Many congratulations to John and Monica for winning the ‘Edinburgh in Bloom Best Allotment Plot’. Their hard work, enthusiasm and a big splash of colour has enlivened the allotments.
“An allotment with its own “bee cafe” and a community garden designed by volunteers are among the winners of this year’s Edinburgh in Bloom competition”
PRESENT: John and Monica Mckinlay, Tom Cashman, John Roberts, Johnny Gailey, Rod, Joan and Muhad, Helen Gestwich, Richard Cross, Joan Anderson
APOLOGIES: Katie Ferguson, John Maule and Norma Carlyon
ITEMS:
1. Holding our meeting in the cold reminded us that we had requested funds for a clubhouse. John will contact Ian Woolard re progress of ‘wish list’.
2. Helen suggested that we hold a Seed/Plant/Produce Swop and it was agreed that this could coincide with our monthly meetings. John will include this in his Newsletter which he will send out to all plotholders after the next meeting.
3. Joan asked where she might get timber for raised beds and Johnny knew of a scaffolding yard at Albion road which might sell old boards for a couple of pounds and Robert will investigate this.
4. Joan asked about the current situation re wet plots and possible drainage and will be in touch with Ian Woolard direct.
5. John Robertson is looking for a water butt and would be interested in any spare available on site.
6. Manure has now been ordered twice but there is still a demand. We will order one last delivery of 100 bags. Most are spoken for but anyone who wants some please add their name to the list.
7. In order to encourage improvements within the allotments prizes will be given this year for the most improved plot and children’s garden.
8. Johnny Gailey reported on the grants available and the need for a properly constituted committee. John will be in touch with Mr Sandells of Midmar to obtain the relevant format.
9. Waste Action Grant Programme has a possible 2500 pounds grant which would give us water butts for 40 plots. To demonstrate our work towards waste reduction a variety of actions have been suggested; BBQ open day; compost awareness.
10. B&Q give grants for up to 250 pounds which could be useful if we are to pay for our community hut from our own funds.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 7 MARCH, 2009 at 11.00
MINUTES – SATURDAY 6 JUNE
Present: John and Monica McKinlay, Tom Cashman, John Roberts, George, Joan Anderson, Ernie Curtis, Rod, John Maule, Norma and June Carlyon .
1. Thanks to Ernie for fitting new locks and hardware to the clubhouse, to John Maule for fitting the unscrewable screws and to Katie for painting the clubhouse.
2. Rats – In the past two weeks we have had two visits from the pest control officer. There have been no further sightings and although one set of bait is gone the others remain untouched. Plot holders are requested to be vigilant and continue the good work of keeping the site clear of anything that might attract them.
3. Fires- Since Ian spoke to the intruder there have been no further reported confrontations with him. Plot holders should let John know if there are any problems.
4. City of Edinburgh is carrying out an Open Space Audit. Poster displayed in clubhouse and questionnaire forms available if anyone wants to take part.
5. Discussion about Mare’s Tail and how we might tackle this problem. Tom Cashman has investigated various remedies and will look into it further. Anyone with suggestions on this please speak to Tom. Meantime John will ask Ian Woolard if he can give us any help or advice.
6. AOB and general discussion was followed by a plant swop and tea/coffee. Thanks again to Norma for the home baking!
MINUTES – SATURDAY 2 MAY
Present: John and Monica McKinlay, Tom Cashman, Katie Ferguson, John Roberts, George, John Maule and Norma Carlyon .
1. John opened the meeting by thanking Katie for the fruit trees, chippings, benches etc.; Tom for bagging and delivering everything to plot; Johnny for straw bales; Rod for organizing delivery of the old windows; Helen for her Recycle bay posters; Richard for collecting the planks and Chris for donating two bags of bark for clubhouse plot.
2. The Recycling Bay is now up and running so help yourself to items and add in anything useful that you no longer need. Helen will monitor this area.
