of projects and the likely expenditure, totalling £5,000-£8,000. It included the main item above, the cubicles refurbishment.

The BACS system for payment of PPAA subscriptions is working well, and has resulted in a useful increase in revenues.

Plot holders are reminded that the PPAA subs do not just help to cover manure usage, but also contribute towards public liability insurance for them, running repairs, and so on.

Hedgehog release. Alex has released two since November, and as he said at the last meeting, he is waiting for better weather before releasing more on site.

Gardeners could not have better friends, and we ask that plot holders make theirs as safe for them as they reasonably can. In particular, abandoned coils of netting are a danger to them, and slug pellets, if used, should be in accordance with their instructions, that is, scattered only thinly.

AOB

AGM 2018 date- Tim. 22nd April was provisionally proposed.

Plant sale date- Ian. 12th May is proposed by Ian.

Hedge planting group- Ian. Sunday 18th Feb at 1100 is proposed.

Clearing, weed killing- Ian. Ian proposed clearing between the southernmost two blocks of cubicles to enable renovation to begin, and anticipated enlisting the digger facility, available at very reasonable rates from Lady Mary Allotments, for this.

He also said that there is now a Glyphosate-free herbicide available for killing mares tails, and proposed that it be publicised on the website. AP Ian/Alex.

Sad news- Tim. Tim has heard that Adrian Walsh of plot five passed away recently. Tim understands that this was after his suffering a heart attack.

Further sad news is that Rob Searle of plot forty has also passed away.

The Committee extend their deepest sympathies to Adrian’s family and friends, and to those of Rob. We also understand that Alan Turner has been unwell, and that this means that there will be no shop operation for the foreseeable future. We wish Alan a full and speedy recovery.

 There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 2016. The next meeting will again be at the Butcher’s Arms Canton, on Wednesday 07/03/2018, at 1900.

Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Alex Brown, Ray Edwards,Ian Douglas, Dan Phillips, Martin Pasek (Operational Support). Apologies: None.

Minutes of November meeting and matters arising- Tim

 Site Secretary’s Duties. Sue said that there are 44 people on the waiting list and that the turnover is about 25 plots per year at the moment, with a wait of around a year. It was agreed that identifying untended plots during the winter is not easy, and that the re-division of the observation areas should be made before spring gets under way. AP Sue.

Storage unit. Alex expects to move on this fairly soon. AP Alex.

Polytunnel bed allocation 2018. The draw was conducted and all beds are now allocated.

Programme of works.

 i) Bad weather and culvert flooding etc. have hampered general tidying. As and when, AP all.

ii) Sue will attend the Brick Shed Working Group meeting, organised by the Council’s Allotments Officer, Celia Hart, tomorrow, 10/01/18. AP Sue.

Asbestos. The Council still have no approved removal contractor.

Committee numbers. As at the last meeting, there have been no volunteers as yet, but a few people had been identified, who had implied in conversation that they might be interested. AP all.

Fly tipping/tree waste dumping/manure/woodchip supplies. It is still not entirely clear who is depositing woodchip, the Council, Mike, or someone else. There is a problem at the main car park, in that deliveries are being made before the pen is empty, and the unused material at the rear will soon rot. Martin will speak to Mike again.

If any plotholders are able to clear the backlog, by using this woodchip, then that help would be much appreciated.

Ian said that he has identified a plot holder, who is apparently responsible for much of the tipping over the fence by the spine road. It was agreed to remind the plotholder concerned of the likely consequences of continuing to do this. AP Ian.

We remind all plot holders, yet again, that their tenancy is at risk, and that they may be exposed to heavy fines, for fly-tipping around the site or over the fences.

 Water supply. Any trough cleaning will need to be done before the water is turned on again in mid March. AP all.

Gardening Tutorials. Michele Fitzsimmons’ lecture and demonstrations are to be held on 04/02/18, from 1400-1600. A fee of £5 was proposed. Numbers will probably need to be kept to about 20, for one-to-one guidance. Publicity was recognised as being a matter to be addressed without delay. AP Ray.

Wendy Gunter is point of contact for those interested in attending, and to pay the fee. She may be contacted by email at the PPAA address: pontcannapermallotments@gmail.com

Shop. As at last month, there is no further news from the Council.

Potentially usable land behind polytunnel. Ian and Alex proposed their preliminary hacking down of scrub to enable our gathering of loose rubbish and its removal by the waste contractors. AP all.

