LSMAA SOCIAL/AWARDS EVENT SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

MINUTES 23.3.17

PRESENT

John Denton, Julie Fitton, Denny Senner..LSMAA committee

Peter Maynard..Lewisham allotment team

Glynda Nolan, Bernadette Thompson, Chris Jones, Carol Jones, Jackie Poulett, Ron Melluish, Dorian Watkins, Steve Belk, Paulette Walker, Sean J Cameron, Mark Kyriades, Stephen Senner, Rob Tomlinson, James Holman, Simon Fraser (apols..Dave Gibbons, Bob Rogers)

Many thanks to all those present for coming

REVIEW OF FORMAT OF JUDGING CRITERIA DOCUMENT

Combine health and quality categories. This allows scope to prioritise good practice.

Too many points for no rubbish on plots nominated should be free of rubbish and wood etc should be stored neatly for reuse.

Varieties...difficult for small plots to compete with larger ones, judgement should be based on having a good mix of crops for size of plot.

Sustainability...if no sheds to support water butts, other environmental /wildlife friendly initiatives can mean score is achieved.

SITE NOMINATIONS

This year, we will be looking for best plot on each site, best new comer (last 18 months prior to judging date) best plot in borough, best new comer in borough, best site in borough.

Max of 3 nomination per category..Only nominate worthy plots/sites. If don't have 3 that’s fine, and if none then none!

NEW PROCEDURE FOR DECIDING WINNERS

Sean has volunteered to do a short film for each plot nominated for best in borough (plot holder can choose to be in or not included in film) this will then be shown on night and each site will decide where to cast their vote. (X factor eat your heart out!!) This should be a lot more fun!

Committee or nominated individuals will form a team to choose best site.(no one on a site nominated on the team obviously)

PHOTO COMPETITION

This category has been reinstated. Please encourage entries from as many plotholders including children as possible. How to enter is to follow. Entries from last 12 months on site only please.

Peter will choose winner.

MOST IMPESSIVE VEGETABLE (late submission to agenda)

Please bring you most impressive vegetable on the night! This will be fun and can include all plotholders, including children. We will need a prize for this. Please advertise this so all plotholders can feel they have something to attend the event for.

FREE RAFFLE

Sean hopes to persuade his employers to donate seed vouchers which we can raffle to all attending event. Please let people know this is happening.

JUDGES

Open to all plotholders. No experience needed, as training given and visits made in pairs.

Previous judges all found the experience interesting and enjoyable.

Concern was expressed that some committees aren't passing details of event on. We would encourage all committees to alert plotholders to the event and the opportunities to participate.

SITE VISITS FOR JUDGING

Filming..Sean will need a lift. John volunteered, if anyone else could do a day that would help.

DATES Training day Saturday 8th July 10am..all judges need to attend, or at least one from each site team.

Judging site visits from 15th to 23rd inclusive, which gives us a chance to use two weekends.

PLEASE ENSURE RESULTS REACH DENNY BY FRI 28TH

Filming will be first week of august.

CERTIFCATES / AWARDS

Need to decide on what to award best plot holders in Borough.

Bernadette offered to try to get some quality paper for certificates. If anyone else can contribute unwanted stationery that would be helpful.

John to organise certificates. We will need awards for best plot on each site. Ideas welcome

VOLUNTEERS

Bernadette, Glynda, Paulette, Steve Belk, Jackie, Ron offered to help as needed with event. Anyone else who can help either on night of event, or in advance, please let Denny know.

Peter Maynard is coming to this year's event and will happily help with giving prizes etc. And also offered to purchase plates etc. All contributions gratefully accepted. Denny to liaise.

OPEN DAYS

National Allotment Week is 14 to 20th August. Would your site like to open to public during this week?

If so, Sean is happy to take a few pictures of your event and perhaps we could do a review for Lewisham Life?

INCLUSIVITY

Please try to encourage as many as possible to get involved in this event..it is a social event first, which includes award giving. All are welcome.

The purpose is to create links between sites, and encourage positivity and communication within sites, aswell as promoting good horticultural practices.

PLEASE PUT DATE IN DIARY FOR THIS EVENT

SATURDAY OCTOBER 7TH 2017...PRENDERGAST SCHOOL.HILLYFIELDS.BROCKLEY.