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Latest News.
Minutes of the meeting held on
Tuesday June 30th 2026
at the Bank House.
Present: Mark Connell (Acting Chair), Alan Hartley, Julie
Hilton, Dave Jones, Dave Hughes, Jane Garner, Paul Hopcroft
6.26.1 Apologies: Simon Ellin.
6.26.2 Previous minutes and matters arising.
The minutes from 28th April were agreed and signed by the acting
chairman.
Letters had been sent to two plot holders due to lack of cultivation.
Both had responded and begun work.
The compost sign and notice board have both been ordered and delivered.
Simons experiment with non-Glyphosate weedkiller seems to show that the
green growth is killed, but not the roots and so the weeds have grown
back.
The fence has not yet been dealt with, but the new posts are there. SE.
6.26.3 Financial report.
None, as Simon was unable to attend. Simon had however asked for it to
be noted that although the committee had requested separate audited
accounts for the Allotments and the Memorial Garden, (11.24.4) this had
not happened. He assured the Committee that this will be the case from
now on.
6.26.4 Vacant/uncultivated plots and waiting list.
There are no vacant plots and three people on the waiting list.
The plot holder of the overgrown allotment will be offered one of the
covers.
There will be a mid-season inspection during the week beginning 13th
July. Jane will write to inform plot holders.
6.26.5 Use of weedkillers.
The Committee felt that more information is needed about the different
types of weedkiller, before a decision regarding whether to ban them
entirely is made.
One plot holder is trained in the use of weedkillers and Jane will
contact him for more information. JG.
6.26.6 Siting new notice board and composting sign.
It was suggested that the old notice board could possibly be used as a
stand for the composting sign.
The position of the sign and notice board will be discussed after the
plot inspection.
6.26.7 Possible communal polytunnel.
This was raised at the AGM, but at present there are no free plots. If a
suitable plot were to become available and used for a polytunnel, people
would rent a space, which would compensate for the loss of rent.
However, there would have to be an evaluation of the number of plot
holders who might be interested.
It was suggested that some of the funds could be used to buy a battery
strimmer, might be more effective and reliable than the current petrol
strimmer.
6.26.8 Repairs to taps.
Paul had agreement from the Parish Council that the committee would
repair or replace the taps as necessary and then invoice the Council. It
would appear that some of the taps have already been repaired, but any
which still need work will be repaired by the committee.
One tap already has a splitter fitting to allow for hand washing and
these will be fitted to other taps at some point.
6.26.9 Trough covers.
Some pallets have been sourced and Mark offered to have a look at
designing a cover for the biggest trough. MC.
6.26.10 Soil assessment.
Jane will contact Jack Martin about a possible soil assessment. JG.
6.26.11 Open Day, barbecue and plant sale.
It was hoped that this would still be possible, but it might have to be
in September as several members of the committee are not available in
August. A possible date will be discussed by email.
There will be another plant sale in September.
6.26.12 AOB
Memorial Hall Centenary - It was agreed that we would have a small
display at the Centenary of the Memorial Hall on 8th & 9th August. We
will need some photos from the website and a brief history as well as
some produce. It was suggested that we could have a guess the weight of
a
. or how many peas in a jar competitions.
Woodchip We will ask plot holders if they know of any tree
surgeons who might be prepared to off-load woodchip at the site.
Rotary sieve Dave Hughes has a small rotary garden sieve which
might be of interest to other plot holders. It was suggested that we buy
one for communal use, but it would have to be fairly robust. JG.
Next meeting: 25th August at 7.45pm in the Bank House.
Minutes of the Committee meeting held on
Tuesday 28th April 2026
at the Bank House.
Present: Simon Ellin, Alan Hartley, Karen Appleton, Julie
Hilton, Jane Garner, Mark Connell.
4.26.1 Apologies: Dave Jones, Paul Hopcroft.
4.26.2 Previous minutes and matters arising.
The minutes from 24th February 2026 were agreed and signed by the
chairman.
Karen and Julie announced that they were both resigning from the
committee. Simon thanked them both for their work for the Allotments.
As Karen has also resigned as treasurer, Simon and Mark agreed to work
together as a temporary treasurers.
4.26.3 Financial report. (13.04.26)
WFA: £8,208.01
The money for the rents and water will go out to the Parish Council next
month.
Memorial Garden: £1,644.81 (Wreaths were bought for the memorials on the
anniversary of the accident - £50.00)
4.26.4 Vacant/uncultivated plots.
All the vacant plots have now been taken and there is one person on the
waiting list.
The growing season is now well under way, but it would appear that some
people have yet to start work. Jane will send an email to all plot
holders, asking people to let us know if there are any issues which are
preventing them from beginning cultivation. We will have a look at the
state of plots in a couple of weeks and if necessary, individual letters
will be sent. JG
4.26.5 New rules for siting sheds.
There is now a shed on one of the inner plots. It is sited 2m from the
main access path and looks good and not out of place.
