Muswell Hill Golf Course Allotment Association
Minutes of Sunday 11th March 2007
Those Present: -
Karen Sellars, June Lambert, Gina Christodoulou, Linda Doughty, Tim Hunt, Brian Rossiter, John Blackwell, Wayne Hoban, Veronica Rodziewicz (min secretary)Apologies: - Sean Lambert (trading shed), John Bays, Anna DeGiulio & Tuillio Moglia
1.0 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
2.0 Reports
2.1 Newsletter / Web site update
The newsletter has been written and the web site has been updated. The newsletter cannot be issued until the 27/3/2007 when the press embargo on the lottery fund will be lifted.
2.2 Site issues.
The new  tenancy agreement cites 3 inspections per annum one of which should take place in the 2nd week of April.  June will speak to Tuillio regarding the site inspection. Action: June
2.3 Trading Shed.
June stated that there are plenty of seeds and sundries. The Sunshine Garden Centre has donated a half-barrel planter for the Easter raffle.

2.4 Planting Action Update
A total of 300 plants should arrive this Wednesday (all in pots apart from Sloes and Hawthorns which are bare rooted).  A ‘working party’ is to meet next week-end to plant as many as possible.
2.5 Vandalism
It has been decided not to reply to Vinnie Brown’s (ASBAT Team) letter regarding the vandalism.
2.6 Water Pipe.
Tuillio’s has the water pipe installed.

3.0 Old Business
3.1 Allotment Forum
Tim attended the meeting last week. The deadline for the return of comments is the 11th May. Tim would like Tuillio to assist him with input from Brian. Tim will report on this item at the next meeting.
3.2 Bank Account / Finance
No progress / no new update.
3.2 Show Schedule Revision Meeting.
The meeting will hopefully take place with Jenny Kruss next Friday.
4.0 New Business
4.1 Lottery Award, Publicity.
Gina, assisted by her daughter, is in charge of the publicity of the lottery award. Clr Hoban suggested that photos and press releases be ready for the 27th March. He suggested a photograph of Lynne Featherstone, himself and Committee members in front of the old hut. Gina is to contact all the local newspapers with a prepared press-release. Action: Gina
The official opening of the new building will take place on 15th July during the tea party.
4.2 Lottery Award, Allocation of funds.
a) Funding: Please refer to last weeks dedicated meeting on this subject.
b) Building security: Tim and Karen hope to meet the security ironmonger on the 20th March in his factory in Essex to discuss window and door options.
c) Insurance: Mr Hoban will try to get the new building covered by the Council Parks Insurance.
d) Tea area: Tuillio will lay pea gravel in this area.
e) Miscellaneous: Plumbing, lighting and heating will be addressed at a later date.
4.3 Council money
Tony Healy will dismantle and reassemble the portacabin for Robbie (in the pavilion in the recreation ground) for £1000. Mr Hoban shall approach Tony regarding the cost of £35 per hour for planting. The sum of £675.02p, which is the balance after the procurement of the plants, will be put into Tuillio’s maintenance budget (if agreed by Tim Pyall)
4.4 B&Q Award application
Karen & June have applied for the £5,000 award to buy goods from the store.
4.5 NGS Information
Mr Hoban stated that the committee could submit a bid from the Muswell Hilll Assembly budget.
4.6 AGM Preparation
Item deferred to April’s meeting
4.7 Allotment Forum
Tim stated that is was announced that we would not be receiving any money from the budget to repair the road.
5.0 AOB
None.

V. Rodziewicz

Golf Course Allotments Association (GCAA)

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting, Sunday 13th May 2007,10.30 am

1.0 Present

Karen Sellars (Chair), Tulio Moglia (Secretary), June & Sean Lambert (Trading Shed), Wayne Hoban (Lib Dem Local Councillor) and members of the association.

2.0 Apologies: Jane May.
3.0 Minutes of the previous meeting (2006 AGM)
The previous minutes were presented by Veronica Rodziewicz and were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

4.0 Officers Reports
4.1 Chair’s Report (Karen Sellars)
The Chair’s report was distributed before the meeting. The following key points from the report were presented by Karen:

Vandalism: There was an unprecedented amount of vandalism in 2006/07. The Committee responded by reporting the incidents to the Police and signing-on to the ASBAT team. Two areas were highlighted as security weak points: Winton Ave / Bidwell Gdns gates and the general perimeter of the site. Little could be done about security at the gates (due to a lack of funds), but it was decided to plant prickly plants around the perimeter of the site. Haringey Council agreed to give £2,500 towards this project.

