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Archived
News
Brief Summary Of Committee
Meeting 27th June 2012.
- Last
Tuesday it was the Hixon Parish Council Meeting to which the 3
senior Committee members went. Orson presented them with an annual
report as well as a schedule of works that need to be dealt with and
several points followed from that meeting.
- The
Committee’s main concern is still the entrance path where people
are slipping on the loose stones and it was pointed out that it is
worse for people walking than drivers in cars. From this the
committee have various questions of procedure with regards an
accident book and reporting incidents to the PCC for insurance
claims etc. The question also arose over visitors and liability for
the general Public as although the site is technically private land
we don’t want to restrict other villagers from going on to it. The
Councils insurance must cover any incidents, but would we be
accepting some legal part in procedures in any claim by keeping an
accident book etc. Karen is going to seek advice from the N.S.A.L.G.
etc. It could be that we need to put up “No Liability …”
signs.
- The
difference in the amount paid by the Allotments and the amount that
the Council pay the Landowner is still a thorny issue, but Hixon
P.C.C. are liable for any insurance and maintenance problems and
that would be a lot of hassle for the allotments to deal with
ourselves.
- It
was mentioned by someone attending the HPCC meeting that he thought
it was a general byelaw that no dogs were allowed on any allotments,
but the “No dogs,” signs have still not arrived yet.
- Again
it was thought that no hoses should be permitted on allotments as it
would be asking for trouble anyway with potential abuse and problems
over the water pressure. Plotholders would like bonfires and the
general advice given on other allotment sites seems to be that as
long as people are sensible there is not a problem. We are not in a
smoke free area, but fires must be supervised at all times and the
plotholder must have a bucket of water handy - not a hosepipe!
- The
stone are not being collected at the moment because Mr Martin has
just had a new tractor and the old bucket doesn’t fit it, but he
will collect them again in due course.
- Colin
said that some of the members were not happy with the way the
committee were re-elected en bloc, but it was pointed out that at
the time nobody objected to the procedure and there was only one
challenger for a place on the committee anyway. It would have needed
at least 2 more challengers before anybody would have been forced
off the committee, but it was out first A.G.M. and consideration
will be made for next year as to how the process could be improved,
but still keep it simple. Colin said that other members had said
that they didn’t like the fact that the finance statement was not
printed and handed out for people to take away with them and study
at home. All figures were read out by the treasurer at the time, but
it was agreed that it should have been printed and will be at the
next A.G.M.
- A
question was raised about someone applying for a plot on behalf of a
friend and it was clarified that an application for plots must only
be for oneself and any other person should go back on the list.
- Several
plots that were untended have now been cleared, with the exception
of one near the gate, that it was thought had been let, but the new
plot holder has not paid, or signed yet, so it was decided that it
should be handed over to the next on the waiting list. Another
couple of names have also been added to the list. An up to date plot
holders list will be put on the notice board along with committee
members contact details.
- With
regards to plots getting unruly, because of the ill health of
holders etc, it was decided to price up, and then buy, a Scythe,
that will be stored under lock and key on the site.
- The
Secretary, Dave, presented the committee with some draft weed
(advice/warning) and plot allocation letters for their approval
after which followed an English lesson for all the committee by a
committee member/teacher!
- The
subject of the existence of Organic Slug Pellets was mentioned, as
was Organic approved weed killer, for use on the paths such as is
used on the Haywood site. It is thought to be systemic and breaks
down on contact with soil, but is specifically designed for use with
crops.
- There
are no outstanding problems with any rents.
- All
the adverts are to be removed and hopefully replaced with new ones,
except for Air & Ground which will be left on as they made a
sizable donation last year.
The next Meeting will be Wednesday 26th
September at 7pm in the Bankhouse.
Brief Summary of
Committee Meeting 29/5/12 Pre A.G.M.
- It
was confirmed that there are only 8 out of the original 10 committee
members still wishing to stand at the following A.G.M. and there
would definitely be 2 vacant committee places.
