Welcome and introductions
The Chair welcomed the attendees, and everyone briefly introduced themselves. At the start of the meeting there were 15 attendees, so the meeting was quorate. It was especially good to welcome new plot holders for 2026.
Report from the committee
Plots and vacancies
Five plots have been reallocated in the past year, and currently there are just three plots known to be vacant. Two of those are not yet in a clear state to be let. Help to remove rubbish from plots 14 and 14A would be greatly appreciated. John has done great work to clear the plots as much as he can so far.
Prospective tenants are currently allowed only four days by the council to complete their tenancy paperwork before an offer is withdrawn. This is not long enough, and the council has been asked to extend the period.
As plots become vacant, they are offered and allocated to the names at the top of the council waiting list. The system has worked much better over the past few years, now that it is under the control of the committee.
Visit by Councillor Rachel Eden
Councillor Eden visited Goddard’s Farm on 25 April, coinciding with our Seed Swap social event. She toured the site and saw its active management and the working plots. She was very positive about the site and commented that the council recognises the benefits allotments bring to physical and mental health and well-being.
Social events
Our social events were a little curtailed this year by the summer heatwave. However, we held two main events: the late-spring Seed and Seedling Swap and the August Competition Social.
Ideas for next year:
- Invite our councillor to the August competition social.
- Add a “Best Plot Number Sign” competition category.
- Hold a seed swap in March or April and a plant swap in April or May.
Committee elections
All committee members stood down. Those who wished to stand again were elected unopposed:
| Committee member | Proposed by | Seconded by |
|---|---|---|
| Geoff | Alice | Dave |
| Kim | Stuart | Rod |
| Alice | Geoff | Lorraine |
| Stuart | Lyn | Georgina |
| Lorraine | Alice | Paula |
| Georgina | Lorraine | Rod |
| Lyn | Kim | Alice |
| Rod | Dave | Kim |
| Dave | Georgina | Rod |
Others were invited to step forward, but there were no further volunteers. There are nine committee members for the 2026/27 season. Specific roles and responsibilities will be discussed at the next committee meeting.
Any other business
- Geoff has created a new website, and everyone was encouraged to take a look. It was suggested that the site could include recipes using allotment produce; Waitrose magazine has seasonal recipes that could be shared.
- The water will shortly be turned off and will not be turned on again until next year’s growing season. Please fill the bucket with water to flush the toilet after use.
- We plan to collect water from the main shed roof once guttering has been installed. This would help with flushing the toilet during the winter.
- The council allotment officer is looking at the status of the shed on our site.
These AGM items will be taken into the committee meeting discussions.
Special thanks
Not covered in sufficient detail at the meeting, but recorded here in gratitude. Thanks to:
- John, for tremendous efforts in clearing plot 14.
- Kim, for keeping the communal toilet in great condition, regularly washing the hand towel and replacing the toilet rolls.
- Geoff, for managing our communications and updating our website.
- Lorraine and Georgina, for liaising with the council and prospective new tenants.
- Dave, for sourcing the pallets for our big water containers.
Next AGM
The next AGM will be held within 15 months of this one.
Notes taken by Lyn, plot 40.