1. Council Allotment Funding Initiative: Haringey Council voted down a proposed allotment funding initiative by John Morris. This means that the budget for allotment improvements remains at £27,000 for all 25 allotment sites in the borough.
2. New Tenancy Agreement: Haringey Council is planning new tenancy agreements.
3. Lottery Fund: The GCAA has been awarded £10,000 for a new community hut.
4. Portacabin removal: The Council has paid for the removal of the old portacabin.
5. Rubbish removal: Since rubbish from the site cannot be collected on a regular basis at present, the Chair urged members to take their rubbish home.
6. Grant applications: The Committee has applied for two other grants. One from the Council to improve the gates and the other from B&Q.
7. The National Garden Scheme: The scheme has asked us to open our allotments to the public on the day of the show (2nd September). Persons who are not allotment holders will be charged a £2.50p entrance fee.
8. Publicity:  The calendar, newsletter & web-site continue to be updated and published. Members were asked to forward their email addresses if they had not already done so.
9. Aims & objectives 2007/08:  To complete the new community hut, improve security, improve Trading Shed storage and organise new activities for the community hut.
10. Key reminders-
11. pay your subscriptions,
12. keep to the bonfire rules,
13. keep your paths clean & clear,
14. close the gates when the shop is closed,
15. work your plots and take your rubbish home,
16. offer help & support to the Committee,
17. do not use carpets on the site
18. notify the secretary in writing when you are giving up your plot.
    

4.1.2    The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Norman, seconded by John Blackwell].
4.1.3 Debbie Rossiter thanked Karen for all her hard work resulting in a successful year. Karen expressed her thanks to Sean & June especially for their help and support during the year.
4.1.4 Stella enquired as to who was responsible for the maintenance of plot boundaries. Tulio stated that each allotment holder was responsible for the nearest half of their boundary.
4.1.5 Mark raised the issue of the use of carpets on allotments. This was deferred to AOB.
4.1.6 John Newman raised the issue of Health & Safety in relation to the ‘National Garden Scheme’. Karen reassured him that both the GCAA and the RHS were covered by liability insurance.
4.2 Trading Shed Manager’s Report (Sean Lambert)
The Trading Shed Manager presented his report which stated that seeds and sundries were selling well. The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Norman, seconded by Stella].
4.3 Treasurer’s Report (Karen Sellars)
Copies of the ‘Reserve Funds Raised To-date’ and the ‘GCAA Annual Accounts Summary’ were distributed before the meeting. The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Alwyn Pritchard, seconded by Jenny Turner] .
4.3 Secretary’s Report (Tulio Moglia)
The Secretary stated that the year had been a good one for improvements to the site. An extra water supply had been added  The waiting list had been closed with 50 outstanding applicants. Dirty plot notices were to be issued and apologies extended to those who would be receiving a notice but had already carried out remedial work to improve their plots. With Sean Lambert’s assistance, the ‘tea area’ had been completed. The Secretary thanked all members for their support accordingly. The report was accepted and unopposed
4.4 Show Secretary’s Report (Karen Sellars)
The Show Secretary’s report was distributed before the meeting. The Secretary asked for volunteers for a ‘working party’ and extended her thanks to June Lambert for her help and assistance in organising the show. The show was scheduled for Sunday 2nd September 2007. The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Jenny Kruss, seconded by Norman].

5.0 Election of New Officers and Committee

The following officers were appointed by the membership:

Karen Sellars stated that she would be standing down next year as Chair.
John Bays tended his resignation.
The remaining Committee members wished to remain and were accepted unopposed.
6.0 Auditors
Nigel Errington and Alwyn Pritchard (non Committee members) were appointed auditors.
7.0 New Business
7.1 Honoraria Motions & Vote
It was initially proposed that £300 each would be allotted the Secretary and the Trading Shed Managers, Tulio Moglia and Sean Lambert  respectively. It was proposed and approved that this sum was to be increased to £350 each.
7.2. Allotment Plan For 2007/08
The aims and objectives for 2007/08, as defined within the Chair’s report, were accepted and approved unopposed. It was suggested by one of the members that BBC Gardeners Question Time be invited as part of the new activities for the community hut.
7.3 Show Committee
The Show Secretary asked for volunteers for the show which is scheduled for Sunday 2nd September 2007.
8.0 Any Other Business (AOB)
8.1 Insurance for the community hut
The new hut was bought using National Lottery Funding by the GCAA. As the site belongs to Haringey Council, and the hut will remain a permanent fixture, it was suggested by Wayne Hoban & Tony Healy that the Committee write to the Council requesting it be covered by Haringey Council insurance. This course of action was proposed by Norman, seconded by Jenny Turner and approved by the meeting.
8.2 Carpets
The issue of the use of carpets was contentious and hotly debated. Mark, Mick, Helen Pritchard and Stella stated the benefits of the use of carpets. Jenny Turner and Mrs Baron stated the difficulty in digging-up several layers of carpet on an overgrown allotment plot. Karen Sellars recommended that this issue be discussed by the Committee. However Barbara stated that the decision should not lie with Committee members only. It was therefore suggested that at  the next Committee meeting (to which all members of the Association are always invited), the advantages / disadvantages of using carpets would be listed. A special meeting would then be convened in the near future to discuss this matter using the list. It was envisaged that this would be resolved via a general ballot.
8.3 Annual Subscription Fee
Stella stated that it was unclear as to when the subscription was due. Sean Lambert replied that subscriptions to the sum of £1.50p were collected in January.
8.4 Wood Chip Pile
Jenny Kruss stated that the wood chip pile was obstructing part of the road. The Chair stated that the suppliers would be contacted to ensure that this was remedied.
8.5 Road Maintenance
Jenny Kruss remarked upon the poor state of the road in some areas. The Chair stated that road maintenance was an objective for 2007/08.
8.6 Local Councillor
Wayne Hoban offered his services as a resource to all members in relation to Council matters.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 12.00.
Veronica Rodziewicz.
Minute Secretary.

