November 2025
MINUTES OF AGM – BHAA – 23rd OCTOBER 2025
Venue: Cliff House Library
Present:
Ken Harvey (Chair), Jamie Fowler (Treasurer), Denise Deane (Secretary), Mark Greatorex, Jane Smith, Tony Lang, Fred Hiscock, Jonathan Organ, David Flynn, Sally Wood, Jason Creed, Tim Bailey, and Myra Harvey
Apologies:
Helen Shipperley (STC Town Clerk), Caroline Hall, Charmaine Fowler, Berna Boncay, Nikki Baker, Bill & Penny Glover, Steve Pedrick, Mariusz Malek, Sue Proffit, Hayley Turner, Richard Turton, Ros Jemmett, Diana & Tony Patton, Caroline Hall, and Niall Rudd.
1. Welcome
The meeting took place in the Cliff House Library. Ken Harvey welcomed members and opened the meeting.
2. Minutes of the Last AGM (2024)
The minutes of the 2024 AGM were approved.
3. Matters Arising
Ken welcomed Fred Hiscock back and noted the good progress Fred had made in restoring his plot after a year of poor health.
Ken also reported that there were indications of rats on Plots 15 and 16, though there had been no confirmed sightings.
4. Chairman / Site Manager’s Report
Ken reported that 2025 had been a good growing season overall. Despite a dry period, there had been sufficient rainfall to sustain growth. However, there had been significant issues with whitefly on greens and moths on the apple trees, which had caused some fruit damage.
He noted that fly-tipping of pampas grass had occurred over the west fence, which he had dealt with gradually by cutting it up and removing it.
A rabbit had also been seen on site, and Bobby had caught three kits.
Ken added that grass growth throughout the year had been exceptional, requiring regular mowing.
5. Secretary’s Report
Denise commented on the year’s extreme weather with long spells of rain followed by hot, dry periods making growing conditions particularly challenging. Some crops had struggled, while others had done surprisingly well.
She extended a warm welcome to the new plot holders who joined during the year, taking over from those who had moved away or given up their plots. Denise said it was always encouraging to see fresh faces and enthusiasm on site and hoped they enjoyed becoming part of the allotment community.
Denise confirmed that there is currently a small waiting list for plots.
Because of this, the committee has decided to implement a new policy: if a plot is left uncultivated for an entire growing season, the plot holder will receive a three-month formal notice period. If, after that time, there is still no activity and no communication, the agreement will be ended or not renewed.
She emphasised that the association recognises circumstances such as ill health or personal difficulties and will always take these into account. However, with steady demand for plots, the committee feels this is a fair and balanced approach.
Denise thanked Ken Harvey for his continued support and guidance throughout the year, which had been greatly appreciated by all members. She concluded by thanking everyone for their commitment and contributions to the allotments.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Jamie reported that the association’s finances had remained stable and uneventful during the year. The closing balance stood at £396.68, with increased costs offset by the subscription rise.
Copies of the Financial Statement were circulated and approved by those present.
7. Election of Officers and Committee
Ken thanked Jamie for his contribution as Treasurer and asked him to pass on thanks to Charmaine as well. Jamie confirmed that he was standing down this year.
Mark Greatorex was proposed by Jane Smith and seconded by Fred Hiscock as Treasurer.
Ken advised that the remaining officers and committee members were willing to serve for another year and proposed a block vote.
- Chairman: Ken Harvey
- Secretary: Denise Deane
- Committee: Tony Lang and Myra Harvey
The proposal was made by Jane Smith and seconded by Fred Hiscock and carried unanimously.
8. Update on Boundary Maintenance and Rent Increase (Salcombe Town Council)
As Town Clerk Helen Shipperley was unable to attend, Ken read her written brief as follows:
Brief for the Allotments Association AGM on 23rd October 2025
From the Town Clerk
Dear Members,
Firstly, let me say how sorry I am that I am not joining you this evening and I hope you will accept this written update instead.
I’ll start with some very good news. We have recruited a Town Ranger to the Town Council team. His name is Tim Wills and he is presently a National Trust Ranger, working on the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest project. He was in the Devon and Cornwall Police for a few years before that and has a real love of working outdoors and with the community, which is just what we had hoped for. He came to Salcombe last week to get to know the town better and I showed him the allotments, where he was struck by how beautiful the site is and how well tended the plots. I am sure you will all be getting to meet him soon.
