3rd Meeting Minutes of 2025
Minutes of Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden Meeting
held on Saturday 20th September at 13:00
Those Present: Neil, Vanessa, Jacqui, Aga, Katie, Penny, Emma, Abigail, Caireen, Kelly, Callum, Lucy, Lil, Karen, Gavin, Judith, Clare, Michael, Jess, Sylvie, Cass, Clive, Dave, Michele CE, Kim, Michele M, Natalie, Janina.
Apologies: Ray, Sue E, John, Sue S, Linda, Carol, Annikki, Ilona, Amelia, Zoe, Kash, Katy, Brad, Carina, Robert, Eleanor, Gosia
1. Neil welcomed everyone to the 18th meeting of LCKG and welcomed new members that had joined since April.
2. There were no matters arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 6th April 2025.
3. Annual Review of Management Team. Vanessa explained that every year there is a review of the Management Team, comprising at present of a Chairman (Neil), Secretary (Jacqui), Treasurers x2 (Vanessa and Ray) and Young Ambassadors (Amber and Freya). Ray has asked to step down from his role so we are therefore looking for someone with a head for numbers that can see their way round a spreadsheet and online banking – bookkeeping/accountancy skills even better. Please email nominations to lynstedkitchengarden@gmail.com. We will then vote at the meeting on Sunday 23rd November.
4. Young Ambassadors. We would like to say a BIG thank you to our outgoing Young Ambassadors, Amber and Freya who are also stepping down. We have four young people who would like to be considered for the roles Sylvie, Penny, Abigail and Saffron. If there is anyone else interested please email.
5. Marketing/Social Media. Since our Instagram account started Vanessa and Sue E have managed the account and have been extremely successful in gaining lots of new followers and fabulous comments about the garden. New member Katie offered her help, as she has a social media background and took over posting on the Instagram account from the end of June 2025. Vanessa and Sue E are stepping down from their roles.
6. Finance. Our total balance at the time of the meeting is £3,609.23 with no outstanding debts. We were given £300 from Councillor Julien Speed as part of his Member’s Grant, for this we have taken delivery of 8 new wheelbarrows. Our April Open Day made total sales of £187. At Faversham Open Market in June we made £445 (£280 from Honey). NGS day in July £500 (£118 from Honey). Open Day September £207.50 (£52 from Honey). The total monies from our events this year was a fabulous £1339.50. This makes it so worthwhile to keep these events going annually to promote the garden and also gain some vital funds for ongoing maintenance and projects.
7. Grant Updates. Vanessa has recently made an application for a grant with McCarthy Stone which will, if successful, go towards trowels, kneelers, a bench and basic equipment/tools for the garden. Vanessa is currently involved in a Kent Community Fund Grant to expand our rainwater harvesting, but is awaiting consultation from a local farmer about the size of tanks and construction requirements. Whilst talking about rainwater, Vanessa also thanked the members for the incredible job everyone had done with the watering this summer. We did not lose any produce due to the dry weather and it was a complete team effort.
8. Biodiversity Pond Update. Clare S explained that the survey results showed that there were a lot more insects everywhere in the garden and this was due to the pond e.g. dragonflies and damsel flies. Clare S also said that the bug hotel was going to get a complete makeover and that she had spoken to John S and agreed to build more of a dead hedge to protect the bees but also to encourage wildlife. If any new members want to join the Biodiversity Working Party please let us know and we will add you to their WhatsApp group.
9. Bee Update. Callum explained that we currently have 4 hives as there had been a few setbacks throughout the summer where the Apiary had to be shut down for 6 weeks. The Bee Inspector was really positive after the 6 weeks and the hives were given a clean bill of health. Callum said that he was a little concerned about one of the hives since then and would be reaching out to the Bee Inspector to help. One factor that could have been taken into account was the dry summer for the bees. On the positive side, the Bee Group had drawn off two lots of honey totalling 146 (each 464g) jars. The total sales from the honey are £840 with another £168 pending (14 @ £10 and 4@ £7) ie. still available to buy (in the cupboard of the shelf). Vanessa was thanked for all her help regarding the labels and the Members all thanked the Bee Group for all their constant hard work.
10. Our next meeting will be held on Sunday 23rd November 11:00 at Lynsted Park
11. Xmas Party. Just a reminder that our Xmas Party will be held on Thursday 11th December at Lynsted Park from 18:30-21:00, all members and their families welcome. Please bring something to drink, but food will be provided.
