Minutes of the Thirty-First Meeting of the Committee
Sunday December 6, 1998, from 10.30 am, at 85 Denver Road, Dartford.
Present: Mr Chattenton, Mr Griggs, Mr Johnson, Mr Jones, Mr Laidlaw, Mr Philip, Mr Smith and Dr Wiltshire.
1. Appointment of a Chairperson: Mr Johnson was appointed to the chair for this Meeting.
2. Apologies: Mrs Anderson, Mr Bourne, Mrs Morey and Mr Palmer.
3. Minutes of the Thirtieth Meeting of the Committee: Accepted.
4. Matters Arising from the Minutes: (Minute 4): Mr Philip confirmed that essential repairs will be undertaken to the water supply system this winter, and a stock of replacement components will be acquired. (Minute 4): Mr Smith was authorised to acquire a robust second hand generator for the Association at a price of up to £350, conditional upon the prior approval of either Mr Bourne or Mr Laidlaw. (Minute 12): The Secretary attended the KAGC's AGM, where during the election of officers no abstentions or votes against were invited. (Minute 14): The next meeting of the Darenth Country Park Advisory Group will be on January 25, 1999. It was agreed that the Association will resume active participation in the Darenth Country Park QED Project from February 1, provided the Secretary is satisfied that the security situation in the Park as a whole has improved.
5. Secretary's Report, September-November 1998: Pallet deliveries have resumed, thanks in large part to the efforts of Mr Vagg and Mr Reynolds. Manure deliveries have also resumed for the winter. It is important that footpaths be kept open and passable during and after these deliveries. The barbecue in November was successful, attracting 89 participants. Access to the site is still being closely monitored. There have been two reported instances of vandalism and theft over the past quarter. It is important that all such incidents are reported to the Secretary, to facilitate liaison with the police. Observations on its proposed new constitution have been submitted to the KAGC.
6. Tenancies: Mr Laidlaw reported that the site is currently 99.6% rented, with 115 tenants and a waiting list of one.
7. Finance: Mr Jones reported that the Association has a current account balance of £1,010.30. The water bill for the year so far has been £494.00, which reflects the unusually wet weather.
8. Grounds, Paths and Equipment: Mr Jones will take up the issue of equipment maintenance with Mr Bourne, following receipt of correspondence on the matter from Ernest Doe and Sons. Repairs to fencing will be required over the winter months, particularly in the vicinity of the entrance from Dartford Road. The Committee authorised Mr Bourne 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. New fenceposts have already been acquired.
9. NSALG Seed Scheme: Thirty orders were received with a total value of £500, and the seeds have arrived - though not so far the onions and shallots. Mr Laidlaw will accept late orders up to December 18.
10. Quality Environment for Dartford: Two briefs prepared for the Local Government Association, on "Allotments in Local Agenda 21" and "Devolved Management for Allotments", go to the Dartford Allotments Steering Committee on December 7 for comment and approval. QED has provided active support for the renovation of Tredegar Allotments. Dr Wiltshire will stand down as Chair of the DASC after the meeting on February 1, 1999. The Committee agreed to arrange technical support for York Road School's participation in the QED Great Dartford Pumpkin Competition, and endorsed the continuing participation of the Association in the Dartford Allotments Steering Committee.
11. Any Other Business: The Assistant Secretary was authorised to approach up to three potential new Committee Members, in consultation with the other incoming Trustees, for co-option under Rule 6 at the next meeting. The existing Trustees will resign from the Committee on March 31, 1999. The Committee noted the importance of maintaining adequate representation amongst its number for all groups on the site, and especially new plotholders.
12. Date of Next Meeting: Sunday March 7, 1999, from 10.30 am, at 10 King Edward Avenue, Dartford.
Meeting Closed: 11.33
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