The previous minutes were presented by Veronica Rodziewicz and were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

4.0 Officers Reports

4.1 Chair’s Report (Karen Sellars)
The Chair’s report was distributed before the meeting. The following key points from the report were presented by Karen:

1. Vandalism: There was an unprecedented amount of vandalism in 2006/07. The Committee responded by reporting the incidents to the Police and signing-on to the ASBAT team. Two areas were highlighted as security weak points: Winton Ave / Bidwell Gdns gates and the general perimeter of the site. Little could be done about security at the gates (due to a lack of funds), but it was decided to plant prickly plants around the perimeter of the site. Haringey Council agreed to give £2,500 towards this project.
2. Council Allotment Funding Initiative: Haringey Council voted down a proposed allotment funding initiative by John Morris. This means that the budget for allotment improvements remains at £27,000 for all 25 allotment sites in the borough.
3. New Tenancy Agreement: Haringey Council is planning new tenancy agreements.
4. Lottery Fund: The GCAA has been awarded £10,000 for a new community hut.
5. Portacabin removal: The Council has paid for the removal of the old portacabin.
6. Rubbish removal: Since rubbish from the site cannot be collected on a regular basis at present, the Chair urged members to take their rubbish home.
7. Grant applications: The Committee has applied for two other grants. One from the Council to improve the gates and the other from B&Q.
8. The National Garden Scheme: The scheme has asked us to open our allotments to the public on the day of the show (2nd September). Persons who are not allotment holders will be charged a £2.50p entrance fee.
9. Publicity:  The calendar, newsletter & web-site continue to be updated and published. Members were asked to forward their email addresses if they had not already done so.
10. Aims & objectives 2007/08:  To complete the new community hut, improve security, improve Trading Shed storage and organise new activities for the community hut.
11. Key reminders-
12. pay your subscriptions,
13. keep to the bonfire rules,
14. keep your paths clean & clear,
15. close the gates when the shop is closed,
16. work your plots and take your rubbish home,
17. offer help & support to the Committee,
18. do not use carpets on the site
19. notify the secretary in writing when you are giving up your plot.

4.1.2    The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Norman, seconded by John Blackwell].
4.1.3 Debbie Rossiter thanked Karen for all her hard work resulting in a successful year. Karen expressed her thanks to Sean & June especially for their help and support during the year.
4.1.4 Stella enquired as to who was responsible for the maintenance of plot boundaries. Tulio stated that each allotment holder was responsible for the nearest half of their boundary.
4.1.5 Mark raised the issue of the use of carpets on allotments. This was deferred to AOB.
4.1.6 John Newman raised the issue of Health & Safety in relation to the ‘National Garden Scheme’. Karen reassured him that both the GCAA and the RHS were covered by liability insurance.
4.2 Trading Shed Manager’s Report (Sean Lambert)
The Trading Shed Manager presented his report which stated that seeds and sundries were selling well. The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Norman, seconded by Stella].
4.3 Treasurer’s Report (Karen Sellars)
Copies of the ‘Reserve Funds Raised To-date’ and the ‘GCAA Annual Accounts Summary’ were distributed before the meeting. The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Alwyn Pritchard, seconded by Jenny Turner] .
4.3 Secretary’s Report (Tulio Moglia)
The Secretary stated that the year had been a good one for improvements to the site. An extra water supply had been added  The waiting list had been closed with 50 outstanding applicants. Dirty plot notices were to be issued and apologies extended to those who would be receiving a notice but had already carried out remedial work to improve their plots. With Sean Lambert’s assistance, the ‘tea area’ had been completed. The Secretary thanked all members for their support accordingly. The report was accepted and unopposed
4.4 Show Secretary’s Report (Karen Sellars)
The Show Secretary’s report was distributed before the meeting. The Secretary asked for volunteers for a ‘working party’ and extended her thanks to June Lambert for her help and assistance in organising the show. The show was scheduled for Sunday 2nd September 2007. The report was accepted and unopposed [proposed by Jenny Kruss, seconded by Norman].

