January 2023 Allotment News

What are your resolutions? – some ideas

1. Collect and store free rainwater. Use roofing, gutters barrels and IBC tanks to collect winter rain and store ready for summer droughts. This will help your plot, the environment and the allotment society (our water bills for 2022 were bigger than ever)
2. Cover and mulch soil for as long as possible. Use 100gsm weed control fabric or cardboard and woodchip mulch. This protects soil from extreme weather and also retains rainwater ready for your crops.
3. Make a compost heap to recycle organic waste (weeds, peelings, crop residues etc). The Council will start charging extra to empty green/grey wheelie bins in 2023, so this will save money too.
4. Remove plastic and other non-compostable waste from your plot. Be kind to the environment and take to the recycling depot.
5. Share your passion for allotments. Join our Facebook group and post positive comments to inspire and inform others.

Rents and Membership subscriptions are now due

If you do not pay your rent, your plot will be re-let to someone on the waiting list

Rents and membership subs are due on 1st January. Many thanks to all those who have paid rent early. Please remember these key points:

• Membership subs are now £3 per person who works the plot. This means each person in the family who helps cultivate the allotment needs to pay £3 each
• Rents for those plots affected by flooding at Margaret Road (lower ridings near the river) have been reduced. Contact your steward or the treasurer if you have any queries.
• Click here for how to pay
• Treasurer’s contact details – email michael.thurland1956@gmail.com text – ‭07971 492632‬
• Our rents are very low. The national average is about £5-£10 per pole, so £100 for a small plot.

Time to order seeds

Some suggested catalogues

Kings https://www.kingsseeds.com/

Seeds of Italy https://seedsofitaly.com/

RealSeeds https://www.realseeds.co.uk/index.html

News from the committee – new Policy on fences around plots

The committee has agreed on a new policy for fences on plots. The main reason for adopting this policy was to maintain safety for our members. To see the policy, click on this link to our website.

2023 AGM- date and venue

AGM Wednesday 15 March 7:45pm at Athletic Club, Rockingham Road

New Constitution for 2023 AGM

In order to remain compliant with legislation we need to update our constitution at the AGM. The relevant legislation is the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. We are registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) as a mutual society. The committee will propose to adopt the new constitution at the AGM. What we call a constitution is known as “Rules” by the FCA and legislation. The “Rules” are different from our tenancy agreements that we usually refer to as the Rules. The proposed constitution has been provided as a template from the National Allotments Society (NSALG). Here is a link to the proposed updated constitution (rules).

News from National Allotments Society

See the latest magazine online here

Some gardening advice if snow comes

See this article