Minutes of Annual General Meeting Borders Organic Gardeners
Smailholm Village Hall : 10am 09.11.08
As this was Remembrance Sunday, a 2 minute silence was observed at 11am.
Present : Lesley Angell, Keith Banyard, Graham Bell, Rosemary Bell, David Brettell, Jayne Brettell, Pam Boyd, Roberta Carruthers, Jim Cameron, Liz Cameron, David Catt, Marina Catt, Sarah Cummock, Judith Davison, Joan Dale, Eric Dale, Lorraine Douglas, Sarah Eno, Valerie Hunter, Robert Leetham, Frances Lindsay, Peter Lindsay, Ruth Morozzo, Maggie Warner, Bill Smith, Val Smith
1. Apologies: Dave Allan, Jane Allan, Laura Aitken, Jean Bennett, Jane Bowen, Blair Cummock, Joy and Steve Elves , Beatrys Lockie, Jim Lockie, June and Derek Russell, Frances Teckham, Sue Watts
2. Minutes of AGM 2007 : Approved unanimously .Proposed : Roberta Carruthers, Seconded David Catt
3.Reports :
Chairman : In her first year as chairperson, Sarah noted that 3 large events and 17 small had been run smoothly, partly due to sterling work by a committed band of helpers. She has had to grapple with and sort out new situations sometimes with communication difficulties but is prepared to tackle the job again next year (fortunately!).A couple of issues she raised : Fife has an excellent set of organic farmers so why doesn’t Borders? Also, councils are aware of pressure on allotment space and perhaps we need to make representations about this. Our core aims – education and gardening are going strong with lots of requests to appear at events. Many thanks to all those who have helped.
Secretary : Judith thanked everyone for their help and said this year’s programme was bigger and more varied than usual with lots of new things including children’s activities, more to support town and allotment gardeners and more focus on green issues (Berwick Festival etc). BOG show prizes are increasing and any new requests are welcomed. This year there have been fewer talks than previously. As reported last year it would be good to encourage new members to be more active. Despite our resolve last year we have still not produced new display facilities.
Events West (David Catt). This year’s multiple event format proved successful .Experience of the Uplands Day showed 3 events would have been enough as only a few hardy souls survived all 4 on offer but each event was well attended and enjoyed. Hawick Day proved a good selection with 3 handy venues to visit. Only 1 event was very wet (Family Gardening) but enthusiasm undampened and Amanda prepared to repeat next year.
Events East (Jayne Brettell) This year there were not as many events as there might have been and some were cancelled. Those that took place were enjoyed, particularly the Plant Exchange as well as the Green Festival despite monsoonal rain. At this event BOG had supported a children’s stall next the BOG stall which was extremely good (if loud)
Potato Day (Roberta Carruthers). Thanks to everyone for their help in making this a big success. The hall is booked for next year and this time only 2 speakers organised (Alan Romans and John ). There will be a further meeting in Roberta’s house on December 1 at 7.30pm. She will provide soup. Chairman thanked Roberta for her hard work
Produce Day (Judith) Teamed with the Slow Food Festival and held in Berwick benefited this event as numbers were high. Good idea to be in a town and in conjunction with another event. Downside was not much produce on display (weather?). Perhaps because 2 weeks later than usual. Next year should try for a town with event on, a Saturday and end August/beginning Sept.. Sarah reported Farm Africa very pleased with cheque sent from stall proceeds.
Apple Day Sarah explained that the organiser, new member Laura, had struggled with this event due to a combination of adverse circumstances and felt there should be a ready made list of contacts and regulations issued to whoever does this next year, though Maggie Warner was praised for a lot of help. Laura has supplied Sarah with ideas and thoughts to give to a new organiser next year. Part of the problem was the new Health and Safety regulation limitations as well as Harestanes’ caterer’s restriction on what could be sold by us, resulting in a nasty letter to Laura by one retailer. It was also felt that the sweet stall should be discontinued. A big vote of thanks was expressed for Laura who did a splendid job notwithstanding. Alex West’s display was excellent, the NHS Healthy Eating Awards were presented and lots of people came. Profit was £460. Need to consider if Harestanes is right venue given the need for indoor cover if weather bad (it was very windy).
Newsletter (Robert Leetham) Thanks to Maggie Warner for proofreading and to Blair for layout, and to all who gave contributions. David Catt gave many on Events and Judith on various things. David Griggs translates one from a French gardening magazine. Any contributions welcomed as no lack of space in Newsletter. Might consider some issues in colour though it doubles the price (£380 instead of £138).We could perhaps have a demo page printed and possibly do 1 in 3 issues in colour. On the environmental impact of printing, BFT knows of printers who are aware of these issues and they could be approached for information. Jayne said newsletter praised for high standard of content (“scary”).