5.0 Election of New Officers and Committee

The following officers were appointed by the membership:

Karen Sellars stated that she would be standing down next year as Chair.
John Bays tended his resignation.
The remaining Committee members wished to remain and were accepted unopposed.
6.0 Auditors
Nigel Errington and Alwyn Pritchard (non Committee members) were appointed auditors.

7.0 New Business

7.1 Honoraria Motions & Vote
It was initially proposed that £300 each would be allotted the Secretary and the Trading Shed Managers, Tulio Moglia and Sean Lambert  respectively. It was proposed and approved that this sum was to be increased to £350 each.
7.2. Allotment Plan For 2007/08
The aims and objectives for 2007/08, as defined within the Chair’s report, were accepted and approved unopposed. It was suggested by one of the members that BBC Gardeners Question Time be invited as part of the new activities for the community hut.
7.3 Show Committee
The Show Secretary asked for volunteers for the show which is scheduled for Sunday 2nd September 2007.

8.0 Any Other Business (AOB)

8.1 Insurance for the community hut
The new hut was bought using National Lottery Funding by the GCAA. As the site belongs to Haringey Council, and the hut will remain a permanent fixture, it was suggested by Wayne Hoban & Tony Healy that the Committee write to the Council requesting it be covered by Haringey Council insurance. This course of action was proposed by Norman, seconded by Jenny Turner and approved by the meeting.
8.2 Carpets
The issue of the use of carpets was contentious and hotly debated. Mark, Mick, Helen Pritchard and Stella stated the benefits of the use of carpets. Jenny Turner and Mrs Baron stated the difficulty in digging-up several layers of carpet on an overgrown allotment plot. Karen Sellars recommended that this issue be discussed by the Committee. However Barbara stated that the decision should not lie with Committee members only. It was therefore suggested that at  the next Committee meeting (to which all members of the Association are always invited), the advantages / disadvantages of using carpets would be listed. A special meeting would then be convened in the near future to discuss this matter using the list. It was envisaged that this would be resolved via a general ballot.
8.3 Annual Subscription Fee
Stella stated that it was unclear as to when the subscription was due. Sean Lambert replied that subscriptions to the sum of £1.50p were collected in January.
8.4 Wood Chip Pile
Jenny Kruss stated that the wood chip pile was obstructing part of the road. The Chair stated that the suppliers would be contacted to ensure that this was remedied.
8.5 Road Maintenance
Jenny Kruss remarked upon the poor state of the road in some areas. The Chair stated that road maintenance was an objective for 2007/08.
8.6 Local Councillor
Wayne Hoban offered his services as a resource to all members in relation to Council matters.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 12.00.
Veronica Rodziewicz.
Minute Secretary.

No meeting in June (Karen in USA)

Muswell Hill Golf Course Allotment Association
Minutes of Sunday 15th July 2007  Those Present:

Karen Sellars (Chair), Debbie Rossiter (Treasurer), Sean Lambert (Trading Shed) June Lambert (Assist Trading Shed & Membership Secretary), Gina Christodoulou, John Newman, Linda Doughty, Tim Hunt, Brian Rossiter, John Blackwell, & Veronica Rodziewicz (min secretary)
Apologies: Tullio Moglia.

1.0 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
2.0 Reports
2.1 AGM 2007 (Veronica Rodziewicz).
Veronica read the minutes of the 2007 AGM.
2.2 Chair’s Report (Karen Sellars).
Small Grant –We received a small grant (£450 )from the Council to pay for the insurance increases.
Insurance. The insurance expires on the 31st December 2007. The only affordable insurance is for fire & lightning. Tim Pyle (Haringey Council) will try to obtain the best possible policy. A general meeting is to be called in the 2nd week of September to discuss this matter.
NSALG Membership. It was suggested that new members sign an additional clause by which to pay an additional £1.75p per plot to cover membership of the NSALG.
B&Q Application. The application failed. No further action will be taken.
‘Making A Difference Outcome’. A possibility exists that a more aesthetically pleasing wrought iron gate may be provided.
2.3 Treasurer’s Report (Debbie Rossiter).
The ‘accounts’ have been audited and countersigned. The balance in the ‘current account’ to-date stands at £1,200. A balance of £1,010 exists in the ‘reserve account’.
3.0 Old Business
3.1 Carpet Debate
June and Brian are to list the advantages / disadvantages of using carpets. This will be discussed at a meeting on the 14th October however committee members will make the final decision.
3.2 Show Schedule Meeting.
Those involved with the show will meet in August.
3.3 Long Term Goals
a. The new community hut will be made ready for the show in September.
b. The two existing trading storage sheds will be replaced by one new shed hopefully in August.
c. New activities will be organised for the community hut.
d. The Council will investigate ‘hogin’ to improve the road on the site.
4.0 New Business
4.1 Membership & New Subscriptions
June has agreed to become membership secretary. June will collect GCAA subscriptions and keep membership records updated.
4.2 Increased Subscription
This will be discussed at the October 14th meeting.
5.0 AOB
5.1 Tim reported that the GCAA will be allocated a sum of £5,000 from the Council. Tim & Brian will attend a meeting at Fortismere School on the 23rd July to lobby local councillors for more support for allotments.
5.2 Debbie & June are willing to organise a ‘Quiz Night’ and Karen explained what a ‘silent auction’ entails (fund raising ideas).
5.3 Karen stated that Tim Pyle may be able to provide a free skip and organise the removal of rubbish on a regular basis. June suggested that persons using the skip make a contribution to its cost should Tim be unable to provide one free of charge. John Newman suggested that the gate be locked when the skip is on site and that only the pedestrian gate be used.
6.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 12th August, 10.30 am.

