RobD1
30-11-2006, 18:27
Follwing on from the info on Hagg House...
I contacted the Allotment Regeneration Initiative (http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari/) about the state of our site and some of the issues I have, and those other people have raised on the forum. Their rep gave a really positive and detailed response about all the issues, and suggested I contact the Sheffield Allotment and Home Garden Federationin the first instance - the secretary is Pat Bardsby (0114 296 2105). [This info is readily available in the allotment section of the council web site]. The ARI also have some very useful documents on regeneration (not surprisingly!) of sites, forming associations, etc.
I had a long chat to Pat about Hagg House and allotments in general. Again it was very positive and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to people from other sites about issues you may have. They obviously have a good dialogue with the allotment office and councillors, and are happy to make representation on behalf of allotment holders and advise you on how to go about it as well.
They also offer advice if you wish to set up an allotment association (as do the ARI) and seemed more than happy to talk. They meet on a regular basis - apparently we should get info about this as allotment holders - but are currently looking for a free venue for their next meeting. Their last meeting had about 35 people there she said.
She also told me that they are trying to get the council to give plot holders taking on an overgrown allotment the second year free. Also if you are on a waiting list for one site and wish to take on an allotment on an overgrown site (like Hagg House) you should not be removed from the waiting list of the other site. If this has happened or you are told this, please contact Pat.
And the general gist of the conversation was speak up if you are not happy, either via them or directly.
Hope this is helpful,
Rob
I contacted the Allotment Regeneration Initiative (http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari/) about the state of our site and some of the issues I have, and those other people have raised on the forum. Their rep gave a really positive and detailed response about all the issues, and suggested I contact the Sheffield Allotment and Home Garden Federationin the first instance - the secretary is Pat Bardsby (0114 296 2105). [This info is readily available in the allotment section of the council web site]. The ARI also have some very useful documents on regeneration (not surprisingly!) of sites, forming associations, etc.
I had a long chat to Pat about Hagg House and allotments in general. Again it was very positive and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk to people from other sites about issues you may have. They obviously have a good dialogue with the allotment office and councillors, and are happy to make representation on behalf of allotment holders and advise you on how to go about it as well.
They also offer advice if you wish to set up an allotment association (as do the ARI) and seemed more than happy to talk. They meet on a regular basis - apparently we should get info about this as allotment holders - but are currently looking for a free venue for their next meeting. Their last meeting had about 35 people there she said.
She also told me that they are trying to get the council to give plot holders taking on an overgrown allotment the second year free. Also if you are on a waiting list for one site and wish to take on an allotment on an overgrown site (like Hagg House) you should not be removed from the waiting list of the other site. If this has happened or you are told this, please contact Pat.
And the general gist of the conversation was speak up if you are not happy, either via them or directly.
Hope this is helpful,
Rob