MINUTES OF COLE PARK ALLOTMENT HOLDERS MEETING HELD 3RD SEPTEMBER 2006 Those present Ellie Morgan 45 & 88 Judy Macicjavska (Temp Chair) 127 & 128 Julia & Crispin 26 Jim Hyde 67, 68 & 70 R Robinson 5 D Thorne 6 Olwen Griffith 27 Harriet Gardiner 53 Karen Phillips 48 Laura Couling & Zena Carter 105 M Gardener 25 or 26 Amanda & Martin Day 81b Robin Stevens & Lynette Clapp 78 (?) Jules & An 98 Eric & Sonia Sutton 31 Allan Lawrence 33 Tom Locke & Elizabeth Murphy 34 & 25 (pending) R Harfield 10 Robert 30 & 89 Giddeon 87 & 86 Apologies Pat 1. Reg explained that CIP had not yet sent the information they had promised. 2. Reg went to see Snakey Lane Allotment Society. A representative from the society was expected to attend the meeting, but they did not come. Reg explained that they had received £13,000 in grants from Glaxo and B.A. 3. Issues were discussed about the pros and cons of forming an Allotment Society that would ultimately manage the site Gideon – expressed that we are already at stage 3 in the self management process, in as much as we are already looking after the site. Everybody agreed that CIP have done nothing to manage the site for a long time. Karen – Suggested we affiliate with Isleworth Horticultural Society who run the trading hut at the Northcote Road entrance. We would then be able to use the hut. Olwyn – expressed need for financial autonomy. She explained that there were a wide range of models from what we were doing at the moment to ultimately owning the whole site. We would need to look into what our income and expenditure would be. Snakey Lane Allotment Society are still paying their rent to CIP who pay the water, insurances etc. She expressed concern that any committee should not be too prescriptive. She agreed that we are already managing the site unofficially. Avril – Was in favour of ultimately becoming a self managing site, but didn’t have the time. It was felt that this was true for many people. Jim – wanted to ensure that costs would be kept down for people on pensions. Martyn – Expressed concern that we remain a relaxed, unperscriptive site with out too many rules and regulations. Everybody agreed with this. Karen – Suggested we install a suggestion box, so that those unable to attend meetings could still express their views. It was suggested that it be placed at 88/89 shed. Judy – Suggested that a working group get together to draft a constitution for an association that will move self management forward. Gideon – Said that an association would need to raise money. Reg – Explained that we would need a chair, secretary and treasurer. Jim – suggested that we would need a vice chair. He suggested that John Holden from Chiswick allotments would be able to help write up a constitution. Karen and Martyn – felt that there should be a time limit on how long committee members should remain in post. Reg and Jim - said they would visit Snakey Lane Allotment Society and get a copy of their constitution. 4. Members of the working party were proposed. These were; Olwyn, Gideoon, Reg, Jim, Ellie, Judy, Allan, Karen. Anyone else is welcome to come to the working party. 5. The possibility of sending a letter when the bills go out to all allotment holders was suggested. It might be too late for this. 6. A vote was held to see if anybody was against the proposal of forming the Cole Park Allotment Society. There were no votes against. 7. Date of the next meeting – one month from today, possibly in the church hall in Northcote Road. ITEMS FOR ACTION Judy to phone Praba at CIP to see if they would be able to put something in with the bills. Reg, Jim & Gideon to visit Snakey Lane Allotment Society and get a copy of their constitution. A working party will meet on 10th September at 10.30 at plot 89 to put together a constitution. Plan next general meeting. Please pass on items for the agenda to either Reg, Judy or leave a note at plot 89. We now have a website thanks to Pat. Visit www.coleparkallotments.org.uk