GCAA Committee Meeting 12 August 2007

MINUTEs

1  Minutes of July Meeting

Minutes approved

2. Matters arising
£450.00 received from LBH for insurance
All members subscribed to NSALG – insurance of shed resolved for this year
B&Q bid not successful
Carpet meeting to be on 14th October at 10.30;  June and Brian to lead discussion for and against.
Decision and discussion of increased subscription and collection of dues.

2  Making the Difference
We were successful in our bid for new Winton Ave Gates, for which LBH are allocating £6000.00
Agreed: 2.0 m high sentry gate with Crusader filials in Dark green (or failing dark green) black. Jacksons to do whole job, including dismantling existing fence. Karen to investigate disposal/recycling of old fencing ? Haringey to do or us via Jacksons. Any money left over to go on side fencing. Site visit immediate. Good support from Erol Directoglu in Haringey who will pay for gates directly.

3 Show
No loos
Show duties:
Judging Judge main £25 Judge domestic £15. Judge handler Anna.
Money     Floats and trading: Sean     Collection and accounts: Debby
Prize giving     Tullio + either Lynne Featherstone or Wayne Hoban (both invited) or failing them David Bevan of Wildlife office.
Teas cakes /savouries:   Helen P. Gina and Allwyn
Tombola PLUS Guess the Weight/ Guess the Amount:            John Blackwell (Tony Sellars)
Bric-a Brac and books:            Debby and Brian and family
Scrutineers:            Linda and Geoff Austin
Judging desk team:  Tim and Ann Hunt and Kris Mac (Tony Sellars)
Plot judging:            Tullio, Linda and June
Potato Competition judging:    2 weeks before show Sean to provide list of entries; Karen Tullio and June to judge.
Raffle 1            NGS raffle (£1) basket of fruit and veg supplied by Susan
Raffle 2            GCAA to start from Trading Shed in next 2 weeks for own members
Produce Stall:  June (big tent to go up early; gazebos last minute)
Photo display: Liz Love
Baskets of Veg: 3 or 4 need to be made ready (one for raffle) ? Gina
Trophies/Awards:      Karen
Produce auction ant end of show:             Sean
Taking Pictures:            Pete Nielson and Sue Coles (Alex and Sue)
Publicity:            Veronica R and Jenny for Ham and High and Muswell Hill Independent.
                        Linda Gina distribute publicilty
NGS desk:            Jenny + Tony Sellars (Desk with tent over to side of new community hut)
directing to NGS Signs:            To be done early on the morning of show and Susan to be asked to do.
Tour of prize plots:               Sign to be made to meet at two for half hour tour. (Geoff Austin)
30 Tables                   Karen and Tim to collect from Jenny 10.00am Wed 15 Aug.

4  Date of next meeting

Muswell Hill Golf Course Allotment Association
Minutes of Sunday 14th October 2007