- A
person next in line on the waiting list wanted a half plot, but
there was only a ¼ available, so it was decided to offer it and if
refused they could go back on to the bottom of the list and hope for
a bigger one next time it was their turn, or accept it and simply go
back on the list for more. It was decided it was better to offer
something to as many as possible rather than specifically trying to fulfill
everyone’s exact requirements.
- The
flexible heat sealed plastic “No Dogs,” are being torn off too
easily by the wind, so more permanent no dogs signs being made at
some cost.
- The
question of hosepipes came up again and the N.S.A.L.G. say that they
are banned on most allotments as they can lead to conflicts over
their usage. If no one else was on the site there might not be any
problems, but it would be impossible at other times as people queue
for the taps to fill cans when it is busy now. Furthermore, if they
were allowed, somebody may well want to use seep hoses that might be
left on permanently.
- The
question of a difference between the fee the parish council pays the
landowner and what they charge the allotment association was brought
up. This was clarified as being set aside by the parish council to
be used for maintenance of things like the perimeter fences, paths,
driveway and entrance etc. With this in mind the dangerous state of
the loose stones at the entrance was pointed out. One person has
already had a bad fall and one of the plot holders has a disabled
son in a wheelchair that would be impossible to push up or down the
loose stones on the steep slope if they had to walk home.
- The
committee were asked to mention to as many plot holders as possible
that plant and produce donations were wanted for the stall at the
Jubilee Celebrations on the Village Millenium Green on Monday 4rth
June.
- The
next Committee meeting will be on Wed 27th June.
Brief
Summary of Hixon Allotments Committee Meeting 3rd May 2012.
- One
of the first things to be raised was the question of unkempt plots,
either where plots have been abandoned, or the plot-holders have
health or family/work difficulties. Several plots have recently
changed hands and are now being cultivated, but one or two still
remain a problem with things like Dandelions coming to seed. It was
suggested that family members and friends might like to help out
those with genuine difficulties to prevent plots from becoming a
nuisance to others.
- The
“No Dogs,” signs are going to be replaced with stronger, more
permanent ones, as it appears the wind is tearing them off.
- There
are some rules on the “Tenancy Agreement,” but it has been
decided to “Post,” a full list of “Site Rules,” or “Do’s
and Don’ts,” on the notice board and website, after they have
been clarified.
- A
local Pub/Restauarant has again asked the allotments to supply them
with surplus vegetables, but the “not for profit,” allotments
rules are quite clear and specific, apart from the total
impracticality of such a scheme.
- Everyone
should note that the adverts on the introductory page of the
official website cost £25 each and are renewed annually. They are
about to be changed and anybody who would like an advert for any
business is more than welcome to contact the committee.
- The
4th of June will see the Millenium/Village Hall
Celebrations fundraiser where the Hixon Allotments have agreed to
have a plant/vegetable stall. Any plant donations or assistance will
be very welcome. Donations can be made on the day to the stall which
will be manned between about 1-30pm
- 3-30pm?
- Rents
are due on the 17th May (Although reminders have already
gone out) and plot-holders have 2 weeks to pay.
- The
rents are the same as last year based on £40 for a half plot and £20
for a quarter plus a Service charge of £12 applicable to everyone
to pay for things like water and the N.S.A.L.G. membership which is
£2 annually for each plot-holder on the site.
- The
Tenancy Agreements that we all signed last year are actually
open-ended and don’t need to be renewed (Except for new
plot-holders)
- Rents
can be paid at the A.G.M. which will be on Tuesday 29th
May in the Village Hall after a Committee meeting which will be held
beforehand.
- For
those interested there may well be room for 1 or 2 replacement
committee members to make up for those who have left, although of
course any plot-holder can seek to be elected for any position on
the committee at the A.G.M. as the whole committee will have to be
re-elected annually.
Brief Summary of
Hixon Allotments Meeting 21st March.
- The
“No Dogs,” signs have now been put up on the gate etc and a
notice board erected on the side of the building. It was pointed out
that people could use this enclosed board to place notices for seed
or plant swaps if they want. It is advised that people don’t put
too many personal details.