12. Any Other Business
a. Natalie asked if the Squash was ready to harvest yet. It was agreed that probably from the first week of October (look out for a message on the WhatsApp). Last year we had a real problem storing the Squash out of the way of the mice, so members this year will be encouraged to harvest and take home and store until ready to eat.
b. Dave asked if the yearly subs should be raised by £10 (to £30) and the extra money go to the Bee Fund and everyone then gets a jar of honey. It will be looked into as some members do agree to the subs being raised, but not all. However, it was agreed that honey will need to be kept separate from subs because it cannot always be guaranteed that we will have honey. We will have an anonymous poll to evaluate a majority view about subs levels. The community garden ethos is that subs should never to be a barrier for joining the garden. At present we have 75 adults and 20 children, but probably 15 of those are not currently active members.
c. Kim asked if the garden would be happy for educational workshops to be held at the garden if the organisation concerned were offering to pay per head. It was decided that it was something that could be considered in the future as long as it was in line with our ethos of sustainability and organic food growth. (Not discussed at the meeting but perhaps relevant here, Green Social Subscribing is another way of offering the garden to others, where healthcare professionals connect people with nature based activities. LCKG has been approached about this in the past and the view was taken that this would have to be with a mentor as we, as members, could not be responsible for any direct support of individuals.)
d. Clive asked if the schools were coming to help out again this year. Vanessa said that the schools are always welcome and had been approached, it is likely that Lynsted and Norton Primary School and Luddenham will attend in the Spring/Summer terms.
e. Neil gave an update on the proposed Vineyard at LCKG. Unfortunately, the Company who were supplying the vines to us have pulled out and are no longer selling vines for 2026 due to a glut of vine planting, requiring them to restrict new sales. The Project has therefore had to be put on hold. Neil will contact those who had expressed interest.
f. Vanessa has been invited to speak about the LCKG at the Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council AGM on Monday 29th September at 19:00 at Lynsted Church. There will also be other speakers from the Air Ambulance attending. All welcome to come along.
g. Jacqui is asking for a coordinator to look after the garden from Monday 20th October until Friday 24th October as both Vanessa and Jacqui are both away (not together!). Duties to include opening the greenhouse at the beginning of the day, watering anything in the covered spaces and possibly young plants on the garden and then closing the greenhouse at the end of the afternoon. If a small group of members can get together that week to share out the load we would be immensely grateful.
Vanessa wanted to thank everyone for making today’s Open Day a massive success. Special thanks to Clare and Katy for their amazing Piccalilli and Pickling demonstrations and to Aga (domestic goddess) for her fabulous café and to everyone else who made quiches and cakes and Judith for so kindly stepping up to help in the café
Below are some of the comments (from the feedback form) we have had since the Open Day about what they thought of the day and might like to see in the future :
“I loved the demonstrations and the fact we were encouraged to actually make it with them at the same time!”
“Oh that’s a difficult question because I think that was the best OM yet. Great fun and so proud to be part of an amazing collaborative community group, thank you to everyone who work so hard to drive this project ever forward.”
“We had a brilliant morning, everyone was so welcoming and we enjoyed the community feel. Our son in particular loved that he could pick and try the tomatoes and is so pleased with his bean and desperate to plant it. On the way home he said he wants to volunteer at the garden. The food in the pop up cafe was delicious! Perhaps some more hands on activities that children could also get involved it, either more cooking or, planting something to take home (probably more of a Spring activity though).”
“I just know I want to be part of this ❤️👍”
Neil highlighted a list of meeting dates and Open Days for next year for your diaries (these are listed below) and we look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday 23rd November at 11:00.
Meeting & Event dates for next year 2026
Saturday 10th January – Meeting only
Saturday 18th April – Open Day and Meeting
Sunday 28th June – Faversham Open Gardens Market Stall
Saturday 4th July – NGS Open Day
Wednesday 5th Aug 6.30 -9pm TBC - 5 year Anniversary Party Celebration (evening picnic)
Saturday 19th September – Open Day and Meeting
Saturday 21st November – Meeting only
The meeting ended at 13:30
2nd Meeting Minutes of 2025
Minutes of the Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden Meeting
held on Sunday 6th April 2025 at 13:00
Those Present: Clare S, Vanessa, Hilary, Neil, Janina, Jacqui, John, Clive, Ray, Sue E, Sue S, Alison, Zoe, Jess, Sylvie, Cass, Natalie, Michele CE, Michele M, Michael, Rod, Annikki, Brad, Caireen, Aga
Apologies: Linda, Claire W, Callum, Kelly, Dave, Raquel, Freya, Oskar, Christina, Robert, Sandra, Kash, Pauline, Judith, Amy, Sue T, Annabel, Carol, Karen, Gavin, Jackie, Chris, Mick, Eleanor, Sandra, Kate, Louise, Toby, Amber, Grace, Jon, Caz, Lizzie, Carina, Nadine, Lisa
1. Neil welcomed everyone to the 17th Meeting of the LCKG. There were no matters arising from the Minutes of Saturday 11th January 2025.
