Greencroft and Waterman's Allotments in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Prior to the meeting we had a brief demonstration of the new website from Graham Jones and Jon Lock, plotholders on Greencroft who together with Marisa Francini and Liz Reid, a Greencroft plotholder, have undertaken a complete review and update of the Website. This took a lot of time; the team has been working on this project since early November and went live with the new format at the beginning of February. Graham has done the technical work, Jon updated the content supplied by Marisa and Liz has started a chat group. It is important to keep the site up to date and informative so we would encourage contributions from plotholders. The site contains instructions on how to send in contributions.
Graham and Jon answered questions about the running and control of the site. After thanking Graham and Jon for their time and effort the Committee Meeting started at 8.30pm.
Marisa Francini, Natasha Street, Peter Anderson, Robin Rippon, Doug Richards, Dave McEwen, Ian Reissmann, Peter Herbert.
Andrew Hawkins, Liz Cope, Alison Engleby, Chris Pye.
Accepted without change.
None that are not covered in the agenda.
The Recreation and Amenities Committee met on Feb. 2nd and discussed the paper prepared by MF and B Walker regarding extra plots, deer fencing and security at Watermans. The R & A Committee, whilst supporting the idea of additional plots at Watermans, felt that it was not a viable option to develop the strip of land to the north of the site, part of this land is not owned by the Town Council. The strip of land provides a buffer between the houses and the allotments, it is a habitat for wildlife and there are several mature trees on the land. It was suggested that other land was worth investigating.
Watermans Spinney to the west of Watermans. The Town Council owns this land. DR said that there were several large trees that would have to be removed at considerable cost and that there would be objections to this.
The Triangle, a piece of marshy land behind Mill Meadows managed by the Henley Wildlife Group. Our Committee felt this land would be unsuitable for allotments.
The Committee feels that there is a definite need for more allotment plots, MF pointed out we have 194 plots on the two sites of which 46 are 10 pole plots, these could in time be turned into 5 pole plots providing additional new plots. We have 18 people on the waiting lists at present. IR to report back to the Town Council that more allotment plots are needed.
4.1) Whilst the R&A Committee appreciated the frustration plotholders felt with regard to vandalism and deer damage they believed this was two separate problems and wanted more information. Plotholders at Watermans are adamant that the deer problem is getting worse and that a deer fence is needed. DR to get 3 quotes for deer fencing, black plastic large mesh low visibility type fencing which is used by farmers and the National Trust. This will now need to be erected around the three sides of the site. The cost would probably be more than the original £3,500 that we thought it would be. The fence could be financed as discussed at our previous meeting, see minutes 4.4. IR to report back to the Town Council.
4.2) Vandals could be deterred by planting a hedge along the deer fence. The R&A Committee were pleased with the Association's attempts to tackle vandalism as we suggested at our previous meeting, see minutes 6.2.
DM reported that we had £2,400 in funds.
RR mentioned that some of the notices displayed on the notice boards were out of date and that the boards could be used to better effect. It was agreed the site managers from both sites should check the notice boards regularly, and that any Committee member could take down out of date notices. DR said he was still in the process of repairing the shed.
6.1) IR was asked to remind the Town Council about clearing the tree stumps along the roadside beyond the site or they would become a problem again in the summer.
6.2) DR said that the gate was still being left open at night, he would put up a notice reminding plotholders to lock the gate when leaving the site in the evening.
6.3) DR reported that he had a waiting list of 8. MF reported that 2 plotholders had still not paid.
MF reported that LC had 2 unpaid plots and 10 people on the waiting list.
7.1) Margot Dapper, Grn Plot 8, had completed a beginners Bee-Keeping course and is about to start the follow-up practical course. With the help of allotment neighbours Derek and Viv Greenwood, Margo would like to site a hive on plot 8. The Committee agreed to support Margot but she would have to get permission from the Town Council and agreement on the siting of the hive as well as abiding by their regulations and those of the NSAG.
7.2) Natasha reported seeing a dog walker with his dog off the lead at Greencroft, PH will put up a notice reminding dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead whilst on allotment land.
7.3) Peter Anderson has written an interesting article on the history of Henley Allotments, it can be seen on the website.
No items were discussed.
The new website is a great success. We must urge our members to make good use of it. An article in the Henley Standard about the website would be good publicity. RR asked how the site was controlled and who would be responsible for content and safeguarding sensitive information. At present Graham Jones looks after the technical side and Jon Lock and Marisa control the content. Liz Reid will control the chat group content.
9.1) We are currently signed up for 6 months to the Web Host Company 1and1 at a monthly fee of £3.99. It was agreed by the Committee to re-sign in April for at least another 6 months, although the monthly fee will go up to £8.99, and that will give us time to evaluate the site and look for a cheaper Web Host.
PH confirmed that the boat trip will be on Thursday 3rd June. Tickets are £15. More information will be in the next newsletter and on the website. Alison will be organising the food and would be grateful for any help.
DM reported that the proposed barn dance will be put off until the autumn.
The Plant and Seed Swop in conjunction with Henley in Bloom will be in the Market Place on Saturday 22nd May.
The Mayor's Charity Gardeners' Question Time will take place on Thursday 20th May in the Town Hall.
PH reported that the 50 new metal plot signs were ready. DR and LC would take 25 each.
Thursday 25th March at 84 Makins Road.
The meeting closed at 22.00.
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