AGM minutes for 2007
1. Present
Chairman, secretary, Treasurer, 7 Committee Members and 26 Members.
2. Apologies
S Boultwood, J Bungay, L Boardman, R Hatcher.
3. Minutes
Minutes of the last AGM were agreed and signed.
4. Matters arising
a. Gardeners Question Time: Though the makers of the programme were keen to come to Romsey, no suitable venue which met their requirements could be found. The Chairman gave a full account of the difficulties met trying to find a venue.
b. Pot holes: though work has been done, this is an ongoing problem.
5. Secretary’s Report
We have received the bill from
Broadlands for next year, so the allotments are safe for another 2
years. All of the 143 allotments are let and we have 11 people on the
waiting list. Unfortunately, 25 members had to be contacted about the
state of their allotments. Most members responded, but there are still
a few who need to make proper use of their plots or release them for
others. Members were reminded that the paths around their plots are
their responsibility and should be kept tidy. The hedge along
Southampton Road has been cut and will need to be cut again shortly.
The main paths have also been cut. Unfortunately, theft and vandalism
are still with us, but they appear to be on the decrease. Every effort
is being made to keep pests and vermin under control.
In closing, I would like to thank the Chairman, Treasurer and Committee
for their efforts, especially Steve Boultwood for all he has done to
set up and run the very successful website and Jenny Fakes, our
composting supremo. I would also like to thank Frank Martin who always
helps where there is work to be done.
6. Treasurer’s Report
A copy of the report was circulated. Broadlands rent has ben increased to £1,275 per year, an increase of £125, roughly 10%. However this rate is fixed for three years, after which a new rental will be fixed.
7. Election of Officers
Chairman: S Dennett
Secretary: P Evans
Treasurer: T Moody
Committee: S Aiken; L Boardman; S Boultwood; M Dennett; J Fakes; K
Parker; R Thomas; M Walder + one vacancy
8. Future of Allotments
The Chiarman outlined what we were doing
to involve the schools and thanked Stuart Aiken and Roy Thomas for help
with the successful visit by Cupernham School. Mountbatten School are
undertaking a community newspaper project which will feature
allotments. Stuart Aiken spoke of the proposed development at
Abbotswood which was scheduled to meet Romsey housing needs for some
years to come. This made development of the allotment site less likely,
but it still remained a possibility. In order to help preserve the
allotments in future, public support for the allotments would remain
vital eg allotment involvement with community projects, no bonfires
which annoy our neighbours etc.
Broadlands has been contacted about more land for allotments at South
Front and a reply is awaited.
9. National Allotments Association
After some discussion, it was decided not to join the National Association this year.
10. Subscriptions and Rents
To remain the same as last year.
11. Honorariums
Secretary: £270:00, Treasurer: £80:00.
12. Web Site
This has been very successful and has been the means of introducing new members. Fees have been paid and help in running the site would be appreciated. Any member who can help should contact Steve Boultwood.
13. Bonfires and Composting
Jenny Fakes spoke about the setting up and running of the communal compost site, stressing the importance of good composting. A leaflet has already been circulated and any help in the maintenance of the site would be appreciated.
14. Romsey Show
We have been invited to have a stall at next year’s Show.
15. Any Other Business
a. Hampshire Life: an article about allotments appeared in the magazine. Despite an interview with the Chairman, there was, unfortunately, only a limited reference to Romsey Allotments.
b. A comment was made that a more caring letter should be used where members were formally advised that proper care has not been taken of an allotment. It was confirmed that the rules of the association have been applied. The Chairman agreed that a standard letter would be drafted.