Guest Speaker

The next meeting of abas is on Monday May 9th at 8.00 p.m. at Astley Bridge Cricket Club.

We have a guest speaker - Mr John Woods of the National Vegetable Society, who will be giving a talk entitled - "GROWING QUALITY VEGETABLES FOR THE TABLE AND SHOW BENCH"

The talk will start at 8.00 p.m. prompt and should last between 45 minutes and one hour.

It will be followed by the normal abas business meeting.

We hope that as many allotment plot-holders as possible will attend the talk.

BOLTON FM

Carol Barlow (Sapling Rd.) and Margaret Jackson (Harpers Lane) will be guesting on Bolton FM's "Community Corner" programme next Wednesday (April 27th) between 7.00 and 8.00 p.m.

They'll be talking about allotments and about the "Allotted" exhibition. 

The Allotted Exhibition

ABAS APRIL MEETING

MINUTES OF ABAS MEETING 11.04.2016

Astley Bridge Cricket Club

Attendance: 17 representatives from 10 sites

REMINDER

Please remember our bulletin board

www.abas2014.blogspot.co.uk

And our email

boltonallotments2014@yahoo.co.uk

Minutes of 14/03/2016 and Matters Arising

The Minutes having been posted on the bulletin board, it was proposed (R Maginn – Sapling Rd.) that they be accepted as a true and fair record.

Matters Arising from the Meeting

The selling of produce – The council had been informed of the views of the abas meeting, the abas observations had been noted. We are awaiting confirmation that the Executive member has authorised this as a policy, but believe that societies may (if they comply with the Council guidelines) now proceed with their initiatives.

Allotment Crime –

Liaison with the relevant PCSO has been maintained.

Abas is using the bulletin board to keep secretaries informed

Abas ‘concerns’ matrix – essentially the remaining items from the 24/02/2016 meeting with the ‘Council’

Tonge Moor Rd have concerns about stock plots on their site. The Council has confirmed that stock plots are not covered by OMA agreements. If however societies have animal welfare concerns they should contact the Allotments section - resolved

Tonge Fold – D Waring confirmed that Tonge Fold has now received planning permission and the community hut and composting toilets are going ahead – resolved

Rawlyn Road – Rawlyn Rd now have up to date paperwork. They would still like to see a report of the Council’s recent asbestos survey on their site. We have previously been informed by the Council that these surveys are being organised by Corporate Property and the allotments section does not have the information sought to hand.

Shepherds X St – There has been no progress on asbestos removal

Florence Avenue – There has been no progress on improvements to the car park

Moss Lea – The communal greenhouse repairs have been done. The society are still awaiting a decision on whether individual greenhouses and sheds will be allowed. This issue is tied up in internal Council protocols.

Harpers Lane – Harpers Lane has a rat infestation. Promises were made (mid-February) by Environmental Services that a Pest Control Officer would visit the site. There has been no contact since.

Haslam Park – There being no representative of this site present we have no update on the issues at Haslam Park.

Smedley Avenue – Smedley Avenue representatives stated that they had sent an email on November 15^th stating that they could now meet the conditions for a simplified OMA put forward by the Council. They have had no response. Abas agreed to contact Malcolm Russell.

Generalised Concerns

No new information from Council on generalised points from minutes

Members reported that they are now receiving Up-to-date Waiting Lists.

Members reported that they have either resumed monthly reports or indeed never stopped sending them in over the winter.

Members will resume site inspections for the mal-cultivation process from April?

There was some discussion about those ‘on probation’.

The abas view is that when a secretary / committee allot someone a plot ‘on probation’ they do so without recommending to the Council that a Tenancy Agreement be issued.

They should state clearly the period of probation (in the monthly report) and the criteria they will apply.

If someone does not meet those criteria, then the secretary should inform the Council (through the monthly report) that they cannot recommend that a tenancy agreement be entered into and that the plot should be re-assigned to a new tenant. Once the Council confirms this, the plot may be re-let.

If the criteria are met then get the tenant to sign a Tenancy Registration form and send it in with the monthly report.

Spending Priorities

The following areas were identified as priority at the March meeting.

