HORFIELD & DISTRICT ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Company number 4672027

Secretary, Mr. John Molton, 11 Queens Drive, Bristol, BS7 8JR.

WELCOME

Who we are and what we do

Welcome to Horfield & District Allotments Association. We are a company limited by guarantee. With six fields and nearly four hundred members we are one of the largest allotment associations in Bristol. We are also very privileged, not only in our access to urban growing space, but also in our special status as a self-managed association. Whilst Bristol City Council supports us generously in terms of advice and (for a limited period) finance, they do not participate in the day to day running of our sites. As a self managed Association we are able to make decisions and implement plans without recourse to Council approval. In addition, by carrying out all administrative processes and minor maintenance on a voluntary basis, we are able to invest our entire rent income in our sites. We are in effect a co-operative community with a mission to preserve and improve an important public amenity. To achieve this we depend on the active participation of all our members.

How we do it

Each field has at least one representative who attends a monthly General Committee meeting. Field representatives rely on plot holders to inform them of any matter that needs attention on their field. The members of the committee are responsible for the administration of the Association including engaging and liaising with contractors, keeping accounts, recording membership and collecting rents.

We hold an Annual General Meeting in February and we keep in touch with a thrice yearly newsletter.

How to help yourself

Please be aware of the terms of your tenancy agreement. It gives clear guidance regarding the maintenance of your plot and your responsibilities in respect of your neighbours. Look after your shed. If your shed belongs to the Association you can obtain roof felt and wood preservative from your field representative when you need it.

Don’t allow non-compostable rubbish to accumulate.

Don’t lose the plot – tell us of any changes to your details eg, change of address.

If you are new to vegetable growing a simple guide can be obtained from Christine Styles (see below). Take advantage of your allotment neighbours and field representative, they are happy to help.

How to help your allotment community

Maintaining your plot, paths and adjoining hedges benefits the whole of your field.

In addition, during the winter months, we carry out all the maintenance that does not require professional skill. This may include mending huts, trimming hedges, clearing brambles, the sort of thing we all enjoy. These working days are very social and enjoyable; watch your notice boards and newsletters for dates and do join in, no special skills are needed and everyone has a contribution to make.

Apply to the committee before erecting any structure or installing a pond.

Don’t use sprays on breezy days and please avoid spraying your neighbours crops, many of our members garden organically.

The speed limit on the fields, where there is vehicular access, is 5 miles per hour.

Getting on with our neighbours.

Bonfires are not allowed between the months of March and October, on public holidays, or on days when windows are likely to be open. Smokey fires are not allowed at all.

Get involved

Every year, in addition to the AGM, we hold a plant sale in the spring and a show and BBQ in September. All these events are an opportunity to meet other plot holders to share knowledge and ideas.

Discounts

Members of H&DAA can use the Ashley Down Allotments Association shop on the Ashley Down site at the bottom of Station Rd. Open Saturday & Sunday 10.30am–12.00md. An excellent source of seeds, onion sets, seed potatoes and other gardening supplies.

HSS Tool Hire 308 Gloucester Rd offer 15% discount on their catalogue prices to H&DAA members.

Lastly

Enjoy your gardening and the fruits of your labour.

FIELD REPRESENTATIVES AND OFFICERS 2006/07
Field	Name	Plot No	Telephone No
Baptist	John Molton	18	942 2040
	Christine Styles	14	330 1639
Birchall	Emma Hedley	15a	330 1786
Davis	Sarah Rhodes	24 & 25	942 1346
	Jo Madden	6b	924 0996
	Les Dobbins	8	924 1383
Grahams	Phil Hall	4	969 5716
	Alan Lock	21	951 4679
Longs	Mike Cooksey	16a	9245880
	Roger Chainey	12	942 4849
St Agnes	Pete Clee	7	975 6647
	Ken Smith	68	924 1728
Officers	Chairman	Neil Pirie	942 7123
	Treasurer	Brian Styles	330 1639
	Secretary	John Molton	942 2040
	Plot Manager	Phyllis Brooks	9248891