Mainly due to staffing changes at the council we have not yet had our inspection, however, I am expecting to be told who will be doing the formal inspection very soon, so guys you need to do your hedges, please. Cut back to 5ft high or to the wire if you have wire fencing in it. Allotments need to be at least 50% cultivated and be neat and tidy. I will be conducting my own inspection this coming weekend and those that appear not to be doing the minimum lease requirements will be sent enquiry letters or notices to quit, so if you are not doing your garden for a reason I ought to know about then you need to get in touch.
BREAK-INS
There was a break in of the brick building near the railway last month and last week we had a garden broken into by cutting a gate lock. I am pretty sure that we know the reason why the latter was done, the conclusion is that one of our gardeners was looking for something in particular. No one should go on any allotment apart from their own without an invite. Anyone caught breaking into a garden, stealing or attempting to steal anything will immediately lose their tenancy and will be reported to the Police which in certain circumstances would be classed as a burglary. It is not pleasant to know we have a thief amongst us once again but apparently we have. Obviously, you know who you are so maybe you could just do everyone a favour and the honourable thing and leave us!
A reminder that the social event this year is Saturday 31st August, after comments at the AGM any practical suggestions for a different approach will be welcome.
Week commencing Monday 15th July we are hiring a small digger to complete the pathway and lift up carpets on Harry’s gardens. ON SATURDAY 20th IS THE NEXT COMMUNITY DAY we will be looking for help from you to do some jobs on that land but mainly to cut the hedge back on Old Coach Road. If you can spare an hour on the 20th it would be appreciated and any help during the previous week would be good.
As you know both myself and Steve Yorke are stepping down next March. Next year we will need more committee members to share out the responsibilities of running these gardens so that nobody has to have a burdensome amount of work to do. If you wish this association to continue and avoid paying council high rents then we need more to get involved. If there are not enough committee members to run the allotments then the association would revert to being a council direct let site. The rent per sq meter for such a site is currently 46p plus water charges you are now paying 13p plus water charges. So it’s up to you, step forward and commit a few hours a year or risk paying higher rents and let the council run it. Your choice really.
Jackie Medcalf
Secretary.
Old Park Farm Garden Holders Association 