1.0 Those Present
Karen Sellars (Chair), Debby Rossiter (Treasurer), Sean Lambert (Trading Shed) June Lambert (Assist Trading Shed & Membership Secretary), Gina Christodoulou, John Newman, Linda Doughty, Tim Hunt, Debbie & Brian Rossiter, John Blackwell, & Veronica Rodziewicz (min secretary)
Apologies: Tullio Moglia.
2.0 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
3.0 Officers Reports
3.1 Secretary (Karen Sellars on behalf of Tuillio Moglia)
The plot inspection took place in September. They were re inspected a couple of weeks ago by Tuillio, Ted Butcher and Tony Healey. There were 4 official terminations. There were no other site issues.
3.2 Treasurer (Debby Rossiter)
Debby presented / issued the finance report for October which included income from the ‘show’. The balance in the ‘current account’ stands at £2,702.34p. A balance of £149.71p exists in the ‘reserve account’. The profit made from the ‘show’ was £449.44p.
Debby proposed the transfer £450 of profits made from the show into the ’reserve account’. This would still leave money in the ‘current account’ to meet calendar expenses. This proposal was agreed.
Payment to the RHS for public liability insurance was now being paid by direct debit.
The insurance for the Community Hut for the next year still needs to be resolved with the Council.
3.3 Chair (Karen Sellars)
a) Winton Ave Gates: Work to replace the Winton Avenue gates is due to start 19th October and finish 22nd October. The existing lock will continue to be used. The old gates are to be cut into 5ft poles and recycled by allotment members.
b) Calendar: Karen has decided to use an ‘on-line’ printing company. Each calendar will cost £5.03p to produce and will be sold for £7.50p. To save money, Tuillio will collect the calendars from the company in Reading.
c) Newsletter: The Autumn newsletter is in production. Karen welcomed any contributions.
d) Bidwell Garden Gates: The Council is replacing the gates to be in-keeping with the school gates.
e) Road improvement: Tim Pyall will determine whether ‘hoggin’ (at £18/ton) will be suitable to use on the road.
3.4 Trading Shed (June Lambert)
June reported that onions had been ‘sold out’ but that some garlic was left. Seeds have been re-ordered. Rubbish collection is to be left for the time being.
3.5 Show (Karen Sellars)
Karen presented a report on the show. Next year’s show will take place on Sunday 31st August 2008.
4.0 Old Business
a) Subscriptions for members: It is unsure as to whether the Council will pay for NSALG insurance and the amount that members will be charged if it is left to GCAA to fund. A sum of £5 was suggested for membership of the Trading Shed and insurance with the NSALG.
Membership details are being updated.
b) Carpets: A discussion on the pros & cons on the use of carpets was open to all members. Karen made a list of the pros & cons. Brian presented a report about the use of carpets and highlighted the fact that there is scope for adopting a partial if not a complete ban of their use. As a result there would have to be a form of registration and subsequent inspections. A decision on the use of carpets has been deferred to November’s meeting. Whether the decision will be made by the committee or by members of the entire association will depend on the rules within the Constitution. Brian has been tasked with collating the results of the discussion which will be emailed to members and posted on the Trading Shed accordingly. Brian R has been asked to put together a summary of the discussion for distribution to the members.
5.0 New Business
a) Looking Forward: To be postponed to the November meeting.
b) Fund raising: It has been suggested that sponsorship could be obtained from local shops and even the Nat west Bank! A ‘quiz night’ could be organised.  Geoffrey Austin suggested holding a candle light party in the Community Hut in December. This idea was warmly received and it was decided that everyone would be invited to a party on Sunday 9th December 2007 between 4-7pm.
c & d) Members Information Booklet & New Tenancy Agreement: Both of these issues have had to be postponed since the Council has to give their input.
e) Water: No decision has been made as to when the water is to be turned-off due to the good weather.
6.0 AOB
6.1 Veronica requested that ‘Officers Reports’ and any other issues to be written down and given to her at the end of each meeting.
6.2 It had been decided to review the ‘waiting list’ procedure due to a dispute that had arisen between Anna’s sister Tina and Luigi Piazza. Since Tuillio was absent, the Committee were unable to advise. This incident reinforced the need for clear guidelines in cases where allotment holders ask others to work their plots.
7.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 18th November 2007, 10.30 am.

V. Rodziewicz (minutes secretary)

Muswell Hill Golf Course Allotment Association
Minutes of Sunday 18th November 2007

2.0 Minutes of the previous meeting:The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

3.0 Officers Reports
3.1 Secretary (Tuillio Moglia)

• A total of 56 people are on the waiting list for plots. Only half-plots will be issued e.g. five poles. Six people at the top of the list are not responding to calls therefore they will be relegated to the bottom of the list.
• Persons living within 2 miles of the site but are outside of the Borough are still eligible to apply.
• The Council are to be informed regarding re-opening the list and will be asked to update their web site with new email addresses.
• The matter of the glass buried between plot 48 & 49 is with the Council.
• Tina’s (Anna’s sister) dispute with Luigi has been referred to the Council.

3.2 Treasurer (Debby Rossiter)
The balance in the ‘current account’ stands at £1,556 after calendars were paid. £ 834.50p has been collected for the calendars to-date (including donations).
3.3 Chair (Karen Sellars):

Calendars cost £1,257.50p to produce. A total of 250 calendars were printed selling at £7.50p totalling £1,875 if sold. If all are sold a profit of £617.50p will be made. To date 118 calendars have been sold totaling £885. Thirty (30) more are needed to be sold to break even.

