Minutes of the 49th Annual General Meeting 

at St Mary’s Centre Monday 25th November 2024

(To be approved at the 2025 AGM)

Present-

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

Plot holders attending numbered 31 (including committee members).

Apologies- Hilary Bishop, Angela Davis, Lucy Evans, Jo Brian, David Green, Jim and Sue Delaney, Mark Collis, Barry Barrott. 

The meeting opened at 7.30pm.

Chairman’s opening remarks

• Brian welcomed everyone for attending.
• One minutes silence was observed to remember those we have lost since the last AGM.
• Brian explained in some detail the agreement between FAGS and Felpham Parish Council (FPC) with regard to the management of the allotments. He explained the key points of the agreement and how the Committee run the site on behalf of all plot holders, FAGS responsibilities and obligations with regards to site maintenance, security, site utilities, council regulations, annual rent payable to FPC. There were no questions from the floor.
• Brian thanked the committee members and the many volunteers who have carried out excellent work over the last year.

48th AGM 2023 – 

• Matters from the floor – none.

• Approval of the 48^th AGM minutes – no objections
• Minutes signed by Chairman.

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

• Matters from the floor - none.

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

• Matters from the floor – Wendy asked if we pay bank charges? Desbina explained we pay a monthly fee and that changes to bank arrangements will take place in January 2025. Charges will be applied to cash and/or cheque deposits, bank transfers are therefore preferred.
• Card reader was a great success at this year’s plant sale.
• Rent renewal – 5 plot holders did not pay by the October deadline and had to be chased for payment.
• Desbina thanks Dave Suter for authorizing the annual accounts.

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

• Matters from the floor – none.
• The waiting list is now 20 down from 30.
• Waiting time is about 18 months.
• 15 new plot holders, some in attendance at the meeting.
• Currently we have 3x full plots, 53x half plots and 80x quarter plots.

Food bank collection report – this 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.
• Despite this year’s weather and the increase in slugs, we have actually donated more this year than last year.
• Please donate herbs next year as well if possible.
• Nick asked if we could provide a shelter for the collection wheelbarrows to protect the produce from sun and rain. The committee will investigate options.
• 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 who helped this year.
• Many thanks to Jane and everyone who has donated produce.
• A vote was taken to continue with this important project. Unanimously approved.

To discuss and approve the Annual rent for 2025/2026.

• The current annual rent for 2024/2025 is £64 full plot, £32 half plot and £16 quarter plot.
• A discussion took place.
  • Water rates and the increased estimate for next year. Desbina explained the meter had broken during the summer and we are expecting the unpaid costs to appear in next year’s bills.
  • Annual rents for 2025/2026. Do we freeze the rents at the current rate or increase the rents to £68 full plot, £34 half plot and £17 quarter plot?
  • A vote was taken – 15 voted for freezing the rents, 10 voted for increasing the rents and 6 abstained.
  • So annual rents for 2025/2026 will be frozen at £64 full plot, £32 half plot and £16 quarter plot. This will take place from 1^st October 2025.

To re-elect Officers/Committee members.

• The following committee members were proposed, seconded, and unanimously approved.
  • Chairman – Brian Rodgers (proposed Jeff, seconded Tony)
  • Vice Chair/Rent officer – Anne Hall (proposed Ross, seconded Colin)
  • Secretary – John Docherty (proposed Rosemary, seconded Ross)
  • Committee – Geraldine Whitehead (proposed Ross, seconded Jeff)
  • Committee – John Austin (proposed Nick, seconded Rod)
  • Committee – Steve Lockless (proposed Rod, seconded Colin)
• The following committee members were not up for re-election, already elected. 
  • Treasurer – Desbina Antoniou
  • Committee – Rod Devaney
• Brian spoke about the need to replace those committee officers/members that will complete their 3^rdterm of office in 3 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:

• Site security
  • Brian gave an update on the current situation with regard to site security.
    • An incident in September 2024 reported – tomatoes and peppers stolen from greenhouses near western gate.
    • As a result, anti- climb paint has been applied to the western gate and perimeter fence. Signs have been installed. Also, sensor operated light has been installed.
    • Important that plot holders continue to close gates and lock main gate if you are the last car out.
    • CCTV continues to deter.
• Bonfires
  • There have been complaints recently about bonfires on site during the day, causing thick plumes of smoke blown across the main road and onto neighbouring properties.
  • The FAGS Bonfire policy has been reissued to all plot holders.
  • It is essential to follow the policy, or we risk bonfires being banned by the council if complaints continue.
• Plant sale donation
  • Colin Davis advised that some of the left-over plants from the plant sale were donated to one of the local primary schools, Bishop Tufnell.
  • When he was visiting the school recently, he noticed that they had won a certificate in this years “Bognor in Bloom” competition.
  • It was first prize for best Tomato! (one of our own I’m sure)

Meeting closed at 8.33pm.

Refreshments followed.

On behalf of the Committee

John Docherty.

Secretary