Minutes
Kettering Allotments Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022
Wednesday 9th March at 7:45 pm Kettering Athletic Club, Rockingham Road
Apologies: Pat Mullins, Monica Ozdemir, Paul Swann, Sarah Taylor, John Burn, Stewart Mclennan
Present: Bernie Hagyard, Brian Mitcheson, Chris Hulston, Ilona Bickle, Colette Bertholet-Wright, Steve Essam, Greta Lilley, Ailsa Harrison, Dai Johnson, Pat Draper, Gloria Elmore, Jenny Scott, Stephen Payne, Clive Thorley, George White, Gosha Jarwembska, Peter New, John Roberts, Rachel Moulton, Mike Thurland, Russell Attwood + others who did not sign in
Welcome to all from the Chairman, Clive Thorley. No AGM in 2021 because of Covid restrictions, so this is our 103rd AGM
Minutes of the 2020 AGM accepted as a true record unanimously.
The Secretary’s report was shared and presented to the meeting.
A summary of the financial report was made. This had been prepared by the treasurer, John Burn, who was unable to attend due to illness. The full audited accounts have been received and will be signed and uploaded to the FCA shortly. The FCA website is in the public domain and will be available for anyone to inspect our audited accounts. Meanwhile, the financial summary will be posted on our website. A vote of thanks was recorded to John Burn as outgoing treasurer for all of his hard work, efficiency and professionalism..
Election of Officers: Secretary - Russell Attwood was elected, proposer Bernie Hagyard, seconder Dai Johnson. Treasurer - Mike Thurland was elected, proposer Ilona Bickle, seconder Stephen Payne. A warm welcome to Mike. Both votes were unanimous.
Election of Committee members. Committee members serve a two year term. As there was no AGM in 2021 because of Covid 19 restrictions, all those committee members who wished to serve another term were standing for re-election, namely Clive Thorley, George White, Ilona Bickle, Harry Pope, Monica Ozdemir, Chris Hulston, Pat Mullins. These were re-elected unanimously.
Several new committee members stood for election for the first time. These are Stephen Payne, Darren Stanion, Sarah Taylor, Rachel Moulton, John Roberts, Peter New, Gosha Jarwembska. All were elected unanimously and welcomed to the committee.
Rule change. A proposal was put to change rule 43 by adding these words: "The maximum size of any new shed is 10 feet by 8 feet. Concrete or hardcore bases for structures is not permitted, likewise concreting-in of posts or hardstanding driveways on plots, excessive slabs, uPVC windows and doors are not permitted. Slabs limited to a reasonable path only" After discussion an amendment was proposed to reduce maximum shed size to 8 feet by 6 feet. When put to a vote the amendment was not carried. The original proposal was then voted on and carried by a large majority.
Proposal from the committee to re-adopt and ratify our Constitution, as adopted in 2016. The purpose of this vote is to be able to upload our current constitution (known as “rules” by the FCA) to the FCA website, as required by our registration as a Mutual Society in law. This proposal was carried unanimously
Proposal by members from Margaret Road plots affected by flooding in wet seasons. The affected plots are the two ridings closest to the river (rides 3and 4). Dai Johnson addressed the meeting to give context and describe the extent of the problem. In December 2020 and February 2021 the flooding was so bad that chickens had to be rescued from thigh-deep water. The proposal is to offer those members affected by flooding a 50% rent discount in the year following a flood. Constructive discussion followed, including the difficulty of deciding what truly constitutes a serious enough flood? An amendment was proposed that the rents for the affected plots get a 20% discount every year, starting in 2023. Votes in favour of the amendment =19, votes against = 2, so the amendment was carried. Proposer Stephen Payne, seconder Mike Thurland.
Appointment of auditors, agreed to use the same auditors as last year. Carried unanimously.
Appointment of solicitors. Agreed unanimously to keep our membership of National Allotments Society (NSALG) and their legal advice service.
Next AGM is scheduled for the second Tuesday in March 2023, the exact date to be announced once the availability of a suitable venue is known.
Informal discussion. Members asked questions on the condition of the track to Scott Road. The track has deteriorated due to the house building work at the entrance. The builders are scheduling final improvements next week and the track will be closed on March 14th and 17th for this work, after which we have been informed that the track will be in good condition, block paving all the way to our original track. Another question was asked about competitions and shows in Kettering. There is not a veg/flower show in Kettering to our knowledge but members or fields are welcome and encouraged to have fun competitions such as the one that some Margaret Road members hold every October. The committee is always open to comments, suggestions and new ideas.
End of meeting. The chairman closed the meeting and thanked everyone for their attendance and support.