Latest News
WORK PARTY
Our work party takes place this Sunday, the first Sunday of the month. If you would like to join us, meet at the Trading Hut at 10am. We’ll help clear a neglected plot so it can be re-let. Please bring anything you think will be useful, especially sturdy gloves.
SITE BONFIRE
We will be having a site bonfire on Saturday, 7th November. You may start putting old timber from your plot on to the pile (mysteriously already there?!) PLEASE, PLEASE make some effort to keep the pile tidy.
GREEN & GENERAL SKIP
We hope both skips will arrive next week. The usual rules apply: put only non-compostable green waste in the green skip, and general waste from your plot, such as glass and plastic, in the general skip. Any metal waste should be put in the area behind the Trading Hut.
MANURE DELIVERIES
As in previous years, horse manure will soon be delivered to all three car parks. Paul’s delivery charges have increased slightly, so the prices per barrowload are now as follows:
1 barrow-load costs £1.25; 4 cost £5
As the Trading Hut will not necessarily be opening after next week, please record how many barrowloads you take and pay any committee member when you next see them. Ideally, put the cash in an envelope labelled with your name.
NEW FENCE
Contractors will be starting work on the new fence by the Belmont Open Space on Monday 9th so there may be some rather large lorries taking up space in the middle car park for a couple of days.
THEFTS ON SITE
Recent thefts from plots have upset us all, and we reminded members that anyone responsible could lose their plot. Sadly, we have since had to take steps to evict a plot holder for stealing other members’ produce.
Reports of further thefts since this eviction are deeply disappointing.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Our annual Wassailing Celebration will be on Saturday, 9th January.
Associate Members
It has come to our attention that a number of plots are being cultivated either fully, or in part, by persons other than the plotholder, a member of their household or a named and registered Associate member. You are reminded that the person named in the agreement is solely responsible for their plot and they must carry out most of the work themselves. If exceptional circumstances, such as a long-term illness or extended holiday, mean that someone else will be looking after your plot, you must inform your zone representative or the Secretary and provide that person’s details.
Members’ safety and site security must be our priority and visitors to the site should always be accompanied or met by the plotholder, a member of their household or their Associate member.
If you would like someone, other than a member of your household, to help you on your plot, he or she should complete an Associate Member Form, provide proof of address and photo ID (driving-licence or passport) and pay an annual fee of £10. (members can only have 1 Associate). Spouses and partners do not need to become Associate members.
Using a Hosepipe On Your Plot
We must remind you that HOSES MUST BE HAND- HELD. Do not use sprinklers or leave them lying on the ground, running water. Neither should you “hog” a shared tap for ages - be aware that your neighbours may also wish to use it!
Both of these have sadly been happening on our site recently FYI it is possible to but garden hose splitters which will enable 2 hoses to be used at the same time. (£6.99 on Amazon)
PLOT INSPECTIONS
As you may be aware, your zone reps monitor the plots in their area and if they have any concerns, will probably get in touch with you informally to see if there are any problems and how they can be sorted. The committee also carry out 2 full site inspections each year. If it is decided that a plot is showing signs of neglect then the process, outlined in the attachment to this Newsletter, will kick in. PLEASE do not ignore any communications about your plot. Working with your zone rep will be the best way to reach a successful result.
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
We have also realised that we do not hold emergency contact details for plotholders should any accident or crisis occur. Please let us know the details of who to contact should the need arise. You can pop a note under the TH door, let you Zone Rep know or email me.
The National Allotment Society
You may be aware that as members of our Association, you also become a member of The National Allotment Society which is the leading representative body for allotment holders. Their website is full of useful information including an online version of their magazine. To access the member’s area on the website, you will need to enter, under email address, s507c (this is our Association number) and enter the password 2188214 You are also able to view the King’s Seed catalogue but, please note, you will not be able to order online.
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Linked below is the Association’s new Health and Safety Policy together with statements outlining the required responsibilities of both the Committee and you, as plot holders. Please read and familiarize yourselves with these documents.