1. Apologies for absence:
   Mike Webster (MW), Dale Holgate (DH) and Peter Laws (PL).

2. Chairs opening remarks:
   NP welcomed everyone to the meeting. NP informed the committee that for health reasons, PL has resigned from the committee. NP and the rest of the committee thank Peter for being a part of the committee and send him our best wishes.
   
   
3. Actions from previous meetings:
   
   
4. Baildon Town Council (NP/RN)
   Meeting held on 15th January, present were Cllr John Turner , Helen Thornton, Neal Parry and Richard Nottidge. During the meeting the allotment reserve was discussed and it was established that after work on the fence at Thompson Lane was paid the allotment reserve would stand at £3200.00 plus £1100.00 unspent on this years budget (Total £4300.00).
   NP and RN were satisfied that these figures were correct. 
   HT stated that there were no plans at this time to increase the rent that BHS pays the council beyond what is agreed on the management agreement.
   Action: Matter complete.
   
   
5. Council boundary changes (NP)
   During the above meeting Cllr Turner assured us that despite the boundary changes Baildon Town Council will retain responsibility for Thompson Lane allotments.
   Action: Matter complete.
   
   

• Bradford City of Culture 2025 (CB)
  Action: For any events we plan in 2025 committee members will consider whether these could be part of City of Culture and if funding could be applied for.
  
  

1. Tree Surgery at Charlestown (NP)
   Quote agreed and deposit paid. Date for work TBC. Woodchip and logs to be left on site.
   Action: Keep on future agendas until work complete.
   
   
2. Charlestown resident (neighbour to allotments), emails regarding tree surgery along boundary (NP/CM)
   Action: Agreed work can go ahead. Matter complete.
3. Working party at Thompson Lane (RN)
   A very successful day! A team of 21 people turned out to volunteer for the hedge/fence clearing work. LM has sent an email out thanking everybody. Phase 2 of the new fence due to begin early March.
   
   

• 2025 RHS Trip (CB)
  Enough people have shown an interest for the trip to go ahead this year which is great news.
  Action: CB to contact everyone who has signed up. Start to collect payment (shops or bank transfer). Confirm with coach company. Keep trip open for any other people who would like to sign up. Share with Harden Horticultural Society.
  
  
• Grit bin at Charlestown to be refilled (CM/DH/NP)
  Action: Will be refilled for autumn/winter 2025.
  
  

1. Rent paid to Baildon Town Council in 2024 (NP)
   The difference in payments made were due to paying two invoices to BTC last year one in December 23 relating to 23/24 final installment plus another received in June covering April 24 – March 2025 therefore 5 months have been charged to prepayments. NP suggested that future accounts can just show the payment we actually make in April and this will simplify the accounts. This was agreed by all.
   
   
2. Site shops profit/loss (NP)
   NP pointed out that the site shops made losses of £1256 in FY22/23 and £961 in FY23/24 and that this needed looking at as these losses did not include the 10% profit charged on items.

Action: Initial action NP and LM to compare prices at the shops for the next meeting on 10th March.

NP will then look at previous invoices for goods purchased to ensure that the prices we charge include the unit price for each item, VAT paid and delivery charges paid.

4. Member’s issues:

A complaint had been received regarding the almost removal of a hedgerow at Charlestown, this was a strategically placed hedge that had been planted many years ago to reduce damage by wind and was also a haven for birds and wildlife. 

Action: NP to email members with instruction to a) Discuss any such future actions with neighbouring plot holders and also b) Obtain authorisation from the committee before any works are completed.

5. Reports:

Allotment officers:
Charlestown: 0 on the waiting list. No vacant plots.

Thompson Lane: 1 on the waiting list. No vacant plots.
All agreed that if current plot holders wish to have a second plot they can do so, if their first plot is well maintained and 75% cultivated. This applies when the waiting list for plots is empty.

Treasurer:
SB shared monthly report.

Secretary:
Nothing to report.

Health and Safety:
Nothing to report.

Show 2025:
DT will contact sponsors towards the end of March.
NP will contact BTC about their sponsorship of the show.
Schedules – a smaller number to be printed this year. 250/500. RW to get quotes and discuss with DT.

Membership Secretary:
Membership renewals ongoing.

6. Any other business:
   
   

Potato/onion sales
Sales seem to be slow at Charlestown this year. Not many left at Thompson Lane.