MEETING NOVEMBER 2021

Present:

B. Childs, A. Collins, C. Collins, K. Fisher, G. Ashurst, C. Robertson, G. Nicholson, S. Simmonds, J. Priest, A. Klecha, A. Davison, C. Davison.

Apologies:

S. Cheeseman, C. Cheeseman, K. Walsh, L. Dartnell.

Matters Arising:

Request has been made to welcome new members when attending meetings.

Clive and Bob have worked on a plot holder’s IBC (Many thanks) Now that the leaves have fallen, Andrew will get a quote regarding the coppicing of a sycamore and a conifer. Ten- ton lorry load of manure was delivered and was used within 2 weeks’ we are awaiting another delivery. Andrew will take a look at rubbish inherited by tenants of plot 31 in regard to removing it.

Rosedale Road Report:

Stuart and Alan have dug down to see if a pipe can be connected to allow only 1 tap to be turned on during winter for handwashing etc. Unfortunately, the iron pipe is so corroded it would be impossible to connect any other pipe. Stuart will ring the waterboard to ask them to visit the site and give a price for connecting a stop cock on site as a start.

Pallets are on site for anyone to take e.g., for compost bins.

Bull Meadow Report:

Apples have been stolen, and the gate was found to be left open at around midday – PLEASE BE SURE TO LOCK THE GATE AT ALL TIMES – as per your tenancy agreement. Ballcocks to be fitted to tanks to make them self-filling before April. One tenant moving from BM to RR site.

Treasurer’s Report: (Jayne’s first)

Both water bills have been paid: RR £432.05.  –   BM £67.51

All subs have been paid.  Commission earned from Kings Seed order through Jayne £66.61.

Balance : £6,026.56.

A.O.B.

Another solar light will be purchased to go on shed above BBQ. Thanks to the people who attended this year’s bonfire night.

Chadwell Allotment site and Orsett Heath site have had break ins recently. Please be aware. Do not leave anything of value in sheds, some people do not lock them to avoid damage to doors.

Trophy presented to Chris Collins Best below ground 2021 (Carrot) and George Nicholson (tomatoes) & Pat Jay(aubergine) joint winners’ best above ground.  Bob Childs also received a trophy to keep (winner best above ground – cauli 2019)

The next meeting FRIDAY DECEMBER 10^TH will be a Quiz Night if there is enough interest. Can you please email me if you will be there, so we know if it is worth going ahead.  (Teams of 4, you can bring friends or family) Bring some food

AGM OCTOBER 2011

Present:

G. Ashurst, K. Fisher, C. Robertson, S. Cheeseman, C. Cheeseman, J. Bishop, S. Simmons, G. Nicholson, C. Collins, A. Collins, A. Klecha, J. Priest, W. McNicholas, Mrs. McNicholas, S. Beech, Mrs. Beech, S. Carter, S. Klecha, P. Jay, M. Runeckles, E. Stevens, T. Whiberley, P. Williams, J. Williams.

Apologies:

L. Dartnell, K. Walsh, D. Smith

Matters Arising:

None

Rosedale Road Report:

Site in good order. Ten ton lorry of manure delivered. Last lot of scrap raised £60.30. There is a place at the back of one of the plots where intruders are getting in. Harris fencing will be put in place a.s.a.p.  No vacant plots. One plot holder’s IBC which is not yet fully set up is to be half filled (C.Robertson) If possible cover tanks with dark materials e.g. plastic to stop water turning green.

Bull Meadow report.

All ok. Tanks need to be converted to self- filling by spring. No vacant plots. Woodchip needed, manure on way.

Treasurer’s Report.

Bal: £6,102.63 (This includes £50 returnable deposits for new tenants, and £400 lottery money)

Bull Meadow Water invoice dispute has been resolved, waiting for new invoice for the last 2 years.

1 outstanding plot fee (Sheila will chase up)

Membership: 

8 on waiting list.

Water: This years’ invoice for Rosedale has gone down by 2/3rds, well done to all. No hoses to be used next year. During dry periods it will cost £3 to fill your tank if needed. Water will still be available from troughs. Get IBCs up and running to catch rainwater. Designated taps to be left open for hand washing/kettles.

Election of Committee:

Elaine Stevens (treasurer) will be moving out of the area, thanks for you work over the past 5 years Elaine. Jayne Priest has volunteered to take over.

In the absence of any committee nominations, the existing committee have agreed to carry on for one more year. Our thanks go to the site managers’ and their helpers. Anyone wishing to be involved, see Alan or Les.

Cost per rod:

It was agreed by a show of hand to raise cost per rod in October 2022 by 10p to £3.20 and £2.90 concessions.

TASG:

Thurrock Allotment Steering Group meet at Belmont Hall. Next meeting 10^th December 7 p.m. They are involved with the renewal of allotment leases which are due for renewal in 2022. Members from all 33 allotment sites in Thurrock are invited to be involved. Clive R and Andrew usually attend, but all are welcome. There are two Council run sites in Corringham where rents are £120 per plot. Bonfire Night will be Saturday 6^th November, from 5.30. Bring something to cook on the BBQ and some drinks.

CHAIRMANS REPORT 2021

Welcome everyone to our 18^th self managed Annual General meeting.

Let’s hope this is the beginning of the new normal.

This year has generally been a good growing season, with ample cloudbursts of rain along with just enough sunny days.

Unfortunately, warm and wet means potato and tomato blight, which I know many of you have suffered with.

Although the preventive spray Bordeaux mixture is now unavailable, Martin from Smith’s Garden Centre has advised me that their Vitax’s Copper mixture powder is an adequate substitute.

Our waiting list is proof of the popularity of growing your own for healthy eating, exercise and mental well being.

Please remember if at any stage of your tenancy you are struggling with your plot for whatever reason please contact Chris our secretary or your site manager. Please also be considerate to your fellow plot holders.

Back again in August, we opened up our Rosedale site for the popular NSALG open day. Although there were no homemade cakes, we managed to raise £131 and provide access to the site for visitors to enjoy.

The summer BBQ was also back this year, this time in August instead of June. As usual it was a very enjoyable afternoon with no rain involved! Thank you to everyone who supported these two events.

Next year will be our first year without use of hoses, and I would like to thank Alan, Clive and all others that have installed the new water dipping troughs and IBC’s. Along with regular work they maintain at Rosedale site. Together we can all use water more wisely and help to reduce our growing water bill.

At our Bull Meadow site, thanks again go to Alan Gorringe who has been helping me and Les Dartnell (while he recovers from a knee replacement operation) with site maintenance.

If any member would like to volunteer for any site works’ please contact the Site managers or any committee member.

Appreciative thanks once again go to our secretary Chris Collins, Treasurer Elaine Stevens who is moving on, hoping to soon start a new life adventure in Frinton, Auditor Craig Gibson, Membership secretary Sheila Cheeseman, Seed Secretary Jayne Priest, Mark Kennedy for the website, Dean Smith our social media guru & committee member Clive Cheeseman (who has also been busy again this year transforming the derelict half of the Bull Meadow site with his band of volunteers to a community garden).

Unfortunately, there is no most improved plot award this year.

 So we will move onto the fun side and start the Veg/fruit above & below ground Competition. Good luck to all entrants.

May your plots keep enriching your mind and bodies during the coming seasons.

Happy growing

Andrew Klecha (Chairman)