I'm afraid to say that I'm fighting a loosing battle against eviction on 1 April and I think it would help to launch a Facebook campaign. Problem is I know nothing about Facebook and don't know how to start. I've created a personal profile but that's all. Can anyone explain for me what a Facebook campaign looks like please and how I organise one?
With grateful thanks, Simon.
You create a page I think see
http://www.facebook.com/help/pages
Sorry Simon I can't help you on this.
Once the campaign begins I will definitely sign up.
Not only have you given me good advice, but so many others have received it.
We're on your side.
Regards
Bluecar
Good luck with it Simon,
Scarecrows Smith :D has lots of friends and once your page is set up he will ask them to support you.
Quote from: Squash64 on March 20, 2012, 20:10:36
Good luck with it Simon,
Scarecrows Smith :D has lots of friends and once your page is set up he will ask them to support you.
snap ;D
All the best Simondo, why don't you give a brief update/summary, as we have a lot of newbies on board. ::)
An allotment for labouring poor, acquired in 1857under the Wash Common award, containing about4 a., is let in allotments containing 40 p. each at 5s.a plot, making £3 15s. a year, which, subject to thepayment of a rent-charge of £2, is deposited in thesavings bank as a fund for the repair of the fences, &c.
From: 'The borough of Newbury', A History of the County of Berkshire: Volume 4 (1924), pp. 130-155. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=62693 Date accessed: 20 March 2012.
I'd sign up to your campaign if you send me a link.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=532451833&ref=tn_tnmn
So will I
Good luck with the campaign, Simon!
Quote from: cornykev on March 20, 2012, 20:19:17
All the best Simondo, why don't you give a brief update/summary, as we have a lot of newbies on board. ::)
Thanks for the support everyone, and thanks Kev, I'll give a quick re-cap.
I've been given a Notice to Quit that expires 1 April. I've been on my site for sixteen years and started getting grief from the Council in 2007 when I founded the Wash Common Allotment Society in order to give allotmenteers a voice.
In 2009, as Chair of the Society, I warned the Council that the rent review term of the tenancy agreement was unfair because tenants were locked into their tenancy by a requirement for 12 months notice while the Council could impose an arbitrary rent increase without any notice. The Council officer warned me not to raise the issue or I'd "lose support at the Council". In March 2010 the Council put rents up 47% from £4.71/pole to £6.94/pole and as they wouldn't discuss the matter I complained to Trading Standards who obliged the Council to change the tenancy Agreement.
Around this time I also stepped up the campaign for self-management after the Council resolved to not recognise the Society because, as the leader of the Council so elegantly put it, I had "slagged the Council off in the press" - I'd written a pretty measured letter to the local paper complaining about the rent increase you see. I didn't want to bow to the Council's anger at being criticised, so I did what anyone would do in the circumstances - I criticised them some more.
(http://forum.newburytoday.co.uk/uploads/profile/photo-1011.jpg)
I witheld the increase in rent and, still refusing to discuss the issue, the Council gave me a notice of forfeiture for arrears expiring 17 May 2010. They couldn't enforce that due to the unfairness, so rather than apologise they gave me another notice of forfeiture for 13 December 2010.
This is what Trading Standards said:
Quote from: Trading StandardsI spoke to our legal representative yesterday and she is of the opinion that the 'rent review term' in the old agreement was itself not unfair, what made it unfair was the lack of ability to withdraw from the contract without penalty, ie you had to give 12 months notice and pay the higher price in the meantime.
and
Quote from: Trading StandardsThe old agreement, we agreed was unfair, but was changed to comply with the legislation. (If they had not changed it WBC could have applied for a civil injunction to prevent The Council from using the term).
and this is what the Town Council said about the new Tenancy Agreement
Quote from: Town CouncilFollowing concerns raised by an allotment tenant to West Berkshire Council Trading Standards, Newbury Town Council has agreed to make a number of changes to the Allotment Rental Agreement and Allotment Rules. Those changes have been agreed with Trading Standards, discussed with the Stewards, and ratified by the Town Council at its Community Services Committee meeting on 26 July 2010.
That should have been an end to it. I had witheld £20 of rent because the increase was unlawful, but we all agreed that and we should all have moved on. I should have been offered the new agreement along with the other 500 of Newbury's allotmenteers, and the Town Council might have usefully reflected on how it would have been better to have discussed the issue sensibly in the first place.