Spine road. Fly-tipping over the fence. There is to be a Great British Tidy, in progress on March 4th. Ray proposed a site event to coincide with this. It was also proposed to invite the Community Gardens to become co-involved. AP Ray et al.

Budget Plan. It is anticipated that there will be significant outlay on the brick cubicles before long. There are also the boreholes project under consideration, along with on-going costs to private contractors for waste removal and for other site maintenance. Improving the boundary fencing was added. AP Wendy et al.

CAHA donation. Wendy said that the £50 donation had been gratefully received by CAHA.

Hedgehog release. Alex has released two since the last meeting, and is waiting for better weather before releasing more on site.

Gardeners could not have better friends, and we ask that plot holders make theirs as safe for them as they reasonably can. In particular abandoned coils of netting are a danger to them, and slug pellets, if used, should be in accordance with their instructions, that is, scattered only thinly.

 AOB

Speeding vehicles- Sue. Sue said that she has had to speak to two drivers, who were clearly driving at considerably more than the 5mph (brisk walking speed) stipulated in the Tenancy Agreements.

Please observe the speed limit and comply with the terms of your Agreement. This is for everyone’s safety. It’s easy to forget, and the Committee know this, so if you should be reminded, then please try to respond with good humour.

There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 2011. The next meeting will be at the Butcher’s Arms Canton, on 06 02 2018, at 1900.

Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Alex Brown, Ray Edwards, Martin Pasek. Apologies: Ian Douglas, Dan Phillips.

Minutes of October meeting and matters arising: Tim

Site Secretary’s Duties. Sue said that there are five standing “Clear Or Quit” notices and three Non-renewals Of Tenancy. The waiting list stands at fifty-five. We welcome cordially one new plot holder and there is one empty plot. It was resolved that the site will be re-divided among the extant Committee for the purposes of monitoring for neglect etc. (Sue also attended the Cardiff Allotments Site Representatives’ meeting and the CAHA meeting in October). AP Sue.

Storage unit. Alex has offered to investigate possible funding from a company, which has an undertaking to make environmental offsets for some of its activities. That money would be used to lessen the unit’s impact on the local visual amenity, and on wildlife etc. AP Alex.

Hedge Cutting. This is now finished for the season. Sincere thanks again to the volunteer.

Polytunnel bed allocation 2018. Sue has sent the letters to the current bed holders, informing them that the beds will be subject to a draw-by-lottery in December. (The beds will be allocated to the winners on a named-user-only, non-transferable basis). Sue has had several applications to date. She reminds plot holders that the closing date is the end of this month, November. AP Sue.

Programme of works.

i) It was agreed that the large communal compost bin near plot 48 and the old shop needs tidying. AP Alex. [Update: please note that this arrangement has been discontinued at all locations on site in accordance with Council rules, and PPAA intend to remove all remaining compost in due course. Would all plot holders please deal with composting on their own plots or remove it from site as our Rules Of Tenancy require – thanks] 

Note: Ian messaged to say that he also intends to work on this during the next few weeks.

ii) The position re cubicles was discussed again. A quote has been obtained and is under consideration. However, we now have a date for the Brick Shed Working Group meeting, organised by the Council’s Allotments Officer, Celia Hart. It is to be on 10 01 18 and Sue will attend. We await further developments.

Fires. The Council has not yet sent the letter to plot holders.

Asbestos. The Council still have no approved removal contractor.

Committee numbers. There have been no volunteers as yet, but a few people had been identified, who had implied in conversation that they might be interested. AP all.

Fly tipping/tree waste dumping/manure/woodchip supplies. We learn that Dave King has a contact at the Council, and that this officer may be able to arrange supplies of such material. We understand that Dave has said to him that PPAA would be very pleased to accept some of it. AP Tim.

There have been no serious incidents of unauthorised tipping of late.

Water supply. The water is now turned off for the winter. We warmly thank Gary Berriman for clearing the sediment in the trough near his plot. We would heartily encourage everyone to do this too. There is a report of a leak near plot 58A. It has been passed on to the Council. AP all.

Gardening Tutorials. Michele Fitzsimmons is available after February for tutorials on pruning fruit trees and bushes. She has quoted her fee. It was proposed to use the “orchard” area for these, and to extend the invitation to allotmenteers across Cardiff. A nominal attendance fee was proposed, to cover her quote and to firm up numbers. AP Ray.