·        Assistance with projects to install composting toilets etc. (need to extend toilet provision beyond the current 26 week period)

·        Assistance with projects to improve fencing to improve site security

·        Assistance with projects to install/ improve security cameras and lights

·        Expansion of the self-help scheme with the Council taking a more pro-active role in organising the supply of material (it was suggested that this is a potentially very effective role that the Council could perform)

·        Development of access to plant e.g. mini-diggers (it was suggested that abas assess how much demand for this work exists across sites and if demand is sufficient approach some local contractors to see if a ‘bulk’ deal can be struck. Members were asked to contact abas with the jobs they want doing.)

The question was put that since in most cases the Council have no resources to resolve problems occurring on sites and effectively societies are being expected to undertake a range of maintenance and repair work, where can societies raise the necessary funds?

Abas’ response is that societies will have to be more proactive in fundraising.

Essentially for societies there are three avenues which they may wish to explore.

1.      Setting the level of membership subscriptions at an economic level  – for example where the society arranges collective public liability insurance and membership of the NAS then it would seem reasonable that those costs should be covered by subscriptions. Again it can be argued that the more facilities for plot-holders that a society provides e.g. when it introduces composting toilets it is equitable to ensure that subscriptions cover any additional running costs to the society.***

2.      Running fund-raising events / activities (e.g. Open Days, Produce Sales etc.) which might include seeking sponsorship

3.      Applying for grants (societies are encouraged to join the Bolton CVS (www.boltoncvs.org.uk) and to register with the Greater Manchester Funding Portal (www.gmvss.net/gmfunding) . Societies were also made aware of the National Allotment Gardens Trust – see later)

*** There is a distinct feeling that we are moving ever closer to what in reality will be a ‘self-managed’ or at least ‘self-maintained’ situation. If this is the case we may need to learn from those who have already trod this route e.g. the Leeds Federation and consider replacing ‘subs’ with some kind of ‘service charge’ element.

Allotment Crime

Break-ins and vandalism have been reported at Moss Lea, Florence Avenue, Settle St., Dealey Rd., Sapling Rd. and Tonge Fold and earlier at Shepherds Cross St.

It was thought that the current spate is minor vandalism and theft (‘kids’?) rather than the professional raids for tools and equipment experienced last year.

There is still no movement on any official Allotment Watch but we continue to liaise with the PCSO at the Middlebrook

Funding Opportunity

The National Allotment Gardens Trust (NAGT) can provide funding and advice to support projects that advance and improve allotments and allotment sites. This funding is purely for allotment projects.

To find out if your project might qualify go to: www.nagtrust.co.uk and download the grant applications details.

The ‘Allotted’ exhibition

An exhibition of artworks and writing on environmental and allotment gardening themes is to be held between 30^th June 2016 and 31^st July 2016 at the neo:gallery, upper floor, the Market Place. The exhibition is supported by a grant from Bolton Arts Forum but other funding is being sought

The title is “Allotted” – a number of plot-holders at member allotments are participating.

The exhibition will also provide a space where abas can advertise / promote the Open Days, markets, produce sales, Site Shows etc. that our members are running during July / August. So please make sure we have the details.

There is a bulletin board www.allotted2016.blogspot.com for more information

There was an enquiry as to whether allotment holders with ‘arts’ interests might become exhibitors. The Secretary undertook to speak to the exhibition organisers on Wednesday 13^th April to find out.

Allotment Competitions

Entry Forms for the Fairhurst, Greenhalgh, New Tenants and Rosebowl Competitions are now available from Terry, 0786 393 3064. Terry is posting forms to those secretaries who have not already collected them.

It’s important that all entrants get access to copies of the scoring criteria

Closing date for entries is 16^th May 2016

Judging will be w/c 06/06 (1^st round) and w/c 18/07 (2^nd round)

Prizes will be presented at the Veg Show on 20/08/2016

Posters for the Vegetable Show  were handed out. Terry has additional copies which will be distributed during the Fairhurst judging visits. Alternatively email boltonallotments2014@yahoo.co.uk for an electronic copy.

Sponsorship of Competitions and Show

We are grateful to the Following

J Maher Limited are sponsoring the prizes for the three main allotment competitions

Sponsorship for the Show has been obtained from the University of Bolton

The CVS grant is making a contribution to the costs of both

However we still need individual sponsorship of classes at the show (@£10 per individual class)

External Affairs

Those sites who are members of the NAS should have received an invitation to the NWCAA AGM on 24^th April.