Literature (Marina and David Catt) Books have continued to sell steadily but she would like to pass on the job as she has done it for 10 years. It requires book storage space (a table), transporting them in crates and she can supply all the information of how many books to keep in stock etc. Books ordered 2x yearly. Catts can also supply a collapsible trolley. Also it provides anyone keen on talking to people about gardening with lots of scope and its very interesting. Job could be split and events attended by rota. Travel expenses could be provided if need be. Bags continue to sell and more may need to be ordered. A request was made to have the web address on the bags.
Membership (Maggie Warner) Healthy increase in numbers noted. Catching up on new email addresses can be hard. Also some people have paid twice due to not cancelling old standing orders. Subscriptions will stay at £5. Anyone wanting a new membership form can print it off the website. Also she could make a register of people interested in helping at Events and this could be forwarded to organisers.
Website :Frances is trying to arrange training in groups of 3 (potential date 29Nov.), though it was pointed out that a Hall with several computers would be more efficient for training larger numbers at a time. It was also suggested that blogs should be visible to all and not just members.
Woodside (Lorraine Douglas) This is now running smoothly with Jane and Annie having employed someone to weed and look after the Allans demo garden where they want to grow organic vegetables for the shop. They are keeping the display boards there and Pascal’s bench and are continuing for at least another year. The Allans have renewed the Council contract for their composting demo.
4. Treasurer’s Report (Keith Banyard) Keith explained that the deficit shown was because certain creditors’ bills came in later (£1700 for horsetail trials). The bank balance is healthy as usual. He has now broken down the large Miscellaneous figure and the Potato Day figures show the stall income also. Since there is now no Woodside expenditure we are getting in more than we are paying out, and we need to think what to spend it on (suggestions included display boards and an orchard somewhere). In previous years we have given a donation to Garden Organic but a downside of GA is that they don’t engage in events in the north. It would be possible to donate directly to Heritage Seed Library. The Soil Association was suggested and as we don’t have any connection to them Sarah will write to them to try to have more interaction with them. Dave Allan has told Judith GA are trying to reassess their vision and mission and we may be approached by them as a “hub of excellence”. We could report to them what grows here in the Borders.
5. Appointment of Office bearers All those in post agreed to continue apart from the Eastern Organiser (Jayne): Sue Watts will do this with help from Gemma Banks, and Marina (Literature). New person to be sought, ideally by Potato Day. As no offers forthcoming a request could be put in Newsletter. All other Office Bearers appointed unanimously. Proposed: David Brettell, Seconded, David Catt.
6. Election of Directors: All 5 Directors are happy to continue, though Keith is not sure if this needs to be established yearly or less frequently and will find out
7.Appointment of Company Secretary: Judith to continue this job.8. Any Other Business : a) Allotments. A request has been made to Judith from someone in Berwick wanting an allotment to see if she can find out what happens about this and what if anything is available from the Council, Scottish Allotments Association etc. We could get the facts together and put this in the Newsletter, and also ask if anyone has a large and unused garden, though the idea of a temporary allotment is not on. Certainly there is a growing interest in allotments and they are high on Councils’ Agendas on Green Spaces.b) Berwick local action project : keen to do workshop on recyclingc) Slow Food people – they have lottery funding and we could get involved with them. Do we want this?d) Suggestion for Glendale Festival next year (date however unsuitable)e) Sarah has approached Hawick to join in on group involved in making it a Transition Townf) Events – could they possibly be on a Saturday instead of always Sunday? In theory, yes, except Potato Day and Apple Day because of preparation beforehand. Next year – Produce Day and AGM could be.g) Do we really need an Apple Day ? And could we find venue accessible by public transport?Harestanes restricting because of regulations, no indoor space. The Hirsel was suggested as well as Ednam Village Hall which has space inside and outside.At this point (12.15) the Meeting broke for the usual excellent shared lunch and reconvened at 13.30 to discuss plans for next year. Planning Meetings : One to be in January before Newsletter deadline – Abbey Row, Kelso ; possibly Sat. 10 Jan 2pm. There will be a smaller meeting before then. Talks : Roberta keen to have Steve Wilcox (Newcastle Univ.) and will see if he can do April. Pruning Workshops : David Catt finds there is always a need for these. He plans to do a special apple grafting one in Edinburgh the w/e after Easter in Frances Lindsay’s garden. He is away all March and almost all April howeverOther suggestions: workshops for first time gardeners?Sarah to look into Whitmuir (West Linton) visit for May?Useful to have BOG at Berwick Green Festival JuneFamily Day – Amanda again (June)Jayne may contact someone re bees talk.Produce Day – end August rather than September, tie in with some green event in a town (west)Business meeting early September – tie in with local event.AGM Saturday Nov 7th, SmailholmPotato Day – could have small display of salad produce (Val Smith). Potato tasting to be discussed at meeting Dec. 1. Lesley will do childrens’ activitiesSuggestion to have BOG at Peebles show. Stall cost ~£30. Sarah and Frances agreed to man stall. (16 August)Display material : need a Committee to sort this out. Suggestion that could employ experts but Roberta said this was what she had trained for so will look at spec and have Marina and Judith on Committee. Marina wanted suggestions on colour and materials and could contact Amanda on “ what young people find attractive”. Agreed a radical redesign not needed.Apple Day – manager of Harestanes attended (Mike Scott). Realized we are considering relocating but said the exhibition room would be available at certain times (Sunday 4 October). Obviously they want to keep Apple Day as it is their busiest day of the year. Needs a decision before Christmas. Also he said Harestanes could be more involved in the organisation seeing that was one of the main drawbacks this year.Alec West would be prepared to give pruning demos /lectures as well as his display of apples. Money available for community projects so working group set up to look into community orchard/allotment for BOG involvement : Sarah, David Brettell, Ruth Morozzo, Maggie Warner.Also a suggestion (Robert) that we could find a project to support rather than set one up. Meeting finished at about 14.45pm.
