Latest News
General Waste Skip Delivery
A skip for plot holders’ general waste will be delivered tomorrow morning. Please be reminded that skips are a significant expense for us, and it is essential that we use them efficiently. This skip will be the last for some time.
· To maximise space, break up boxes and large containers before placing them in the skip.
· Push smaller items down into any available gaps to ensure the skip is filled efficiently.
· Insert flat sheets of plastic and similar materials down the sides of the skip, rather than balancing them on top.
We make no apologies for repeating these rules, as proper skip usage ensures that everyone benefits and that space is utilized to its fullest.
We continually ask all plot holders to keep their plots tidy by clearing away any long-time unused materials and rubbish. Your cooperation helps maintain a pleasant and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that new plot holders often need to manage items left by previous occupants. However, there are members who retain excessive and unusable materials on their plots for extended periods. Very often, it is then left for the committee and/or work parties to clear when the plot holder leaves. This has happened a couple of times very recently and it isn’t much fun!
PLEASE GET RID OF YOUR RUBBISH AND DON’T LET IT ACCUMULATE AGAIN!
Remember-
· No metal (Place behind TH or in Belmont car park)
· No tyres ( Can be taken to the Summer’s Lane tip)
· No gas canisters
And, of course, site rubbish only.
Trading Hut
Please remember that the Trading Hut is now closed until early spring. If you need help with anything, you are welcome to email your zone rep or myself.
Wassailing Celebration
Saturday, 10th January is the date of our Wassailing Celebration. We hope you’ve noted it in your diaries. Details will follow nearer the time.
Key Deposts
It is surprising and disappointing how many members fail to return their keys when they vacate their plots. This situation raises several concerns, but attempting to recover them is both difficult and time-consuming. Along with many other Barnet sites, we have therefore reluctantly decided to raise the gate key deposit to £50. This will be effective immediately and will apply to new plotholders and any replacement keys.
Associate Members
Most of you will be aware that some of our members have someone, other than a family member, giving them regular help on their plot; Associate members may also help the plotholder during time of illness or holidays. They pay an annual £10 fee; are allowed to buy a key and can attend functions and the AGM. They are, however, not allowed to vote. and have no claims to the plot should the plotholder decide to give up.
We will no longer require a family member from the same household to become an Associate Member. However, if you wish to have someone such as a neighbour, friend or other family member help you on a regular basis and on occasion, tend to the plot by themselves for a short period, they must complete an new Associate Member Agreement. Please pop into the Trading Hut when you can or speak to David, our Lettings Officer.
For security reasons, it is very important to know who has access to and may be on the site. We should also have addresses and emergency contact details.
Talking of which..........
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.
Work Party
The last work party of the year will be held on Saturday, 29th November. Please meet at the Trading Hut at 10am equipped with gloves and secateurs and/or loppers. Seasonal refreshments will be served afterwards.
Water Supply
The water will be turned off probably around the middle of December. The Park Rd car park mains toilet will then be out of use. Please fill your water tanks now to ensure you have water if needed.
Cultivation Checklist (Attached)
New plotholders are given a cultivation checklist. This is to clarify the cultivation level all plotholders should aim for, along with some tips and reminders. We have decided to share this information with everyone. Click HERE for the Cultivation Checklist
Boards for Sale
We have been lucky enough to have had a delivery of ‘scaffolding type’ boards, courtesy of one of our plotholders - many, many, thanks to Nick. They are roughly 2.5 - 3 metres long and very good quality; ideal for edging plots or raised beds. They will cost £6 each. If you would like to buy some, please come to the Trading Hut when open. There will be further deliveries over the next couple of weeks.
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.