3. Posters have been completed for the Competitions- see notice boards-encourage the kids.
4. Edinburgh in Bloom- for info- again leaflets on the notice board.
5. Rats – see notice board for details.
6. Ian’s Visit –plot inspection- 2 plots moving to half- he said that he thought that Craigentinny was the most improved site in Edinburgh- fires(item 7)- spray perma plot and keys(item 8)- insurance (item 9)- water pressure was examined and solutions considered.
7. Fires- Ian has spoken to the intruder and he now knows that fires are allowed and that he shouldn’t abuse the plotholders. We have suggested that we have fires only on a Sunday when there is a west wind. He is happy to accept this and the Committee has agreed in principle. John will be back in touch with Ian.
8. Perma culture situation- Ian has offered to spray the plot but this is not required- We have done a good bit of work so far but will need help if we are to move it on. Community day suggested- see notice re the work so far- improvements-what next?
9. Clubhouse Day- plant trees- paint shed- put down bark etc. 16 May
10. AOB
Present: John and Monica McKinlay, Tom Cashman, Katie Ferguson, John Robertson, Johnny Gailey, Helen Gestwicki, Richard Cross, John Maule and Norma Carylon , Joan Pisanek, Joanna Darnley– thanks to everyone who came along.
Items
PRESENT: John and Monica Mckinlay, Tom Cashman, Katie Ferguson, John Roberts, Johnny Gailey, Joan Anderson , Steve, Helen Gestwich, Richard Cross, Ernie Curtis and Joan Anderson, John Maule and Norma Carlyon – a great turnout, thanks to everyone who came along.
ITEMS:
1. MANURE: A vote of thanks to Norma for her work in organizing the Manure deliveries. The next delivery will be Saturday 14th in the morning and Tom will be in attendance to oversee the operation.
2. Helen had suggested that we hold a Seed/Plant/Produce Swop and it was agreed that this could coincide with our monthly meetings. John asked if she would organize the first of these for 11.30 on the 4th of April. Helen agreed to do this and we will be able to hold it in our new clubhouse.
3. At the last meeting Joan asked where she might get timber for raised beds and Johnny knew of a scaffolding yard at Albion Road which might sell old boards for a couple of pounds. Robert investigated this. He sourced boards even cheaper from a scaffolding firm at Newhailes Industrial Estate and was going to try to pick some up and deliver them next Saturday morning.
4. We agreed to have two competitions this year one for the most improved plot and the other for a children’s garden.
5. Johnny Gailey reported on the Waste Action Grant Programme with a possible 2500 pounds grant which would give us water butts for 40 plots. Unfortunately, this was not approved but there is a possibility that we could get help to submit a request for monies available from Neighborhood Partnerships and Johnny will take this forward.
6. B&Q give grants for up to 250 pounds which could be useful if we are to pay for the upkeep of our community hut from our own funds, again Johnny will pursue. The amount of grant may now have increased!
7. We discussed our visit from the Police and the attempted break-in to cars in the car park. Plot holders should be aware.
8. New clubhouse will be erected on Tuesday. Monica will let them in.
9. We will move ahead with our formal constitution and EVOC will help with its composition.
10. Composting facilities were discussed. A shredder would be useful and we need to pay attention to the use of the bins. It was unanimously decided to put notices on the bins to ensure their proper use.
11. We will organize a community day in line with the Open Doors Scheme in the autumn.
12. There was a good exchange of information regarding seeds etc at good prices.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 4 APRIL, 2009 at 11.00 –IN OUR NEW CLUBHOUSE!!!
PRESENT: John and Monica Mckinlay, Tom Cashman, John Roberts, Johnny Gailey, Rod, Joan and Muhad, Helen Gestwich, Richard Cross, Joan Anderson
APOLOGIES: Katie Ferguson, John Maule and Norma Carlyon
ITEMS:
1. Holding our meeting in the cold reminded us that we had requested funds for a clubhouse. John will contact Ian Woolard re progress of ‘wish list’.
2. Helen suggested that we hold a Seed/Plant/Produce Swop and it was agreed that this could coincide with our monthly meetings. John will include this in his Newsletter which he will send out to all plotholders after the next meeting.
