Elm Road Allotments Annual General Meeting
18th July 2026 at 2pm.
Jim McSherry chaired the AGM which was attended by the following committee members, Pat, KT, Alex, Sherry, and Jamie.
Jim reminded all present that the Allotments are managed by volunteers and reflected on how lucky we all are to have the green space of the allotments.
Last year’s annual general meeting minutes were approved.
Current officers of the committee were communicated to all present. Jim announced that all committee members were prepared to continue in their roles. It was approved that the committee members should continue in their roles. [Note, prior to the AGM taking place, Iain Watton was standing down as a committee member].
Alex provided an update on the financial position of the ERA. Income from rentals is approximately £7,000. There has been no increase in rental costs. The finances are in good condition. The main expense is rent to council at around £1,100. The second highest expense is water fees. Water consumption is substantial, in June 297,000 litres of water were used on the allotment. The water bill for June was £800. Rental increases are anticipated to compensate for water usage. The reserve fund for the allotments is £14,929. .
Alex asked the members if there were any project ideas that they would like to be considered.
One member raised concerns about water pressure and wondered if it would be possible to balance the pressure out across all allotments. Alex explained that the water pressure was investigated previously. Jim explained that water enters from the north border of the site and so the pressure is weaker at the southern side of the site. Jamie volunteered to look at what could be done to increase the water pressure.
Alex volunteered to look into the possibility of drilling a water well using a combination of reserve funds and possible lottery funding.
A question was raised by a member regarding interest payments and the lack of any interest showing as income. Pat to explore the possibility of higher interest bank account options.
Jim shared a Chairman’s report covering the following:
Waiting list. The waiting list is currently down to 13 individuals and six plots were rented out to new members over the last 12 months. Jim advised that if the waiting list fell into single figures then plots may be made available to applicants outside of KT3 postcode.
Knot weed. The council had handled the removal of knot weed from two plots. One plot has been given the all clear to be reworked. The second plot is awaiting clearance from the council following treatment. Asbestos had been found on the plot, guidance is awaited from the council on how to proceed safely. It is unknown how the knot weed found its way onto the site.
Trees. The council is due to inspect the trees along the boundary on the Elm Road side.
Lease. Jim updated that the renewal of the allotment site lease was still outstanding pending legal verification from the council. The allotment site is currently without a lease at all. Kingston Federation of Allotments and Gardeners (KFAG) were chasing the lease renewal with the council. Sherry volunteered to clarify with KFAG what is happening with the renewal.
A member advised that a consultation would take place regarding the council’s regeneration plan in the coming weeks. It was agreed that allotment members should attend the consultation to attend the consultation.
Work parties. Jim acknowledged the contribution of members who have supported work parties undertaken to help plot holders experiencing difficulties. Future work parties will involve clearing a two foot space around the pergola in order to put down weed supressing membrane.
Corale. Jim highlighted the improvements made to the ground around the corale.
Trees. Jim apologised to Sherry for the manner in which the oak tree was removed from her plot and the break down in communications which resulted in a tree being removed and a pile of logs being left on her plot without due notice. Jim reminded members to remove non-compliant trees from their plots and not plant any non-compliant trees. The committee offered to help any plot holders with removal of trees. Members were reminded of the need to restrict trees to fruit trees and only dwarf stock varieties.
Rules. Jim advised that the committee intends to undertake a review of the rules in the coming months.
A member raised a concern about a lack of contact within membership and the ability to share news and ideas. Alex advised that any suggestions for initiatives or news could be brought to the committee’s attention in person or via email. Alex and Jim agreed to provide more updates on news.
Lock. Jim advised that a member was looking into the feasibility of a punch button lock for the main gates.
Bench. Jim updated all on the new bench that has been created in memory of Lyn.
A member suggested that any rule changes should be parked until the lease renewal is confirmed and reiterated that any changes must be done in compliance with the governing documents.
Signage. Jim advised that signage around the allotment sight would be renewed.
Crop Drop. Jim advised that it was expected that the Crop Drop would continue again this year and that news would be shared with the
Mike was thanked for maintaining the wheelbarrows. Nigel was thanked for maintaining the toilets. Anser was thanked for maintaining the accounts.
BBQ. Jim announced that a communal BBQ would take place in September and Tony would be in charge of organising that. Contributions from plot holders was not required.