Cole Park Allotments
Cole Park Allotments, Twickenham Road, Isleworth

Full meeting 10 June, 2008
Present: Sue Baker (6A) Reg Chatfield (10) Martyn/Amanda Day (81b) Jim Hyde (67) Allan Lawrence (89) Sally Logan (50) Judy Maciejowska (127) Karen Mann (91) Karen Phillips (48) Marie Rowlands (19a) Laura Snelling (16)

Previous minutes: March and April minutes approved.

Matters Arising: Vote of thanks proposed by Karen Mann to Allan, Jim and Reg for all their hard work on the allotments and for organising rugby parking. Rotavator: what are committee's responsibilities when equipment is borrowed? Waiver ought to be checked by a solicitor. Bees: 2 hives on site; 1 more expected soon. Twickenham Beekeepers Association meets 6.30 on Fridays. The next formal course is in the autumn.

CIP/New Management CIP has lost contract. New company Laings, subcontracted to Continental Landscapes who take over 1st July. An Allotments Officer being interviewed. Martyn suggested a group should meet new company to formalise proceedings. Judy to arrange. Judy has been in touch with Nick Pratt, council officer i/c subcontractors.

Vote of thanks proposed to Reg for his work with CIP as it comes to an end.

Bark chippings to be ordered through the committee rather than by individuals.

Treasurer's Report: Thanks were proposed for work involved in raising funds. There is now £1600 in kitty & £500 in Bank. At present the only way to deposit money is via the Post Office, and the only way to withdraw it is via a'hole in the wall'. One of the two signatories to contact the bank to formalise banking procedures.

Keys: Two locks had been purchased. It was pointed out that the previous full meeting in March had agreed that no further action would be taken on locks until the new management was in place. This meeting agreed that current locks not to be changed for a month, when new company takes over. A notice to be put on gates advising plotholders of arrangements. Judy to ask Crispin to do notices for gates. Jim to organise key change.

Trading Hut: A proposal was tabled on running hut jointly with Horticultural Society. The hut has electricity & water. Community Trust may give a grant towards renovation. Start-up money might also be needed from Allotment funds. Judy asked for endorsement to proceed with this - given. Karen Phillips & Martyn Day both offered help. North St. Margarets RA GASS Day in September: it was proposed the Horticultural Society be approached to open hut to sell fruit/vegetables, tea, coffee.

Plant Sale: a success last year, too late to arrange one this year. Reminder to be organised for next Spring to give plotholders time to plant extra produce for sale.

Site Maintenance: Thanks to Allan, Jim, Gideon and Robert -- who could do with some help.

Security: still a concern. Northcote Avenue fence and gate: Pat Cane to look at this.

AOB: Martyn asked to bring a group of cubs aged 8 – 10 to the allotments to make a map - granted.

Next full meeting; Sunday 7 September
Next committee meeting; Sunday, 6 July, NB!! 5.30pm