Minutes of Annual General Meeting Borders Organic Gardeners
Smailholm Village Hall : 10am 09.11.08
As this was Remembrance Sunday, a 2 minute silence was observed at 11am.
Present : Lesley Angell, Keith Banyard, Graham Bell, Rosemary Bell, David Brettell, Jayne Brettell, Pam Boyd, Roberta Carruthers, Jim Cameron, Liz Cameron, David Catt, Marina Catt, Sarah Cummock, Judith Davison, Joan Dale, Eric Dale, Lorraine Douglas, Sarah Eno, Valerie Hunter, Robert Leetham, Frances Lindsay, Peter Lindsay, Ruth Morozzo, Maggie Warner, Bill Smith, Val Smith
1. Apologies: Dave Allan, Jane Allan, Laura Aitken, Jean Bennett, Jane Bowen, Blair Cummock, Joy and Steve Elves , Beatrys Lockie, Jim Lockie, June and Derek Russell, Frances Teckham, Sue Watts
2. Minutes of AGM 2007 : Approved unanimously .Proposed : Roberta Carruthers, Seconded David Catt
3.Reports :
Chairman : In her first year as chairperson, Sarah noted that 3 large events and 17 small had been run smoothly, partly due to sterling work by a committed band of helpers. She has had to grapple with and sort out new situations sometimes with communication difficulties but is prepared to tackle the job again next year (fortunately!).A couple of issues she raised : Fife has an excellent set of organic farmers so why doesn't Borders? Also, councils are aware of pressure on allotment space and perhaps we need to make representations about this. Our core aims - education and gardening are going strong with lots of requests to appear at events. Many thanks to all those who have helped.
Secretary : Judith thanked everyone for their help and said this year's programme was bigger and more varied than usual with lots of new things including children's activities, more to support town and allotment gardeners and more focus on green issues (Berwick Festival etc). BOG show prizes are increasing and any new requests are welcomed. This year there have been fewer talks than previously. As reported last year it would be good to encourage new members to be more active. Despite our resolve last year we have still not produced new display facilities.
Events West (David Catt). This year's multiple event format proved successful .Experience of the Uplands Day showed 3 events would have been enough as only a few hardy souls survived all 4 on offer but each event was well attended and enjoyed. Hawick Day proved a good selection with 3 handy venues to visit. Only 1 event was very wet (Family Gardening) but enthusiasm undampened and Amanda prepared to repeat next year.
Events East (Jayne Brettell) This year there were not as many events as there might have been and some were cancelled. Those that took place were enjoyed, particularly the Plant Exchange as well as the Green Festival despite monsoonal rain. At this event BOG had supported a children's stall next the BOG stall which was extremely good (if loud)
Potato Day (Roberta Carruthers). Thanks to everyone for their help in making this a big success. The hall is booked for next year and this time only 2 speakers organised (Alan Romans and John ). There will be a further meeting in Roberta's house on December 1 at 7.30pm. She will provide soup. Chairman thanked Roberta for her hard work
Produce Day (Judith) Teamed with the Slow Food Festival and held in Berwick benefited this event as numbers were high. Good idea to be in a town and in conjunction with another event. Downside was not much produce on display (weather?). Perhaps because 2 weeks later than usual. Next year should try for a town with event on, a Saturday and end August/beginning Sept.. Sarah reported Farm Africa very pleased with cheque sent from stall proceeds.
Apple Day Sarah explained that the organiser, new member Laura, had struggled with this event due to a combination of adverse circumstances and felt there should be a ready made list of contacts and regulations issued to whoever does this next year, though Maggie Warner was praised for a lot of help. Laura has supplied Sarah with ideas and thoughts to give to a new organiser next year. Part of the problem was the new Health and Safety regulation limitations as well as Harestanes' caterer's restriction on what could be sold by us, resulting in a nasty letter to Laura by one retailer. It was also felt that the sweet stall should be discontinued. A big vote of thanks was expressed for Laura who did a splendid job notwithstanding. Alex West's display was excellent, the NHS Healthy Eating Awards were presented and lots of people came. Profit was £460. Need to consider if Harestanes is right venue given the need for indoor cover if weather bad (it was very windy).