Shop. As at last month, the Council have still not clarified their position regarding the site shop operation. So as it stands PPAA, notably the signatories to the Local Management Agreement, cannot actively endorse any activities which might turn out to be unlawful.

Potentially usable land behind polytunnel. An approach for beginning clearance was discussed. AP Alex.

New Items

Rats: Sue. Tony Robinson has been liaising assiduously with the Council on this. He has shown Pest Control the affected areas, after gathering information from plot holders. We thank him cordially for his work.

We also remind all plot holders to report rats in accordance with the notices, originally written by Tony, on the noticeboards and on the website, and to follow carefully the advice for minimising their presence.

Spine road. Fly-tipping over the fence: Sue. Ian has affixed notices at particular problem points, but there is a large amount rubbish in the park, apparently from plot holders. Ray offered to organise another litter pick next month. AP Ray.

Note: Ray has since organised a Litter Pick of Site. He has contacted Dave King, and the latter will make available all the kit. He will arrange for the waste to be picked up afterwards. It will be on Sunday 10th December. Meet at 10.00 am, at the lock up next to the shop. All volunteers will be warmly welcomed!

Plot holders are reminded again that such actions are a serious breach of the terms of tenancy.

Budget Plan: received from Dan. It is anticipated that there will be significant outlay on the brick cubicles before long. There is also the boreholes project under consideration, along with on-going costs to private contractors for waste removal and for other site maintenance.

CAHA donation: Sue. CAHA are a self-funding group of volunteers, who assist all allotment sites and associations across Cardiff. Last year they were instrumental in helping us to secure our LMA Grant which was under threat, and being withheld. It was unanimously agreed that a donation of £50 was the least that we could do to express our gratitude and support. AP Wendy.

CAHA are having a Skittles Night in January. Final date TBA.

CAHA Secretary Lynne Lewis is retiring, and they are looking for someone to replace her.

Hedgehog release: Alex. In his work with the Hedgehog Helpline, Alex has been releasing these rescued animals on site. Gardeners could not have better friends, and we ask that plot holders make theirs as safe for them as they reasonably can. In particular abandoned coils of netting are a danger to them, and slug pellets, if used, should be in accordance with their instructions, that is, scattered only thinly.

There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 2022. The next meeting will be at the Butcher’s Arms Canton, on 05 12 17, at 1900.

Please remember if you wish to arrange any private deliveries to your plot, be it manure, wood chip or any other materials, you must be there in person to supervise the delivery onto your plot.

Any materials dumped elsewhere will be treated as fly tipping.

This is for everyone’s benefit, and I am sure your fellow plot holders will appreciate not having the car park blocked by unwanted piles of rotting wood chip, for instance.

Present: Tim Llewellyn (Chair), Sue Jones (Site Secretary), Wendy Gunter (Treasurer), Ian Douglas, Alex Brown, Ray Edwards, Dan Phillips, Martin Pasek. Apologies: None received.

Minutes of August meeting and matters arising – Tim

Site Secretary’s Duties. Sue said that there are two standing “Clear Or Quit” notices and two Terminations of Tenancy. The waiting list stands at sixty-five with a waiting time of about fifteen months. Tim asked Sue if Committee members had reported anything to her but she shook her head. AP all.

Storage unit. No news on the eco roof, but see under AOB.

Hedge Cutting. The Committee were pleased to hear that an independent volunteer plot holder had apparently taken matters in hand to some extent, and all said that they were ready to give the necessary guidance and support. Sue to contact with thanks.

Treasurer’s hand-over. Wendy said that the Council now had updated its payment particulars to enable payment straight to the PPAA account.

LMA Grant Year 2017/18. Wendy said re insurance that a quote from Zurich came in £67.35 cheaper than that from Shield, including personal liability. Aspects of risk assessment were discussed. It was resolved to go with the quote.

Polytunnel bed allocation 2018. Sue said that she needed to send letters to the seven current bed holders, informing them that the beds will be subject to a draw-by-lottery in December. The beds will be allocated to the winners on a named-user-only, non-transferable basis. AP Sue.

Programme of works. There have been no suggestions from plot holders. A re-scheduled walkabout on Sunday, 15.10.17 has been proposed for the Committee, and to include canvassing. AP all.

