SPRING IS HERE!
As we move into spring it will be nice to get back onto the plots to do some work, it has been one of the wettest winters in a long time so it's time to make up for lost time.
Happy growing in 2016!
Happy growing in 2016!
Annual General Meeting Report
This year's Annual General Meeting consisted of four sections. Presentations took place for Eddie and Maureen Boatman and Bob and pat Crout in recognition of their work for the Association. A glass plaque and a certificate of thanks from Loughton Town Council was presented to Eddie and Maureen whilst Bob and Pat received a framed photograph. The presentations were made by the Town Mayor.
This year's Annual General Meeting consisted of four sections. Presentations took place for Eddie and Maureen Boatman and Bob and pat Crout in recognition of their work for the Association. A glass plaque and a certificate of thanks from Loughton Town Council was presented to Eddie and Maureen whilst Bob and Pat received a framed photograph. The presentations were made by the Town Mayor.
 Maureen & Eddie Boatman receiving their presentation from the Town Mayor. |  Bob & Pat Crout receiving their presentation from the Town Mayor. |
After the presentations a talk was given on bee keeping by the allotment's resident beekeeper, Dave Mallindine, and there was a chance to taste some honey and an opportunity to look at some pollen and bee anatomy under a microscope. Refreshments were served and a small buffet was provided courtesy of Waitrose, Buckhurst Hill. The rest of the AGM was given over to discussing the rents for 2016/2017, election of committee and officers, accounts for 2014/2015, lettings report, discussion about new locks and keys and a site inspections report.
Bee Keeping
The Committee has had a number of requests regarding the keeping of bees.
To clarify the position: Following an agreement with Loughton Town Council, bees may only be kept in a specific area, under a special tenancy agreement and conditions. No bees may be kept outside the designated area.
Allotment Bird Track Project
South East Essex Organic Gardeners are promoting a pilot survey to observe and record the bird presence on and around allotment sites. The aim is to use the results to make measure the contribution allotment sites make to supporting wildlife.
The Scheme called BirdTrack is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology in partnership with the RSPB and other national ornithological societies around the UK and Eire. Recording birds regularly from the same site can contribute to a greater understanding of the ornithological value of the site, this will provide important information for site safeguarding and to evaluate the effects of site management.
If the scheme goes ahead we will need a group of volunteers. Please contact the Association Secretary if you would like to help.
Seed Scheme
Unfortunately because of problems with the Dobie's administration team we will no longer be able to offer a seed scheme this year.
The gate locks are changing
To improve security on the site it a has been decided to change the allotment gate locks, details of how to get a new key were enclosed with the rent notices posted to members. The Town Council has given us a grant for two thirds of the cost and our thanks go out to the Town Council.
Vandalism and unwanted guests
A number of incidents, including vandalism and young people visiting the site have taken place over the winter months. Please report any incidents or vandalism to the Association Secretary. Preserve any evidence and take photographs reporting any damage, vandalism or thefts to the police immediately. It is not true that the police are not interested in minor theft or vandalism - they take it very seriously. You can contact the Police by calling 101, or by emailing the neighborhood police team.
General Reminders
Bee Keeping
The Committee has had a number of requests regarding the keeping of bees.
To clarify the position: Following an agreement with Loughton Town Council, bees may only be kept in a specific area, under a special tenancy agreement and conditions. No bees may be kept outside the designated area.
Allotment Bird Track Project
South East Essex Organic Gardeners are promoting a pilot survey to observe and record the bird presence on and around allotment sites. The aim is to use the results to make measure the contribution allotment sites make to supporting wildlife.
The Scheme called BirdTrack is organised by the British Trust for Ornithology in partnership with the RSPB and other national ornithological societies around the UK and Eire. Recording birds regularly from the same site can contribute to a greater understanding of the ornithological value of the site, this will provide important information for site safeguarding and to evaluate the effects of site management.
If the scheme goes ahead we will need a group of volunteers. Please contact the Association Secretary if you would like to help.
Seed Scheme
Unfortunately because of problems with the Dobie's administration team we will no longer be able to offer a seed scheme this year.
The gate locks are changing
To improve security on the site it a has been decided to change the allotment gate locks, details of how to get a new key were enclosed with the rent notices posted to members. The Town Council has given us a grant for two thirds of the cost and our thanks go out to the Town Council.
Vandalism and unwanted guests
A number of incidents, including vandalism and young people visiting the site have taken place over the winter months. Please report any incidents or vandalism to the Association Secretary. Preserve any evidence and take photographs reporting any damage, vandalism or thefts to the police immediately. It is not true that the police are not interested in minor theft or vandalism - they take it very seriously. You can contact the Police by calling 101, or by emailing the neighborhood police team.
General Reminders
- Rent must be paid on time.
- The plot must be fully cultivated, this is taken to mean plants and vegetables.
- All pathways / footpaths are to be maintained in a reasonable standard and kept free from debris.
- No nuisance must be caused to other allotment holders.
- No sub-letting of the plot must take place.
- No new building may be erected without written permission from the committee. The Town Council has requested we adopt the following maximum sizes for new structures:
10 rod allotment:
Shed: 8x6 maximum
Greenhouse: 8x6 maximum
Poly-tunnel or similar structure: no more than 25% of allotment
Only one shed per allotment
5 rod allotment:
Shed: 6x4 maximum
Greenhouse: 6x4 maximum
Poly tunnel or similar structure: no more than 25% of allotment
Only one shed per allotment - All access gates must be kept closed and locked at all times.
- Water must not be wasted, and siphoning of water is only permitted from dip tanks into another watertight container , which must not be allowed. Tanks being filled must not be left unattended.
- The allotment must not be used for trade or business purposes.
- The Association must be informed if the tenant changes their address.
- No refuse of domestic waste (apart from compost of manure of reasonable quantity) must be brought onto the allotments. Tree prunings, fence panels etc must not be brought onto the allotment for burning. Building materials, including bricks and paving slabs must not be brought onto the site without prior permission of the Committee. Bathtubs will no longer be allowed onto the site.
RSS Feed