CYFARFOD BLYNYDDOL CYFFREDINOL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Rhandiroedd Nantporth Allotments 7 January 2024
Present: Lisa (Chair of Trustees), Sarah (Trustee), Steph (Treasurer & Trustee), Adam (Secretary & Trustee), Frances, Val, Sue C, Sue T, Sue Zan, Ian Sturrock, Caren, Nori, Dafydd, Peredur, Dan.
Apologies: Heather, Bryn, Robbie, Tahira, James, Sadie, Maddie.
MINUTES OF AGM 2023
Presented and unanimously approved.
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
Presented by Lisa and unanimously approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Presented by Steph and unanimously approved.
ELECTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Sue Carter was nominated for Chair (to replace Lisa) and Ian Sturrock for his knowledge/expertise in fruit trees, orchards etc. Both were unanimously approved.
MATTERS ARISING
Allocation of plots: Following Plot 20 becoming vacant and Sue C requesting a further half
plot, there was a discussion about priority in allocating plots to present plot-holders versus new applicants on the waiting list. It was agreed that Sue may have a further half plot. If other plot-holders also want more, they must contact the Committee. Workdays: see AOB
Accounts: Query raised re: whether income always exceeds expenses. Yes, so far it does, even if during 2024 we have to pay 2-3 years’ outstanding rent. But it would be prudent to find ways to increase the income (possibly by increasing plot rents?).
Orchard: Discussion about how best to manage the orchard, especially keeping down the
weeds and cutting the grass. Ian’s suggestion of Glyphosate was not received enthusiastically, so he will help with alternative measures, including an offer to arrange for the orchard to be professionally strimmed (using our strimmer, at £100/day). This suggestion was approved.
HIRE OF ROOM FOR MEETING: Steph paid £20 in cash.
AOB
WORKDAYS
Participation in workdays during 2023 has not been encouraging, and possible reasons were discussed. It was suggested and agreed that:
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workdays should not always fall on a Sunday (some could be on a Saturday or weekday pm, even one weekend day + one week evening during March-Sept i.e. 2 per month);
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better notice should be given, and a RSVP system introduced;
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jobs should be described/explained more;
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admin jobs could be done by those who cannot do physical work;
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each workday needs to have someone to organise and to lead;
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a record to be kept of those attending (Committee to decide how to deal with those who do not attend);
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a whiteboard could be fixed in the lean-to, with details of workday dates, jobs to be done etc. Sarah offered a board.
ANNUAL PARTY
This idea was suggested and welcomed. Probably realistic only in the summer e.g early August (our anniversary). If 2 possible dates were planned in advance, this would allow for cancellation of the first because of weather.
SECURITY
Lengthy discussion with no real conclusion or useful suggestions, especially since we don’t know if the culprits are squirrels, cider-makers or even a plot-holder! Locked gates can be climbed over (and are contrary to our constitution); squirrel traps would need regular checking etc. No objection if plot-holders wish to fix up their own cameras.
POND
Ongoing problem of the liner being lifted by ground/spring water from below. Suggestions included (a) removing the liner permanently and accepting it as a seasonal pond; (b) lifting the liner, digging a deep drain to relieve the area and relaying the liner, or (c) weighing the liner down with sand bags or concrete slabs or round beach stones. No conclusion reached. The Committee agreed to have a meeting at the pond towards the Spring.
CAE DARGIE, UPPER BANGOR
Brief discussion following a recent email from John Ratcliffe, and a request that we might be able to help develop this plot of land. It was felt that we have enough to do on our own site without getting involved with another. A suggestion was made that they could contact Keep Wales Tidy for possible advice, grants etc.
| TYFU ACCOUNTS | TYFU ACCOUNTS | TYFU ACCOUNTS |
|---|---|---|
| income | expenses | |
| Plot fees | 966.33 | |
| Compost (fees collected) | 75.50 | |
| Insurance | 299.27 | |
| Water (next bill outstanding) | 177.79 | |
| Tools, servicing & fuel | 102.25 | |
| Totals | 1041.83 | 579.31 |
| Bank balance as at 20 Dec 2023 | 2006.32 | |
| Still not received: | ||
| Delivery of compost | ? | |
| Rent (expected approx. £300 pa) | ? |
PERSONS STANDING FOR ELECTION
Sue Carter – for Chairman
‘I am a 69 yr old retired nurse. I worked for Gwynedd Health Authority then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board from 1981 till my retirement in 2013. I was mostly a ward nurse but in my final 10 years headed a small team of Infection Control nurses. In that role I had several regular reports to write.
I am not an experienced allotment gardener but I have, since moving to Wales, become an enthusiastic gardener, and have had some initial success on my half plot at Nantporth.
I don’t have a criminal record and recently had a CRB check for a voluntary role for BCUHB, 2020.
I can do relatively simple tasks on my phone e.g. sending emails and using WhatsApp, but have little knowledge of formatting documents and adding links etc. I may not be able to commit to this role in the long term but will do my best to be of use until another candidate is forthcoming.’