Fires. No one mentioned having received the letter from the Council as yet.

Asbestos. No news from the Council.

Brick cubicles. The Council Working Group still has yet to meet. There has been little local interest among plot holders in self-help solutions so far. The situation is to be assessed on the walkabout. The Committee resolved to spend funds on improvements if there is no action by the Council soon. Ways to obtain best VFM were discussed.

Committee numbers. There were a few reports of plot holders expressing interest, but not many. Members said that they would continue to ask round. Sue clarified her position as being willing to stand again as Site Secretary, provided that the burdens of the rôle were not unreasonable. The Committee asked Sue to inform them of any ways in which they could share the workload of matters incidental to, but not central to the Site Secretary’s function. AP all.

AOB

Fly tipping/tree waste dumping-Sue. Background (as minuted earlier this year): Following years of unrestricted dumping of tree waste by a contractor, a large part of the car park became unusable, and filled with rotted material that no one wanted to use. That has now been cleared. PPAA now has just one authorised supplier, Mike Boyer, and the previous contractor has been instructed to cease. The Council have requested by letter the return of their key. Mike Boyer is contacted whenever a bay becomes empty, but not before. However, it appears that unauthorised dumping has still been taking place. There also appeared to be a vexatious tipping of rubble and of other waste in the pen, now cleared by volunteer effort. A plot holder recently informed a Committee representative when asked, that from time-to-time he would contact the previous supplier, and ask him to deposit tree shreddings for him, and that this might be in the pen. The plot holder was asked please not to do this again. A letter to him, explaining the formal position (that is, that he is arguably asking an agent to fly-tip on his behalf) was resolved. All plot holders are reminded, that if they request a delivery of any kind from a contractor, then it must be to their plot and to nowhere else, and that they must supervise the arrival and the departure of people and of vehicles in person.

Marker posts removal-Wendy. Wendy remarked that those near her plot had been taken and used for stakes. She has replaced them. Ian offered to replace any others found missing.

Water supply-Tim. In the interests of keeping the bill down, it was agreed that the water could now be turned off by Friday. AP Tim.

Containers’ appearance-Alex. There were suggestions as to how to improve this, including by hiding with hedging, by painting with landscape colours, or by decorating with artwork. Alex is to speak to Dave King.

Gardening Tutorials-Dan. Michele Fitzsimmons is already offering courses, as publicised on the PPAA website. Dan and Ray offered to approach her re specific courses for PPAA, including topics such as fruit tree pruning. AP Dan, Ray.

Unauthorised adverts etc.-Ray. The Council have still not clarified their position regarding the site shop operation. So as it stands PPAA, notably the signatories to the Local Management Agreement, cannot actively endorse any activities which might turn out to be unlawful.

Potentially usable land behind polytunnel-Ian. Ian proposed a working party, to apply weedkiller, and to dig out, and to sort the rubbish, prior to its removal by a contractor, as a cost-saver. He also offered to approach the Council about the large diseased tree overhanging from the park. The ideas were approved.

There was no further business, and the meeting ended at 2012. The next meeting will be at the Butcher’s Arms Canton, on 07/11/2017 at 1900.

A couple of incidents recently have shown that it’s perhaps necessary for the Committee to remind plot holders of some points.

Light vehicles are accepted on site, but on the basis of toleration, and on the condition that they cause no problems. There is no absolute right to bring them onto site however.

So far as we can maintain it, a live-and-let-live approach seems to be sensible in this regard.

Normally, drivers should park their vehicles in the customary car parks, and then walk to their plots. There are also a few patches of unused shady land etc., which may be used on an ad hoc basis here and there too.

Sometimes, e.g. for loading and for unloading, people may wish to park next to their plots. This is fine, but please move them so that they are not blocking the tracks as soon as this is completed. If requested by a fellow plot holder to move your vehicle then please do so, without hesitation, as already stated the tracks are not car parks.

The tracks around the site have been there for generations, to allow access on foot for growers, perhaps pushing wheelbarrows, or carrying water. Plot holders do have an absolute right to do this, and vehicles in their way are a nuisance.

These tracks are not in any way the highway, so please give way to pedestrians at all times, and drive with the utmost care, keeping your speed to less than 10 mph being a must.

Plot holders are reminded that if they then choose not to comply with, or respect, the rules of The Pontcanna Permanent Allotment Association, they are at risk of having their tenancy withdrawn.