Minutes of the Thirty-Second Meeting of the Committee
Sunday March 7, 1999, from 10.30 am, at 10 King Edward Avenue, Dartford.
Present: Mr Bourne, Mr Chattenton, Mr Johnson, Mr Jones, Mr Laidlaw, Mr Palmer, Mr Smith and Dr Wiltshire.
1. Appointment of a Chairperson: Mr Palmer was appointed to the chair for this Meeting, and to the Chair of the Dartford Road Allotments Association with effect from April 1, 1999.
2. Apologies: Mrs Anderson, Mr Griggs, Mrs Morey and Mr Philip.
3. Minutes of the Thirty-First Meeting of the Committee: Accepted.
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes: (Minute 4): The Secretary reported that the security situation at Darenth Country Park has not improved to his satisfaction, and recommended that the current suspension of activity remain in force. The committee accepted this recommendation. (Minute 8): Repairs have been completed to fencing at the north end of the site. (Minute 11): The Assistant Secretary is seeking volunteers to join the committee.
5. Secretary's Report, December 1998-February 1999: Manure deliveries have continued. The main footpath through the site may be considered for incorporation into the Kent Thames-side Green Grid. Report on the NW Kent College project are to appear in the magazine Horticultural Therapy. Professor David Crouch will represent the Association at the launch of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens on March 23 in the House of Lords.
6. Tenancies: Mr Laidlaw reported that the site is currently 99.5% rented, with 113 tenants and a waiting list of one. The Committee reviewed a number of tenancies which are at risk through non-cultivation.
7. Finance: Mr Jones reported a current account balance of £685.04. The water bill for the year was £814.52.
8. Grounds, Paths and Equipment: Mr Bourne reported that repairs to the mower are in hand. Authorisation for Mr Smith to acquire a new or used generator was renewed on terms otherwise as established at the 31st Meeting. Mr Bourne was authorised to acquire a sledge hammer and whatever other hand tools that may be required to enable fencing and other facilities to be kept in good repair, plus paint for the equipment shed door. Mr Bourne agreed to order a skip for the disposal of non-compostable and non-combustable waste for the weekend of April 3-4.
9. Water Supply System: Repairs have been completed. The supply will be turned on again by April 1, 1999.
10. Procedures for the Collection of Rents: The Committee agreed to implement the same procedures as last year.
11. Spring Newsletter: To be distributed with the rent invoices. Deadline for items to reach Mr Laidlaw is March 14.
12. Arrangements for the Handover of Responsibility to the new Trustees on April 1, 1999: The current Trustees will submit their resignations from the Committee with effect from April 1, 1999. Arrangements for transferring the accounts and records were agreed.
13. Arrangements for the Annual General Meeting on May 26, 1999: The Committee agreed to implement the same arrangements as last year. Mr Bourne and Mr Laidlaw will stand for re-election.
14. Quality Environment for Dartford: Mr Stone (Swanscombe) is the new Chair of the DASC. Dr Wiltshire is assisting the LGA in preparing an advocacy document on allotments. QED continues to attract national publicity. Barrel deliveries from Akzo Nobel commence March 10. QED Food Forum to be launched in May.
15. Any Other Business: The NSALG has been quizzed on lack of information regarding election of President and Treasurer. Mr Laidlaw has been proposed for membership of SE Regional Committee of NSALG. The committee agreed to show willingness to participate in the Community Gardens exhibit at Hampton Court in 2000. Seeds have been ordered to allow Dartford Road plotholders to participate in National Pumpkin Day. The committee thanked the outgoing Trustees for their contributions to the management of the site since 1991.
16. Date of Next Meeting: Sunday June 6, 1999, from 10.30 am, at 195 Shepherds Lane, Dartford.
Meeting Closed: 12.04
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