Croftburn Allotments Association
Committee Meeting Minutes 

Date: Thursday 29th August 2024
Time: 18:30
Facilitator: Maurice Randall (MR)

In Attendance: Iain McMurtie (IMC); India Misick (IM); Emma Laughland (EL); Andrew Thompson (AT)

Apologies: Gregory Metcalfe (GM); 

1. Agree Minutes

• 30/07/2024 Minutes agreed

2. Matters Arising

• The trailer and defunct lawnmower has now been given to a local gardener for a £20 donation.
• The strimmer which has been ordered is on its way. A new part for a broken strimmer has been ordered, and another defunct strimmer will be offered to members at the next communal day and then disposed of if nobody takes it. 
• Following on from the cancellation of the harvest festival, MR communicated with those who had offered to contribute to the day to see if they could contribute to other activities. Ann is happy to do a flower arranging day in October, Jeanette has suggested a wreath making day in December with Irene selling Christmas cards. Ruth and Jeanette have offered to bring homemade jam to sell on 7th of Sept. 

3. Secretary Update

• Unfortunately the harvest festival had to be cancelled due to a lack of volunteers.
• Plot – have been in touch to say that they are concerned that their peas have been stolen. IM to send out email to all members reminding them that trespassing on other plots is forbidden. 
• Plots -, — and – still have not responded regarding their commitment to communal hours. IM to follow up with further email to communicate with them on this. 

4. Plot Updates

• Waiting list is currently at 31.
• – from Plot – has taken on Plot – and is getting off to a great start with it. Plot – has now been released and is vacant. 
• The committee has voted to allow – to move from plot – to plot -.
• Plot – and Plot – soon to be vacant. 
• EL will try to make contact with the plots stated below via email and text. If no replies are received letters will be sent via post to the plot holders addresses.
• Plot – and – have both been in touch to ask about Plot – which is looking quite overgrown. Plot – was in touch on – to ask if they could borrow a strimmer and have said that they will clear the plot ready for the winter.
• Plot – have a new named helper, but it doesn’t look like anyone has been down to the plot for a while. 
• Plot – has had some health problems and has been able to maintain the grass but doesn’t seem to have been able to do much growing. 
• Plot – has been in contact with EL and MR. MR to meet on Sunday – to discuss. Following the meeting MR will arrange a time for EL and Plot – to meet to agree an action plan with a deadline for -.
• Plot – have spoken to MR and have had some health issues but are going to continue on their plot at a reduced capacity for now.
• Plot – haven’t been doing much growing, and have a large proportion of grass. EL to be in touch to remind them of the need to cultivate their soil.
• Plot – is unwell and has said that – will remove the weeds with the intention of investing more time on the plot in the next growing season. 
• Plot – is looking very overgrown and we haven’t heard from them with any explanation as to why this is the case. 
• Plot – don’t seem to have done any work to their plot. They are coming up for their 12 week inspection on – and if we don’t see any movement on the plot before then they will be asked to leave.
• Plot – is also looking overgrown. EL to get in touch to ask how they are getting on.
• Plots – and – will also get a brief email from EL to check how they are getting on as their plots are becoming overgrown at last observation.

5. Treasurer Update

• Current bank balance stands at – £569.51
• Total £33 deposited
• Several significant payments were made this month: New strimmer for £329, insurance for £297.60 and sundries for £79.88
• £30 of outstanding payments still to be made to reimburse committee members for fuel and key deposit. 
• Credit Union 1 Account Balance £9
• Credit Union 2 Account Balance £850

6. Maintenance Update

• Recent communal days have been successful and general maintenance of the allotment is good.
• Lawnmower is in need of repair. 

7. Ongoing Matters

• MR has finished drafting polytunnel policy. The committee voted in favour of sharing this draft document with the members for comments ahead of the AGM in November.
• Plot inspection documentation drafted by MR was discussed and feedback given. MR to amend documents and share with the committee for final review. 

8. Next Meeting

TBC via whatsapp at 18.30hrs week beginning 30th Sept