2. Neil welcomed new members that had joined since January, Jon and Caz.
3. Herb Garden Update – Ray explained to the group that he was in the process of making the gates for the four entrances to the herb garden. Neil thanked the group for the huge effort put in by the Members fitting of the fences around the Herb Garden and the Pond area.
4. Finance – we have at present £3,410.85. We have some hinges and latches to buy for the gates of the herb garden and £300 is allocated for wheelbarrows (which we are yet to buy). Also £200 has been donated for signage to the Kitchen Garden (this is also in hand). After the Open Day we made £187 from the plant sales and Aga/Neil’s café. The café idea has hopefully inspired us for future Open Days! We shall also be having another plant sale in about 3 weeks time.
5. Biodiversity Working Group Update – Clare S explained to the Group that they have set a date for the Bio Blitz Survey, the week of 12th – 18th May inclusive. The Working Group are hoping to build up a database by having two surveys the first in May and another in late Autumn. Clare encouraged anyone up at the garden throughout that week to take photos and log anything in particular that they have seen. Clare will send out survey details nearer the date.
6. Bees Update – John told the members that the five hives had made it through the winter. The Bee Group are also going to be moving the hives within the line of the Plum trees. There is a dead hedge being constructed to protect the hives in line with the Plum trees. There will hopefully be five new hives split from the existing five and these will move to the new area now. The remainder of the hives will be moved later in the year. It is then hoped by the end of the season that we will have ten hives in total. There is also hope that some honey will be taken off earlier than usual, therefore we will have honey made available for donations. John explained that the bee equipment is quite expensive hence the need for building up the donations for the honey to put back into the bee fund. Hilary asked about the jars for the honey. John asked for everyone who has jars with the white lid to return to the shed so that these can be used for the honey. New bee labels will be printed, the artwork has been done so it is just a case of ordering the labels. Natalie said that if any member of the KG would like to help with the bees, there are spare suits available and to let any member of the Bee Group know.
7. Seed Planting – Vanessa said that all seed planting is going well and we have started using Real Seeds which are germinating very well. We also think the weather has helped. This variety of seed also enables us to save the seeds from the plants to use next year. The next six weeks are going to be extremely busy for pricking out and planting. Vanessa showed the group what she meant by seed trays and module trays. If anyone is unsure please let us know.
8. Grants for Good – Matthew Good Foundation – Jacqui explained that Vanessa had applied for the maximum grant (about £5,000) last December. Unfortunately we were not successful in this quarter as the Foundation were extremely oversubscribed. We have more chances to be successful as they are keeping our application ‘live’ over the next 12 months as we do meet the criteria for the grants.
9. KAVS – Kings Award for the Voluntary Service – Vanessa explained that we had made it through round 3 of a 5 round process. A few weeks ago one of the Deputy Lieutenant’s visited the garden and spoke to members about how a Community Garden works. One question that was asked a few time was ‘ do we ever argue about who takes what’ the answer was a resounding NO.
10. Motivation for Members – Vanessa and Jacqui wanted to motivate members to come to the garden when other members are around, making it more fun and also achieving more in a time frame. There are normally a few people on a Tuesday/Friday/Saturday and Sunday morning but if others were interested in committing to other days, it would make a regular commitment for some members to come to the garden. Clare S suggested a buddy for new members to help them to integrate into the garden. John suggested as we now have the lighter evenings throughout the summer an early evening at the garden with a cold beverage could be something to encourage. Although it was also suggested by some members that they do like to come to the garden when it is quiet and not when it is busy.
11. Forthcoming Events – Saturday 5th July NGS Open Day. This is a charity event where the entrance money goes back to NGS for charities, but we also have a chance to make some money for the garden from plant and café sales. The day runs from 11am until 5pm. We are suggesting a rota system throughout the day, from 9.30am to help set up and from 4.30pm to help tidy and also run the plant sale/café throughout the day for an hour or two. More details to come nearer the time but keep the date free as you can! Other dates for your diary are Saturday 20th September for our Open Day and Members meeting after at 13:00 and Sunday 23rd November for our last meeting of the year.
12. The whole group of members thanked Aga for running the Café and providing all the delicious treats.
John thanked everyone who had been involved with sorting out the Fruit Cage. It looks absolutely brilliant and we are hoping for an excellent harvest of Fruit.