The less good news, as you all know, is that we have some issues with the boundaries of the site, particularly to the west. Last month, we commissioned a professional boundary survey which has confirmed that the boundary should be on the top of the Devon bank, where the old hedge is planted. The Town Council is taking advice about how to proceed and we will keep you up to date as appropriate. What I will say is that, once we are able to do so, and I hope that will be this winter, I intend to ask Tim to look at the hedges and work out what needs care, attention and replanting so that we can restore the boundaries and the unique rural feel of the site. He came 5th in the National Hedge Laying Championships last weekend so he will be well placed to do this!
As I think Denise may have mentioned, the Town Council has reviewed the annual charges for allotment plots and made the decision to raise them to £50 per annum from £25. Having not been increased for many years, councillors considered that it was appropriate to raise them now, particularly given the money that needs to be spent on the site. Even after the increase, they are significantly lower than other allotment fees in the area and we hope you will all understand. We will also be arranging for an asbestos survey on the shed to update our records and ensure it is safe.
The allotments site is so special and it is a real credit to you all – thank you for your careful stewardship and here’s to many more years of bounty!
Helen
9. Any Other Business
Bonfire:
Fred Hiscock reported uncovering heavy wood suitable for a bonfire and asked Ken if he would be holding one later in the year. Ken confirmed that he would and would coordinate with Fred.
Plot 16:
It was asked whether Plot 16 would remain unused. It was confirmed that it would, due to its poor condition. Progress will be monitored with the Town Ranger, with a view to potential communal use (e.g., composting) in future.
Denise confirmed that the Salcombe Green Team would like to continue using the plot to bring on plants for use around the town and that she would speak to STC about removing the overgrown fruit cage.
New Bank Account:
Mark Greatorex advised that a new bank account has been opened with HSBC, and the existing Lloyds account will be closed. Lloyds now charges a monthly fee, whereas HSBC will only apply transaction charges.
Mark and Denise Deane are both signatories on the new account, and members were asked to note this for subscription and rental payments due in the New Year.
Rental Increase:
Denise confirmed that STC had given a year’s notice of the rental increase. The current rent will apply from January to September next year, with the increased rent effective October to December. The full increase will be implemented in 2027.
Insurance:
Questions were raised about the insurance position for BHAA and individual plot holders and Denise agreed to clarify with the NAS and report back to the committee before the 2026 renewals are issued.
Suttons Seeds:
Ken reminded everyone to make use of the Suttons catalogue and the member discount available.
10. Close of Meeting
There being no further business, Ken thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
November 2024
MINUTES OF AGM BHAA 29th OCTOBER 2024
Present. Ken Harvey (Chair), Jamie Fowler (Treas), Denise Deane (Secretary). Mark Greatorx, Sue O’Sullivan, Ros Jemmett, Jane Smith, Tony Lang, Fred Hiscock and Myra Harvey
Apologies. Charmaine Fowler, Berna Boncay, Nikki Baker, Richard Turton, Bill & Penny Glover, Charlotte Spence, Heather Cummings, Sue Proffit, Kaemkan Oates, Steve Pedrick, Pam & Peter Bennett.
The meeting took place in the Cliff House Library. Ken Harvey welcomed the members & opened the meeting.
Matters Arising. Ken spoke about the sad passing of John Whylie who tended plot 14 and advised that a memorial service will be held at the church on 14th November for anyone wishing to attend.
Chairman/Site Manager’s Report. Ken reported 2024 had been an uneventful year because of the wet winter bringing with it lots of snails and slugs to everyone’s plots. He also said that the grass had been growing throughout the year with mowing needed to be done fortnightly.
Secretary’s Report. Denise agreed with Ken that it has certainly been a challenging year for everyone saying that last year, we faced the struggle of working in intense heat, with everything being so dry. This year, the challenge shifted—it seemed we had too much rain, and the cold lingered far longer than expected. As a result, much of our usual progress was delayed.
Aside from the hurdles brought by the weather, Denise said it has been a relatively quiet year in other respects.
She reported that we have been pleased to welcome two new members to our community: Niall Rudd, who has taken over plot 10W, and Steve Padrick, who is now working on plot 5C and wished them both success and enjoyment on their new plots.
