Two Column Layout Newsletter October 5th 2025
I'm sorry about the delay since the last newsletter, but I've been on holiday. Quite a bit has been going on, as detailed below.Committee Meeting
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on Thursday 18th September 2025
PRESENT: J.Hodges, A. Redfern, M.Hubball,
C Jones. J. Carter-Bown, J Pile, J Mills, P Jones D. Bonner, G.Cross
Meeting opened at: 7.32pm
1.CHAIRMAN’S OPENING ADDRESS
Chairman welcomed everyone to the September meeting.
2. APOLOGIES
A Linnecor, R. Harrison
3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Read and agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Potholes issue- ongoing. Some repair has taken place but seems to be of a temporary nature.
Cars at the top of the site- ongoing issue
Bindweed on plot 8A- this is now being tackled.
5. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Late show was well represented considering the unusual weather over the last few months.
Thanks to Jo Blockley and family for the plant sale and to Eileen and Dennis for the jam. (Eileen and Dennis donated half of their charity takings to our allotment funds) We also sold excess vegetables.
Total amount made was £106.70.
Thanks also to Richard for serving as runner and providing the gazebo, the Social Club and Dave and Lesley for judging the exhibits.
6. SECRETARY’S REPORT
The forthcoming plot rental renewal season is approaching us very quickly. I have some plots that have been taken over by new plotholders who are not registered as plot holders as yet, also I have a couple of changes to plots that have plotholders already registered but a change is necessary. I am working through these.
The store shed is ticking over quietly and we are keeping an eye on stock levels.
I have recently been informed that Jacqui is reducing to a half plot. This will result in a vacant half plot which will be let in due course. Jacqui does a good job of managing her plot so I am delighted that she will be continuing to be with us into the future.
Also, Martin Yates will be giving up his tenancy of plot 29. Martin has been with us for quite a long time and we have enjoyed his company. Plot 29 will be let in due course.
I have regularly spoken to Peter Weston whose site visits continue without any problems arising .
I received notification that 2 Councillors from Sutton Coldfield Town Council will be in attendance at Hill Allotments for a site visit on the 1st of October. Steve Hollingsworth and Peter Weston will accompany them on the day. Paul Jones and I will be in attendance.
The next meeting of the Sutton Town Council Allotment Forum will take place on Thursday 9th October. Colin and Jacqui will attend the Trinity Centre.
7. TREASURERS REPORT
Main Account
Shed Sales for August were £141.51. YTD £1885.01
The Late Summer Show was quite successful - Judith will give the details later - but the overall cost of the show was £147, somewhat down from last year which was £173. The total cost of the 2 shows was £258, down from last year's £298.
The situation was offset by the Late Summer Plant Sale which generated £106.70. Thanks go to Jo Blockley who organised it.
The Main account balance was £5713.34 at the end of August
We decided some months ago that we would donate £250 to the Social Club as a contribution towards the cost of their 80th anniversary celebration. I have not yet made this payment. Are we all agreed that this should go ahead? (After a short discussion it was agreed that this donation would be paid).
For the last few years we have paid the rent for plotters who are over 80 and have had a plot for more than 2 years. Last year this cost £369. This year the cost will be £420.
Are we in agreement that we should continue this for another year?
Maintenance Account
We have still not received any of the annual budget money from BCC. This is for water, general maintenance , toilet cleaning. This money £479.06, was due in May with a promise, given some weeks ago, that it was on its' way. That was for the first 6 months of the year. An identical payment is normally made in November.
Our water bill for the March-September period is £554.03. The total bill for the year is £602.61.
(The total water budget allocated by the Council is £388.70 for the current year.- assuming we get it.) This bill is the highest ever by some way - previous highest was £462 in 2022. Fortunately we have a reasonable balance and will be able to pay the bill.
If next year is similar we may have to give some thought to water restriction. Jason tells me that some sites in Sutton have turned off their taps to try to limit the bill.
Maintenance account balance was £1421.21 at the end of August. Unchanged from last month.