- The
subject of compost bins for all plot holders came up again and was
rejected as not being practical at the moment on the grounds of cost
as we would need over 40, unless the council do an offer, of very
cheap, subsidised bins, again.
- It
was pointed out that the tap at the top of the site, needed to be
repaired, because it had been damaged. As a relatively minor job it
was decided that one of the committee could fix it.
- The
allotment bills will be sent out on the 1st May.
- The
AGM will be held on the 29th May at 8 pm in the Village
Hall.
- The
Committee are still waiting for an accurate water bill that may
possibly affect the plot rental charges slightly for the year after
next.
- Several
people have now officially changed plots.
- There
are 10 people still on the waiting list that will soon be posted on
the notice board to enable people to see exactly where they stand in
line. This is so that allocations can be seen to be fair. (No
personal details will be posted.)
- There
was a problem over the planting of some fruit trees. It had
originally been decided to allow tree planting as long as they were
kept below 2 metres. However the trees in question were not on a
dwarfing root-stock, as they should have been, and would have grown
very large. Any tree must be planted with consideration for others
as regards, shade and the roots robbing the soil on an adjacent
plot.
- The
water was turned back on earlier than anticipated, but people should
be aware that it will be turned off every winter in the future to
avoid frost damage.
- One
of the parish councillors was present for part of the meeting to
discuss the possibilities and progress regarding the derelict
building at the entrance to the site. There will be some unforeseen
problems to overcome, but generally speaking the building doesn’t
appear to be going to going to be as much of a problem, or cost as
much to resurrect, as first thought, although it will not be cheap.
There was some talk of installing solar panels for free and
obtaining grants for other work.
- There
is still the possibility of being involved in a fundraiser of some
sort with the Millennium Green/Village Hall and ideas would be
welcome.
Brief Summary of
Hixon Allotments Meeting 11th January.
The names of plot holders have
changed quite a bit, so the plot listing on the web site will be updated
after the Spring renewal.
Several people have asked about
having bonfires and especially Braziers, but the committee are still
waiting for advice from the National Garden Leisure and Allotments
Society.
As a follow up to the NO DOGS ruling
some “No Dogs” signs have been made and are going to be put up
everywhere so that people can’t miss them!
As previously advised the water has
now been turned off for the winter! If anybody wants to water in new
winter plantings they will have to use the water out of the tubs for a
few weeks.
Air & Ground of Shirleywich were
thanked for their splendid sponsor donation of £712.75 for which they
will have an advert on the introduction page of the allotments website.
The allotments A.G.M. will be held
in the Spring by which all monies must be paid up to date. (Charges will
be the same as the first year.)
Committee members are going to
pursue ideas for dealing with our building more enthusiastically with the council.
Loose stones on the entrance slope
are causing some minor problems, so plot holders are advised to be
careful and not to “spin” any on the road, but to clear up any if
they do.
On a light hearted note it was asked
what would be the position if a shed blew off the allotments and caused
damage locally. (After the recent strong winds anything could have blown
about!) As many plot holders have plastic sheeting of one sort or
another and bin lids that could easily blow about, it was decided to get
the matter clarified.
The matter of an open forum was
raised again and it was pointed out that an A.G.M. is really for open
discussion; committee meetings are for the committee. Alternatively it
was pointed out that comments/questions could be posted/discussed on the
allotments website “Forum.”
The committee would like to
celebrate the allotments first year with something like, an open day in
Spring with possibly a big plant swap day for surplus seedlings/young
plants, etc, or Maybe in Autumn with a produce sale of some sort,
possibly sharing with the village fete/church fete, etc.
Brief Summary Of
Allotment Committee Meeting 14th December.
Dogs, or at least the
mess that some dogs are leaving behind on the allotments is becoming a
real nuisance for some plot holders, so after several previous
discussions, the committee have decided that NO DOGS will be allowed on
the site at all. With regard to this issue it should be noted that
unlike most other allotments, the site is privately owned and as such
the issue of TRESPASS or PUBLIC NUISANCE may be brought up with
offenders.