Denise also referred to the sad passing of John and reported that currently, we are in the process of transferring his plot to Mariusz Malek, known to many of you as Mario, the Chef at the Winking Prawn.
She also extended best wishes to Fred Hiscock, who has been struggling with ill health and said that Fred hopes to return to his plot 4C in the coming year, and that we all look forward to seeing him back.
Denise said that as it stands, we currently have three people on our waiting list and until we finalise the situation regarding our 2025 renewals, we will not be looking to advertise for plot holders.
Denise thanked Ken for all his invaluable help and support throughout the year.
Treasurer’s Report. Jamie stated that it had also been an uneventful year in terms of the associations finances and that we finished the year with a balance of £339.43 which is slightly up on the previous year as we had raised the subscriptions for the year.
Jamie handed everyone a copy of the Financial Statement and asked for their approval which was proposed by Sue O’Sullivan and seconded by Fred Hiscox.
Jamie reminded everyone about using the Suttons catalogue to secure the discount offered to members and noted that the spend needed to qualify for the discount has not increased and that he doubts we will qualify next year.
Jamie thanked everyone for all the kind support that he had received after his accident earlier in the year.
Election of Officers. Chairman. Ken Harvey.
Vice Chair. Charmaine Fowler
Secretary. Denise Deane
Treasurer. Jamie Fowler
Committee: Tony Lang, Sue O’Sullivan, Myra Harvey
Ken thanked everyone for their time & input as committee members and as everyone was prepared to stand again asked if this could be done on block.
Myra Harvey proposed this, and it was seconded by Fred Hiscox
Update on Ladder. The Council have been in touch following complaints from residents in the cul-de-sac on Bonfire Hill concerned about soil erosion being caused by the ladder.
Consequently, they have decided to remove it.
Any Other Business.
Allotment Cup Mark asked about the existence `of a ‘Best Kept Allotment’ cup and several members said that there once has been one but following the same plot winning for several years in a row it was abandoned. Mark asked if there was any appetite for replacing it with a ‘Best Vegetable in Class’ competition but there was not!
Summer Social for 2025 Mark asked if we could have a social gathering in the coming year and it was agreed that we should try for a summer social in 2025.
Plot 16 Mark advised that he is giving up Plot 16 and Ken suggested that BHAA take it on as he would like to retain the shed for maintenance tools.
Mark offered the fruit cage to anyone that could make use of it.
Round-up Ken reported that he continues to use RoundUp where necessary and reassured everyone that the risk to individual plots was minimal.
Rats Mark thanked Ken for putting the pipe traps down.
Maintenance Day Mark asked if a ‘Maintenance Day’ would be helpful, and Ken replied that he has everything under control.
That was the end of the business.
Ken thanked the members for their attendance & closed the meeting at 8.20pm.
October 2024
Our AGM will be held this year on Tuesday 29th October in the Library at Cliff house.
It will start at 7.30pm and we hope that you will be able to attend.
The Sutton’s catalogues have arrived with us – https://www.suttons.co.uk/
If you order online and use the code SUGS161M you will receive a 50% discount off small seeds and a 20% discount off potatoes, garlic, shallots and onions.
To qualify for this discount we as an association have to spend £200 per year with them so please do use them for some of your purchases if possible.
If you’d like a physical copy of the catalogue please ask Ken – we will also have them to pick up at the AGM.
Hope to see some of you there.
January 2024
The BHAA AGM was held on Thursday 14th November 2023.
Please find minutes below…
Present. Ken Harvey (Chair), Jamie Fowler (Treas), Charmaine Fowler (Vice Chair), Richard Turton. Denise Deane. Ivory Powlesland, Lesley Boswell, John & Fiona Wylie, Jane Smith, Tony Lang, Eoghan Grace
Apologies. Douglas Gunn, Tim Bayley, Bill & Penny Glover, Myra Harvey (Secretary), Karen Colman, Charlotte Spence, Heather Cummings, Sue Proffit, Julia Bird, Pam & Peter Bennett.
The meeting took place in the Cliff House Assembly Room. Ken Harvey welcomed the members & opened the meeting.
The minutes of the 2022 AGM had been circulated & read. It was proposed by John Wylie & seconded by Lesley Boswell that they are accepted as a correct record.