Since then we have purchased a replacement fire extinguisher for the store shed at a cost of £15.00 and the water bill, as discussed above, will be paid on October 1st
Plot rent for the coming year is payable from October 1st. I have received the details of payment due for plotters but there are a number of querirs and updates required.
I have sent out the details where they are satisfactory to most of the plotters.
As in the last few years it is anticipated that the majority of rent will be paid by bank transfer. Cash or cheque is also accepted but I must remind everyone that the bank charges us 42p for each cheque. This charge will be passed on to anyone that pays by cheque.
Allan and I will be in the club from 1.00pm - 2.00pm on October 19th.This is for signing of paperwork for new plotters or where plot details have changed and also for collection of cash or cheques as mentioned above.
8. SITE MAINTENANCE
Water reading at 1st September was 2125 cubic meters up 56 on last month. It was up 20 cubic meters for the same period last year.
1 cubic meter is an IBC!!
October 5th Paul is doing a fitness challenge in aid of Birmingham Hospice.
His challenge is 80 x12inch step ups . 12.30 start. Donations /sponsors welcome.
9. PLOT MONITORING SUB COMMITTEE REPORT
Plot monitoring took place Wednesday 4th September using the BDAC guidelines for plot inspections. The sub committee looked at cultivation since April 2025, weed control, safety and a well stocked plot.
3 plots have been identified as a cause for concern. We will be following the Birmingham City Council guidelines to address these plots.
Next major inspection will be April 2026.
Can we remind plot holders that Autumn/Winter are times to prepare the allotment and the soil for the following growing season. Plots are never ‘put to bed.’
10. SHED SCHEDULE
N/A Committee members to fly their red flag when on their plot.
11. SHOW SUB COMMITTEE AND COMPETITIONS
Late Show There was a good atmosphere and great entries. There were 15 entrants and 125 entries, despite the difficult weather this year we managed to provide a show to be proud of. There are a lot of ‘Thank yous’ already identified in the Chariman’s report. In addition to these I want to thank Jason for judging the Novice section of the Show.
Next year we would like to build on the ‘Extras’ at the Shows. If anyone has any ideas please speak to a Committee member. We will continue with the Novice section in the Late Summer Show and jams/ chutneys will move to the Early Show.
The Show email address wasn’t used but it’s there to use for entries in the future.
judithAllotment40@yahoo.com
Plot Luck Supper October 15th. We’re celebrating 80 years on this site .
Club open at 6.30….food at 7pm. Come to meet other plot holders…bring something to share that you’ve grown on your plot.
Certificates will be presented.
12. SITE REPORT/HEALTH AND SAFETY
Nothing to report.
13. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
First Aid course… possible dates 11th or 18th October….awaiting confirmation.
14. AOB
- This year only 1st places awarded for best plot categories….this will be looked at next year.
- There is now a Facebook page for plot holders to join as well as WhatsApp group…..plot holders need to be informed of this.
- Gates have been left unlocked unnecessarily.
- Over 80’s rents are paid by the Allotments…John thanked the Committee for this.
- Next meeting we need to look at insurance for tree damage…Allan to contact Bernie.
- New noticeboards to be discussed next meeting.
CLOSURE
Meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
The next Committee Meeting- October 23rd
Rent collection
This is ongoing. So far in excess of £2000 has been collected so we are about half way already.In most cases things have gone fine apart from a number of payments that were sent to the wrong account.
There are a number of problems however which have prevented me from sending out rent details to some people. This is caused by the introduction of new plotters plus a number of detail changes e.g. moving from one plot to another. In addition, the Council has informed us of some apparent incorrect payments from previous years. All of these need to be sorted.
Don't forget that Allan and I will be in the club from 1 - 2 pm on October 19th. Please come along if you have paperwork to sign or questions to ask
First Aid Course
The postponed First Aid Course will now take place in the club on October 18th (starting at 10.00 'ish).This course is free to everyone. If you are interested get back to me.