What actually happened was that the Council offered me the new agreement but with a rider added in biro by the parish clerk pre-evicting me on 13 December 2010.
Obviously I wasn't going to sit idle and be evicted so I've had to fight on ever since, but if the Council had just shown some honesty and accountability two years ago none of this would ever have followed.
Again the Council couldn't evict me on 13 December because of the unfairness so they scrathed their heads and in February 2011 they revoke the forfeiture and served me with a Notice to Quit 1 April 2012.
A Notice to Quit is very difficult to challenge because it needs no fault on the part of the tenant but I had a chance if I could show that the Council, who were now denying that the rent review term was unfair, had acted in bad faith. I asked to see the minutes of the committee meeting where the Council had resolved to revoke the forfeiture and serve the Notice to Quit because I suspected that they might have minuted what I guessed to be their strategy. I believe that I have a right to parish meeting minutes under S.228 of the Local Government Act 1972, but the Council refused me the minutes and an officer of the Council is currently on trial for an alleged offence under S.228 at Newbury Magistrates Court, resuming end of April.
I took out legal proceedings against the Council to get a decision on the fairness of the rent review term but the Council threatened enormous costs, like £20k if I lost, and as good as my argument was I simply couldn't afford the slightest possibility of losing that much money, so I had to abandon my claim.
Having the tenancy end on April 1 isn't such a problem if the Council just let me my plot on a new Tenancy Agreement, but their condition for doing that was that I sign a secret no-criticism protocol.
Quote from: Newbury Town CouncilSimon Kirby agrees to:
c. Cease to make postings and pronouncements in public places (including in particular notice boards and e-forums) that are critical of or negative towards Newbury Town Council, its Members, Employees, Contractors, Customers, Tenants, and other associates, without prior discussion with the Chief Executive Officer of Newbury Town Council.
d. Not to cause nuisance to Newbury Town Council, its Members, Employees, Contractors, Customers, Tenant and other associates and in particular not to take action that entails inordinate amount of time to be spent by Newbury Town Council Members and Officers for no real benefit.
Newbury Town Council and Simon Kirby agree to keep the terms of this Agreement strictly confidential and agree not to disclose, communicate or otherwise make public the same to anyone (save professional advisers), or for the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement and otherwise as may be required to be disclosed by law.
I wasn't prepared to sign away my rights and dignity like that so I refused, so last night the Council resolved a new rule that allows them to refuse to let a plot to anyone they don't like.
So that's where I am now. Notice expires on 1 April and unless I can pull something out of the bag an abusive bullying council have won.
I will even join facebook to sign your campaign, Simon.
Wishing you all the best luck with this.
Quote from: pumpkinlover on March 20, 2012, 22:36:33
I will even join facebook to sign your campaign, Simon.
Wishing you all the best luck with this.
me also,good luck
Link to the FB page?
If you can get your link up as soon as possible, then we can all give you the support you need.
Good luck and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :)
Simon - daft question but had you contacted the local press to see if they are interested in a story?
They might help.
Simon, Like most of the people here I have followed your dispute with the council but just reading it again brings home how apallingly they have behaved.
Hope you get your Facebook page started, I know you will get lots of support.
Simon - just talking off the top of my head here ... but have you considered trying to make use of some form of arbitration or dispute resolution service.
I have no idea how feasible it might be or of any costs that might be involved.
I'd sign or join, I have a facebook account.
There are loads of gardening groups on facebook you could post on and ask for support.
But it's very late now Simon.
What will actually happen on the 1st/2nd April? Have they reassigned your plot?
Hi guys, really appreciate the help. It's going to take me a day or so to do the FB thing. I've done my personal profile but I think I need to create a Page and it's all new and not a little confusing. I'll get there as soon as I can. Thanks again.
Yes, local press are following the story closely.
Yes, asked for mediation and meetings and discussions and all that stuff, but NTC don't negotiate.
Setting up the page etc isnt really hard but it really is only the beginning.. I have setup a few pages etc so pls ask if there is something specific you want help with
Really after that it is all about marketing I'm afraid - You have to get attention and get people to "like" your page, make comments, get the page address published etc.
One thing is that you need a certain amount of like before you can chose a friendly name for your page. You will start will something like https://www.facebook.com/pages/name_of_your_page/150849768361854 which is impossible to remember - after 15 likes (I think) you get to chose https://www.facebook.com/name_of_your_page or whatever you want.
