NOTES OF LOW MOOR ALLOTMENTS COMMITTEE MEETING HELD 16TH FEBRUARY 2006

PRESENT : Al, Kester, Frank, Angela, Kate

DATE OF AGM : SUNDAY 30TH APRIL 2006

It was decided to discuss business which will arise within AGM Agenda

· KIDS' PLOT REPORT - Full Annual Report written and sent to Al, also posted on Kids' Plot Noticeboard. Update news is our receiving the Duke of York Community Initiative Award and myself being awarded a Leadership Award 2005. Plans are well advanced for 2006 with larger numbers of regular members involved and some of the same holiday and occasional activities eg visits. "Sponsorship " by Smart and Cook , Leeds will assist in reducing some overheads with cheaper ( Free?) insurance being possible thro their offices.

· FINANCES - Balance in Association Account ( as at 5.2.06 ) is £14,707

- Shop Account Balance ( as at 20.2.06 ) is £2239.29

- It is planned to use membership subs to pay for Public Liability Insurance, which will enable LMAA to "employ" plot holders to do necessary work eg plot clearance, tap repair with COYC supplying funds ( at set rate) to pay for the work. Hempland and Scarcroft already have Insuarnce and operate this system. Kate to check out what is available and at what price

· SHOP - Seed orders - Frank proposes bulk ordering of seeds with volunteers meeting up ta take home seeds to bag up and return to shop for sale

- Potatoes and onions - going quickly

- Volunteer Rota for Sundays - Kate, Mandy, Ernie, Frank with relief on call to cover absence

Saturday cover - June and Angela

- Prices have been increased eg black plastic and Fleece, which are still at a very competitive rate

- Al to e-mail plot holders re Aldi Fruit trees

- Consider some heating provision in shop for next winter

- Timber purchase - Dave + vehicele is accompanying Frank on Auction Days

- Manure only to be taken while shop is open

- Straw - CKA to take what they need - remainder for sale in 1/2 bales

· SHOP RE-BUILD

Al reported that the bid for £25,000 to Big Lottery Fund was deferred to be considered under Phase 2 in Autumn 2006. Concern that Ward Committee Grant of £10,00 might be clawed back although they have been informed of the reason for non-spend to date. NB also £987 available for goods from B & Q when building starts.

It was decided

· To arrange a meeting with Architect to agree the final design ( some modifications already made to original design in response to issues raised)

· To arrange for scheme to be submitted for Planning Permission

· To pay Architect and Planning fees from out of £10,000 available

· To investigate possibility and practicality of some self build with volunteer labour under supervision

· Approach to Environment Centre, St Nicholas' Fields to see if other designers available

· OTHER MATTERS

· Frank is investiagting old milk float to carry manure up the hill!Al to check with COYC whether a Green Waste skip and Rubbish skip could be

· John Cossham - see if he will be fire and skip man to monitor appropriate use or create a Community Compost Heap

· Community Internal Market for extra produce preferred to alternatives outside Low Moor eg Bring / Exchange Day, Harvest Supper, Market Stall ( last year's raised £156 for Low Moor)

· Harvest Supper - Kate to check out possible date, possible hire of Cemetery Chapel for venue

· Social BBQs - Al to ask Rebecca alongside Petanque Pitch promotion

COMMITTEE AND OFFICER ELECTIONS

Al indicated that he would welcome being relieved of 2 quite time-consuming duties associated with Secretaryship.

1. Receiving applications from people interested to have an allotment and arranging to meet with potential plotholders as plots become available, introducing them to the work of the Association

2. Checking up, in liaison with Judith Ward on the state of work on plots and re issuing of warning notices etc.

Two names were mentioned - David Goldsmith and Sue Hughes and an approach will be made by Al prior to AGM