We're going to have a debate in Newbury on the merits and potential savings of self-management.
The Council have thus far suppressed any discussion of self-management, but last year the Council proposed to increase rents to £25/pole to cover the full cost of their administration, though they settled in the end for a 47% increase to £6.94/pole, but now that other councils are looking at substantial increases there's every chance Newbury will follow. But then again if the Council don't cover their administration costs it looks wrong that we're getting our leisure time subsidised by the state when day-care centres for the elderly are being closed in Newbury because of council budget cuts.
So the Newbury Labour Party have done their research and think they can save at least £40k if we self-manage and they're calling a public meeting to discuss its merits so that town councillors (who are tory and lib-dem) and the town's allotmenteers can see what it's all about. I'm considerably delighted as you might imagine.
If they can get a budget to pay travel expenses I'm hoping some committee members from self-managed sites can be invited to give their experiences first-hand because Newbury doesn't have a self-management tradition and the Council have made it all sound terribly difficult, and it would be really good for allotmenteers to see what it's actually about.
What do you think? Might you be prepared to come and share your experience?
well well well,who would have thought it!! this is great news! Ill happily come and speak,any excuse to visit my sister in Newbury and talk about allotments at the same time! (esp if they are paying travel expenses)
That's fantastic Rachel, thank you. I'm hoping Richard Garvie, the Labour Party activist will be along some time to say hello and give a few details. He hasn't got the budget yet so it's a little time away yet I'd guess.
It all happens in Newbury, doesnt it lol
Nice one Simon. ;D ;D ;D
I'm up for it, Simon!
Quote from: tonybloke on March 17, 2011, 20:11:16
I'm up for it, Simon!
I was hoping you'd say that! I think Richard has spoken to you already hasn't he?
Wonders will never cease. :-\
Cheers Kev, Digeroo - but don't get carried away, we haven't got any actualy council engagement yet, if we have a good meeting it'll be very difficult for the town council to ignore the result.
Its a bloomin great start though,at least they are taking on board all that youve been saying for gawd knows how long,well done,you must be chuffed!
Nice one Tony too!
Hi all. I thought I better come on and say hello. As a group, we have followed the allotment debate with great interest for some time and I personally tried to broker a discussion back in October between the Council and Simon to try and get some resolution. The council appear to be desperate to avoid self management at all costs, so we've done some digging and it would appear Simon makes a very good case.
What I would ask is that anyone who has more info on self management and experiences you have had, please email me at info@richardgarvie.com. I'm hoping to go up to Great Yarmouth very soon, and I'd be keen to visit others if you wish to have me and show me the benefits.
I'm trying to remain objective whilst doing this research, but it's becoming very clear that the benefits far outweigh any negatives.
Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees. There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.
Quote from: richard.garvie on March 17, 2011, 22:06:28
so we've done some digging and it would appear Simon makes a very good case.
That would be a nut case!
Welcome to A4A Richard, very pleased you could make it.
Quote from: Digeroo on March 17, 2011, 22:14:01
Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees. There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.
we've got those in place, and an 'arbitration & appeals committee' as well. ;)
welcome to a4a Richard.
Quote from: Digeroo on March 17, 2011, 22:14:01
Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees. There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.
Absolutely right. The council should never delegate eviction procedures beyond the first letter; if they do, it crreates all sorts of opportunities for little tin hitlers. I'd never be on my site now if the previous committee had been in a position to evict tenants.
Welcome to the nut house Richie. ;D
Excellent news Simon, I'm really pleased that something is being done to help you at last.
Welcome Richard - Birmingham might be a bit far for you to travel to but you would be very welcome if you would like to visit us.
I know it is quite a way but I was very impressed indeed in the whole set up at the Walsall Road Allotments. There is a great sense of community, the place seems to be very well run and they even source vast amounts of bio matter. The range and diversity of the crops was a joy to behold not to mention the sheer exuberance of the individual plants.
But there are so very many groups thoughout the country which self manage from tennis clubs to the U3A, there must be lots of them even in Newbury.
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 17, 2011, 23:18:21
Quote from: Digeroo on March 17, 2011, 22:14:01
Judging from some of the threads on here there certainly are some issues with a few management committees. There seems to be a need for some kind of procedure and right of appeal in case of termination of leases.
Absolutely right. The council should never delegate eviction procedures beyond the first letter; if they do, it crreates all sorts of opportunities for little tin hitlers. I'd never be on my site now if the previous committee had been in a position to evict tenants.
The problem is really the little hitlers. I've always thought a council would be less susceptible, and that may well be so, but Newbury are still evicting me for asserting my consumer rights so there's no easy answer to this one.
Quote from: Squash64 on March 18, 2011, 05:58:27
Excellent news Simon, I'm really pleased that something is being done to help you at last.
Welcome Richard - Birmingham might be a bit far for you to travel to but you would be very welcome if you would like to visit us.
I'd like that very much Betty, that you very much. Richard and I are just seeing if we can make it. What sort of days are best for you?
same here if you wish to visit the allotments here in Liverpool
Quote from: Unwashed on March 18, 2011, 10:39:58
Quote from: Squash64 on March 18, 2011, 05:58:27
Excellent news Simon, I'm really pleased that something is being done to help you at last.
Welcome Richard - Birmingham might be a bit far for you to travel to but you would be very welcome if you would like to visit us.
I'd like that very much Betty, that you very much. Richard and I are just seeing if we can make it. What sort of days are best for you?
How exciting! Any day is fine for me, except 26th March when I'll be going to the B.D.A.C. meeting, and April 10th which is our A.G.M.
Quote from: elvis2003 on March 18, 2011, 11:41:20
same here if you wish to visit the allotments here in Liverpool
I'd love to Rachel, but Liverpool's just getting a bit far, but that's generous of you to offer, thanks.
Quote from: Squash64 on March 18, 2011, 12:58:24
How exciting! Any day is fine for me, except 26th March when I'll be going to the B.D.A.C. meeting, and April 10th which is our A.G.M.
Cheers Betty, I hope we can arrange a visit then, it'll be so lovely to see you all - cats included. BTW, has Simon made his way home now?
Quote from: Unwashed on March 18, 2011, 14:05:21
Quote from: Squash64 on March 18, 2011, 12:58:24
How exciting! Any day is fine for me, except 26th March when I'll be going to the B.D.A.C. meeting, and April 10th which is our A.G.M.
Cheers Betty, I hope we can arrange a visit then, it'll be so lovely to see you all - cats included. BTW, has Simon made his way home now?
I'm looking forward to it Simon, hope you can both make it.
Yes, the other Simon has gone home now. He must have realised that the girls were no longer available and given up.
We will try to be there if Betty tells us when you are coming.It will be nice to put a face to the name Simon
good to hear some potentially positive news on this Unwashed. Maybe, just maybe, things will start moving in the right direction.
Quote from: shirlton on March 18, 2011, 16:28:30
We will try to be there if Betty tells us when you are coming.It will be nice to put a face to the name Simon
Likewise, it'll be great.
Quote from: 1066 on March 19, 2011, 07:36:44
good to hear some potentially positive news on this Unwashed. Maybe, just maybe, things will start moving in the right direction.
Yeah, it'll be nice to get some closure.
We're having a little trouble getting the Council to play nicely so I'm going to talk to Richard and see how we might get a grant to pay for some travelling expenses and a room hire. I would anticipate that taking some time so I think we're looking at least a few months away, but I really like the idea of a bit of a self-management conference in Newbury so I'll keep at it and keep you all informed.
good luck,hope it comes off