That's all for now.Mike
Please bring your own cutlery
Recent Posts
Committee Meeting
Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on Thursday 18th September 2025PRESENT: J.Hodges, A. Redfern, M.Hubball,
C Jones. J. Carter-Bown, J Pile, J Mills, P Jones D. Bonner, G.Cross
Meeting opened at: 7.32pm
1.CHAIRMAN’S OPENING ADDRESS
Chairman welcomed everyone to the September meeting.
2. APOLOGIES
A Linnecor, R. Harrison
3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
Read and agreed.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
Potholes issue- ongoing. Some repair has taken place but seems to be of a temporary nature.
Cars at the top of the site- ongoing issue
Bindweed on plot 8A- this is now being tackled.
5. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Late show was well represented considering the unusual weather over the last few months.
Thanks to Jo Blockley and family for the plant sale and to Eileen and Dennis for the jam. (Eileen and Dennis donated half of their charity takings to our allotment funds) We also sold excess vegetables.
Total amount made was £106.70.
Thanks also to Richard for serving as runner and providing the gazebo, the Social Club and Dave and Lesley for judging the exhibits.
6. SECRETARY’S REPORT
The forthcoming plot rental renewal season is approaching us very quickly. I have some plots that have been taken over by new plotholders who are not registered as plot holders as yet, also I have a couple of changes to plots that have plotholders already registered but a change is necessary. I am working through these.
The store shed is ticking over quietly and we are keeping an eye on stock levels.
I have recently been informed that Jacqui is reducing to a half plot. This will result in a vacant half plot which will be let in due course. Jacqui does a good job of managing her plot so I am delighted that she will be continuing to be with us into the future.
Also, Martin Yates will be giving up his tenancy of plot 29. Martin has been with us for quite a long time and we have enjoyed his company. Plot 29 will be let in due course.
I have regularly spoken to Peter Weston whose site visits continue without any problems arising .
I received notification that 2 Councillors from Sutton Coldfield Town Council will be in attendance at Hill Allotments for a site visit on the 1st of October. Steve Hollingsworth and Peter Weston will accompany them on the day. Paul Jones and I will be in attendance.
The next meeting of the Sutton Town Council Allotment Forum will take place on Thursday 9th October. Colin and Jacqui will attend the Trinity Centre.
7. TREASURERS REPORT
Main Account
Shed Sales for August were £141.51. YTD £1885.01
The Late Summer Show was quite successful - Judith will give the details later - but the overall cost of the show was £147, somewhat down from last year which was £173. The total cost of the 2 shows was £258, down from last year's £298.
The situation was offset by the Late Summer Plant Sale which generated £106.70. Thanks go to Jo Blockley who organised it.
The Main account balance was £5713.34 at the end of August
We decided some months ago that we would donate £250 to the Social Club as a contribution towards the cost of their 80th anniversary celebration. I have not yet made this payment. Are we all agreed that this should go ahead? (After a short discussion it was agreed that this donation would be paid).
For the last few years we have paid the rent for plotters who are over 80 and have had a plot for more than 2 years. Last year this cost £369. This year the cost will be £420.
Are we in agreement that we should continue this for another year?
Maintenance Account
We have still not received any of the annual budget money from BCC. This is for water, general maintenance , toilet cleaning. This money £479.06, was due in May with a promise, given some weeks ago, that it was on its' way. That was for the first 6 months of the year. An identical payment is normally made in November.
Our water bill for the March-September period is £554.03. The total bill for the year is £602.61.
(The total water budget allocated by the Council is £388.70 for the current year.- assuming we get it.) This bill is the highest ever by some way - previous highest was £462 in 2022. Fortunately we have a reasonable balance and will be able to pay the bill.
If next year is similar we may have to give some thought to water restriction. Jason tells me that some sites in Sutton have turned off their taps to try to limit the bill.
Maintenance account balance was £1421.21 at the end of August. Unchanged from last month.