Natalie asked whether a few larger openings could be made around the fence perimeter of the pond for larger animals to access. This was agreed to be actioned.
Hilary asked if the membership for the KG was still set at a 6 mile radius from the garden. It was agreed that this was so. If members were to join that lived too far away it was thought that they were less likely to attend the garden regularly.
Jacqui asked if more veg boxes could be collected as we will need them when we plant the whips for the hedge in front of the bees along by the Plum trees.
Rod asked if the garden had considered a wildflower area. Vanessa explained that we had tried it before but it had not worked. We did use some seed around the pond area after it had been dug but again it failed. We still have lots of wildflower seed so it will be something that could be achieved in the future, so let’s work towards that in the Autumn/Winter for next year.
Vanessa asked if everyone who came to the Open Day today could fill in a feedback form as it is helpful data when applying for Grants. This is the link:
https://forms.gle/Sq1fEBcFiJvDuarg6
The meeting ended at 13:45.
The next meeting is 20th Sept 2025, after the open morning
1st Meeting Minutes of 2025
Minutes of the Lynsted Community Kitchen Garden Meeting
held on Saturday 11th January 2025 at 11:00
Those Present: Clare S, Linda, Vanessa, Hilary, Neil, Claire W, Janina, Jacqui, John, Clive, Ray, Sue E, Sue S, Alison, Callum, Kelly, Zoe, Jeremy, Lizzie, Amy, Jess, Natalie, Michele CE, Michele M, Michael, Rod, Sue T, Annabel, Carol, Karen, Gavin, Jackie, Chris
Apologies: Dave, Raquel, Freya, Oskar, Annikki, Christina, Jo, Marta, Robert, Sunita, Caireen, Brad, Sandra, Kash, Aga, Cath, Pauline, Judith, Emma, Langa
Neil welcomed everyone to the 16th Meeting of the LCKG, particularly new members that had joined since November.
1. There were no matters arising from the minutes of 23rd November 2024.
2. Finance. The balance as at 11.1.2025 was £6,449.49 (this included money for the pond that we have yet to receive the invoices totalling £3,300). We have paid for some additional compost as ours will not be ready to sow seeds next month.
3. Ripple Effect Twinning. Vanessa explained that Garden Twinning is a charity gift that plants “hope for a family in rural Africa”. We have not been twinned with an specific garden in Africa but our donation of £60 will help a family, offering three years training in sustainable, organic farming. “Starting with small kitchen gardens, families can grow enough to eat and set up small businesses.” As well as helping families in Africa we can also get top tips for our own garden from Ripple Effect and we see the twinning as giving something back.
4. Seed Saving Beds. Jacqui explained that a previous meeting we were conscious that we were not saving many of our seeds to re-grow. This is due to the fact that most of our seeds were F1 variety and therefore unable to re-produce. We have made sure that some of the seeds were have purchased are Heritage or Heirloom varieties. The seed saving beds are going to be at the end of Beds 3 and 4 (previously x2 Squash beds), next to the Asparagus rows and labelled Bed 3 Row 14 and Bed 4, Row 14. The beds will be fenced and netted and we will not pick any vegetables from these beds, allowing them to go to seed. To replace the 2 Squash beds we will build 2 new ‘no dig’ rows alongside the Rhubarb and existing Squash row, in line with the weather station and the compost toilet. More details will be on the white board. Alison R asked if we have seeds that we can swap as Abbey Physic Garden normally have a seed swapping event in February, Alison will keep us informed.
5. Biodiversity Working Party (BWP). The new pond has been dug and is slowly filling with rain water. It should be noted that the pond should never be filled with chlorinated tap water. The BWP currently has 6 members supports LCKG with biodiversity. If anyone who hasn’t joined but would like to please let us know. A baseline biodiversity survey would need to be achieved in the next few months so we would have a snapshot of how many insects, invertebrate we are encouraging into the pond area over time. Every member of the KG is encouraged to take part. We can then repeat the survey to reveal the observed biodiversity trends over time.
