The Association - a Potted History
The Plain Pond Allotments Association - a brief history...
The allotments are owned by the Town Council, and rented to us on an individual basis.
Back in 2002, when I first took an allotment, about half of them were vacant and derelict, and several people had two or three plots, because no one else wanted them. There was no unified voice from the tenants to the Council, and the councillor responsible for the allotments took a fairly relaxed view of letting them, chasing tenants, and implementing new or different ideas for the site as a whole.
It was agreed among the tenants to look into forming an association with a view to the improvement of the site and the profile of the site within the community.
An association was formed, recognised by the council, and gradually the site has become better. The number of vacant, neglected plots has dropped to nil; the condition of the site has improved dramatically; half plots were introduced and the number of tenants increased hugely; piles of free manure are delivered; the profile of "the allotments” has risen - it is now generally viewed as an asset to the community; and there is now an active association leadership, driving the association forward, and working in partnership with the council.
This has only been possible because there have been allotment tenants who have been prepared to give up their time to try and make things better for everyone.
I thank them and commend them for doing this (existing and previous tenants) as we - as allotment tenants - would all be in a far poorer situation if they had not been prepared to contribute.
If you are able to contribute in any way, please do. Attend meetings, join the committee, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
The allotments are owned by the Town Council, and rented to us on an individual basis.
Back in 2002, when I first took an allotment, about half of them were vacant and derelict, and several people had two or three plots, because no one else wanted them. There was no unified voice from the tenants to the Council, and the councillor responsible for the allotments took a fairly relaxed view of letting them, chasing tenants, and implementing new or different ideas for the site as a whole.
It was agreed among the tenants to look into forming an association with a view to the improvement of the site and the profile of the site within the community.
An association was formed, recognised by the council, and gradually the site has become better. The number of vacant, neglected plots has dropped to nil; the condition of the site has improved dramatically; half plots were introduced and the number of tenants increased hugely; piles of free manure are delivered; the profile of "the allotments” has risen - it is now generally viewed as an asset to the community; and there is now an active association leadership, driving the association forward, and working in partnership with the council.
This has only been possible because there have been allotment tenants who have been prepared to give up their time to try and make things better for everyone.
I thank them and commend them for doing this (existing and previous tenants) as we - as allotment tenants - would all be in a far poorer situation if they had not been prepared to contribute.
If you are able to contribute in any way, please do. Attend meetings, join the committee, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Submitted by John, plot 16
Association Chairman
To find out more about the Allotment Association, click on the link here.
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