Mersey Road Allotment Association Committee

Meeting held on 8th February 2015

Present: Jude, Ernie, Peter, Matty, Juliet, Armin, Sandra, Vivien, Liz, Lyn, George

Apologies: Sarah, Christine

Item / Action
Previous Minutes: / Proposed as a true record Vivien, Seconded Jude
Matters arising:
Fence has been repaired by United Utilities.
Signs on Pathway done
Woodchip level has gone down
Secretary’s Report: all on agenda
Treasurer’s Report
Petty Cash £92.39
Cash in Bank: £6135.04
Bank Reserve: £4000.58 / The initial Treasurers report shows all the money from rents. This will be paid to the LCC.
Still rents to collect.
Plot Secretary’s Report
4 plots , 3 half plots and 1 full plot.
Plot 135 John Goodchild. Still need to find someone to help him.
Plot 4 –Richie this means Community Plot Beds available, also Richie is repairing shed.
Waiting List – everyone contacted thus reducing the waiting list to 85! / Peter will ask top of waiting list.
MAIN ITEMS
Rent Collection:
Still several to collect in, they have been given the opportunity to do this from 12-1pm today. / Individuals who are late payers will have to come to the plot on Sunday’s from 12-1pm. They will be informed of this in letter.
Plot 20
Plot needs clearing of rubbish. We have agreed to do this on 24th February meet at Community Hut at 10am / Lyn to send out request for help to plot holders.
Main Pathway
Chris Wall Plot 103 has had a detailed schedule of work and estimate of the cost to repair and resurface this pathway. The outcome was far too much for our site to consider £6208.00.
This report cost Chris £60. The Committee have agreed to reimburse Chris the £60 on this occasion only. / George to write the cheque
Small Garden
Plans already set:
1. Remove weeds with glyphosate
2. Remove deep rooted weeds
3. Dig and level
4. Build raised beds
5. Lawn area
6. Collect Bench and table from Joan / Matty will, for the next meeting, organise groups to do this activity and give dates for help.
Grow Wild
Liz has sent off for the Native wild flowers from Kew Gardens project ultimate aim of which is to create a pollination corridor running from Hulme in Manchester to Everton Park in Liverpool. We will meet up with Jericho Residents and City Quay. / Liz will draw up a project plan for the next meeting to involve some of the Committee and possibly some interested plot holders.
Toilets
Both need cleaning. Both don’t work.
Jude to get them cleaned next week and ask about repair. Subsequent to this we will make a decision about them. / Jude to organise cleaning
Transition Towns Plot
This is no longer a transition towns plot.
Anesty is the tenant.
There are 4 plots that are underused and somewhat untidy. Lyn has been trying to organise a meeting with them to sort this out. They have not responded. / Further email to be sent.
Subsequently contact will be via letter.
Event Dates:
It was agreed:
Plant Sale
Saturday 25th April 2015 11am-2pm
Open Day
Saturday 18th July 2015 11am-3pm
Apple & Pumpkin Day
Saturday 24th October 2015 11am-2pm / Lyn to publicise these dates
Inspection Dates
It was agreed that inspections should, whenever possible, take place during the week prior to the Committee meeting.
A team of Committee members will carry out the inspection, note down any plots that need attention. Appropriate letters will be sent.
First inspection will involve everyone in order to learn the ropes. This will be during Friday 6th March / People involved are:
Lyn, Peter, Jude, Ernie, Sandra, Juliet, Armin, Matty
Shop Rota
Detailed rota will be produced asap up until end of March. Everyone should be doing 1 weekend in 5. / Committee Members to let Lyn know when they are NOT available
AOB
George to purchase a lighter stihl strimmer and spares. He will also have the large strimmer serviced. Approximate cost £300 / Vivien requested a shorter version!

Minutes prepared by Lyn Easby 8th Feb 2015