I will support your FB page as soon as you have set it up.
Have you tried taking your story to the national press, what with all the cuts being made at present and the fact that all you really want to do is work hard to feed yourself through tough times and the council are denying you that right out of a dislike for you.
I know that may be a bit 'dramatic' but a angle like that might make an impression on a newspaper.
To qualify, I have worked for companies like the Daily Mail Group (don't abuse me for it I needed the money lol :-[ ) and know that if you send them a press release with a catchy title, that they don't have to do much editing to, if there is not much going on you have a fair chance of getting it published.
Wish I could be of some help, I really sympathise with you and can't imagine how I would feel if someone wanted to take my plot away. :(
Good luck
P.S - A twitter account might be useful as you can get far more people 'following' you in a short time, could you set up a petition that you could direct people to sign?
If you need help with the twitter account I would be more than happy.
Why don't you post your story on facebook pages like Thompson@Morgan,Gardener's World etc so a lot of garden type people get to hear of your predicament
I'll sign too. The council's behaviour is outrageous. We get on better with our Town council but they have their moments too.
And newbury council if your snooping in today this is for you. :P :P :P
I'll be happy to support you on Facebook and Twitter.
Me too Simon....... ;)
Thanks again guys. Im struggling to understand FB and struggling to find time at the moment too so I'll get the page up as soon as I can but it isn't going to be until after the weekend I think - sorry.
Simon
You should make a complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman...
Looking at issues of former cases where the council had a dispute with an allotment holder in one case over alteration of a tenancy agreement it was found that the case should of been ..quote
"ensure that the facts in any dispute about allotments are determined by someone independent
of the parties, and seek advice from the National Secretary of Allotment and Leisure Gardens
on allotment law."
Telephone the LGO Advice Team on 0300 061 0614 or 0845 602 1983 and make your complaint over the telephone or go to http://www.lgo.org.uk/making-a-complaint/submitting-a-complaint/
Have you spoken to your MP about this, Simon? I see he is a Conservative and the Newbury District Council appears to be Lib Dems. Although the two parties form a coalition in National Government, I think beneath the surface they seem to really dislike each other. It could well be worth your while approaching him.
I think Simon's spoke to everyone, bar the pope, on this one. ???
Keep at it Simon
Isn't there a TV show over there thast looks into unfair stuff like this.
Try an MP
What happens if you start gardenuing on the 1st..with the press present
What if you sign the thingy and then regroup and try again..what have you to lose?
XX Jeannine
Quote from: cornykev on March 23, 2012, 14:55:45
I think Simon's spoke to everyone, bar the pope, on this one. ???
Ha! You know me Kev, very reticent. ;)
I've had a well-earned weekend away and I'm working tomorrow so I'm still working out a plan.
I spoke to the Pope this morning Simon, only I couldn't understand bloody a word he said. :-X ;)
Quote from: cornykev on March 25, 2012, 09:12:13
I spoke to the Pope this morning Simon, only I couldn't understand bloody a word he said. :-X ;)
It was probably: "Bless you my son" which translates into "Keep at it" ;)
I think I've managed to create a page but it's rubbish and I can't for the life of me work out how to add content and stuff.
It's here - http://www.facebook.com/NewburyGrowingPains - and if you can support me by liking it that would be fantastic.
I would really appreciate it if someone could give me a few hints on how to manage the content and such because I'm really all at sea. Thanks.
The 'likes' have started but I'm sorry, I can't advise on how to improve the site. As soon as you can get the messages bit going we can all start a dialogue. :)
Good luck
G x
Simon -just so you know I swore I would never join facebook again- but hey ho!! ( I also said I would never get a computer / go on the internet!)
For you it's worth it ;)
I have posted on your page but alas I cannot help with design sorry.
YOU CAN START A GROUP PAGE ON FACEBOOK,,,,sorry caps locked.That may be better.
I was trying to add you as a friend so my other "new friends" could sign up? cannot do that either.
Quote from: Georgie on March 27, 2012, 18:18:04
The 'likes' have started but I'm sorry, I can't advise on how to improve the site. As soon as you can get the messages bit going we can all start a dialogue. :)
Good luck
G x
Thanks Georgie. What do you mean about the messages, is there a feature I need to activate or something?
