EAST WARD ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION
Minutes of Meeting Thursday 5 September 2002
at Cricket Road 7.30pm
Present: Stewart Young, Jane Littlehales, Andy Henson, Pat Mansfield, Mick McNaboe, Claire Stentiford, Chris Rumble, John Grundy, Joanna Sephton, Maureen Allsworth
Katherine Frisby
See section 15
Minutes of 25th July 2002 approved. Newsletters had been distributed. The Elder Stubbs Open Day stall had been staffed by Paul, Ros and Stewart. It had been an enjoyable day and there had been some interest although it was felt that there was unlikely to be a rush of new members arising from it.
All matters already on the agenda
Tara Stewart from Fusion Arts (formerly Bloomin Arts) presented a proposal to create a community art project on EWAA land. The project would involve a commissioned artist working with local community groups to create an artwork. Funding would be arranged by Fusion Arts from grants although it would strengthen their case if money was already being spent on the area the art work would be created. The project would not require any funds from EWAA. The amount of maintenance required would depend on the type of artwork created which is still to be decided. Maintenance would fall to EWAA or the Council. Timescales would depend on funding being available. Fusion Arts already had proposals from a number of artists.
Two possible sites had been identified at EWAA – the play area and the main entrance area. Whilst the project would involve many people from the community, it is not necessary that the finished work is open to the public. However, it was felt that the main entrance area was a better site both for access, security of the allotments, supervision, etc. while the project took place and for public appreciation once it was completed.
Following considerable discussion and clarification, the Committee gave their support for the project. Jane has volunteered to represent the EWAA to assist Fusion Arts in choosing an artist and on the project steering committee.
ACTION: Jane
The stall for Florence Park Show must be set up by 11.30am with the show opening at 12 noon. It was suggested that members should arrive by 11am to secure a suitable table and site. Jane, Andy, Stewart and John are exhibiting at the show, and will be available to help set up the stall. Exhibits are to be set up between 9.30am and 11am. Roland may be available to erect a gazebo over the stall. The stall will display promotional leaflets, newsletters and have produce for sale. All members are encouraged to bring their surplus produce. A table is provided and Jane and Andy will provide garden chairs and take the leaflets, etc. from the shop.
The schedule for staffing the stall is:
12noon to 1pm Stewart
1pm to 2pm Mick
2pm to 3pm John and Steph
3pm to 5pm Jane and Andy
Other members are encouraged to join in as and when they can. At least one person should be on the stall at all times.
Good luck to all exhibitors!
ACTION: Andy, Jane, John, Steph, Stewart
STOP PRESS! EWAA members sweep the board with dozens of prizes including the Boots Challenge Cup won by Stewart. Congratulations!
Rota: An updated version was handed out and is on display in the shop.
Hours: The new opening hours are listed on the latest rota and on a poster by the main entrance.
Stock: Brittain’s were due to be in Oxford next week so any items ordered before then would not incur a delivery charge. Japanese onions were requested.
ACTION: Claire
Rent days are 15th and 22nd September. Notices advertising this had been displayed on every gate, the notice board and the shop door. A list of future work parties will be drawn up (see item 12) and everyone encouraged to sign up for something. Publicity leaflets will also be available (see item 9) and a small bundle given to each member for distribution.
ACTION: All Officers
Publicity leaflets have been designed and many have already been handed out at the Elder Stubbs and Florence Park shows. More are to be produced and given to members, for distribution as they wish, as they pay their rent. Posters have also been drawn up for the notice board.
Further publicity will be done in the spring, a better time to take on a new plot. The costs of putting leaflets in local papers and having them delivered by the post office will be investigated. The new community artwork may also generate publicity.
ACTION: Neil, Andy
Progress appears to have come to a halt on the front area and the play area. A letter will be sent to Pete Byfield giving him until 25th October to complete the work or the contract will be rescinded.
A lock has been attached to the solid vehicle gate by the shop. Locks are still to be attached to the solid pedestrian gate, the road vehicle gate and the road pedestrian gate
ACTION: Neil, Andy
STOP PRESS: All gates now have locks and fittings attached.
Thefts of produce and tools had been reported from plots in the 141 area. One plot had it’s number sign stolen! Further signs for the gates emphasising that the area is private and that gates must be kept locked will be put up.
Sunday 6th October, 10am to 12 noon is the time for all work parties.
Work to be done includes:
Path along hedge to Middle Road: remove stones and widen and clear path area. To be grassed.
Bramble clearance: many areas. Most important in access areas such as along roads and paths, cycle track, etc.
Mowing: More people willing to mow roads and paths needed.
Boundary Brook gate: Extend mesh below gate to stop children climbing under it.
Oxford County Council has requested that the EWAA cut brambles overhanging the cycle track. This will be done as a work party.
One of the County Council representatives will give a quote for the Council pollarding willows. This work requires specialist tools and equipment due to the thickness and height of the trees. The Council quote will be compared against other, commercial quotes. Claire knows someone who does this kind of work and will obtain a quote from them.
ACTION: Claire
No progress. Melody Mobus has left the Council and has been replaced by David Karsdale. He is looking into the files and will report any news.
A pool of oil has been spotted under the rotavator. A plastic container placed under it collected only a few drops but it was not known if this is because the leak is minor or because all the oil had already leaked out. It will be checked at the weekend.
ACTION: Stewart
Next meeting will need to consider servicing requirements.
Andy has made wooden signs to sell at the rent days for people to label their plots. The signs can be painted or written on with permanent marker.
A complaint had been received about red ants. Cultivating the soil was recommended as a deterrent.
John Nickhols says the rubbish outside the Whitehouse Project is not his. The rubbish which gave rise to the complaint mentioned in the Minutes of 13th June has been removed.
A tap at the lower end of First Road is leaking. Chris will look at it.
ACTION: Chris
The Committee expressed their thanks to Roland for attaching the padlocks and hasps to chains.
Thursday 7th November
Thursday 15th January