Newsletter (Robert Leetham) Thanks to Maggie Warner for proofreading and to Blair for layout, and to all who gave contributions. David Catt gave many on Events and Judith on various things. David Griggs translates one from a French gardening magazine. Any contributions welcomed as no lack of space in Newsletter. Might consider some issues in colour though it doubles the price (£380 instead of £138).We could perhaps have a demo page printed and possibly do 1 in 3 issues in colour. On the environmental impact of printing, BFT knows of printers who are aware of these issues and they could be approached for information. Jayne said newsletter praised for high standard of content ("scary").
Literature (Marina and David Catt) Books have continued to sell steadily but she would like to pass on the job as she has done it for 10 years. It requires book storage space (a table), transporting them in crates and she can supply all the information of how many books to keep in stock etc. Books ordered 2x yearly. Catts can also supply a collapsible trolley. Also it provides anyone keen on talking to people about gardening with lots of scope and its very interesting. Job could be split and events attended by rota. Travel expenses could be provided if need be. Bags continue to sell and more may need to be ordered. A request was made to have the web address on the bags.
Membership (Maggie Warner) Healthy increase in numbers noted. Catching up on new email addresses can be hard. Also some people have paid twice due to not cancelling old standing orders. Subscriptions will stay at £5. Anyone wanting a new membership form can print it off the website. Also she could make a register of people interested in helping at Events and this could be forwarded to organisers.
Website :Frances is trying to arrange training in groups of 3 (potential date 29Nov.), though it was pointed out that a Hall with several computers would be more efficient for training larger numbers at a time. It was also suggested that blogs should be visible to all and not just members.
Woodside (Lorraine Douglas) This is now running smoothly with Jane and Annie having employed someone to weed and look after the Allans demo garden where they want to grow organic vegetables for the shop. They are keeping the display boards there and Pascal's bench and are continuing for at least another year. The Allans have renewed the Council contract for their composting demo.
4. Treasurer's Report (Keith Banyard) Keith explained that the deficit shown was because certain creditors' bills came in later (£1700 for horsetail trials). The bank balance is healthy as usual. He has now broken down the large Miscellaneous figure and the Potato Day figures show the stall income also. Since there is now no Woodside expenditure we are getting in more than we are paying out, and we need to think what to spend it on (suggestions included display boards and an orchard somewhere). In previous years we have given a donation to Garden Organic but a downside of GA is that they don't engage in events in the north. It would be possible to donate directly to Heritage Seed Library. The Soil Association was suggested and as we don't have any connection to them Sarah will write to them to try to have more interaction with them. Dave Allan has told Judith GA are trying to reassess their vision and mission and we may be approached by them as a "hub of excellence". We could report to them what grows here in the Borders.
5. Appointment of Office bearers All those in post agreed to continue apart from the Eastern Organiser (Jayne): Sue Watts will do this with help from Gemma Banks, and Marina (Literature). New person to be sought, ideally by Potato Day. As no offers forthcoming a request could be put in Newsletter. All other Office Bearers appointed unanimously. Proposed: David Brettell, Seconded, David Catt.
6. Election of Directors: All 5 Directors are happy to continue, though Keith is not sure if this needs to be established yearly or less frequently and will find out
7.Appointment of Company Secretary: Judith to continue this job.
8. Any Other Business :
a) Allotments. A request has been made to Judith from someone in Berwick wanting an allotment to see if she can find out what happens about this and what if anything is available from the Council, Scottish Allotments Association etc. We could get the facts together and put this in the Newsletter, and also ask if anyone has a large and unused garden, though the idea of a temporary allotment is not on. Certainly there is a growing interest in allotments and they are high on Councils' Agendas on Green Spaces.
b) Berwick local action project : keen to do workshop on recycling
c) Slow Food people - they have lottery funding and we could get involved with them. Do we want this?
d) Suggestion for Glendale Festival next year (date however unsuitable)
e) Sarah has approached Hawick to join in on group involved in making it a Transition Town
f) Events - could they possibly be on a Saturday instead of always Sunday? In theory, yes, except Potato Day and Apple Day because of preparation beforehand. Next year - Produce Day and AGM could be.
g) Do we really need an Apple Day ? And could we find venue accessible by public transport?
Harestanes restricting because of regulations, no indoor space. The Hirsel was suggested as well as Ednam Village Hall which has space inside and outside.
At this point (12.15) the Meeting broke for the usual excellent shared lunch and reconvened at 13.30 to discuss plans for next year.
Planning Meetings : One to be in January before Newsletter deadline - Abbey Row, Kelso ; possibly Sat. 10 Jan 2pm. There will be a smaller meeting before then.