Quote from: pumpkinlover on March 27, 2012, 18:54:37
I was trying to add you as a friend so my other "new friends" could sign up? cannot do that either.
You're saying it wouldn't let you add me as a friend? Is there something I have to enable or something?
Anyone know how I add this to a group (gardening) on facebook ?
Maybe put you up to join?
Quote from: pumpkinlover on March 27, 2012, 18:37:39
Simon -just so you know I swore I would never join facebook again- but hey ho!! ( I also said I would never get a computer / go on the internet!)
For you it's worth it ;)
That's great support pumpkinlover, thank you.
Quote from: Ellen K on March 27, 2012, 18:39:01
I have posted on your page but alas I cannot help with design sorry.
Thanks Ellen, I appreciate your support.
You are now on Scarecrows Smith's page. If only a few of his 1260 friends support you that would be a good thing. :)
I've also messaged a couple of facebook friends who also have many friends and asked for their support.
This is getting exciting!
Firstly content. Have you set permissions on your page on who can post? If others cant post mesages you cant build an audience but then you have to monitor what poeple post. Pick slowly through all the settings on the admin pages - you will see posting permissions under manage permissions.
The its up to you - fill out all your info - post some pics and stories from your web site, share some links etc
I too have liked you page but what you need to do is to get other people to "share" the page. You can invite people by email, create like buttons, to put on your website. Find every d**n allotment related page on FB and post your page on them!!!
https://www.facebook.com/FacebookPages?v=app_7146470109 is a good place to start and there are tons of tutorial vids on youtube..
Best of British and hey - you have 16 likes already!!
I see someone has already posted it to one FB allotment page https://www.facebook.com/groups/107447489292198
Quote from: manicscousers on March 27, 2012, 19:04:32
Anyone know how I add this to a group (gardening) on facebook ?
Maybe put you up to join?
Just post a link to the page in a comment - like in the https://www.facebook.com/groups/107447489292198 group
Haha, someone beat me to it ;D
I've shared it on my Facebook page and the Gardens Weekly Group page.
I've also tweeted it, and added it as a discussion on two other gardening forums! :)
I've "liked" the page. I hope it helps.
How do you share it so that your friends can see Unwashed's page ?
Pumpkinlover scroll to the bottom of Simon's post -
https://www.facebook.com/NewburyGrowingPains
- and click on Share.
Quote from: Twinklekat on March 27, 2012, 20:31:30
I've "liked" the page. I hope it helps.
Thanks for that Twinklekat.
And thank you Flighty.
Thanks Flighty!
Hope we can all keep supporting Simon...........it could be anyone of us with an Allotment who dare to criticize the council
Quote from: betula on March 28, 2012, 08:52:46
Hope we can all keep supporting Simon...........it could be anyone of us with an Allotment who dare to criticize the council
Thanks Den. It's been going on for years and it gets me down sometimes, but I'm 46 and reasonably resourceful and I am hugely grateful for the support I've had from my A4A friends. I think of how many allotmenteers in Newbury the Town Council will have bullied who won't have felt strong enough to have stuck up for themselves, so I reckon someone needs to make a stand. All I'm asking for is that they're open and accountable, that shouldn't be too much to ask from local government should it.
If you haven't visited already - http://www.Facebook.com/NewburyGrowingPains - hope you "like" it.
I've joined
Hi Simon
I have added a big thumbs up on your facebook and after reading your ongoing problem I would stick to your guns and fight your corner,no public govermental organisation should have to ability to arrange one of their individuals to quash your opinion by Proxy bullying you to stay quiet so that the council can rest easy.
I understand your self management ideas and would assume you would need plenty of local plot support to
implement such a scheme in your borough,and yes,im sure the council dont like the thought of you taking away their money spending privalages after all I guess they see it that the community has voted them in to act and no self respecting Allotmenteer is going to upstage their moment in power.
Have you, are you, legally allowed to divulge your fight to the local papers to further enhance your case with the general public as ive no doubt "Jo Public" is always perceived to be a good judge of rights and wrongs of
Council procedure as they voted them into office ,and it may influence a quick decision by said council in your favour....who knows.
anyway,good luck with your fight.
Gazza
Page looking better Simon!!
Getting a good few likes - hope it continues..
I asked one of my facebook friends, Jayne Ashmore, to comment and she has. She is very active on FB and some of her friends have 'liked' it too.