This is being held at the Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade, Southport, PR8 1RB

Registration begins at 11.00 a.m. The meeting runs from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. with a break for lunch.

NAS officers will be attending to present the ‘National’ case

If you are attending please inform Andy Percival on lawsonrdallotments@gmail.com

You should also be aware that the NAS AGM is being held on 4^th June 2016 at the Royal York Hotel, Station Rd., York YO24 1AA

Future Programme

John Wood (NVS) will be giving a talk ‘The Growing of Quality Vegetables for the Table and Show Bench’ at the May meeting of abas on 9^th May 2016.

The potential trip to Harrogate Show would be on Sunday 18^th September.

Tickets at the gate would be £16 per person. Reductions should be available by pre-booking.

Transport costs would be dependent on how many are interested, but an estimate of £8.00 per person was given. Payment in advance would be required for the transport element. This would be non-refundable.

Any Other Business

The next meeting will be at ABCC at 8.00 p.m. on Monday 9^th May 2016.

Revive Compost

The meeting was informed that as we are in a new financial year the one pallet free offer on revive compost has re-opened. The address to contact is JBolger@viridor-laing.co.uk

Harpers Lane plot-holders received a pallet in March and so far are pleased with the results.

NEXT MEETING

Just to remind everyone that the next Abas meeting is at 8.00 p.m. on April 11th at Astley Bridge Cricket Club.

If anyone has issues / points they want placed on the agenda please contact the secretary at boltonallotments2014@yahoo.co.uk - by 10.00 a.m. on 11/04/2016

BREAK-INS AND VANDALISM

We are getting more reports of break-ins and vandalism on Sites.

We've had reports in the last week or so of break-ins at Settle Street and at Dealey Rd.

At Dealey Rd there was also vandalism of some sheds.

Looks like the thieving season is on us again

Abas Meeting 14.03.2016

Minutes of the Monthly Abas meeting held on 14/03/2016 at Astley Bridge Cricket Club

The abas vision statement

Abas exists to achieve fair treatment for all plot-holders on allotments sites within the Bolton Borough boundaries. It seeks to achieve this through effective representation of plot-holders and societies to the Council and the provision of support to individuals and societies.

AGM 2015

Minutes of the AGM 2015

The minutes of the 2015 AGM having been placed on the association’s blogsite at www.abas2014.blogspot.co.uk prior to Christmas 2015, and no matters having been raised by members, the Committee proposed that the minutes be accepted as a true and accurate record.

This motion was proposed by Lennard Nuttall (Rawlyn Rd.) and seconded by Brian Southwood (Rawlyn Rd.)

The matters arising from the minutes were covered by items in the meeting’s agenda

Report back from Progress Meeting with Bolton Council on 24/02/2016

Abas were given ssight of a new copy of the Council’s site refresher monitor – showing numbers of vacancies etc.

The Council’s current “savings review” is nearing completion. The status quo will apply on allotments, we will still be in a balanced budget situation.

The Council has invited abas to consult with members as to the priority areas for any funds which may become available

A discussion was subsequently held in which the following priorities were identified:

1.      Assistance in installing composting toilets (or other facilities) at those sites without toilet facilities

2.      Fencing to secure sites

3.      Assistance in acquiring and installing security cameras and lights

4.      Expansion of the Self-help scheme with a more proactive role by the Council in organising materials etc.

5.      Access to plant e.g. a mini-digger or even a JCB – many sits have work for such equipment

It was recognised that in most cases sites will have to secure grant funding for these initiatives though the Council could assist with e.g. planning applications, support for bids etc.

Other points

Notions that Horwich Town Council might take on a more active role in managing sites in Horwich seem to have been shelved.  Lever Park Avenue remains however a possible site for expansion if funds could be introduced from somewhere.

Longworth Rd, Horwich is now an OMA site, and is the only OMA site not currently in abas membership.

Local Councillors are taking an interest in matters at Longworth Rd., Egerton. They are hoping to convene / facilitate a site meeting to discuss concerns raised with them. MR has agreed to attend such a meeting.

