NECS Meeting Report – 7.10.2011

Introduction

Colin Smith gave thanks for everything especially the Sausage Fest and said that there had been criticism and skepticism in the past but that now appeared to be behind the Group and we must look forward to the 12th October when we take over the land.

Apologies were received from Tony Langford, Eileen and Mrs. Tasker.

General Update/Business

We still do not have the Bank Account finalized. The problem is Mark and the lack of utility bills at 59a and apparently changing address is not an answer either.

Pig Group 2 and 3

The accounts were presented for PG2 and it was confirmed that both PG1 and PG2 made a profit and it was hoped that PG3 would be self funded by the Community rather than relying on individuals self financing first.

The charcuterie when paid for would cost approximately 50% of retail and there has been an offer made to train the group in the arts necessary for us to do it ourselves.

When produce is available it could do with collection from a central point rather than relying on delivery, which is very time consuming.

As regards prepared meats it may be best to take to Dave at Swanton Morley to prepare and vacuum pack.

Cattle Group 1

All 3 animals are well and growing nicely.

Chicken Group 2

The new batch turned up yesterday and it was calculated that the cost would be slightly more this time in order as the last batch was an at cost trial.

Bee Training Group

No report

Operation Sausage Fest debrief

Thanks were offered to all who helped with the leaflet distribution. The auction made £169 and about 105 sausages were sold.

Orchard Day and Allotment

Meet at 10:00 at Brisley Road. The first job will be to line out plot in order to set up fence lines etc. It was suggested that the plants to be grown are heritage varieties in order to increase diversity ( a suggestion was made to possibly approach Highgrove).

PM. Move up to Orchard to clear nettles etc and harvest what apples are there. The following week is Gressenhall Apple Day and it was proposed that we offer the apples to them as it is too short a notice to get all that is required for ourselves and it would be better to aim to be there in person next year.

When the Allotment land is fenced we can put the pigs straight on the appropriate area.

We do need more names on allotment forms even though the current appropriation is full, as more land will be coming up in the future and it is in our interest to keep the Parish Council updated as to the level of interest – Merryn has the forms.

AOB

It was anounced that Warren was interested in sheep which drew the expected comments unsurprisingly, It was left for Warren to progress the investigation.

There was mention of the local Master Gardeners Scheme (of which Kay is the local representative) which sounded interesting and could provide us with some help.

There is a need for rat proof storage for feed – about 1.5 tons worth, this will be investigated.

20 bales of straw have been ordered 50/50 wheat/barley to last the stock through the winter.

Next meeting 4th November 2011 at the Railway 8:00pm