New shed application forms have been devised.
4.26.6 Signs for composting area.
Julie has designed a sign with a list of 'yeses' and 'nos' so that
everyone will be clear about what is compostable material and what
should go into John's bucket or be taken off site. The sign will be made
from aluminium, it will be 590 x 400mm and will cost £44.00. JH
4.26.7 Use of weedkillers and information re:Glyphosate.
The committee looked at some information about the potential effects of
Glyphosate on human health and the health of the soil. It was agreed
that it should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Simon offered to
test some weedkillers without Glyphosate on the weeds in the gravel by
the shed. At the next meeting a decision will be made on whether to ban
the use of Glyphosate on the site. SE
4.26.8 Plant Sale. (10th May)
The sale will be held outside the Memorial Hall, from10 until 12. Jane
will remind plot holders and Simon will advertise it on Face Book. JG
4.26.9 AGM. (29th May)
Jane will email plot holders and will ask for any agenda items.
Simon and Mark will work together to set the rents.
Simon will buy a new wheelbarrow for the site, as was suggested at last
year's AGM. Jane will order a new notice board (585 x 1076mm, landscape
with the WFA name and logo on the header board). This will cost £413.40.
It is hoped that some new committee members will come forward at the AGM.
JG, SE
4.26.10 Repairs to the perimeter fence.
John Martin has offered to repair the fence, but more has been heard.
Jane will write to Catherine to find out more. The committee also wanted
reassurance that the rabbit netting would be replaced. JG
4.26.11 New project or items for excess funds.
The composting sign and notice board will be ordered and Simon will buy
a new wheelbarrow.
There will be another barbecue later in the year. SE
4.26.12 Centenary celebrations for the Memorial Hall.
We will have a stand advertising the allotments. This will consist of
photos, some produce and possibly a competition.
4.26.13 Covers for troughs.
As there are now a few young children who come onto the site with their
parents, it was felt that it would be good to have covers for the
troughs and in particular the big one at the top. Colwich Allotments
cover their troughs and Mark offered to go and look at their designs. MC
4.26.14 AOB.
Taps - Some of the taps need some work and Simon will contact a plumber
to repair or replace them. Dave is still intending to fit splitters to
the taps, when time permits.
Sink in toilet This is not working
Covers It is proving very difficult to find an effective
material to be used as a weed suppressant. John Martin will be asked
about sourcing new potato sheets.
Soil testing Jack Martin offered to conduct some tests on the
soil around the site. Jane will contact him. SE, DJ, JG, JG.
Minutes of the Committee meeting held on
Tuesday 24th February 2026
at the Bank House.
Present: Simon Ellin, Alan Hartley, Karen Appleton, Julie Hilton,
Dave Jones, Jane Garner, Mark Connell + Paul Hopcroft (PC)
2.26.1 Apologies: None.
2.26.2 Previous minutes and matters arising.
The minutes from 5th August 2025 were agreed and signed by the
chairman.
Open day and plot holders' barbecue These were both a great
success and we will do the same later in the year.
2.26.3 Financial report (03.02.26)
WFA: £5,564.20
Memorial Garden: £1,669.81 (this includes £1,027.00 transferred from Mid
Trent Churches and £67.00 donation from Malcolm Garner from book sales)
2.26.4 Vacant/uncultivated plots.
The full plot is still vacant and two half plots have recently been
given up.
Simon will advertise these on Face Book. SE
2.26.5 Report to the Parish Council re: siting of sheds.
One of the middle plots has been taken recently and the new plot holder
would like to have a shed. This was discussed at the Parish Council and
agreed that for plots bordering the main access path, sheds could be
sited on the boundary between the middle and outer plot. The committee
felt that this general rule might mean that sheds were not always sited
in the most appropriate position and that sometimes the best place would
be alongside the main path. Simon had therefore offered to write a
report, putting forward the committee's points of view. This report was
discussed.
The question of why shed applications had to go through the Parish
Council was raised and Paul offered to look into any pre-existing rules
for siting sheds. It was suggested that some firm rules concerning the
size and position of sheds be drawn up and that in future the committee
would decide on the position, with applications sent to the Parish
Council, but for information only. It was agreed that sheds on the outer
plots would always be installed alongside the perimeter fence and that
sheds on the middle plots would be installed at least 2m from any
boundary which would remove any issues concerning shading of
neighbouring plots. Each application would be considered on merit and
there should therefore be little need for any Parish Council
involvement.
It was suggested that the rules around the siting of sheds must ensure
that doors do not open onto any path and if a shed is sited adjacent to
a shared path, access must not be impeded.
Simon and Paul would amend the report in the light of this discussion.
It was agreed that this change would not constitute a change to the
rules and so there would be no need for an EGM.