Since then we have purchased a replacement fire extinguisher for the store shed at a cost of £15.00 and the water bill, as discussed above, will be paid on October 1st
Plot rent for the coming year is payable from October 1st. I have received the details of payment due for plotters but there are a number of querirs and updates required.
I have sent out the details where they are satisfactory to most of the plotters.
As in the last few years it is anticipated that the majority of rent will be paid by bank transfer. Cash or cheque is also accepted but I must remind everyone that the bank charges us 42p for each cheque. This charge will be passed on to anyone that pays by cheque.
Allan and I will be in the club from 1.00pm - 2.00pm on October 19th.This is for signing of paperwork for new plotters or where plot details have changed and also for collection of cash or cheques as mentioned above.
8. SITE MAINTENANCE
Water reading at 1st September was 2125 cubic meters up 56 on last month. It was up 20 cubic meters for the same period last year.
1 cubic meter is an IBC!!
October 5th Paul is doing a fitness challenge in aid of Birmingham Hospice.
His challenge is 80 x12inch step ups . 12.30 start. Donations /sponsors welcome.
9. PLOT MONITORING SUB COMMITTEE REPORT
Plot monitoring took place Wednesday 4th September using the BDAC guidelines for plot inspections. The sub committee looked at cultivation since April 2025, weed control, safety and a well stocked plot.
3 plots have been identified as a cause for concern. We will be following the Birmingham City Council guidelines to address these plots.
Next major inspection will be April 2026.
Can we remind plot holders that Autumn/Winter are times to prepare the allotment and the soil for the following growing season. Plots are never ‘put to bed.’
10. SHED SCHEDULE
N/A Committee members to fly their red flag when on their plot.
11. SHOW SUB COMMITTEE AND COMPETITIONS
Late Show There was a good atmosphere and great entries. There were 15 entrants and 125 entries, despite the difficult weather this year we managed to provide a show to be proud of. There are a lot of ‘Thank yous’ already identified in the Chariman’s report. In addition to these I want to thank Jason for judging the Novice section of the Show.
Next year we would like to build on the ‘Extras’ at the Shows. If anyone has any ideas please speak to a Committee member. We will continue with the Novice section in the Late Summer Show and jams/ chutneys will move to the Early Show.
The Show email address wasn’t used but it’s there to use for entries in the future.
judithAllotment40@yahoo.com
Plot Luck Supper October 15th. We’re celebrating 80 years on this site .
Club open at 6.30….food at 7pm. Come to meet other plot holders…bring something to share that you’ve grown on your plot.
Certificates will be presented.
12. SITE REPORT/HEALTH AND SAFETY
Nothing to report.
13. MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
First Aid course… possible dates 11th or 18th October….awaiting confirmation.
14. AOB
- This year only 1st places awarded for best plot categories….this will be looked at next year.
- There is now a Facebook page for plot holders to join as well as WhatsApp group…..plot holders need to be informed of this.
- Gates have been left unlocked unnecessarily.
- Over 80’s rents are paid by the Allotments…John thanked the Committee for this.
- Next meeting we need to look at insurance for tree damage…Allan to contact Bernie.
- New noticeboards to be discussed next meeting.
CLOSURE
Meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
The next Committee Meeting- October 23rd
Rent collection
This is ongoing. So far in excess of £2000 has been collected so we are about half way already.In most cases things have gone fine apart from a number of payments that were sent to the wrong account.
There are a number of problems however which have prevented me from sending out rent details to some people. This is caused by the introduction of new plotters plus a number of detail changes e.g. moving from one plot to another. In addition, the Council has informed us of some apparent incorrect payments from previous years. All of these need to be sorted.
Don't forget that Allan and I will be in the club from 1 - 2 pm on October 19th. Please come along if you have paperwork to sign or questions to ask
First Aid Course
The postponed First Aid Course will now take place in the club on October 18th (starting at 10.00 'ish).This course is free to everyone. If you are interested get back to me.
That's all for now.Mike Please bring your own cutlery