3. Joan asked where she might get timber for raised beds and Johnny knew of a scaffolding yard at Albion road which might sell old boards for a couple of pounds and Robert will investigate this.
4. Joan asked about the current situation re wet plots and possible drainage and will be in touch with Ian Woolard direct.
5. John Robertson is looking for a water butt and would be interested in any spare available on site.
6. Manure has now been ordered twice but there is still a demand. We will order one last delivery of 100 bags. Most are spoken for but anyone who wants some please add their name to the list.
7. In order to encourage improvements within the allotments prizes will be given this year for the most improved plot and children’s garden.
8. Johnny Gailey reported on the grants available and the need for a properly constituted committee. John will be in touch with Mr Sandells of Midmar to obtain the relevant format.
9. Waste Action Grant Programme has a possible 2500 pounds grant which would give us water butts for 40 plots. To demonstrate our work towards waste reduction a variety of actions have been suggested; BBQ open day; compost awareness.
10. B&Q give grants for up to 250 pounds which could be useful if we are to pay for our community hut from our own funds.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 7 MARCH, 2009 at 11.00
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 4 OCTOBER 2008
Present: Tom Cashman, Katie Fergusion, Monica and John Mckinlay, Johnny Gailey, Norma and June Carylon, Greg , Alan Dewar from Leith Permaculture.
Previous Minutes were agreed. It was also agreed that, to cut down admin, Minutes would simply be shown on the board, copies available on request.
Alan Dewar of Leith Permaculture had kindly come along to let us know the plans for their two plots. He indicated that the idea was to have the plots as a social space that would be the focus of some courses run through ACE. The general plan had been shown on the notice board and included plans for a Round House, pond and some raised beds. Plan was flexible and could incorporate ideas from allotment holders, for example, site orchard or some sort of social space. Leith group had not progressed their grant application yet. Alan felt that other than the new structures, in general the look of the two plots would be much as it is just now. Alan was thanked for coming along to our meeting – and giving a hand with the track clearing! He will come along to our next meeting, meantime if any plot holders have any thoughts or ideas on this issue please let us know.
Ian Woolard had visited the site on 18 September and with John Mckinlay had looked around all plots. Items of interest included ;-issue of letters offering half plots to plot holders who were struggling with the upkeep of a full plot, sympathetic consideration was given due to the exceptionally wet August; new keys for 2010; path spraying; drainage for the two very bottom plots; tree work around the fence perimeter; free compost bins (let me know if you want one) ; third bucket to be returned (this has now been done).
There is a list for anyone wanting manure. Norma Carylon has contacted Riding for the Disabled and they will supply and deliver 100 bags for 60pounds. Greg is pursuing another supplier (Police Horse Stables)
Anyone interested add their name and number to the list on the board.
Johnny Gailey has been investigating grant opportunities and said that now we have a properly constituted Committee we should qualify for a 50 pound grant per plot for water buts from the Council, these would be available in February. Also B&Q have grants of 500 pounds per site for the supply of equipment. John Mckinlay is to contact Brian Sandell at Midmar Allotments for further grant possibilities.
The Autumn Project was well supported considering the weather and an excellent start was made. Anyone who feels the inclination can continue the good work by spending half an hour or so doing the bit at their own plot. Once the track is clear it only take a few minutes every so often to keep it that way without the need for sprays or weed killer.
A really big thank you was extended to the twelve people who helped on the day and all who have helped since.
Next Meeting is Saturday 1 November at 11 am at the Notice Board.
Remember any plot holder can come along and will be welcome.
There being no other business the meeting closed.
Minutes of Meeting held 3 September 2008 at Craigentinny Allotments.
Present: Tom Cashman, Katie Ferguson, John and Monica McKinlay, Norma Carlyon, Johnny Gailey, Helen Gestwick, Richard Cross and John Maule.