How did you mangage to be freinds with the campaign Squash, it looks like you and Fiona have become Friends on Simon's page but I cannot manage it?
It looks like you are a friend PL, or am I looking at the wrong thing?
Well on the page I was looking at there was Scarecrow Smith and our Fee, now there is just Fee. I am confuddled!
Loads of likes but just one friend, I do struggle with Facebook.
I gave the thumbs up this afternoon :)
Hope you get this resolved
Send your story to Watchdog Simon......
Quote from: BarriedaleNick on March 28, 2012, 12:00:10
Page looking better Simon!!
Getting a good few likes - hope it continues..
Thanks BN, I'm starting to get the hang of it. I've blogged before but facebook isn't quite like that.
Many thanks for everyone who's supporting the campaign, 112 Likes now.
I also had a message of support from a chap who's been through it all before (http://"http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/8991085.Gardener_banned_from_every_Council_allotment/"), very helpful.
Thanks again.
Quote from: pumpkinlover on March 28, 2012, 14:16:42
Well on the page I was looking at there was Scarecrow Smith and our Fee, now there is just Fee. I am confuddled!
Loads of likes but just one friend, I do struggle with Facebook.
I don't think you can be "friends" with a Page - that's what my campaign is, I think you show support for it by "Liking" it, right? I think you can only be "friends" with a person. I'm pretty sure my profile has a "friend request" button on it, but tell me if it hasn't as I'll need to fiddle with the permissions or something - facebook confuses me too. I think the panel on NewburyGrowingPains with the friends is saying which of my friends "Like" the campaign, i don't think it's saying they're friends of the campaign itself. Or have I confused myself? PL, I'd love to be your facebook friend, just PM me a link to your profile.
Unwashed e mail ANNE ROBINSON today, she will sort the council out for you .
Quote from: Unwashed on March 29, 2012, 12:32:58
Quote from: pumpkinlover on March 28, 2012, 14:16:42
Well on the page I was looking at there was Scarecrow Smith and our Fee, now there is just Fee. I am confuddled!
Loads of likes but just one friend, I do struggle with Facebook.
I don't think you can be "friends" with a Page - that's what my campaign is, I think you show support for it by "Liking" it, right? I think you can only be "friends" with a person. I'm pretty sure my profile has a "friend request" button on it, but tell me if it hasn't as I'll need to fiddle with the permissions or something - facebook confuses me too. I think the panel on NewburyGrowingPains with the friends is saying which of my friends "Like" the campaign, i don't think it's saying they're friends of the campaign itself. Or have I confused myself? PL, I'd love to be your facebook friend, just PM me a link to your profile.
Done now Simon, Thanks Friend!
Quote from: rosebud on March 29, 2012, 18:55:59
Unwashed e mail ANNE ROBINSON today, she will sort the council out for you .
Thanks for your support Rosebud. :) I think I might do that. I'm still reeling from facebook, it's a lot to take in and learn, but such a lot of people have shown their support it really is heartening.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/gotastory/
Here is the link.
Have liked and shared :)
Hope we can all keep supporting Simon to help keep him going with his fight.
Liked. Haven't ever used my Facebook before though I registered ages ago!
Thanks very much Betula. I'm working this weekend so I'll being popping over tomorrow evening for a bit of digging, and it's possible the jack-booted council heavies will want to drag me off site then - it would certainly make a good photo for the Daily Mail and the Newbuy Weekly News will be there to cover it.
Liked :)
Good luck for tomorrow
Good luck for tomorrow evening Simon,
good luck for tomorrow and keep fighting. you give a lot of people good advice like us as we would not know what to do if it was not for you and PL and other people like you all. Thank you and good luck and keep up the fight.
All the best Simon. :)
Good luck to you Simon, don't give up.
June.
Hi Simon,
You really helped us with our allotment problems and if there is anything we can do in return please let us know. We feel for you matey keep fighting while ever you can, it really is not fair to allow bullies to behave in this way and get away with it. Good luck
tony69
GOOO LUCK today Simon :)
keeping everything crossed for you, good luck :)
Home for lunch. Went over first thing this morning to find they'd fenced it round with that orange plastic fencing hung on road pins, so spent five minutes pulling that down. You'd think we were living in a police state. They really need to start talking to me, this is a totally discraceful way for a public authority to behave.