A number of individuals have contacted the Council stating that turning off the water supply discriminates against poultry keepers. The Council believe that the risks of damage to the piping if the water is left on during winter is too great to allow extension of the season.

They argue that tenants are aware of the situation when they opt to keep poultry.

The Abas Concerns Matrix

The Association maintains a Record of issues which member societies request that we raise with the Council on their behalf. We also record the results of representations etc.

We are reliant on member authorities both informing us of issues that need to be tackled and also updating us on progress (or the lack of it)

A number of site specific issues were raised on 24/02/2016 and the responses have been communicated to the societies involved

General Issues raised at the Meeting
(Matters common to more than one site)

The Council cannot provide site secretaries with tenants’ lists containing names and contact details (Data Protection) – abas would advise all societies to keep a record of names and addresses of all society members – providing this info should be a condition of membership) – such a record is a condition for all those insured through the NAS

The Council cannot provide site secretaries with lists of those who haven’t paid their rent and who thus may be liable to Notice to Quit.

There have been delays in the transmission of payments data from Finance to Allotments which has delayed the Vacancy Process

Secretaries are reminded that they should not take action to re-let plots until they receive information from the Council that the plot is free to re-let (unless the tenant has signed a termination / amendment form) (OMA sites only)

The Allotments Section is currently preparing and circulating up to date waiting lists and these are being circulated to OMA secretaries as they become available. Part of this process may include cross-checking Council records against those held by secretaries.

Reporting

The Council had not been expecting Monthly Reports to be submitted during the winter period and had not allocated staff time to deal with them.

The Allotments section is still very short-staffed and is especially vulnerable to staff sickness and absence. The section is also involved in dealing with the aftermath of the January floods.

The section would still prefer all communications to be through Monthly Reports as there is no capacity to provide a guaranteed, timely response to emails.

The Council would not anticipate any requests (outwith emergencies) for actions on Breach of Tenancies or mal-cultivation before the April Monthly Reports.

Abas membership

Abas membership remains as stated at the 2015 AGM

The Treasurer confirmed that all existing members have paid 2016 subscriptions.

The Committee will be launching a second drive to increase membership. The Council however has not so far been able to distribute any membership materials to individual tenants on our behalf.

The Selling of Produce

The following draft policy statement has been received:

The Council is keen to support Societies both in terms of the sustainable management of sites and the potential role that sites/societies could play in the local community around food growing, health and wider social benefits. On that basis the Council, as landlord, will permit the sale of surplus produce on allotment sites subject to the following criteria

·        Sales are of SURPLUS produce

·        Sales must be COLLECTIVE and proceeds must go to the Site Society not to individuals

·        Sales must be ON-SITE and there must be NO OFF-SITE advertising

(some sales at off-site venues e.g. church fetes would be acceptable)

·        Societies should not create any purpose built structure for the purpose of selling produce

·        Sales should be of ‘in season’ produce grown on the site, no produce can be brought from another source

·        There should be no sale of processed produce UNLESS the Society goes through registration as a Food business and Food Hygiene Testing Inspection etc. with the relevant regulatory departments

·        The Site Society should notify the Council by e-mail (allotments@bolton.gov.uk)  that they propose to sell surplus produce / food sales at least 2 weeks prior to sales commencing

The Council reserves the right to require a Society to cease sales if the Society is not following the above criteria OR if other relevant issues are brought to the Council’s attention.

The Committee would make the following observations:

There are no limits as to the period during which sales may be held nor to the number of occasions on which sales may be held.

Whilst there would be no objections to say offering tea and coffee from the site hut during ‘open site’ sales any extension into cakes etc. or a full café style operation would constitute creating a food business.

The question of cake stalls etc. on Open Days was not clarified, we suspect if they’re one-offs then common sense will prevail, if they become a regular feature then they might attract attention.

On the question of notifying the Council it was later clarified that our understanding is that a single notification setting out a number of dates / events would be acceptable.

Allotment Watch

Following the NWCAA meeting held at Bolton on 24/01/2016 the notion of establishing an Allotments Watch system across Bolton was raised.

There seem no available resources and little enthusiasm for this within the ‘management’ ranks at GMP. Like all public services they are dealing with cut-backs and we are a low priority.

However, PCSO Sandra Furnival at Middlebrook is trying to collate allotment crime data across the Division(s) and keeping us informed.

