June 2026 Committee Update
Grove Allotment Association committee meeting Thursday 26th June. Minutes will be approved at next meeting. This is a summary of matters discussed/dealt with:
We welcomed four of our Networkers attending the meeting – Heather (Networker since the AGM), Michaela (our Website wizard) and new Networkers Don and Linda. Their contribution to discussions generated lots of ideas and helped to shape decisions.
Minutes of previous meeting and summary notice - we approved the minutes of the meeting held on 26th May and noted that arising from our 9th May clear up event:
Elm Lodge Care home paid our invoice for £120 for equipment and work we did dealing with their boundary pruning. We will collaborate with them during our next event.
Our £50 donation to the Derbyshire 1st and 3rd Scouts as thanks for their work with us
Finance - We noted and approved recent expenditure. Our balance of funds is £6,522.71.
Plots - we have successfully let four plots, two on the upper site and two on the lower site.
Land and plot use audit 18th June – we discussed and agreed recommendations:
A number of plots will be designated uncultivable, reducing our total number of plots.
Some plots set aside will be left as naturally rewilded.
Others plots set aside will be managed wildlife areas and communal space with pollinator and wildlife friendly sustainable planting, including where appropriate trees.
These measures support Chesterfield Borough Council’s Climate Change Strategy – Green space, land use and offsetting.
A notice about the audit and action needed, including follow up with members who appear to be having difficulty, has been posted on WhatsApp and gate notices.
We noted the National Allotment Society national audit to gather data from Councils about allotment provision, waiting lists, and demand to better protect allotment gardens.
Notice boards - we agreed the Salisbury Avenue entrance notice board needs upgrading.
We talked about our water use since 31st May - We continue to monitor our water use and noted we have used 45,000 litres (45m3) between 31st May and 24th June. This is an average of 1956 litres per day. Maybe no surprise that we used 4,000 litres on 23 June!
Chesterfield Allotment Network update - Transition Chesterfield (TC) adopted the network as a project. This allowed an application to Communtiy Grants Fund to fund a water resilience programme. We will know if we have been successful on 17th July.
National Allotment Week "Grow to Learn" 10 th - 16 th August - we agreed to organise:
A social event and BBQ to be held Sunday 16th August 3 - 8.
A “by request open” day promoting allotment gardening Saturday 15th August 10 - 1 p.m. Details and a call for volunteers to help with this will be posted ASAP.
Composting Toilets - We have asked Penmore Allotment Association about how they manage their compost toilet. They have similar problems managing theirs. After discussion we agreed to restore the toilets and manage them as restricted access, with keys allocated on a deposit basis to members on request. This is to ensure a good standard of hygiene and cleanliness can be adequately provided for people using the facilities.
Plotter of the month - James (lower site) and Steve, Graham and Jacquie (upper site) were chosen as stand out allomenteerss on their own plots and S&G’s contribution on 9th May.
Photo Competition - prize to Nicola and Janet (lower site) for their Robin on a fork handle photo and a special prize for Nick’s children (upper site) for their fairy garden.
National Allotment Society Magazine - our Networkers and Committee members have hard copies of the 2nd 2026 edition. We agreed to look at providing waterproof boxes to make this quarterly journal more easily available to our members.
Wickes Trade Pro Account - we are now registered for 10% discount and we will consider if this could be made available to members for any allotment plot works.
Our next committee meeting will be held on Thursday 30th July
Grove Allotment Association Ltd is a registered co-operative society (FCA 5038)