Quote from: Unwashed on April 01, 2012, 12:02:48
Home for lunch. Went over first thing this morning to find they'd fenced it round with that orange plastic fencing hung on road pins, so spent five minutes pulling that down. You'd think we were living in a police state. They really need to start talking to me, this is a totally discraceful way for a public authority to behave.
It sounds pretty silly to me. Was the plastic fencing supposed to do something other than make a statement?
They sound very petty to me.
Quote from: Unwashed on April 01, 2012, 12:02:48
Home for lunch. Went over first thing this morning to find they'd fenced it round with that orange plastic fencing hung on road pins, so spent five minutes pulling that down. You'd think we were living in a police state. They really need to start talking to me, this is a totally discraceful way for a public authority to behave.
So when did that happen and which public employee got paid weekend rate or overtime to do it? ::) ::) ::)
Just got back off holiday. How could we not support you our friend after all that you have done for us.I really do hope that the council acts responsibly towards you Simon.
Good luck simon keep up the fight all the best. Lottiman. :)
No more drama this evening. Went over with the photographer from the Newbury Weekly News to get some shots of the crumpled fencing.
Many thanks for all the good vibrations coming my way, they surely helped, and very many thanks for the support you have shown on my Facebook campaign page - http://www.facebook.com/NewburyGrowingPains
Grow some Peas up the orange fencing thats what using mine for. ;)
No more interference today. Newbury Weekly News is putting someting in the paper this week I think.
Time for the Council to start talking to me I would suggest - and the council visit regularly so they'll see what's being said.
If anyone felt like e-mailing any of my local councillors encouraging them to discuss a just resolution to this long dispute their e-mail addresses are here: http://www.newbury.gov.uk/councillors.php
Julian Swift-Hook is the (Lib Dem) leader of the Council, and Adrian Edwards is one of my (Conservative) ward councillors.
Would it be a good idea for someone on here to draft a letter that we could all put our name to. I am not really any good at putting stuff down on paper.
I have emailed Julian.I have asked that they reconsider pointing out that we can not gag everyone who happens to disagree with us.
Hope everybody can do the same :)
Quote from: betula on April 02, 2012, 21:31:26
I have emailed Julian.I have asked that they reconsider pointing out that we can not gag everyone who happens to disagree with us.
Hope everybody can do the same :)
You're a star Betula.
Sorry Shirl, I don't know where to start. Maybe something like "Dear Julian, Newbury Town Council is evicting Simon Kirby because he didn't pay what he claimed to be an unlawful rent increase. He didn't pay the increase because you wouldn't discuss the fairness with him, and he's criticised you and the town council publicly about that because you called him vexatious and tried to shut him up. Maybe Simon was wrong about the tenancy agreement, he's not a lawyer, he's just a bloke with an allotment and a social conscience who's concerned to see that his fellow allotmenteers get a fair deal from their town council, and even though losing his allotment would be a blow for such an enthusiast he felt even more strongly that it was important to assert his rights. Don't you agree that the best way forward is for you to cut Simon some slack for standing up for his plot buddies and let him garden his allotment in peace, and then work to resolve this issue through negotiation?"
Keep the faith Simon..........I am sure this can be resolved through negotiation.
Let us hope that common sense will prevail .
Hi Simon. Thanks for helping (once again). Have sent the email to Julian and Howard
Email sent to Mr Swift-Hook and I encourage others to do the same!
I'm not sure how I missed this, but I have.
I'm off out for the morning but will read this topic in full when I return and then do whatever is necessary to help you out.
Its scandalous whats happening.
Steve...:)
Done
Quote from: betula on April 02, 2012, 23:32:49
Keep the faith Simon..........I am sure this can be resolved through negotiation.
Let us hope that common sense will prevail .
Thanks Den, let's hope so.
I've emailed your council, liked your facebook page and shared that on my facebook profile.
Have you tried contacting NSALG at all? http://www.nsalg.org.uk/ I know they help members and I dont know if your a member, but they may help or offer advice. And how about the Allotments Regeneration initiative http://www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari/, okay they specialise in regenerating allotments...but they may have an idea of where to turn next.
I'm glad you went and posted on GC about your predicament, it'll lend more support for your case, maybe join a few more gardening sites and make posts there too.
If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know.
