Minutes of the Thirty-Third Meeting of the Committee
Sunday June 13, 1999, from 10.30 am, at 195 Shepherds Lane, Dartford.
Present: Mr Bourne, Mr Johnson, Mr Jones, Mr Laidlaw, Mr Palmer, Mr Smith, Mrs Anderson, Mrs Morey, Mr Griggs, Mr Alldred, Mrs Bourne, Mr Staines, Mr Rainey
1. Appointment of a Chairperson: Mr B Palmer was duly appointed.
2. Apologies: Mr S Gousy.
3. Minutes of the Thirty-Second Meeting of the Committee: Accepted.
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes: Mower repairs have been completed, generator purchased.
5. Matters Arising from the Eighth Annual General meeting: After a long discussion on the proposal of a knock-out election system, it was decided that the current method for electing committee members was fair and offered the opportunity for candidates to not be selected. It was decided to include an article in the next newsletter requesting nominations for the next AGM to stand for election as committee members.
6. Secretary's Report: Mr Laidlaw reported that resignations had been received from the former trustees of the site (Mr Phillip, Mr Wiltshire and Mr Chattenton). The committee thanked the former trustees for all their efforts during their time in office. The topic of voting membership to the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens was discussed and it was agreed that the Association would apply for voting rights. The committee nominated Dr Wiltshire for a position on the FCFCG's management committee. The auditor's report was discussed and the matter of duplicate insurance on sheds was raised. It was decided to review this closer to the renewal time. It was decided to contact "Trees of Time and Place" to ask for their assistance in providing a tree suitable for container growing in a new flower bed to mark the millennium. It was agreed to move the venue for next year's AGM to the Scout Hall in Broomhill Road.
7. Review of Tenancies, Rental Payments and Quit Procedures: The problem of tenants allowing payment to lapse and subsequently letting plots get overgrown was discussed. It was agreed that the procedures for issuing quit notices be reviewed over the next few meetings. Mr Laidlaw reported that the site was currently 98.9% rented with 109 plotholders.
8. Finance: Mr Jones reported a current account balance of £2437.03; it was agreed to transfer £500 into the Association's savings account.
9. Grounds, Paths and Equipment: Mr Bourne reported that there were no current problems with any of the equipment and that the generator had been successfully utilised on a number of occasions.
10. Autumn Newsletter: It was requested that any articles for inclusion be forwarded to Mr S Gousy. An article requesting shrubs for a new flowerbed to be included.
11. Quality Environment for Dartford: Mr Johnson summarised "QED" for new members of the committee. The inclusion of "QED" in a number of publications and media sources was brought to the committee's attention. It was mentioned that "QED" will run the Dartford Festival Allotment's Competition. A recent tour of the site by Maidstone Borough Council went successfully. Links to other organisation's interested in Local Agenda 21 are increasing, with advice being given to a number of Local Authorities and even MP's. The next "QED" Allotments Steering Committee meeting will be on the September 6, 1999.
12. Any Other Business: A suggestion was made that a plotholder would be willing to participate in Radio Kent's regular feature on allotments. Mr Johnson to approach the "QED" chairman with details. Details of a project to construct a raised bed for disabled gardens were discussed. It was agreed to contact "QED" for assistance in raising materials.
13. Date of Next Meeting: September 12, 1999, from 10.30 am, at 11 North Road, Dartford.
END: Return to the Dartford Road Allotments Association home page ...