Matters Arising. Rats. The problem of rats was discussed briefly & referred to AOB. Rotary Composter. Denise said there were members still interested in getting a rotary composter, but there was a problem with raising the funds so the scheme is on hold at present.
Chairman/Site Manager’s Report. Ken reported that Myra was ill & unable to attend the meeting. She was standing down as Secretary. He thanked Myra for all her hard work for the BHAA. He then thanked the other office holders & committee members. 2023 had been another difficult year because of the long dry spell in the Spring & early Summer. The path between plots 13 & 14 was crumbling in parts so had needed boarding up. There had been a sighting of a rabbit on the field so he had checked the North fence, which was damaged. He had put some extra wire along the bottom of the fence.
Secretary’s Report. Ken read Myra’s report. It went into some detail concerning the problems arising from Barbara Poynton on quarter plot 4W. Barbara had hoarded excessive amounts of used wood (some with protruding screws & nails), UPVC double glazed windows & an array of plastic containers & bottles for collecting rain water on her plot. Despite being asked to remove the material, she refused to comply. We had to write to her to try & enforce the clearance. Barbara had a fall on her allotment & broke her hip. Her brother came & cleared the plot. The plot has been let to a new member. Her report then went onto saying the scheme for a rotary composter was unable to go ahead due to funding.
Myra thanked Denise Deane for clearing Mervyn’s plot 10E & agreeing to take on the post of Secretary. She took the opportunity to thank Ken & other members of the committee for their support. She also thanked Nikki Turton & Mark Long for their help & advice.
Treasurer’s Report. Jamie stated that the total income for the year was £956.00. After paying all expenses including rents & insurance, there was a deficit of £81. The main reason for this was the adoption of Bobby the feral cat, who cost BHAA £150 for the year to feed & treat. Having consulted the Chairman, Jamie asked the meeting for permission to propose we raise the subscription by £6 to £18 per member. This was seconded by John Wylie. There was a short discussion about banking problems. Jamie was happy to continue using Lloyd’s mobile van service.
Election of Officers. Chairman. Ken Harvey. Proposed by Jamie Fowler. Seconded Jane Smith.
Vice Chair. Charmaine Fowler. Proposed by Lesley Boswell. Seconded by Denise Deane.
Secretary. Denise Deane. Proposed by Jamie Fowler. Seconded by Richard Turton.
Treasurer. Jamie Fowler. Proposed by Lesley Boswell. Seconded by Denise Deane. Committee members: Myra had indicated her willingness to continue on the committee. Tony Lang also willing to continue. New member Sue O’Sullivan. Committee:- Myra Harvey. Proposed by Ken Harvey. Seconded by Jane Smith. Tony Lang. Proposed by Jamie Fowler. Seconded by Charmaine Fowler. Sue O’Sullivan. Proposed by Denise Deane. Seconded by Tony Lang. Tim Bayley & Douglas Gunn had resigned this year, so Ken thanked them for their time & input as committee members.
Any Other Business. Rats. There was a concensus that rats were not such a problem this year. Ken was reluctant to put down poison because of Bobby the cat catching & eating rats. Bobby the cat. There was agreement that Bobby be fed at BHAA expense. Round Up weedkiller. Some members have expressed concern about the use of weedkiller containing glyphosate. Ken agreed that he would research an alternative spray free from glyphosate. First Aid Kit. After a query about a first aid kit on the field, Denise said that a kit would be kept in the greenhouse at the bottom of plot 10. That was the end of the business.
Ken thanked the members for their attendance & closed the meeting at 8.15 p.m.
December 2022
Plots Available !!
Would you like to grow your own vegetables?
The Bonfire Hill Allotment Association are going to have allotment plots available from the beginning of January 2023.
You will need to be a resident in Salcombe parish and able to manage a hoe!
November 2021
Our AGM was held in November in Cliff House and an update has been sent out to all members who were unable to attend.
September 2021
We held an ‘end of season’ get together which was well attended by plot holders.
Everyone enjoyed a glass of wine together with some fabulous food, most of which had been made using produce that had been grown on our plots.
We were all so grateful to have been able to visit our plots daily over what had been such a difficult year for many.
During the lockdown period of the COVID-19 more than ever we appreciated the opportunity to be outside, enjoying the Devon air whilst tending to our plants.
bonfirehillallotments 