A reminder is
also made to members concerning the shutting of the gates upon leaving
the site. Some plot holders are walking onto the site and should not be
expected to shut the gate after people with cars have left the site and
left the gate open.
Plot holders
should be aware that, as happens on many other allotment sites, the
water will be turned off over the coming winter months to prevent
expensive damage to the standpipes. If plot holders need a little water
for winter planting, the large trugs, placed under the taps, will
regularly be kept topped up.
Initially it
had been said that the site should not become a building site with
bricks and other hard materials on plots, but as weeds are starting to
grow in the paths and weeding is making the edges of paths break up, it
has now been decided that edging for paths will be allowed to retain
their structure.
Also fencing
on plots was not to be allowed, but now 2ft high fencing between plots
will be permitted as long as it is not solid and is open in its
construction. Furthermore, anyone contemplating fencing must speak to
their immediate neighbour and agree where fencing should be placed to
avoid any conflict between plot holders.
Many plot
holders have been trying to share seeds and plants with other people and
it has been suggested that some sort of advertised system of
sharing/swapping could be implemented. Ideas so far suggested include
people posting small notices within the notice board, (to be fitted on
the site) and making use of the websites’ Forum.
The
allotments are gradually gaining more interest amongst the villagers and
the committee would like to point out that there are now 8 new people on
a waiting list for an allotment plot as well as 4 more existing plot
holders who have registered as wanting a little more. If people are
offered a plot they must respond quickly, or else it may be offered to
another person, as we don’t want any plots left empty for weeks on
end, because plots will quickly weed up if left untended. The committee
would like people to be aware that plots are in demand and waiting times
elsewhere on other sites around the country can run into years! The
rental cost of plots also varies at other sites, with some a little
cheaper and some dearer. Indeed one large company, with a chain of
commercial sites, currently offers them at £5 a week, or £10 a week
with extras!
Council
Green Awards
Just thought you would like to know that Hixon Parish Council's project to develop the Wellington Fields Allotments received a highly commended nomination in last night's,
(Friday 21st October) Stafford Borough Council Green Awards - Community and
Well-being Category.
Got a nice framed certificate and a £50 Wolseley Centre voucher.
I'm going to suggest that the P.C. uses the voucher for something appropriate for the
allotments.
Brendan McKeown.
Hixon
Allotment Holders Invited To Haywoods Show!
Click
Here For Info!
News
Late in the
summer of 2010 the Hixon Parish Clerk, Mrs Gill sent out an email to all
the local residents who had previously shown an interest in having an
allotment in Hixon, inviting them to a meeting in the Memorial Hall on
Tuesday 12th October at 7.30pm.
The intention of
the meeting was to announce details of the proposed site and size of the
allotments and to explain the Parish Council’s progress in getting the
project off the ground.
The email advised that everyone should be
prepared to elect an Allotment Committee at the meeting and that that
Committee would then sort out the finer details of the allotment working
arrangements and have responsibility for the day to day running of the
allotments.
First Meeting
On Tuesday the
12th October at 7.30pm a meeting was held in Hixon Memorial Hall that
lasted about one hour. A total of about 50 households had expressed an
interest in having an allotment and 30 attended the first meeting.
Members of the
Hixon Parish Council gave a brief slide show explaining the proposed
allotments and handed out copies of the planned layout and guidelines
from the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Limited.
The plans for the
South-facing site in Egg Lane proposed a layout of 15 standard plots
each having the Allotments Society’s recommended size of 30m x 10m.
The plans also proposed having adequate vehicle access to and egress
from the site and a limited number of parking spaces of 5m x 2.5m for
cars, with additional space available round the turning circle.
The date for a final handover to a new Allotments
Committee, and occupation by the tenants, was provisionally set as April
2011. Approximately 12 people expressed an interest in being a committee
member and were asked to attend a meeting on Tuesday 19th October at 7pm
in the village hall to elect a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. |
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