• system for carpet use. Karen shall contact all members to inform them of this decision requesting their support accordingly. Should they fail to support Option 3 then they are to submit their preferred option. The Associati
• Gates: An invoice has been received from Jackson’s for the sign and keys but no delivery date has been forthcoming. The Association has decided not to purchase an additional piece at £233 due to the expense.
• Membership email details are being updated by June & Karen.
• Karen spoke with Tim Pyall about insurance, the road and other gates. Tim stated that he would respond accordingly.
• Show tables will not be available next year.
• Banksian medals are to be ordered.
• Karen shall meet with Debby & Tim on Wednesday to discuss the lottery report.

3.4 Trading Shed (June Lambert)No issues were reported.
4.0 Old Business

• The insurance for the new hut expires on the 31st December 2007. A grant from the Council to the sum of £450 had been received to cover against ‘fire’ only. It has been suggested that an application is made again this year. Should the Council refuse the grant then an application to the NSALG will be made for membership & insurance. However subscriptions and membership fees would have to increase to cover the cost. This issue is to be deferred to the next meeting. Meanwhile, the insurance will be paid using GCAA funds
• Brian Rossiter proposed 3 options for the use of carpets which were discussed at length. The Association favoured Option 3, the adoption of a Registration

• on will make a final decision in February after it has consulted both members and Council.

• It has been decided that a ‘mince pies & mulled wine’ gathering is to be held on December Sunday 9th between 12-3pm. Everyone is cordially invited. The Trading Shed will close until spring on the 9th.

5.0 New Business
a) Tim reported on the forum and the new Tenancy Agreement draft copies of which were distributed. Dissatisfaction was voiced. Brian & Tim shall continue to attend future meetings. The Association thanked Tim for his hard work in reviewing the Tenancy Agreement.
b) Tim voiced complaint to the Council after discovering that the Council will no longer fund the Bidwell Gardens Gate.  The reason they gave for this is we got a new gate at Winton Ave.   As the Winton Ave gate was an award from a totally different funding pool, it was felt unfair. This is to be discussed with Tim Pyall
c) Tuillio and Sean will help to put the last bit of the gate together.
d) Gina shall send a card & flowers to Anna (£10).
e) Robbie shall remove rubbish by the new gate. June is to arrange this and notify members.
f) Brian reported that he had his wallet stolen from his car. Members were to be informed about vigilance.
g) A letter was sent to parents of boys suspected of misbehaving around the back of the show site- responses were received by Karen.  Karen emailed them back.
6.0 AOB
No other business was raised.

7.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 10th February 2008, 10.30 am.

V. Rodziewicz

Muswell Hill Golf Course Allotment Association
Minutes of Sunday 10th February 2008

1.0 Those Present: Karen Sellars (Chair), Tuillio Moglia (Secretary), Debby Rossiter (Treasurer), Sean Lambert (Trading Shed), Gina Christodoulou, John Newman, Linda Doughty, Tim Hunt, Brian Rossiter, John Blackwell, Anna, June Lambert & Veronica Rodziewicz (min secretary).Apologies: None.

