Minutes of the 14th Meeting of the Dartford Allotments Steering Committee
Princes Sports and Leisure Centre on Monday December 7, 1998 from 8.00 pm
Present: Mr R Stone (Swanscombe), Mr A Hewitt (W Dartford A & GS), Mr M Still (Tredegar), Mr W Munday (Kent Beekeepers), Dr R Wiltshire (QED Steering Group), Mr R Johnson (Secretary).
1) Apologies for Absence
Mr B Ringrose, Mr G Laidlaw.
2) Minutes of the Thirteenth Meeting
Accepted.
3) Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Thirteenth Meeting
None.
4. Early Day Motion 1598 (Allotment Gardening)
68 MP's signed by the end of the parliamentary session and each will receive a letter of thanks, a copy of the QED Allotments Newsletter No. 4 and an invitation to support the next campaign. This will be a revision of planning guidance document - PPG3 (Housing) - to ensure favourable treatment for allotments and community gardens, which is to be co-ordinated by Mr Martin Smith of Southwark Allotments Federation.
4) Tredegar Allotments Update
Mr Still gave an update of his efforts in reviving the semi-derelict Tredegar site. It has an estimated potential of 80 plots of which 17 are already being worked and DBC have agreed for Kent Beekeepers to site a teaching apiary with secure storage on the site. Sheds to a maximum size of 7 feet x 4 feet will be allowed (note: QED Allotments [in liaison with QED Waste Management Group ] will assist in the procurement of pallets for the purpose), and the use of polytunnels for communal use is being considered. Over the winter the task of clearing plots will continue as well as monitoring site security.
The meeting thanked Mr Still for his report.
Other Tredegar information:
a) Endeavour House (the charity nominated for support by W Dartford A & G. this year) to be approached with a view to assisting on site and taking a plot.
b) National Power appear willing to allow parking space at Littlebrook Power Station to be used as a transhipment point for barrels from Akzo Nobel, this could be an opportunity for Tredegar to participate in partnership with QED Waste Management Group in their distribution. The nominal donation levied on barrels could be a source of start-up funds.
c) A one-off grant of £115.02 has been made from QED funds for arrears in water supply easement to the Tredegar site.
5) Report on the TLIO National Allotments Working Group Meeting (November 7, 1998)
Mr R Stone attended the working group meeting held in Bristol. The aim of the meeting was to see if there was a need to create another national allotment group not only to assist current plot holders but also people who wish to start. The meeting agreed the following:
a) A need was established and the title of the new group will be "Allotment Coalition Trust (ACT)".
b) The mission statement/aims will be "We will promote this group in a high profile positive manner with an image that will reflect the aims of the group".
c) Funding would be applied for to set up the project but the source was not specified.
d) Regional contact points would be set up later.
e) Press releases would be made after establishment.
f) A Website would be considered.
Copies of the QED Newsletter were distributed to attendees.
The meeting thanked Mr Stone for attending but doubt was expressed as to whether a need existed for this organization as its function is covered by existing national organizations but progress will be monitored.
6) Publicity
a) Article for HDRA News
A reply to an article on LA21 in HDRA will be made by Mr R Stone and it is expected to be printed in the next issue.
b) Other
There have been 14 press and media items linked to QED Allotments since the September meeting (including Richard Stone's interview on Radio Kent). QED Website now has 65 pages on allotment issues.
7) Joint activities with QED Waste Management Group
a) Supplies
(i) Pallets: Adequate supplies have been offered by local companies.
(ii) Barrels: Arrangements are to be made for supply from Akzo Nobel and local distribution.
b) Primary Schools' Pumpkin Competition 1999 (with KCC)
Four schools have entered so far : Wentworth (to be assisted by Wilmot Road), Fleetdown (assistance offered by Gore Road), York Road (assistance offered by Dartford Road) and one school in Gravesham.
8) Local Government Association Allotment Advisory Group
a) Draft Brief on "Allotments in Local Agenda 21"
The document was discussed and was approved and endorsed by the committee without amendment.
b) Draft Brief on "Devolved Management for Allotments"
The document was discussed and was approved and endorsed by the committee without amendment.
The members of the committee thanked Dr Wiltshire for the effort in producing these complex documents.
9) Any Other Business
Welcome Pack: A leaflet was produced for discussion as an idea for QED Allotments. Dr Wiltshire to discuss the project with QED Steering Group with a view to co-ordinating effort across all QED Groups. Tredegar site was discussed as a local site with potential for use for training courses in organic gardening under the "Training for Work Scheme".
At the next meeting (1st February 1999) the following topics will be addressed:
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