Present
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Graeme Ainsworth, Heather Davies, Treasurer, Mary Locock, Sue Morris, Secretary, Stuart Sidebotham, Leominster Grounds Supervisor, Kay West, Chairperson.
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1
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Apologies & Minutes
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Apologies received from Penny Fear, Andy Watkins, Jane Lacey
The minutes of the last meeting were circulated, read and approved.
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2
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Matters arising
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The tubs on the car parks have now been planted with mostly free or donated flowering plants. The only cost has been compost.
Sue has still not managed to have a meeting with Chris Preece to review the Association Web-site.
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3
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Membership report
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There are 21 paid-up members.
Jane proposed paying the membership fee to the National Association by June 26th next year as member numbers are required for ordering the Kings Seed Catalogues by this date. This year she will pay on August 18th as normal.
There was a discussion on how to enable new members to order from the seed catalogues. We can share the catalogue and make copies of the order forms.
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4
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Treasurer’s report
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Current bank balance £1450.45
Cash Balance £342.13
21 members have paid their fees since 01.04.2026
Still a deficit of £7 on the cost of manure purchased in November 2025
Overall, the financial situation is better than last year.
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5
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Site Matters
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Stuart has produced a draft of a notice for the swap table. A simplified version was suggested with the extra advice to attempt to get rid of large unwanted objects directly from home by posting them on the Association Facebook page.
Key rules: take your things away if no one has taken them after 2 weeks, no glass or broken/rotten items. There was discussion as to where to best site the swap table to discourage people bringing broken/rotten items from home to dispose of them on the swap table instead of to the tip but consensus was to leave it by the entrance for now.
The security cameras purchased need internet access need a SIM card. One will be fitted with a SIM card and wildlife cameras positioned elsewhere.
Thieves recently climbed over the fence by the cattery lane and stole a strimmer. Stuart will obtain 315 hawthorn saplings to bulk up the hedge but if plot holders themselves climb over the fence, it creates a gap, making it easier for others to gain access. Please do not leave piles of weeds in the hedge.
Since a notice reminding people not to fly tip prunings there has not been any further dumping of prunings. Kay has tidied up the area where wood chip is put.
Stuart has accepted a tender to scrape and level the track by the entrance. Work should start soon.
Stuart asked whether any veterans would like to work a plot on the site but has not received any replies.
Julie Debbage is working on a safeguarding policy for the site.
The annual Terms agreement was signed by Kay, Sue and Stuart.
There are currently no vacant plots and 9 on the waiting list.
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6.
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Security
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Police will arrange a security marking session for plot holders to mark their items on July 19th.
The usual reminder to close and lock the gates when you leave if you are the last person.
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7
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Car boot sale
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Only costs £8 per boot. The last one raised £86. It is hoped to do another one in August.
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8
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BBQ June 5th
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It only rained near the end. Fair turn out. We now have a full gas cylinder. BBQ utensils have gone missing so need to be replaced.
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9
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Forthcoming events
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Leominster in Bloom assessment visit will be on July 19th after security marking.
A sub-group will meet to arrange this. Date TBC.
Plot judging visit date to be arranged on July 19th.
Harvest Supper booked at Forbury. Council to provide 6 or 7 x £10 garden tokens for prizes. Sue to ask about getting engraved discs to put on gate posts of award winners.
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10
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AOB
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Kay contacted Monty Don’s agent to invite him to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of Ginhall Lane allotments. We decided we could not afford his fee.
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Kay thanked the members for their attendance and closed the meeting at 8.20pm.
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