Minutes of the 50th Annual General Meeting 

at St Mary’s Centre Tuesday 25th November 2025

(To be approved at the 2026 AGM)

Present-

Brian Rodgers (Chair). John Docherty (Secretary). Anne Hall (Vice Chair/ Rent Officer). Desbina Antoniou (Treasurer). John Austin (Committee). Rod Devaney Committee). Geraldine Whitehead (Committee).

Plot holders attending numbered 39 (including committee members). There were 2 guests: Nick Forsyth (ex- plot holder) and Bob Budd (Felpham Parish councillor).

Apologies- Steve Lockless (Committee), Debra Sutton, Peter Brookshaw, Ron Hand, David Powles, Wendy Anderson, David Barclay, Angela Davis, Diane Palin, Chris Harris. 

The meeting opened at 7.35pm.

Chairman’s opening remarks

• Brian welcomed everyone for attending and thanked everyone for the fantastic turnout.
• One minutes silence was observed to remember those we have lost since the last AGM.
• Brian pointed out the 2 fire exits.
• Brian explained the format for the meeting and asked if there were any items for Any Other Business – nothing from the floor. The committee had 4 topics that would be addressed.
• Brian introduced Bob Budd of the Felpham Parish Council. Bob will speak later.
• Brian introduced the committee members.

49th AGM 2024 – 

• Matters from the floor – none.

• Approval of the 49^th AGM minutes – no objections.
• Proposed by Geraldine and seconded by Denis.
• Minutes signed by Chairman.

Chairman’s Report – this report has been sent to all plot holders. 

• Matters from the floor - none.
• Brian read out his report and focused on the successful renewal of the rental agreement with FPC, site security, provision of manure and shreddings, need for new committee members (CM) before 2027 as existing CMs will be retiring, woo woo loo, grass cutting, and 50^th anniversary of FAGS.
• Val kindly volunteered to head up a subcommittee to organize something to celebrate the 50^thanniversary. Jane and Ellie volunteered to help.
• Bob Budd gave an update on the flint wall repair. It is FPC responsibility to repair, they have a budget and are currently obtaining quotes from specialist companies. The repair work will take place in spring 2026.

Treasurer’s Report – this report and financial accounts has been sent to all plot holders. 

• Matters from the floor – will there be a budget for the 50^th anniversary celebration? Desbina to advise.
• Desbina advised that water bill was significantly high this year due to the hot dry summer, new electricity supplier has reduced costs, bank charges have been kept to a minimum.
• Plot holders requested to conserve use of water.

Rent Officer’s Report – this report has been sent to all plot holders. 

• Matters from the floor – none.
• The waiting list is now down to 10 applicants
• Waiting time is about 6 months.
• 10 new plot holders, some in attendance at the meeting.
• Map of the plots and list of plot holders available to view in the cabin.

Food bank collection report – this detailed report has been sent to all plot holders.

• Matters from the floor – none.
• Jane Walters gave us an update on the food collection project that she has brilliantly organised this year. Feedback from the local Bognor food bank has been fantastic. A certificate has been presented to FAGS for your donations during 2025.
• Jane volunteered to run the project again next year. Will need a deputy who could cover when she is not available (sickness, holidays etc.). Thanks to Rod, Mark and Gabi who helped this year.
• Many thanks to Jane and everyone who has donated produce.
• It was agreed to continue with this important project. 

To discuss and approve the Annual rent for Oct 2026/Sep 2027.

• The current annual rent for 2025/2026 is £64 full plot, £32 half plot and £16 quarter plot.
• A discussion took place.
  • Due to increased costs, the Committee proposed an increase to £72 full plot, £36 half plot and £18 quarter plot.
  • A proposal from the floor was £80 full plot, £40 half plot and £20 quarter plot.
  • Further discussions took place, and a compromise was proposed of £76 full plot, £38 half plot, £19 quarter plot.
  • A vote was taken – a majority voted in favour.
  • So annual rents for 2026/2027 will be increased to £76 full plot, £38 half plot and £19 quarter plot. This will take place from 1^st October 2026.

To re-elect Officers/Committee members.

• The following committee members were proposed, seconded, and unanimously approved.
  • Treasurer – Desbina Antoniou (proposed Val, seconded Rod)
  • Committee – Rod Devaney (proposed Geraldine, seconded John)
• Brian spoke about the need to replace those committee officers/members that will complete their 3^rdterm of office in 2 years’ time. (max. 9 years in total as per the constitution). If anyone wants to shadow a committee member or find out more about the committee and its responsibilities, then please contact John Docherty (Secretary).
• Volunteers to help the committee are always welcome.
• Committee meetings next year will be open to plot holders to attend as observers. 

AOB – the following topics were discussed:

• Cashless
  • Desbina asked for feedback on the possibility of going cashless for certain FAGS payments – rent renewal, manure purchases, etc. A lively discussion took place; some plot holders do not have online banking facilities and only use cash. It was agreed to continue with our current arrangements but please use bank transfers whenever possible.
• Coir
  • Brian explained that coir compost bags which are good soil conditioners are available for the committee to collect (no personal cars) one day in mid - December 2025. This is a special arrangement negotiated by Anne/John Hall.
  • Brian can arrange a lorry to collect and deliver to the carpark. Volunteers will be needed to help unload. The cost per bag is £0.75p.
  • Will this be of interest? – majority voted in favour
  • Payment of bags maybe required upfront.
• Special award
  • Brian, on behalf of the committee and plot holders, presented a gift card to Jeff and Rosemary Holm, to thank them for using their time and transport to collect manure from a supplier numerous times this year.
  • Jeff accepted the card with thanks but wanted to thank the plot holders who also helped them unload the manure bags. Well done everyone involved.
  • Bernie asked if we still need the manure supply from John (the manure man)? Brian said it was under review.
• Felpham Flower shows
  • John Docherty made a quick pitch regarding exhibiting at next year’s Felpham Horticultural Society’s Spring show and Summer show. It would be great if we could get more plot holders competing! Please contact John for more information.

Meeting closed at 8.40pm.

Refreshments followed.

On behalf of the Committee

John Docherty.

Secretary     << New text box >>