I hope you and your families are all keeping safe and well during what I am sure we can all agree has been an incredibly challenging time for everybody. I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and hope that 2021 will bring a little normality for us all.
Although the hut has sadly not been open this year, I thought it may be helpful to give you an update on what has been going on behind the scenes and to update you on the AGM and subscriptions for 2021.
Covid-19
Once the news broke of the seriousness of the situation, we tried to keep our members up to date with The National Allotment Association and Government information. We updated the website, Facebook and circulated emails. Signage was added to the gate to remind people of the information we have shared, i.e., social distancing, trough and tools use and not to attend if symptomatic.
I would like to thank everybody for adhering to the guidelines and ask that everybody continues to do so. These have been incredibly difficult times, but I think we would all agree that the allotments have been a great source of comfort. Gardening as we all know is incredibly helpful in looking after our mental health
Subscription Payments
Once we knew we would not be able to open the hut as normal for people to pay subscriptions, the committee worked very quicky to set up a system to allow subscriptions to be paid by BACS. Members were advised about this alternative method of payment and it seemed to work very well, all subscriptions were paid, and all plots given out.
Sales
Although we could not open as normal on a weekly basis during the summer, we were still able to sell items on a one-on-one basis with social distancing. It is mainly due to Glen’s time and effort that people have been able to purchase their supplies and to keep things going.
Facebook
As you know, we have the Facebook site, and we update this with any information we want to get out to our community. I would also ask anybody who is interested to please take pictures during the year and post them on the site. You can find us by searching Desborough Allotment Association.
Wait List
We currently have 24 on our wait list for plots and we have noticed a definite increase in people wanting a plot this year. This is wonderful news for the Association, and we are delighted that during these unprecedented times people are turning to the outdoors and gardening.
Marlow House
We continued with the Marlow House initiative and we know that people have been dropping off their excess produce. This year more than ever they have needed our donations and so please do continue to drop off any winter vegetables.
Events
As you know this year, we had to call off the planned trip, BBQ, and annual judging. We are hopeful that we can get some events in the diary next year, however, this will depend on Covid-19 restrictions. In the meantime, if you have any ideas please do get in touch and let us have your thoughts.
Hut Roof
The hut roof was replaced in the summer as it was deteriorating badly and was leaking in several places, it was doubtful if it would have lasted another winter and could have ruined some of the stock.
2021 AGM
As you be aware, we normally have our AGM in the beginning of February but given the ongoing situation and the Governments changes in legislation we will be delaying our AGM. We feel this is the best option and as soon as it is possible to safely hold our AGM we will of course be in touch. Until this time, the existing elected committee will continue working in their usual tasks behind the scenes until such time as we can have an AGM.
2021 Subscriptions
The Committee are delighted to confirm that once again the Association have approved no increases in charges. Therefore, the fees for 2021 will be as follows.
Plot Size Water Supply Allotment Rent
10 pole (Large) £6.00 £20.00
5 pole (Small) £3.00 £10.00
Association Subscription
£5.00
Please note, to have an allotment then you must also be a Member of the Association.
All allotment rents, water charges and all Association subscriptions are to be paid by Wednesday the 31st March 2021. Any plot holder/Association member who has not paid by Thursday 1st April 2021 will be deemed to have given up their plot and it will be allocated to the next person on the waiting list.
The Committee will not chase for payment. As the hut will not be open again until at least after 1st April 2021 subscription payments can be made in one of the following ways:
Bank Transfer: Barclays Bank. Sort code – 20-45-77. A/C No. 60323020 – You must add a Reference of your full name.
Post a cheque to the Treasurer or by popping through his letterbox 188 Dunkirk Avenue NN142PP.
If you prefer to pay by cash, you must post through the Treasurers door in a sealed envelope with your name and address clearly marked on the front.
*Please note that Cheques must be made payable to Desborough Allotment and Garden Association and NOT Desborough Allotments.