Talks : Roberta keen to have Steve Wilcox (Newcastle Univ.) and will see if he can do April.
Pruning Workshops : David Catt finds there is always a need for these. He plans to do a special apple grafting one in Edinburgh the w/e after Easter in Frances Lindsay's garden. He is away all March and almost all April however
Other suggestions: workshops for first time gardeners?
Sarah to look into Whitmuir (West Linton) visit for May?
Useful to have BOG at Berwick Green Festival June
Family Day - Amanda again (June)
Jayne may contact someone re bees talk.
Produce Day - end August rather than September, tie in with some green event in a town (west)
Business meeting early September - tie in with local event.
AGM Saturday Nov 7th, Smailholm
Potato Day - could have small display of salad produce (Val Smith). Potato tasting to be discussed at meeting Dec. 1. Lesley will do childrens' activities
Suggestion to have BOG at Peebles show. Stall cost ~£30. Sarah and Frances agreed to man stall. (16 August)
Display material : need a Committee to sort this out. Suggestion that could employ experts but Roberta said this was what she had trained for so will look at spec and have Marina and Judith on Committee. Marina wanted suggestions on colour and materials and could contact Amanda on " what young people find attractive". Agreed a radical redesign not needed.
Apple Day - manager of Harestanes attended (Mike Scott). Realized we are considering relocating but said the exhibition room would be available at certain times (Sunday 4 October). Obviously they want to keep Apple Day as it is their busiest day of the year. Needs a decision before Christmas. Also he said Harestanes could be more involved in the organisation seeing that was one of the main drawbacks this year.
Alec West would be prepared to give pruning demos /lectures as well as his display of apples.
Money available for community projects so working group set up to look into community orchard/allotment for BOG involvement : Sarah, David Brettell, Ruth Morozzo, Maggie Warner.
Also a suggestion (Robert) that we could find a project to support rather than set one up.
Meeting finished at about 14.45pm.
BOG Business meeting6/1/08 Etal Village Hall
Present Sarah Eno (Chairman), Roberta Carruthers, Marina Catt, Val Smith, Liz Cameron, David Brettell, Robert Leetham, Lorraine Douglas, Ruth Morozzo, Pam Boyd, Heather Whitaker, Keith Banyard, David Catt, Bill Smith, Maggie Warner, Sue Watts, Jayne Brettell, Judith Davison (minutes), Tom Stewart.
1. Apologies Blair and Sarah Cummock, Frances Lindsay, Frances Tecckam, David Banks, David Griggs.
2. Minutes.
The minutes of the last meeting were unanimously approved.
3. Matters arising.
BOG has received a letter thanking us for our visit to Paxton walled garden and our intended support of the feasibility study for the project. David Brettell has had further meetings with Carol and Betty and has agreed to be part of the group managing this study and its submission to the Paxton House trustees. Part of this process will be the creation of an independent legal entity for the group who eventually manage the project, but this may difficult for them to establish before applications for finance and grants are made. David asked if BOG would be prepared to "host" financial applications and spending for the feasibility study until proper legal status is organised. He estimated that, if this were necessary, it would probably be for no longer than around 9 months. We agreed to this and that David would act as BOG's representative in overseeing the spending of the £500 BOG has made available for the feasibility study, and the applications, tendering, spending etc. done though BOG.
4. Report of "green issues" group.
Marina outlined the two areas which the group had identified- giving guidelines to members and ensuring that the BOG infrastructure promoted green values. The topic was scheduled for a meeting after the business meeting.
5. Programme of events.
David Catt and Jayne Brettell outlined the proposed programme which is nearly complete.
After some discussion we decided to discontinue the insert list of events which accompanies the first BOG news of the year, and to increase details given on the back page. More details of forthcoming events will also go on the website.
We also decided to cut down on the number of things we attempt p cover on AGM day and limit ourselves to the AGM and lunch, after which we are usually too full of food to do much else!
6. Website
We discussed which parts of the website should have open access. We agreed that anyone should be able to read articles and blogs, but that only registered members should be able to add material or have access to the florum. We need to improve the structure for members replying to florum topics. Frances T will be organising more training soon.
7. A.O.B.
David Catt will buy some more display boards.
There is still a need for someone to look at the whole area of display and display materials. We could do with an overall style for our displays, and having ready to go displays on a number of topics.
BOG will be sponsoring more prizes next year at local shows. More information from Judith.
Maggie reminded us that direct debit membership payments should now be going into the new-ish Triodos bank account.
We discussed the need to keep on reinforcing the principles of organic gardening to both the public at large and the membership. Regular displays, the website, newsletter and talks can be used to do this.
We also discussed the need to encourage people with small plots to try organic methods and to grow fresh food for their families.
Green issues- 6/1/08
The core group took the opportunity of a semi-captive audience to explain our ideas to other interested members after the business meeting.
