MINUTES

FOR THE GENERAL MEETING

ON SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER 2003

OF THE LOW MOOR ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION

Chair: Kester Clegg

Members attending: 23

Apologies for absence: Al Oswald (Minutes taken be Cécile and abridged by Al)

1) Al’s report on current projects (delivered by Kester)

1.1) Perimeter security hedge

On 21 September, a letter was sent at the Council’s expense to all 3,500 Fishergate homes to inform people of the proposals to improve security by creating the perimeter hedge and diverting the Public Right of Way. The planting of the perimeter hedge is now scheduled to start in November. At the lower (south) end of the site, there are two options: planting on the current boundary, or planting along the edges of the actual plots, inside the current perimeter.

The first option would make the construction of the track to carry the proposed diversion of the Public Right of Way more costly, but the extra cost might be met in full by Sustrans or by the Living Spaces scheme (which will not fund work on the Allotments themselves). The second option is likely to be less costly in the long term and probably easier from an administrative point of view. But it would require the immediate re-siting of the stand-pipes alongside the path and the removal of a large silver birch (probably an unpopular move) to make the footpath viable as a cycle track. And some sources of funding would be more difficult to obtain because the land is owned by the Council.

It was agreed that both options would improve the site’s security in the long term and they were greeted with equal enthusiasm, but it was felt that cost and time were the key considerations. No vote was taken.

1.2 & 1.3) Revamping the Shop and car park, and other projects

Yorkshire Water are about to resurface the car park. As detailed in the last Newsletter, three applications have been prepared for Yorkshire Water’s ‘Catalyst Fund’: (1) to smarten up the car park with benches, fruit trees, bulbs, etc; (2) to create a wildlife pond in Plot 152 (it floods anyway); (3) to replace the stand-pipes and increase their number. Yorkshire Water have also given the Association £240 as a good will gesture, nominally towards replacing damaged standpipes. For the time being, this money has been banked. Kester has also applied for a grant from the Co-op bank to develop the tool library properly.

There was some apprehension about the work involved in replacing the whole water system, although it was agreed that more standpipes and improved water pressure at the top of the site would be useful.

2) Angela Johnson: ideas for a School Gardening Club

Angela explained that this summer, she has used her own plot to trial a scheme for primary school kids: it has been a great success. She now proposes to take on a separate plot and use it for a Kids’ Garden Club for 8 to 12 year olds. Funding is likely to be available, but help from volunteers will also be required. Hopefully, it will gradually build up an attitude of respect for allotments.

This idea was welcomed: Angela will now draw up more concrete plans.

3) John Mackie: Low Moor as an environmental resource

John highlighted some of Low Moor’s ecological assets, including its

hedges, ponds, the potential for promoting rare varieties. He pointed out that the Allotments form a corridor between two important wildlife habitats: the Stray and the Cemetery. He stressed the importance of organic gardening, both for the soil itself and wildlife diversity. As a much-visited area, the Allotments also have the potential to communicate a sound ecological approach to a wide audience.

Kester suggested that we all try to identify the various species of fruit trees: Harlow Carr RHS garden in Harrogate has a team of apple experts (01423 565418) as do RV Roger in Pickering (01751 472226).

Concern was voiced at the size of certain non-native ornamental trees, which are overshadowing plots and taking up too much moisture from the soil. It was suggested that in future, varieties be restricted to fruit and traditional hedging trees and that some trees might need to be removed.

4) Marje Stephenson: report on Site Secretaries’ Meeting of 29 Sept.

Marje reported that Angela Poole (Council Allotments Officer) will be applying for extra funding next year to tackle abandoned plots. The issue of grass cutting had been discussed: according to the current agreement, it is up to tenants to ensure that main paths are accessible to mowers. Minor paths, up to 2m wide, are our responsibility to cut. Al had asked whether direct payments could be made to Associations to allow us to appoint better contractors; this is not impossible, but to start with Angela will try to improve the quality of the current team’s work.

5) Any other business

Yorkshire Water have agreed to give us 35 water butts and 150 watering cans, which can be sold through the Shop for £2-50, so that the money will compensate everyone indirectly through the Shop. This was unanimously approved. Tim Crosby has bought fenceposts for sale through the shop and suggestions for other items are welcome.

65 plots have been taken on so far this year, so 95% of all Low Moor’s plots are now rented! A few of the remaining ones are infested with mare’s tail, which the Council may deal with, if Angela Poole can find the time and money.