PLEASE LOCK THE GATE!
It has been brought to our attention that on more than one occasion the gate to the allotment site has been left unlocked, presumably all night as it was found unlocked early in the morning. We don’t need to spell out the implications given the recent rough sleeper in our Hut and theft of around £100 worth of items. In addition, it is a continuing concern that travellers could enter the site and cause considerable disruption. (This did happen some years ago and the site was closed for 6 months.) Please be vigilant and keep a look-out and let Pat know if anything seems amiss. Any theft from your plot should be reported to the police.
HOW DECISIONS MADE AT THE AGM AFFECT YOU
Thanks to all those who attended the AGM last Sunday – great turnout! And thanks to those who purchased seedlings to boost the BLAA coffers. The coffers were an important item of discussion, as following one year without membership subscriptions, the Committee reported that our financial situation was not sustainable and put forward a proposal to introduce a £5 site contribution per plotholder, per year. Burydell Lane Allotments have considerable site expenses including fencing and site maintenance, a requirement to pay site insurance, and funds are also needed for maintenance to the Hut. (In that vein there will be a working party shortly to repaint the outside and we will let you know the date.) This was unanimously approved and the new scheme will start with immediate effect. If you want to see the audited accounts that were made available for the AGM, please see here.
Pat as Site Liaison Officer will collect the £5 contribution, or alternatively, you can let Barbara have the £5 in an envelope with your name and plot number. Post through the door at 2 Mill. Again, just to clarify, it is £5 per plotholder NOT plot. The plotholder is the individual who holds the tenancy agreement with the Council.
YOUR COMMITTEE
The new Committee members are as follows – please also see the updated committee page.
- Officers – Kim Scrivener (Chair), Heather Spencer-Smith (Secretary), Chris Feakes (Treasurer)
- Members – Jan Castle, Derrick Davies, Sonia MacArthur, Christine Miles, Jim Miller, Barbara Vernon
- Pat Solomons is a committee member by virtue of her role as Site Liaison Officer
NEW COUNCIL RULES
Have a look at the new Council Allotment Rules which apply to all allotments in St Albans. Key points are:
- Use of hosepipes
- Bonfires
- 75% cultivation
- Shortened eviction process (no NC2)
WATER WATER
Please use water responsibly and make sure that you turn off the tap after you have finished. There have been a few occasions when a tap has been left on and this not only damages the ground but wastes a valuable resource.
BEES ON THE SITE
There will soon be two resident beehives on the site, belonging to Claus Schnorr. We will shortly put some more information on the website and by email.