Steve...:)
I have also emailed Mr Swift-Hook and Mr Edwards. It will be interesting to see if they reply to any of us.
Quote from: Squash64 on April 03, 2012, 14:07:24
I have also emailed Mr Swift-Hook and Mr Edwards. It will be interesting to see if they reply to any of us.
Thanks Squash. Yes, if they were to engage with just one of us that would be a start.
No reply to me as yet - Simon, how do you bear the frustration of it - it would drive me nuts!!
It is strange that we elect these people to represent us and when they have their seats they do anything but.
I would have thought the leader of the council would at least acknowledge an email.........it seems so unprofessional not too.
Let us hope for good things and the council have the grace to talk to simon .
I have written to Nick Clegg with the facebook link asking him what he thinks of his party members acting in this way.
I have my stressful moments BarriedaleNick, but I make an effort to keep it in proportion.
Thanks for that Betula, I would really be interested to know what Lib Dem High Command thinks of this attack on my Article 10 right to freedom of expression. Then there was the resolution not to recognise the allotment society which I felt was an attack on my Article 11 right to freedom of association, and I'm arguing that the Notice to Quit is unlawful because serving it in place of the forfeiture breaches my Article 6 right to a fair trial of my civil liabilities, that seeking possession of my allotment is a breach of Article 1 of the first protocol as it is not in the public interest, and that resolving not to let allotments to people they don't like is discriminatory - all this from Lib Dems who are supposed to support human rights and equality.
well let us know if any contact is made Simon.
Anybody wanting to contact Nick Clegg.....here is the link
http://www.nickclegg.com/
Click contact on the page
Simon,
Added my support to your Facebook Campaign and also with sending off a couple of emails, good luck, :)
Simon, may we ask - what is it you want, exactly? Is it a new tenancy issued without strings?
Hi Simon I have just emailed Julian. :-*
Quote from: Ellen K on April 03, 2012, 19:48:25
Simon, may we ask - what is it you want, exactly? Is it a new tenancy issued without strings?
I would be happy enough to sign the new tenancy agreement, but what I want is for the council to be honest, open, and accountable for everything that has gone on since the formation of the allotment society four and a half years ago because without that calling to account the tyranny will continue. I made a stand on the tenancy agreement but there was and has been since very much more abusive behaviour at the Town Council and that is simply not acceptable in a public authority. If there was no underlying problem at the council then raising the potential unfairness of the tenancy agreement would have been welcomed - what honest and open parish council wouldn't want its tenancy agreement to be fair? The root problem here is not that the tenancy agreement was unfair, the root problem is that the town council didn't want the unfairness challenged.
Just a thought, but are any of the councillors up for election on May 3rd?
I have just had a reply from Howard Bairstow saying that he would forward my email to the leader of the council. Lets hope this starts the ball rolling.
Well that is something Shirl.............would be better if he could make some comment on the situation .
I've just had a 'read receipt' from Adrian Edwards. I'll let you know if he replies.
Quote from: shirlton on April 04, 2012, 07:01:41
I have just had a reply from Howard Bairstow saying that he would forward my email to the leader of the council.
(http://www.emilyware.co.uk/earthwork/images/stories/articles/nowwashyourhands.jpg)
And a happy Easter to you Howard.
Howard had an allotment at my site just opposite my plot for many years, I really think he might have agreed to talk to me.
Quote from: Squash64 on April 04, 2012, 04:51:00
Just a thought, but are any of the councillors up for election on May 3rd?
No Squash, several more years of them (unless they resign of course).
I also emailed Newbury Council's allotment department and have had a 'read receipt' from Margaret Gore.
So is that what you want, for council members to resign?
I am just wondering what is your definition of success.
Quote from: Ellen K on April 04, 2012, 09:33:00
So is that what you want, for council members to resign?
I am just wondering what is your definition of success.
Right now I need them to be open, honest and accountable. That means they recognise the unlawfulness of the Notice to Quit and start talking to me about what went wrong, why, and how to make it right. It's not very helpful at this point to say what I think "right" looks like.
Might be an idea to add your comments to the story here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2124820/Pensioner-thrown-beloved-allotment-council-case-hurts-hip-sues.html - not quite the same situation but might get some coverage.
I've had a reply from Julian Swift Hook...as follows..
"Dear Mr Randles
Thank you for your email.
