Many allotment associations have communal huts. These can be used for committee meetings, as a base to sell seeds and compost for the benefits of members, a lock-up for valuable items such as rotavators, and a focal point for social events like BBQs. So, they can be a huge asset to members and really build a feeling of a community on the allotment site.
To get one now means a plan is needed. Assuming we don’t have a mystery benefactor sitting in the wings ready to make a big donation, we need to apply for a lottery grant.
To do this we need to…
- Discuss with the council whether we can have a 5 years lease on the land on which to site the hut
- Consider whether we want toilets and if so, do we need planning permission
- Obtain quotations for the hut, and any ground works required to install it
- Amend our constitution to show that we cater for equal opportunities and protection of vulnerable adults
- Demonstrate there’s a need for the facilities within the membership
- Show how these will benefit the community
We’ll need someone to manage the project and we’ll also need to ensure maintenance and ongoing costs are taken into account, for example if we have a toilet what’s the charge for emptying septic tanks?
The HRAA committee are busy in the meantime organising social events and liaising with the council on your behalf, as well as holding down full time jobs in most cases. Would you be prepared to be part of a sub-committee to plan for this improvement to our facilities, and possibly take a role in managing it if and when installed? Many hands make light work, so if enough of us chip in it’ll get done without too much resting on just a few shoulders.
If you are willing to contribute please contact Richard (Plot 50/51; richard.weightman@ntlworld.com; 07771 844 261), or talk to Ray Frodsham on Plot 95.
No comments:
Post a Comment