We discussed the ideas on advice to give to members at some length. Ideas which emerged were
* Use the florum to set a topic and promote discussion
* Robert will discuss the categories we identified in the newsletter and suggest a few actions which members might take
* A dynamic approach is probably better than a fixed list. Members welcome pack/display material/website page could include a list of green gardening ideas which could be refreshed or modified regularly.
Green tips/ thought for the month etc. short pieces of advice could be included in the newsletter and website.
We also discussed the group's suggestions on improving the green credentials of the way BOG works.
We already try to minimise paper usage, sell the BOG shopping bags and arrange our programme to minimise travelling.
The discussion mainly concerned ways of encouraging car sharing. Regular attenders at meetings are well organised on this, but we need to find ways to make this easier for members at large who wish to attend event. There are some privacy issues to consider when putting people in contact with each other.
* Have a volunteer in each area to coordinate
* Get people to ring if they intend coming to and event and the event organiser to ask about willingness to share cars.
* Encourage members, especially new members, to contact their nearest committee member who would put interested parties in contact with each other.
* Do a pilot run with the people who regularly volunteer to help at Potato Day.
* At the end of each meeting, include a request for people to car share for the next meeting.
BOG BUSINESS MEETING 18th May 2008
5 Wilton Glebe Hawick (Frances Tecckam) 1.30pm
Present: Laura Aitken, David Banks, Pam Boyd, David Catt, Marina Catt, Roberta Carruthers, Sarah Cummock, Blair Cummock, Lorraine Douglas, Sarah Eno, Mary Jane Foster, Frances Lindsay, Bill Smith, Val Smith, Frances Tecckam, Maggie Warner, Bill Williamson, Sue Watts, Heather Whittacker
Apologies: David Brettell, Jane Brettell, Keith Banyard, Judith Davidson, Robert Leetham, Ruth Morozzo, Judith Wolfe, Robin Wolfe
Chair: Sarah Eno
Woodside and Equisetum trials : appreciation to Jane and David Allan was noted for all their hard work here. It was agreed that their final year’s invoice for £1120 (which is similar to previous years) should be paid though their Final Report is still outstanding. Although the Allans have decided to give up the organic garden at Woodside Annie and Jane will keep it on as an organic garden for people to visit and enjoy, as well as using veg from it in their café. The composting area is to be kept on by Allans until the end of the year. Signs there acknowledging funding need to be kept, including acknowledgment of the legacy used to set it up. Pascal’s bench should also remain. Although Leader+ are happy about the project they need to know what’s happened to the assets. Although their book value is probably zero Annie and Jane would like these to be formally handed over so need something in writing to say BOG no longer owns these (ie the wooden shed, boards, tool sheds, pots etc.) Anything they do not want can be advertised on the website.
Potato Day – feedback : discussion about whether to have so many speakers next year. Agreed that possibly only 1 required (in addition to John Marshall who comes anyway) which will save expense on the other hall. Roberta will try to get the other speaker from this year (NAME?) to talk to us in October/November in Kelso.
Other issues: more programmes required for next year. Not enough room provided for the book/library display. Childrens activities were very good. More volunteers were needed though possibly bigger potato crates might help manpower shortage. Suggestion that forms for volunteering could be given out at AGM though this can be discussed further at Sept. meeting. The bag crèche needed more signs and Val Smith offered her A3 printer to produce these.
Alan Romans concerns: he is worried about having potatoes from French sources. Originally we only had Scottish seed. Sarah suggested Judith should write to him asking him what his concerns are and what he wants done.
Workshops and Visits : Willow workshop – this took place during very bad weather but the few people there enjoyed it. The 2 garden visits on 20 April were well attended and interesting and it was the only dry day that week. Hawick festival – this attracted 5 new members some of whom were present at this meeting so was obviously a success. Peelham Farm visit a great success and as it was free and the owner took up so much of her time with us it was suggested we made a donation – say £50?
Forthcoming programme : 1 June – children/grandchildren event at Amanda Dempsey’s will have Beatrys Lockie storytelling, planting of beans/lettuces etc., treasure hunt. 13 July – Uplands Day starts with pruning of plums workshop at Beatrys Lockie (morning) followed by visit to Sarah Eno ecohouse, Fi Martynoga at Kirkhouse Traquair and Frances Lindsay at Campshiel Traquair (shared picnic).
Wed. 27th August 2pm Municipal composting site Stobs (Hawick) arranged by Maggie Warner followed by Langdale allotments with Ruth Morozzo and then to Denholm (shared picnic) where Monica Bolton is putting in a heat pump and planning a green bank –erosion treatment- on the river.
Produce Day the venue as arranged has no kitchen so is another venue possible or can we manage without? Ideas: a cold tasting table, produce stalls (members could bring more stuff to sell), Farm Africa stall, Heritage varieties (Smiths – last year Val sent £40 to HSL from donations she received), BOG stall with display boards, Members gardens display, Catastrophe Cup.
