Greencroft and Waterman's Allotments in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Peter Herbert, Peter Anderson, Doug Richards, Dave McEwen, Marisa Francini, Robin Rippon, Natasha Street.
Andrew Hawkins, Alison Engleby, Liz Cope, Ian Reissmann, Chris Pye.
Accepted without change.
None that are not covered in the agenda
Request from the Council that extra allotment plots be found to help alleviate the waiting list.
4.1) DR discussed that he had surveyed the strip of Council-owned wasteland at Watermans, and that it would accommodate approximately 15 'starter' plots (2.5 poles). These would have to be accommodated around the mature trees on this land; a hand drawn map of the site demonstrated that part of the driveway that runs around the outside of the perimeter would need to be moved, (on the north side), to help utilise the space available (see appendix 1 for map). RR noted that extra car parking spaces would be needed, and DR confirmed that parking under the mature trees would be possible. RR also asked if the water supply would need to be extended for these extra plots, and PA mentioned that the existing underground water pipe would probably need to be replaced if we did extend the water supply, due to lack of pressure.
4.2) Alternative plots of land were also being looked at by the Council, including rental of private land.
4.3) It was agreed that a paper would be written by MF and B.Walker, confirming the above/other options available, for discussion at the Recreational and Amenities Committee meeting on 2/2/10.
4.4) New fencing at Watermans. This was a separate project to 4.0) and was being driven by the ongoing amount of vandalism at Watermans, combined with the excessive deer problem. DR reported that the temporary fence erected pre Xmas, to block the gap at the north/west side of the site (where the vandals accessed the site), had already been pushed down to obtain access. There is no doubt that some tenants use this back route short cut to enter the allotments, but the Committee agreed that a gate was unnecessary and would compromise the security of Watermans. Permission would need to be obtained from HTC to build this, and funding would need to be agreed. A proportion might come from the Council, a proportion from the AA funds and a proportion from the tenamts of Watermans. DR had discussed with some of the tenants what would be a reasonable donation for each tenant to give, and a one-off donation of £12-15 was felt to be reasonable. If there was still a shortfall in funding, fund raising events later on in the year would be organised.
4.5) MF to ask for donations in the next newsletter; a tear-off strip to be included; cheques to be sent to DR and PH at Hobbs; cheques to be payable to 'Henley Allotment Association'.
4.6) It was agreed that a paper would be written by MF and B. Walker, for the Recreational and Amenities Committee meeting on 2/2/10, to ask for permission to erect a new fence. DR to confirm that 6'6'' was high enough to keep the deer out.
DM reported that the insurance for the 2 sites was due, and that, once this had been paid, the AA funds would be around £2,400. DM took the meeting through the proposed insurance, which covers Public and Products liability (£2m per site), Employers' liability and Personal Accident. The approximate cost for this was £248.50. The insurance was agreed.
DR agenda items had all been discussed under Town Council matters.
6.1) MF presented a paper summarising the advice given from a ten page fact sheet she had obtained from the Allotment Regeneration Initiative on 'tackling vandalism and other offences on allotment sites' (see appendix 2). From this, it was agreed that the following would be done to help tenants on both sites:
a) Produce permanent signs for the notice boards, advising what action tenants should take if they see intruders on the sites. To include what plot holders should do if they see any vandalism, including calling the police, obtaining an incident number and informing the Site Manager. Also to include how a plot holder should behave when he/she sees vandalism e.g. 'Do not approach the intruder if you feel that it might put you at unnecessary risk', 'Stay calm and reasonable', 'Tell the intruder that you will report them to the police for breach of the peace' etc.
b) Visit the Henley Police Crime Prevention Officer to see if they had any grants to help with the cost of the signs/ or to help print pocket sized cards for tenants to keep in their purses/wallets.
c) Advise plot holders not to keep valuables in their sheds, and to mark their tools if valuable.
d) Remind tenants of the need to lock the gate when the last plot holder leaves the site.
e) Advise tenants that low tool-boxes are less likely to be targeted by vandals due to their being less conspicuous than sheds.
MF to include in the next newsletter.
PH reported that the new Cricket Club pavilion was well under way, and would be finished soon. Plot holders would be able to use the toilets and kitchen once it had been finished.
7.1) PH reported that he had removed around 12 water pumps from the site and was refurbishing them ready for the next season.
7.2) PH reported that he was painting the 50 new metal plot signs that LC had organised, and that they would soon be ready for use. To be split 25 signs per site.
There were no items to be discussed.
MF reported that amazing progress had been made on the new web site. Graham Jones had been outstanding in his commitment to making this new site work. Jon Lock and Liz Reid had also been fantastic. The proposed launch date for the new site was early to mid February. A demonstration would be organised for the Committee to see the web site at the next meeting.
PH confirmed that the Boat Trip date would be Thursday 3rd June 2010. AE had confirmed that she would organise the food for the trip, but that she would like someone to take over from her once on the boat, so she could relax and enjoy the trip for once.
10.1) Barn Dance. DM reported that the lady he had hoped would organise this had broken her hip! But, she would still be willing to do this if the date moved back to April. The cost for the room at Christchurch would be £80, and the cost for the band and caller would be around £400. DR to check the room availability (for around the end of April) and inform DM.
The Mayor had asked for volunteers for Saturday 20th February for 2 Charity Events.
a) A Pancake Race to be held in the Market Place at 10.30am. Teams to be divided into 4 sections, primary school age, secondary school age, adults and over 70's.
b) A quiz night at the Town Hall, 19.30 start. Tickets £10 per person (including supper), teams of 8 maximum, cash bar and raffle. The Mayor's charities being supported were the Staying Alive Foundation and the Henley Youth Centre. See appendix 3 & 4 for forms to enter. MF to promote in the next newsletter.
11.1) The Mayor had also requested that a Charity Gardeners' Question Time, similar to the November 2009 GQT, take place on Thursday 20th May 2010, supporting the same 2 charities as the events on February 20th. DM to check Martin Sheldrake was available, details to be discussed at the next meeting.
Thursday 18th February at DR house - 84 Makins Road.
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