It would be a great help if societies informed abas of any crimes on sites so that we can inform Sandra.

Again, the advice is report ALL crimes to the Police and give a FULL valuation of any property stolen or damage done.

Important

The meeting was informed by Alun Morris (Sec. Florence Avenue) that he had recently got GMP to accept a single report on behalf of a number of victims of break-ins. Because he was able to provide details of each individual crime (including the victim’s name, address, approx. age etc.) the call handler gave separate crime numbers of each break-in. This emphasises the importance of Secretary’s having full information about tenants / members.

Allotment Competitions

Entry Forms for the Fairhurst, Greenhalgh, New Tenants and Rosebowl Competitions are now available from Terry, 0786 393 3064

It’s important to get copies of the scoring criteria

Closing date for entries is 16^th May 2016

Judging will be w/c 06/06 (1^st round) and w/c 18/07 (2^nd round)

Prizes will be presented at the Veg Show on 20/08/2016

Abas Onion, Leek and Vegetable Show

The expanded Bolton Vegetable Show will take place at Trinity Methodist Church on 20^th August 2016.

There will be 25 classes this year (schedules will be available)

Last year abas members (societies and individuals) sponsored all classes (@£10.00 per class), we need sponsorship again this year if we are to provide the prizes. Could anyone interested please contact Terry.

We’re hoping for an increased entry this year both in terms of the number of entries and the number of participating sites.

Grant Applications

The Committee applied to the Big Bolton Fund (run by Bolton CVS) for funds to run both the Allotment Competitions and the Vegetable Show.

The CVS has provided a partial grant (£620.00) but felt unable to provide monies that would be used for prizes.

This has left a deficit in our budget of around £465.00

We are actively seeking other funding and sponsorship.

There was  suggestion that we again approach Asda Community Fund which we shall do.

The “Allotted” Exhibition

We are supporting a group of local artists and writers who are staging an exhibition at neo:gallery27 in the Market Place from 30^th June to 31^st July 2016.

The broad theme of the exhibition is around allotments, wildlife, food growing etc. It will feature paintings, prints, installations, 3-D work, textiles, photography, stained glass and there will also be a written record featuring interviews with plot-holders and others plus both fiction and non-fiction writing on allotment-related subjects.

Abas will be allocated an area within the gallery where we will promote allotment gardening in general but more importantly all the events that our member societies are holding over the summer (so make sue you let us know what you’re planning and when)

External Affairs

Abas hosted the NWCAA Quarterly Forum at Hollywood Rd Social Club on 24/01/2016. The central theme was “Allotment Crime” and a presentation was given by officers of GMP. The minutes of that meeting are available on the NWCAA website.

It was clear at that meeting that there are tensions both within the NWCAA and between some elements of the NWCAA and the NAS.  Some within NWCAA proposed a motion for the NWCAA AGM for leaving NAS and forming their own organisation. Should this proposal become fact Abas would need to take a position.

The meeting noted that Andrea Hallissey (Secretary NWCAA) has announced her impending retirement from the post (she is relocating to the North-East). The meeting felt she would be hard act to replace.

The meeting also expressed concern that a break-away would remove our access to support from Liz Bunting and Di Appleyard at NAS.

The general feeling in the meeting was that whilst member societies support the National there would be little enthusiasm for joining a regional break-away.

National Vegetable Society

As members of Abas you are also members of the National Vegetable Society.

The Committee would encourage you to visit the NVS website and to examine their list of publications many of which deal with questions on which you have suggested we have talks.

If you wish to access the members-only areas please contact Terry or Jeff for the membership number

Compost Donations

Viridor – GM Waste are running a scheme whereby community gardens and allotments societies can receive a free delivery (1 pallet -  60x40L bags) of Revive compost / soil conditioner

The contact in the first instance is JBolger@viridor-laing.co.uk who can provide an application form

Future Programme

Current suggestions for our future programme include:

Organising a further talk by John Woods FNVS

Organising a trip to the Harrogate Autumn Show

Both these suggestions attracted support from members. Terry will follow them up.

We shall also hold the monthly meetings here at ABCC (8.00 p.m. every second Monday in the month)

AOB

The next meeting will be here at ABCC on 11^th April 2016