To Sarah Eno – is this all or do you have more?
Apple Day Organised by Laura Aitken who took down names of volunteers and will use same format as previously. If a new carport is required it can be decided at the September meeting.
Website and Publicity Frances T is planning to get more people trained to use the website. Appreciation mentioned for the change of picture on it (Judith). Is it possible to have a back archive of events? Suggestion that more of the website should be visible to general public, including articles. David Catt has turned 2 topics from Potato Day’s BOG boards into leaflets which can be downloaded from the website.
David Banks mentioned that he can handle any publicity required for any events.
Any other business There was a suggestion from a new member that a talk on how to set up a wildlife/wildflower garden would be useful
Meeting ended about 3.15 pm as there was a Plant exchange to follow it. Many thanks to Frances Tecckam for all the hard work of hosting the shared lunch and meeting.
Minuting Secretary
Frances Lindsay
BOG BUSINESS MEETING 7th September 2008
chez Sarah and Blair Cummock 1.30pm
Present: Laura Aitken, Keith Banyard, Pam Boyd, David Catt, Marina Catt, Sarah Cummock, Blair Cummock, Sarah Eno, Judith Davison, Frances Lindsay, Maggie Warner, Heather Whittaker
Apologies: Lesley Angell, David Brettell, Jane Brettell, David Banks, Roberta Carruthers, Robert Leetham, Ruth Morozzo, Bill Smith, Val Smith, Sue Watts
Chair: Sarah Eno
Minutes of 18.5.08: Approved
Woodside : After a long gap there is now someone coming to weed etc. and keep the area tidy.
Website: The current editors need retraining (according to David Quoyle) and before the AGM Frances T. will get training dates organised (any Mon or Frid evening). So far Laura, Blair and Roberta also want to be trained.
Speakers for winter meeting: Maggie Magee was suggested as someone who could be approached at short notice (Sarah E. will do this). Subject perhaps relating to FWAG and BOG – this can be discussed with her. Possibly also there could be a tie in with wildflower meadow establishment and perhaps Maggie Warner’s sister could also help. Sarah will also pursue ideas of other speakers such as the one from Findhorn and the one from Newcastle Roberta knows about (from Potato Day)
Potato Day : Available to enter Maltings 9.30 on. It is hoped produce will be brought in from 10.30 when tables have been set up (by the Berwick residents). Maltings to provide some tables and rest to be brought from Keith’s and David Catt’s (Keith not going to be there). Sheets to cover the tables to be brought by various volunteers. Display boards to be brought by Sue Watts from Berwick and photo display to be revamped in situ by Frances L. who will bring new photos. Sarah E. to discuss with Bill and Val Smith what they need for their display from the SNH board supply.
There is a need to research and buy more boards. This should be done in near future.
Robert is doing a potato display and Judith will get update on this.
Pricing of tray produce to be done by Sarah E. if Liz and Judith Wolfe don’t want to.
Marina and David will track down their books in Berwick and arrange they are brought. Floats : Keith will make up some £25 floats to be given out. Sarah C. will deal with how she sells the Farm Africa produce but will not be selling it by weight.
Tasting : The Catts will bring bowls and plates for this. There will be a feature on salad leaves (by the Catts and Val Smith) and ad hoc tasting e.g. tomato varieties which it is hoped people will bring. Some early variety apples for tasting.
Refreshments : Roberta has this in hand and is hoping for people to bring cakes and stuff to be used in “teas” or if too much, sold on Farm Africa. Soup not to be provided as it seems to present too many difficulties.
Judith has Catastrophe Cup and will bring.
Apple Day – Planning Report by Laura Aitken
1) Volunteers
So far 22 people have confirmed that they can help and I will be drawing up a schedule to send out to confirm availability by mid September.
2) Stalls we have confirmation from:
Out of the Box
Hoardweel
Honest Crust
Berwick upon Tweed Slow Food
Alec West – he and Pat will not be selling food this year (jams, etc.) but trees only. He will bring about 2 dozen for sale.
I have also spoken to the Caddonfoot Beekeepers Association to see if they could give us beekeeping information to put up on the day.
3) Entertainment & Activities
Morris Dancers – I am waiting to hear of they can make it his year.
Ale Valley Pipe Band - have confirmed that they will be sending 6 pipers to play from 1:30 – 2:00.
Face Painting – organised by Harestanes Rangers.
Willow Weaving - organised by Harestanes Rangers.
William Tell – This will be happening. Does anyone really want to do this or should I ask someone else?
4) Apple Identification
It’s difficult to get someone in October, as all the experts are doing something in their own patch. I think if we want an expert for next year we might have to ask in January! Alec will be bringing a large number of varieties and I’m hoping we will also get contributions from other members. I think we’ll just have to set up the apples and books and have a couple of people at the table to help people with identification - a kind of self-serve thing.
