1. Apologies for absence:
None.

2. Chairs opening remarks:
NP welcomed everyone to the meeting.

3. Actions from previous meetings:

• Tree Surgery at Charlestown (NP)
  The work is complete.
• 2025 RHS Trip (CB)
  Started to collect payments. Confirmed with coach company and Bridgewater.
  Action: CB/SB to monitor payments. CB to get amended invoice from coach company and send to SB.
• Site shops profit/loss (NP)
  Loss of approx. £1200 in 2023
  Loss of approx. £900 in 2024
  Price comparisons between the two shops has shown some slight differences.

Action: SB to supply last 2 years invoices to LM/NP. NP will look at previous invoices for goods purchased to ensure that the prices we charge include the unit price for each item, VAT and delivery charges.

• CT plot holder issue (NP)
  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/allotment officer before any works are completed.

4. Member’s issues:

None.

5. Reports:

Allotment officers:
Charlestown: 0 on the waiting list. 1 vacant plot.

Thompson Lane: 1 on the waiting list. 0 vacant plots.
The boundary fence work at TL has been completed.

Treasurer:
SB shared monthly report.

Secretary:
Nothing to report.

Health and Safety:
Nothing to report. DH to look at current risk assessment files.

Show 2025:
DT has secured £1000 in sponsorship.
500 schedules to be printed. RW will discuss with DT.
DT will contact class sponsors around May time, send out invoices and update SB.

Membership Secretary:
Membership renewals ongoing. Non plot holder membership currently lower than previous years.

6. Any other business:

• Allotment running expenses (All)
  NP highlighted the previous years running expenses Vs money currently held in accounts.
  Action: Purchases, skip hire etc to be carefully considered during the year.
• Environment Committee Meeting (NP)
  NP attended the meeting on Tuesday 4^th March.
  A motion was passed for the reserve fund for the allotments to be kept at £3,000 at the end of each financial year. If the account holds more than £3,000, the difference will be allocated for spending elsewhere by Baildon Town Council.
  
  All agreed to have a think about what work may need doing at either site. Suggested so far:
  
  TL front fence
  Update to signage at the front of the sites (possibility of grants for this eg. Skylark/ Mechanics Institute).
  
  Consider an update to the Management Agreement:
  
  8.11 The Society will maintain in good order all internal fences, walls and ditches, but may trim trees to ease access to the site and may trim hedges which overhang the site.
  
  8.12 The external boundaries are not the responsibility of the Society, nor are any claims arising from these boundaries. These will be inspected, assessed and maintained by the Council.
  
  Action: Keep on the agenda for the next meeting.
• Red telephone boxes x 2 (NP/RW)
  Agreement and budget for the upkeep of these by BHS. Currently there is no formal agreement or budget in place.
  Action: Check future plans with BTC.
• Tree nursery at TL (RN)
  Action: Check if there is budget allocated to this.
• CCTV
  Is an upgrade needed at both sites?
  Action: To discuss at next meeting.