Item 1: Election of Office bearers
Chairman: Tom Cashman
Secretary: Monica Mckinlay
Treasurer: Katie Ferguson
We had decided that in order to be as inclusive as possible the Committee would consist of those plot holders who had attended at least one of our three meetings so in addition to the above, other than the Office Bearers, Joan MacLellan, Joan Anderson, Ernest Curtis and Norma Carlyon would complete the Committee.
Item 2: Diary for meetings
We decided to meet monthly on the first Saturday of each month at 11 o’clock at the site. All plot holders are very welcome at the meetings.
Item 3: Autumn Project
The project will be to clear the access track. This will take place at the time of the next meeting, 3 October at 11am. Anyone who wants to help should just come along. Even half an hour of your time will make a huge difference.
Item 4: Suggestions for Site Improvements
There had been no suggestions outwith the meeting. However there was a wide ranging discussion of various current topics of interest. These included the following;
Acquisition of water butts – Johnny Gailey kindly offered to look into this.
Removal of problem trees if plot holders required- it was thought the Council would need to do this.
Composting- a fair amount of composting material finds its way into the bins. The site at Leith Links and Midmar had received a grant for on site composting facilities. We also decided to approach Mr Woolard to see if any garden compost bins could be provided. Material from plots can easily produce good quality compost at no cost and little effort.
Manure- In times past the site had made effort to jointly order manure. Various plot holders had organised this. We wanted to assess if there was an interest for this. I have attached a sheet and if anyone wants manure please append your names. If anyone has a source kindly call me on 661 4373.
Leith Permaculture Plots – There was a general discussion of these and concern was expressed about the state of the plots and access. As we wanted to get a bit more information it was decided to contact Ian Woolard for more details. We discussed what we might do with the plots if they came back within the let of the site. There were a few thoughts on use including a kind of common area for general use this included a suggestion to coppice the area or perhaps a community orchard as trees would help dry the area.
There being no other business the meeting closed.
Date of next meeting is first Saturday in October, the 3rd, at 11 o’clock which will also be the project day.
MINUTES – SATURDAY 1 AUGUST
Present: John and Monica McKinlay, John Roberts, Helen Gestwick, Alistair, Joan Anderson, Ernie Curtis, Rod, John Maule, and Norma Carylon .
1. July minutes were agreed.
2. Thanks to George Brown for strimming the community plot, Katie for cleaning out the toilet when it was flooded. Ian Woolard aware of necessary repair.
3. The break- in was discussed. The fence had been cut in two places, the clubhouse windows broken, the pond liner damaged and about a dozen sheds broken into. Nothing was taken. The police investigated and will alert the Community Police team and local householders. The council had made a temporary repair to the fence and John will contact Ian Woolard on his return from holiday to ensure a permanent repair to the fence and see if he has any contacts at Forestcraft who could help with the replacement windows. John Maule left a Tool Station catalogue in the shed for anyone who might want to replace or upgrade their locks etc.
4. The BBQ had gone very well and everyone had enjoyed it. A special thanks to John Robertson for his homemade refreshments. On the day we had successfully lined the pond but the break-in has set us back. Ernie volunteered to tidy up the pond and repair the liner. Helen will price and source gravel etc.
5. We do not have contact numbers for all the plot holders so were unable to let everyone know about the break-in so we discussed the possibility of a website and Helen will look into adding us to her web server. John said he would ask for contact numbers of those who might want to be contacted by phone in such an instance in future.
6. Manure- it’s that time of year again and we will put up a notice asking for names of those interested. Norma volunteered to be the contact point again this year.
7. The Competitions will be judged on Ian’s return from holiday and winners will be contacted before the end of August- see notice boards.
8. FEDEGA Vegetable Show- again info on the notice board. John said that he was going to enter and that we could enter vegetables as a site so he would organize that if anyone was interested. Schedules in the clubhouse.
9. AOB
As each shed broken-into is a separate incident report, each plot holder concerned would have to report their own beak-in. If you wish to do so you will need to quote the incident number given to cover the fence and the clubhouse which is No 473 of 29 July. However, this is probably not worth your hassle and no one should feel obliged to do so.