Rents due now – thanks for paying promptly
2021 rents are due on 1st January. Many thanks to all those who have paid already. See this link for how to pay. The best way to pay is online banking. If you wish to pay cash at HSBC Kettering branch, please ask for a pre-printed paying in slip at the counter. Always remember to include your field, plot number and name as a reference. If we do not know these details then our records may show you have not paid. If you do not pay your rent you will lose your tenancy and the plot will be re-let to someone on the waiting list. If you have any queries about rents, please contact the treasurer on 07745 363 236
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Contact the treasurer if you have any questions 07745 363 236
Waiting lists were moving
Since lockdown our waiting lists have grown much longer. In recent weeks we have been able to shorten them and welcome new members to our society after clearing rubbish from vacated plots. Some of our previous members have given up at the end of the year or were evicted for non-cultivation of their plots. Our new policy has also helped as new members will only rent smaller 5 pole plots. This means that when a large 10 plot plot becomes vacant we can allocate 2 new people from the waiting list a small plot each.
Waiting lists paused in Tier 4
Current Tier 4 Covid restrictions mean we are not able to meet new tenants, so allocating plots to them will be delayed until restrictions are eased and it is safe to do so.
Deposit Policy for new tenants
The committee has agreed to charge a £25 deposit for new tenants from now on. This money will be kept in a deposit bank account. Deposits will be returned when the tenant leaves or is evicted as long as the plot is vacated with no rubbish. Recently we have paid for several skips.
What counts as rubbish? Some examples of unacceptable rubbish recently removed from vacant plots include: – carpet, large numbers of bricks, old doors, PVC windows, window glass (some broken), toilet pan, plastic items, beer cans,
What can I leave on a plot when vacating? (and not lose my deposit)
Any shed that is structurally sound, a few slabs (eg a single path), a few bricks (no more than 20 per plot, intact tools, a few pallets or compost bins (no more than 6 pallets).
Preparing for the AGM
Our AGM is traditionally in March. With current restrictions a physical AGM may not be possible. No final decision has been made, as the situation keeps changing. The committee is considering alternatives to a physical meeting, for example using ZOOM or similar technology to hold and online AGM.
We do need an AGM to approve the audited accounts, to vote for officers and committee members and to approve new rules etc. Please let us know what you think.
New shed size limit and no more concrete, glass or uPVC
Another new policy agreed by the committee is to limit any new shed to a maximum size of 10 by 8 feet and to ban concrete bases or concreting in of posts along with new hard standings for car parking on plots. Only a few slabs are permitted, so please check with your field stewards before bringing slabs to your plot. Any further uPVC windows and glass are also banned.These restrictions will be proposed to the AGM as a new rule.
Floods on Margaret Road
Once again, very heavy rain has lead to flooding at Margaret Road, as it is located in the valley of the river Ise. Floods were also experienced at Geddington and Warkton on the same river.
Respect the signs
Please respect the “NO VEHICLES IN WINTER” signs on some of our ridings and tracks. Heavy rain and soft ground do not mix with vehicle traffic and the tracks will be ruined. As soon as the ground dries out the ridings will be re-opened by stewards.
Scott Road house building
The land near the gate leading to the track for Scott Road is scheduled for new council houses. We believe that construction work will start early in 2021. The contractor has already met with our chairman and we have established lines of communication. Take care near the construction site and observe all signs and safety measures.
Northfield Avenue electricity cabling
Western Power (the electricity grid) are installing new cables under the railway line and connecting to the existing cables at Northfield Avenue. They are keeping us informed of all developments. Be aware that these cables carry thousands of Volts so keep your distance and observe all safety signs and warnings.
Keep Hens and other poultry indoors – bird flu – Government rules – now law
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55201167
Hens, turkeys and other captive birds in Britain will have to be kept indoors from 14 December to prevent the spread of bird flu, the government has said.
The chief vets for England, Scotland and Wales made the decision after a number of cases were detected among both captive and wild birds.
“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds,” read the statement.
“We have not taken this decision lightly but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”
A good time to order seeds
We recommend Kings Sings, Real Seeds and the London Road Garden Shop