AGM 2016

Lewisham Self Managed Allotments Association

Minutes of the AGM Thursday 24 November 2016

1. Present. Rachel Allard, Lynn Hubbard, Dillon Chiparamandu, Denny Senner – Knapmill Way. Stephanie Brooks – Hurstbourne Road. Maggie Leharne, Laura Williams, John Denton – Chinbrook Meadows. Maurice Taylor – Barmeston Road. Sandra Morris – Ballamore. Sally Moy, Ruth Garcha, John Stratford – Longton Nursery. Simon Fraser, Jill Jordan - Firhill Road South. Ron Melluish, Dorian Watkins – Taylor’s Lane. Mark Kyriakides, Julie Fitton, Claudette Green – Meadow Close. Dave Gibbins – Jim Hurren. Imogen Winter – Slaithwaite Road. Andrew Bartlett – Priestfield Road. Paul Taylor – Royal Naval Place 1+2 & Stanley Street. Katy Delaney – London Borough of Lewisham. Jerry Hlodak, Sibylle Naleezinski – Romborough Gardens. Geoff Richardson – Castillon Road.

2. Apologies for absence. Bob Rogers – Royal Naval. Steve Belk – Trewsbury Road. Paul Hedge – Longton Nursery. Paulette Walker – Broadmead. Peter Maynard - LBL

3. Minutes of the previous meeting. Were agreed.

4. Any matters arising. There were none.

5. Treasurer’s Report:-

6. Levy. 3 sites still to pay. Issue to be taken up with Katy Delaney.

7. Annual accounts. Please see attached sheet for 2015/16.

8. Budget 2016/2017. Please see attached sheet. Sites welcome to use laminator as long as they provide pouches.

The report was agreed.

1. Proposition from Chinbrook Meadows:-

"That in any year where the LSMAA ends the year (at the AGM) with surplus funds, in the next year (starting the day after the AGM), the annual levy from sites is reduced by 50%."

The feeling of the meeting was it was too early to make changes and the proposition was defeated by 22 votes to 2.

1. Secretary’s Report:-

The purpose of the Association falls into two main areas; firstly, supporting site committees in their efforts to motivate plotholders to work their plots and be active on site. Secondly, to expand this commitment out between sites, developing further links and encouraging good practice. Enabling us all to be here to support each other and stand together as a strong united body that will be able to respond proactively should any of our sites come under threat of closure.

In line with this, the Awards/Social Event has definitely helped us move forward together in this direction. It’s introduced site Committees and plotholders from different sites to each other and gives many a chance to work together and share their skills.

Therefore, Denny thanked all those who were involved in judging, the event itself, those bringing food and drink and all who supported the event and helped make it a successful evening.

Any sites who didn’t participate, she would ask to give it a chance next year and see the bigger picture. It’s not just about “competition” it goes beyond that and most sites find the benefits on their own site and in working together to achieve improvements were really noticeable and beneficial.

We do need to discuss the way we want the event to move forward next year. So rather than take up too much time this meeting, we will be holding one to discuss the 2017 event in the spring. We will form a sub-committee as needs be to help with the organisation, so please think about and whether you’ll enjoy being involved. Think about any areas you feel could be improved and how the event could be more inclusive.

The report was agreed.

1. Chair’s Report:-

The Chair mentioned site visits and how the spirit of co-operation was apparent. Thanked all for their contribution during the last year.

1. Election of Officers:-

2. Chair. John Denton

3. Treasurer. Julie Fitton

4. Secretary. Denny Senner

All elected unopposed.

1. Lewisham’s Perspective – Katy Delaney

Katy stated that Peter Maynard was now the Greenspace Contract Officer and day to day manager. She gave thanks to the LSMAA for the event and their camaraderie and co-operation.

Katy then spoke to the attached sheet () and took questions dealing with:-

1. One Plot Per Household – historically there has been more than plot per household this will not be challenged whilst plots are being worked. The 5 rod rule is not rigid and where there are different sizes common sense will prevail. People may share plots both sign the tenancy agreement. Historically plots were 10 rods but an average 5 rod plot is now enough for people.

Trewsbury are making 1.5 rod starter plots with the opportunity to move to a larger plot when one becomes available. Vacant plots larger than 5 rods will be split. Plots cannot just be handed over to other family members. An allotment plot in Central London is very desirable and all should be worked.

1. Waiting List Process – applicants to be given location of sites. When a plot is vacant contact Peter who will go through the waiting list and provide a name within two weeks. New system to start in two weeks time. To produce a template vacant plot sheet. New plotholders advice attached.

2. Cultivation of Plots – majority of the plot must be used for growing fruit and vegetables. Sheds, compost bins and other structures must be in proportion to the size of the plot. Use commonsense. Any apple trees should be on M27 root stock to keep dwarf size. It was suggested that permission be required from site Committees to build any structures or plant shrubs and trees. Any problems and Katy is prepared to visit the site.

3. Propositions – none received.

4. Any other competent business. – There was none.

5. Date of next meeting - 1st week of March 2017.