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Post by jane on Apr 19, 2016 22:13:37 GMT
Am pleased to hear it was a good meeting and well attended. I was sorry not to be there but I have an evening class on Mondays which I was reluctant to miss.
Sounds like a lot of items were covered and look forward to more details. My initial feedback would be that in undertaking regular inspections let us always remember that having an allotment is supposed to be a pleasure and a relaxing hobby and people work at different speeds, in different ways and have different amounts of time to devote to their plots. Whilst we need to encourage folk to use and maintain their plots and pass on to others if they are not able to - I would not like to think that we start to live in fear of a visit from the "committee".
I like the idea of building a community of allotment holders which will in turn perhaps help to make people feel at home and part of something great! This forum should help that community feeling and in time perhaps more people will contribute. Thanks to Murray for the work he has done in getting us started. Roll on the summer bean and courgette glut!! :-)
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Post by wilbarra on Apr 20, 2016 7:12:16 GMT
thats the whole idea of having people who understand allotments and allotment people doing the inspections. they are the people who know who are genuine triers and who are the ones that have just got an allotment for the sake of it being the current craze to have one. you will find that what jane has said is what i and others have said on this forum. jane has no fear that there will be a "stand by your beds" mentality by the people who are doing the inspections
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Post by murrayc on Apr 20, 2016 7:16:28 GMT
Thanks Jane, I think that yours is an excellent post - and not just because you said nice things about me! You make a very good point about the "different speeds" at which people are able to work their plots and there was quite a lot of discussion about the need for discretion and understanding by whoever was inspecting. The intention is not to try to set a standard of perfection, but through anticipation to try to avoid situations where a plot becomes ever more untended and overgrown until its owner finally vacates and the new tenants are confronted with a massive and backbreaking job simply to clear the plot of weeds and other rubbish before they can grow anything. The point was made that for the inspection team as well as for the rest of the plotholders it would be a learning process to understand what problems can lead to these situations, and how they could be overcome.
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Post by Stuart@AmericaLane on Apr 20, 2016 7:50:51 GMT
Sorry I didn't make the meeting. I did intend to go but it was my birthday Monday so had family duties to attend to. And when it came to it I just couldn't miss the Spurs game, what with what is at stake. When you are a Spurs fan these opportunities come around about as frequently as Hayley's comet. I might not be around next time. Thank you to those that did go an represented the plot holders interests so capably.
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bridgey
Clearing the weeds
Posts: 60
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Post by bridgey on Apr 20, 2016 18:53:14 GMT
I think the first thing to say about Janes post is That when one takes on plot there is a responsiblty That goes with it and that point is too easily Overlooked by too many people. The point about having other things to do as an Excuse for not doing your plot dosnt wash. If you are too busy with other pursuits. Don't take a plot that's too big for your needs. You knew what your other needs were before you took On a plot. Also one of the inspectors wilbara has always gone Out of his way to help and encourage newcomers when They appear on the site. It is him who had the idea and puts his hand in his Pocket and pays for a trophy every year for the winner Of the most improved plot of the year. With him it is always about encourageing new people To the world of allotments.
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Post by jane on Apr 20, 2016 21:21:23 GMT
It's great to have a debate isn't it? :-)
I don't know who willbara or Bridgey are as I can't see a profile for them - but I think we are all on the same page really!! Just speaking it in different ways.
Certainly all who contribute to the allotment community and who give of their time and commitment are to be applauded and thanked.
I am simply pointing out that any community needs to serve many differing needs. I agree of course that no one should take on an allotment if they are not prepared to put in the work. - and it IS hard work!! That is not fair for existing plot holders or those on the waiting list - do we have a big waiting list ?. If there is no demand then perhaps by building a thriving community here we will encourage enthusiastic plot holders who will share our passion and reap the rewards that having an allotment brings. I know that I am at my most peaceful when on our plot..... even tho the couch grass gets to me at times!!!
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