2.0 Minutes of the previous meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

3.0 Officers Reports
3.1 Secretary (Tuillio Moglia)
Fifty five applicants are on the waiting list for a half plot. Five have not replied. There are four vacant plots. However confirmation from the Council is sought. Tuillio had a confrontation with school children from Alexandra Park who wanted to climb over to the allotment. Glass was found to be smashed on his allotment the next day.
3.2 Treasurer (Debby Rossiter)
GCAA Financial Report ~ Feb 2008: The balance at the end of January in the ‘current account’ stood at £921.42p. However, expenditure had been incurred on; potatoes / seeds / sets for the trading shed but this is expected to be recouped over the next few weeks. 
Most of the calendars had been sold:
Initial costs = £1,225
Money Received = £1,654
Total profit = £429.50p
A few donations had been received. Calendars at the ‘Sunshine Garden Centre’ sold well. Debby thanked Karen for all her hard work.
Debby transferred £722, show profit & calendar profit into the ‘Reserve Account’ which now stood at £923.66p.
Debby renewed the insurance (~ £300) for the new hut by direct debit to include vandalism.
3.3 Trading Shed (June Lambert)
Seed potatoes had sold well.
3.4 Chair (Karen Sellars)
Karen has been trying to contact Tim Pyall on a weekly basis without much success. Debby suggested that Karen requests a ‘Chairs & Officers Meeting’ at Tim’s office during the week.
The December Tea party was a moderate success. However it was felt that it could be improved by adjusting the time.
The show tables were awaiting collection. Trestle tables cost £15 / pair (+VAT). John Newman suggested that people could make their own. More entry show cards were needed.
The ‘Banksian medal’ would be ready in eight weeks time.
3.5 Report on Forum (Tim Hunt)
A meeting was held in January. John Morris (Head of Parks) was not present. The tenancy agreement and rent increases were not discussed. Haringey Council appear to have done nothing. The meeting was disappointing and unproductive.
Tim received a letter from the Lottery Fund acknowledging receipt of his report.
Tim questioned Haringey’s justification for withdrawing funding for Bidwell Gardens fence & gates.
4.0 Old Business
a) The NSALG membership expires in July 2008. The RHS insurance for public liability expires on the 1st September 2008.
b) Carpets: Karen had only received two responses to the carpet options. It was decided to proceed with the option for registering carpets on-site. Tuillio stated that he would like to discuss this with the Council allotment officers (Ted Butcher & Tony Healey). Debby, June & Tuillio will conduct a plot inspection for carpets by which plot holders will be requested to register via email, post or trading shed.
c) Subscriptions for 2008: It has been agreed that subscriptions will be increased to £4 by which to include membership of the trading shed, NSALG insurance, upkeep of the site and participation in the show. Members will be issued with a subscription card. June & Debby will be responsible for collecting subscriptions.
5.0 New Business
a) The AGM and plant sale will take place on Sunday 11th May 2008.
b) The rubbish by the gates has been collected. Holes need to be drilled, bars painted and inserted. Tuillio undertook to do the work once the weather improves.
c) Newsletter / Web Site: Work in progress.
d) Repairs & Maintenance: The new hut needs to be painted with Cuprinol clear varnish. This will take place in April.
e) Show tables: See Chair’s report.
6.0 AOB
A replacement for the storage shed was discussed. It was proposed that Sean could move his shop into the new storage shed, the vacated trading shed would be used for storage accordingly.
Karen suggested the procurement of a notice board (~ £300). No decision has been reached regarding progression.
The Council currently gives the GCAA £1200 pa for maintenance purposes. This sum is within the ‘Current Account’.
7.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 16th March 2008, 10.30 am.

V. Rodziewicz

Muswell Hill Golf Course Allotment Association
Minutes of Sunday 16th March 2008

1.0 Those Present
Karen Sellars (Chair), Tuillio Moglia (Secretary), Debby Rossiter (Treasurer), Gina Christodoulou, Linda Doughty, Tim Hunt, Brian Rossiter, John Blackwell & Veronica Rodziewicz (min secretary).
Apologies: June & Sean Lambert.

2.0 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

3.0 Officers Reports
3.1 Secretary (Tuillio Moglia)No major issues were reported. Three new members joined that waiting list. One plot has been allocated. Tuillio is still awaiting permission from the Council as to whether he can allocate any more plots.
The first site inspection will take place at the end of April.
3.2 Treasurer (Debby Rossiter)
At the end of February the balance was £1,033. Further amounts of the Calendar money raised profit to £465. £150 will be transferred to the ‘Reserve Account’.
Honoraria for the AGM and other ex-gratis payments need to be considered.
3.3 Chair (Karen Sellars)
Karen has called Tim Pyall on a weekly but he is under pressure from the new tenancy agreement and so is unavailable at the moment.
Errol Dericoleu has emailed to ask whether Karen would like to undertake a Community Leadership course and participate in ‘Making the Difference’ campaign again this year for a new trading / storage shed. The dead line being the 31st March. June & Karen have been doing some research and a new shed would cost approximately £8,000. Debbie suggested that a grant for a lesser amount should be proposed which stood more chance of success (e.g. £3K - £4K). This was agreed.
The Newsletter is ready for publication.

4.0 Old Business
a) The Newsletter will be printed and emailed.
b) Tim reported that the tenancy agreement was issued without any consultation despite the fact that the Council must give a year’s notice before any new agreements are signed. Consultation with members and Tim Pyall did not take place. Tim was unable to attend the Haringey Forum recently and so had nothing new to report.
c) Karen has created a new database for the collection of subs and carpet registration which will be in the newsletter and in the AGM. Members will need to register their carpets and pay their subs by the end of May. Members who do not have an email address will be supplied with an envelope to hand in to Sean in the shed.
5.0 New Business
a) The AGM agenda will feature; changes to the rules; the selection of members and officers; NSALG membership for insurance purposes.
b) Making the Difference – it has been agreed to apply again this year for the grant.
c) Newsletter & GCAA information booklet have been approved.
d) Show schedule – Karen needs to be advised of any changes to the show schedule before the next meeting.
e) A decision needs to be made about the acquisition of the show tables (will we hire them out?).
6.0 AOB
None.

7.0 Date of Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Sunday 13th April 2008, 10.30 am.
V. Rodziewicz (Minutes secretary)