6. Lynsted Community Vineyard (LCV) Proposal. Neil presented a proposal for 1 hectare of wine growing vines at the far end of the Kitchen Garden field. The presentation is attached separately to these minutes. Questions arising from the presentation were:
a) The Vineyard will run alongside the existing Kitchen Garden but be totally distinct from it. Both the Community Vineyard and Community Kitchen Garden will have their own separate volunteer groups and management. Though of course there may be some overlap if people wish to be volunteers at both the kitchen garden and at the vineyard. The financing of the Vineyard will be organised through a Community Interest Company (CIC) set up by Lynsted Park (the owner of the field).
b) Janina asked if there will be a Membership Fee for the Vineyard. Neil explained there will be no Membership fee and the Vineyard will be initially financed via a benefactor loan and a charitable donation to the CIC.
c) Volunteers will be giving their time in looking after the vines. Days are to be organised with viticulturalist experts on site who will show and explain to the volunteers what needs to be done.
d) Volunteers time will be ‘repaid’ with wine. Though there will be no wine until the vines are 4/5 years old. It is anticipated that volunteer wine will account for approx. 1/3rd of the wine produced. Although data and details are still being finalised.
e) John S asked who was going to market/sell the remaining 2/3rds of the wine. Neil said the CIC will take responsibility for selling the wine, although the volunteers would be encouraged to sell the wine to their friends and family, with proceeds returning to the CIC. After vineyard costs have been accounted for, any CIC profits would be channelled into local community projects, with the LCKG being the primary beneficiary. The specifics of wider sales channels is TBC, as we need to learn more about the grapes we will produce.
f) Neil emphasised that a CIC has to have a ‘community mission’ and as such any profits it generates must be distributed to community projects – primarily LCKG. The Vineyard would be the CIC’s main ‘enterprise’, but that there could be scope, for the CIC to sell other things such as the LCKG honey – only if the LCKG wished for this. The CIC provides a way for funds to be ploughed back into the community garden/community projects. (At present the LCKG cannot strictly sell things as it is merely a Constituted Group - does not file with HMRC.)
g) Chris P asked how ‘Community’ is defined. Vanessa said that, for now, the main criteria has been a catchment definition, in that you have to reside within a 6 mile radius.
h) Jess asked if there were any plans for the grapes that weren’t used, the answer was no, but Jess obviously has some compost ideas!
i) Rod asked if the vines could be planted via the ‘No Dig’ method. This has been researched into but conclusion is that the soil does need some preparation and the approach will be slightly different to ‘no dig’. The vines will be planted via an auger so not ‘No Dig’ but low tech, with minimal soil disturbance. Soil prep can be done between now and hopefully May when (if all goes to plan) the vines, or at least some of them, will be planted.
j) Rod also asked if the Vineyard might be detrimental to the wider biodiversity at the garden. It was agreed that this was unknown but was an important consideration and one that had been given serious thought. Hence, an organic, low tech approach to the vineyard had been chosen. The importance of getting a biodiversity baseline test was raised again (see above). The field is currently grass, but not well established, as prior to LCKG using it, the field was managed for pheasant rearing and maize was grown. The largely unmanaged hedgerows and woodland that surround the community field will remain as they are.
k) Jess asked would there be a separate entrance to the Vineyard. In the short term the answer is ‘no’ but if grants were achieved by the CIC to enable this, then there are a couple of options that could be considered off Tickham Lane.
l) Clare S asked what is the life expectancy of the vines? In truth they will probably out live most of us!
m) Chris P asked if they are to be staked. Neil explained that there will be stakes, trellis and rabbit guards to protect the vines.
n) Clive expressed his thanks on behalf of the members to Neil and Vanessa for giving us the opportunity to be involved in all the KG projects and the Vineyard.
For those members not at the meeting and but who would like to sign up to be a volunteer for the Lynsted Community Vineyard please do so before Saturday 25th January 2025. After that date, the LCV volunteer sign up will be open to the wider community. Neil thinks that we would need up to 30 Volunteers. As the voluntary work is more structured than the Kitchen Garden i.e. there will be set days throughout the year (between 6-12 days in the year) it was agreed that only one family member should apply to be a volunteer (doesn’t stop others helping if they wish). But because the volunteer’s help is repaid in wine it makes sense to keep this to one official volunteer per couple. Because experts are attending on set days to ‘educate’ the volunteers, the level of commitment and consistency needs to be high. Vineyard volunteers can of course ‘buddy up’/share this with someone, if holidays/family events prevent them from attending one of the set days.
7. Any other business.
a) Alison spoke about the hedgehogs that are hibernating in her garden at the moment and would the LCKG be happy for them to re-locate to the LCKG once out of hibernation. She also asked for low water troughs to be available for the hedgehogs. More hedgehog houses would be needed if anyone has good woodwork skills.
b) John asked if there would be any finance available for the Bees this year. It was agreed that John would speak after the meeting to the treasurers to see what level of funding can be made available and to see how much money had been made through donations for the honey.
The meeting ended at 12 noon.
The next meeting will be after the Open Day on Sunday 6th April 2025