Low Moor Allotment Association

Minutes of the meeting held on Sunday, 19 May, 2013 at the Kid’s Plot.

1.  Present: Angela Johnson, Jenny Darrell, Penny Davies. They were pleased to welcome Helen Balawajder and Chris Glasper who were joining the meeting with the wish that they would join the committee.
2.  Apologies of absence were received from E Darrell and J Murphy J Koprowska.
3.  The minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2013 were approved.
4.  Matters arising:
a)	Pentanque pitch: The suggestions from the annual general meeting had been put to Judith Ward, CYC Allotment Officer. The feeling of the meeting was that the pentanque pitch be cleared and possibly be used for the sale of surplus good. The rough area across from the pitch be developed as a community orchard. It is noted that adequate space should be left between planting otherwise the Association would be responsible for maintenance of the area. The committee agreed to ask members to join a working party to clear the area with a view to planting a community orchard in the triangle opposite the pitch in the autumn. The association would maintain the area. The date fixed was Sunday, 9 June at 10am.
b)	Facebook: Chris Glasper agreed to take over from Penny Davies. He would run a basic information presence. The web page is up and running.
c)	Newsletter: Two are required per annum. Helen Balawajder agreed to take it on and will get the format and logo from Sarah O’Grady. Jenny Darrell to provide information etc. Publication 15 June.
d)	Pumpkin competition: Mandy Waggett is to be asked to run this again.
e)	Bill Murphy will complete the surplus produce shelf near the store notice board.
5.	Store report: Sales at the store are going well.
6.	Site Secretary’s report: It was reported that there are less problems on site and allotment holders are being more proactive regarding maintenance of their plots. 
7.	Finance: There is approximately £2,500 in hand. Adam, who checks the accounts each year suggests the purchase of a till to make the accounting of the various groups of items easier.  This was agreed. Adam also suggested a higher mark-up of goods, ie raising to 20% to cover insurance, maintenance of the store etc as at the moment we barely cover these costs.
8.	Rubbish outside the store: The skips were kept longer at the store than expected, consequently people continued to add rubbish. The Council will be asked to clear the site, but failing this, tenants are asked to take some home/straight to James Street skips to help clear the site.
9.	Helen and Chris agreed to join the Association Committee.
10.	The date for the next meeting was fixed for Sunday, 1 September, at the Store or Kid’s plot, at noon.  
The meeting closed at 1pm.