The application form for a shed would be changed and the tenancy
agreement will reference the shed application process.
2.26.6 Allotments worked by people other than the plot holder.
A plot has recently been taken over by someone who lives in the village,
but there has been some concern that it seems to be being worked only by
relatives, who are not local. Jane has written to try to clarify the
situation and it would appear that the plot (which was very overgrown)
has been cleared and prepared in readiness for the growing season when
the tenant will be the person working the plot.
2.26.7 Use of weedkillers.
It would appear that some people are using weedkiller and so the use of
weedkillers must be tightened up. WFA rules state that
'The use of non-organic pesticides and herbicides is not permitted,
although organically certified controls are allowed. Systemic weedkiller
(i.e. Glyphosate) is permitted for use on paths, but applications
elsewhere should only be with prior permission from the committee'.
As there is growing national concern regarding potential cancer risks
and harm to biodiversity from Glyphosate, the committee will research
the issues further before considering whether or not to permit its use
on paths or whether to change the above rule.
2.26.8 Signs for composting area.
Julie offered to compile a simple list of items which should not be put
into the communal compost bay for discussion at the next meeting.
2.26.9 Centenary celebrations for the Memorial Hall.
WFA have been invited to take part in the celebration on 8th/9th August.
It was agreed that it would be good to advertise the allotments with a
display of photos and possibly some produce.
2.26.10 New project or items for excess funds.
The perimeter fence is in a poor condition in parts and the Parish
Council is in the process of getting quotes for its replacement. It was
suggested that the committee could possibly help with the removal of the
old fence, which might reduce the cost. Paul will put any proposals
forward and they will be discussed by the committee.
2.26.11 Garden Organic seed allocation.
Karen has received some Heritage Seeds from Garden Organic and suggested
that they could be given to plot holders as part of a growing
competition. This was thought to be a good idea, although there might be
a few logistical issues which would have to be worked out.
The judging could perhaps be combined with this year's barbecue or at an
evening with guest speakers such as the Potty Plotters.
An email could be sent to plot holders to see how many would be
interested.
2.26.12 AOB.
AGM The AGM will take place on Friday 29th May at 7.30 in the
Memorial Hall.
Plant sale The spring plant sale will be held in May.
Next meeting: Tuesday 28th April.
Minutes of the Committee meeting held on
Tuesday 5th August 2025
at the Bank House.
Present: Simon Ellin, Alan Hartley, Karen Appleton, Julie Hilton,
Dave Jones, Jane Garner
8.25.1 Apologies: None.
8.25.2 Previous minutes and matters arising.
The minutes from 22nd July 2025 were agreed and signed by the chairman.
Covers for empty plots - Ongoing
Taps Ongoing SE, DJ.
8.25.3 Financial report.
No change since previous report (22nd July)
8.25.4 New project or items for excess funds.
A new notice board is needed, possibly with a pin board rather than
magnets. The old notice board could then be used for composting
instructions and adverts for Environmesh etc.
The reverse-parking signs could be made to look better i.e. more
permanent posts and possibly a sign on the gate.
One plot has been uncultivated for the past 12 months due to illness.
It has been covered but the weeds are coming through and it was
suggested that weedkiller is used and someone employed to dig it over.
This plot could then be divided into small 'starter plots'.
A speaker (e.g.Potty Plotters) could be invited to next year's AGM to
encourage more people to attend. JG.
8.25.5 Vacant/uncultivated plots and waiting list.
There is one vacant plot at present.
A letter terminating the tenancy was sent to one plot holder who had
done very little to the plot over the past twelve months.
Letters have been sent to several other plot holders, asking that they
clear weeds.
8.25.6 Use of weedkillers.
It appears that some people are using weedkiller and so the use of
weedkillers must be tightened up. WFA rules state that
'The use of non-organic pesticides and herbicides is not permitted,
although organically certified controls are allowed. Systemic weedkiller
(i.e. Glyphosate) is permitted for use on paths, but applications
elsewhere should only be with prior permission from the committee'.
Plot holders must be reminded of this rule, and others.
8.25.7 Signs for composting area.
It was suggested that the simplest composting instructions could just be
a list of 'nos' e.g. no wood/cabbage stalks/vegetables....
8.25.8 Open day and barbecue.
The Open Day and plant sale will be advertised on Face Book and with
posters around the village.
Karen will buy 2 barbecues and the food (burgers, sausages, buns,
coleslaw etc.)
Simon will provide some background music.
Jane will invite Jane and John Martin and will email plot holders again
to get final numbers.
Plot holders will be asked to bring chairs and drink.
8.25.9 AOB.
AGM Jane will email the previous minutes and the agenda to plot
holders. Simon offered to print the agendas. The committee will meet at
7.00pm on 29th August for a brief pre-meeting. The AGM will start at
7.30pm.
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