5) Apple Tasting
I think getting to taste apples is one of the best things about Apple Day but we will have to set the table up differently this year. The apple table must sit on its own and cannot have any items for sale, boxes, papers, etc. sitting near by. Items used to cut and display apples, as well as hands, must be kept clean and regularly washed. All apples must be cleaned thoroughly and kept strictly away from unwashed apples. I’m afraid that hygiene will be paramount this year (see item 8).
I wonder if it would be possible to arrange tastings according to sweetness, acidity and tartness? I do realise that apples have such complex tastes that this may not be easy, but having some kind of order might make it easier for people to choose what they want to taste, or to compare varieties. It might also be useful to have a section of apples that we have for sale separated out, so people know what they can buy on the day.
6) Cider Making
I’m afraid that I don’t think cider making will be an option (again see item 8) though I do think it would be great to have the press there and information on pressing. I would like to propose that we have an area where people can learn about pressing, cooking and preserving apples with information sheets and recipes.
7) Food for Sale
Selling food is becoming extremely problematic. Aside from hygiene issues (yes! Item 8 again!) we will not be able to sell individual portions of cakes and such, this year. This is because Harestanes Café will be open and there is a conflict of interest. Members and stall-holders can sell fruit, veg, whole cakes, bread, food to be cooked later (e.g. Hoardweel), etc. but not ready-to-eat food. Homemade jams, jellies and relishes may also be a problem due to strict hygiene controls.
Can we have confirmation on what BOG intends to sell and what the garlic and apple juice situation is?
8) Hygiene
Stuart Kinghorn is the new Environmental Health Officer in the area and Mike Scott tells me that he is very strict. I believe that I am going to have to ask all stall holders selling food to provide proof of their hygiene certificates and public liability if they want to trade. I’m afraid that we have no choice since the rules governing providing food to the public are becoming much more prescriptive. We must also remember that Harestanes is council property and that they are ultimately liable if someone gets ill.
I have been in contact with Stuart to arrange a meeting to discuss our event, but Mike warns me to ignore the rules at out peril. Stuart has been known to shut down an event for even the slightest lack of compliance! I will know more after we meet, but I’m pretty sure that homemade food and cider pressing are out.
9) Displays & Equipment
I am collecting more apple facts and pictures to display, which I will get laminated. Is it possible to get expenses for this?
Do we have enough tables? I think I was told we need another carport. We won’t be able to use the one from Harestanes because they will need it for their activities.
10) Money & Purchases
Keith Banyard is away this year but has said that he will arrange for someone to organise the floats. Can we confirm how many floats will be needed? I will also need to know who will be responsible for this and how the system will work.
I believe that we usually give a donation to the Morris Dancers - who will sort this should they come? Also, shouldn’t we do the same for the Ale Valley Pipe Band?
10) Health & Safety and Operating Procedures
The event has been registered with Common Ground.
A copy of BOG’s insurance has been given to Mike Scott.
I will do a risk assessment update.
Mike S. will be notifying the police (this is normal procedure for public events).
The Harestanes Rangers hold current 1st Aid certificates and are happy to take responsibility for this, though we obviously must ensure that we make the event as safe as possible.
There will be no smoking in any of the buildings or in the courtyard area.
Mike S. pointed out that the toilets at Harestanes couldn’t cope with the numbers attending, so has arranged for portable loos (including 2 with disabled access) to be located near bike-parking area.
Unloading at the front is fine but once completed, vehicles should be parked around the back near the craft shops area. Please do not block the entrance to the shops.
We may be able to use the Harestanes display boards, but this will not be possible if it is windy. We must also make sure that they cannot be knocked over by the public.
11) Set up
Can we confirm set-up times on the Saturday? How do we usually do this? Anything I need to know?
Report on recent events: Around 40 people went to part of the Gardening in the Uplands Day which was reckoned a great success and at least the weather was fair. The Family Event at Amanda’s was also a success though weather awful. Can be repeated next year. The event round Hawick attracted about 30 people (green waste commercial composting, Langdale Allotments and Monica Bolton’s Teviot garden with heat pump. Also excellent morning at Beatrys’ on Uplands Day doing summer pruning, as well as a lovely day at Preston (Duns). No specific future events as yet organised for west or east. An idea was to have a December gathering to make Christmas decorations and/or a joint meal somewhere. No venue arrived at.
Any other business :Keith mentioned that finances are healthy (>£7000). Boards an obvious choice for expenditure. Sarah E. will try to gather consensus on style, colour, availability, cost etc. and Judith also agreed to look into this. Should be sturdy and portable.
Suggestion that we could spend money on having at least the cover but also possibly the photos inside the BOG News in colour. Blair will consult Robert about cost involved.
Meeting ended at 3.30 in order to go round Sarah’s garden + Pam and Heather’s.
Many thanks to Sarah and Blair for their hospitality (and a particular mention about the special squeezed strawberry icecream she made).