Present: Mrs J Bourne (QED Health Group), Mr L Smith (Gore Rd), Mr R Howard (Gore Rd), Mr M Still (Tredegar), Mr D Risby (Tredegar), Mr J Rowden (Bean), Mr A Hewitt (W Dartford A. & G.S.), Mr R Stone (Swanscombe: Chair), Dr R Wiltshire (Research Officer), Mr R Johnson (Secretary).
1. Apologies for Absence: Mr & Mrs W Hamilton.
2. Minutes of the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Committee: Accepted.
3. Matters Arising from Minutes of the Twenty-Fourth Meeting:
8a) Memorial Plaque to Lawrence D Hills: Mr Stone reported that procurement was still causing problems but he was contacting alternative suppliers. Locating the plaque on the library building may be subject to planning consent from Kent County Council as the building is listed. Alan Gear from HDRA has asked to be kept informed and will attend the unveiling if commitments allow.
8b) Biodiversity Action Plan: Plan has been submitted to the QED Biodiversity Group.
4. Research Officer's Report:
a) Since the last meeting, a letter about QED Allotments has appeared in the News Shopper.
b) Another group of Japanese students will be visiting QED and Dartford Road Allotments on the 9th February.
c) A proposal to use Section 106 (Planning Gain) procedures to improve the water supply to the north end of Dartford Road Allotments at no cost to plotholders, submitted to Dartford Borough Council in August 2000 by QED with authorisation of the Chairman of DRAA and was discussed by DBC's Development Control Board on the18th January 2001. One member was reported to have drawn the Board's attention specifically to this proposal.
d) ISEC, an organisation promoting local food production is interested in presenting its "Local Food Roadshow" at the Dartford Festival which could form part of QED Allotments Exhibit . Dr Wiltshire will investigate the offer. A book produced by ISEC entitled "Bringing the Food Economy Home" will be purchased for scrutiny.
e) Dr Wiltshire attended a board meeting of the FCF&CG in London in November 2000 and the FCF&CG's Annual Strategic Review in Scarborough in January 2001. The next board meeting is in Newcastle in March.
f) The full text of Dr Wiltshire's lecture on allotments and sustainable development in the UK delivered in Tokyo last September will be published (in Japanese) by the Rural Development Planning Commission, Government of Japan in March 2001.
5. LGA Good Practice Guide for Allotments: Dr Joe Sempik (Derby University) has been hired as the researcher and a substantial part of the Guide completed. Publication is expected in late spring 2001 with a launch conference in late May/early June hosted by sponsors of the research. Reports on the research have recently appeared in Amateur Gardening, The Allotment and Leisure Gardener and The Kitchen Garden magazines.
6. Joint activities with the QED Pollution and Waste Management Group: Reuse of wheelie bins: It was reported by Mr Still that there is no progress on this issue.
7. Joint activities withthe QED Health Group: Concern was expressed at the lack of support that has been shown by the medical and social groups and individuals within the Borough.
8. Joint Activities with the QED Biodiversity Group: Mr Still reported that a joint project funded through QED will be undertaken at Tredegar Allotments to build a wildlife habitat with pond, landscaping and a suitable planting scheme as well as expanding the beekeeping activities.
9. Visits and Conferences:
a) Mr Stone reported on the visit to the HDRA "Potato Day" held at Ryton on 4th February which was considered a valuable day out with many potato themed exhibits and the ability to purchase several hundred different varieties of potato "seed". A presentation was given by the eminent potato breeder Dr ack Dunnet.
b) Mr Stone is to attend the HDRA "Seed Search" Conference on 27th April at Ryton, applications are invited from others wishing to attend and funding will be available, if interested contact Mr Stone.
c) Future Visits for 2001 were discussed and the following approved (Mr Stone to co-ordinate):
- Spring: HDRA (Yalding) & Blackthorne Trust (Maidstone).
- Summer: Cambridge Allotments Network and Botanic Gardens.
- Autumn: Apple Day at Brogdale.
10. Any Other Business:
a) FCF&CF Open Gardens Day 10th June: This provides an opportunity for sites to promote what they do within their local community.
b) FCF&CF have appointed a regional representative for the "East" to advise and assist communities start community garden projects, an invitation is to be extended for the officer to visit.
c) Sources of funding: It was drawn to the committees attention that there are many organisations throughout the UK who provide funding for projects and attention was drawn to the publication "Growing Places, Winter 2000" (FCF&CG newsletter).
d) QED Allotments Newsletter: Dr Wiltshire to produce a draft for consideration.
e) Mr Still reported that Railtrack have offered to lease derelict land adjacent to the Tredegar site for their use and the offer is being considered.
f) Mr Still reported that Tredegar Allotments have been awarded a Co-Op Dividend Grant for improvement and enhancement to the site.
11. Date of Next Meeting: April 2, 2001 from 8.00 pm at the Princes Sports and Leisure Centre.
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