In a dispute, there are always two sides to the story, as I'm sure you will agree. It will help your understanding of the overall situation, therefore, if you are aware of the Town Council's position as well as that of Mr Kirby.
I include below a link to Newbury Town Council's public statement on the issue today:
www.newbury.gov.uk/pdfs/news/allotmentservice120404PR.pdf
It sets out the Town Council's position in detail and also refers to other publicly-available information (via hyperlinks in the document) which will further help your understanding of the overall situation.
I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes
Julian Swift-Hook"
You did well to get a reply.
Not nice to read,one bloke standing up for what is right and suddenly he is a burden to tax payers ::) ::) ::)
Quote from: betula on April 05, 2012, 00:03:46
You did well to get a reply.
Not nice to read,one bloke standing up for what is right and suddenly he is a burden to tax payers ::) ::) ::)
Interesting to note that the one bloke standing up for what is right and is a burden to tax payers is also a tax payer. ;)
Personally I am rather surprised that Newbury Town Council are unable to manage allotments without having to subsidise them in the first place. Do they spend too much on bureaucracy or perhaps office staff, accountants, groundsmen, managers, publicity......?? Or have I got confusalled? ???
What do they use the income from allotment rents for? Does anyone know?
Our private allotment association runs two sites and charges very reasonable rents with no unexpected massive hikes in charges and are self sufficient. We have our own equipment pool & storeage, good boundary security fencing, water throughout the sites and well maintained pathways and car parks.
How come experts like Newbury Town Council can't do the same? ???
Talk about scraping the barrel in the excuse dept :o
I have also had a reply from Mr Swift-Hook, exactly the same as Steve's.
Newbury town council must be worried if they've gone to the trouble of issueing a press release, I wonder how many emails they received?
Same reply here from the same man
I've just replied to Mr Swift Hook..
Thus..
"Dear Mr Swift Hook,
It's fairly obvious to me (and to many others) that lots of unknown water has passed under the bridge over the last few years.
It's gone far beyond the 11th hour now, but I wonder if it may be possible for one councilor to meet with Simon for a period of no more than one hour in an attempt to achieve a resolution of sorts, both parties would have to have an open mind and both sides would have to use a fair ammount of give and take to make it work.
What say you to this?
Kindest Regards
Steve Randles"
Hopefully some sort of dialogue can be achieved through this, which is better than none.
Simon, it looks to me from the info sent in the email by Mr Swift Hook that you really dont stand a chance of having your demands met and the end result will finally be the end of your allotment. Best you can hope for is some sort of an agreement between the two parties, that is "IF" the councilors will speak to you. You would need to be prepared to back down on perhaps some points to gain ground on others.
If discussion is offered I would jump at the chance, but go along with an open mind. If you go along with 5 points and stick to your guns your not likely to get anywhere, that is of course...if you want to keep the allotment you have had for so long.
I wish you luck whatever you do and will still support you whatever the outcome.
Steve
That sounds very sensible Steve........lets wait and see now.
Simon............I applaud you for standing up for common sense and what is right.
Maybe all of this will make the council look again at their high spending on Allotments and follow what other Allotments have done by self management.
It would be tragic if you lost your plot..........all of plot holders know it is our little bit of heaven.
Let us hope that they show you some good grace.
I am with Steve on this..........whatever you choose to do you have my support.
They speak of just one person that isn't towing their line. The problem with too many people is that they pay up and shut up.
It's very difficult to stand your ground when those around you are knuckling down under the bullies.
Simon. You are one special person.
I agree Shirl...........
I feel quite sad about the whole situation this morning. The other plot holders on Simon's site should stand with him, what's wrong with people? One day it could be them.............
'First they came for the communists,
And I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
And I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
And I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for me,
and there was no one left to speak out for me.'
Pastor Martin Niemöller
Quote from: shirlton on April 05, 2012, 08:38:44
They speak of just one person that isn't towing their line. The problem with too many people is that they pay up and shut up.
It's very difficult to stand your ground when those around you are knuckling down under the bullies.
Simon. You are one special person.
Big hug Shirl, you've made me blub. :)
I am so grateful to all of you for your kind support and understanding. Steve, I have my reservations, but I think your proposal is good, I would be very pleased to meet JSH for an hour if he would agree to meet me. Please do what you can to encourage JSH to meet me.
Simon.
Oh I do so agree Betty.
I have had to deal with a situation recently and it was suggested to me there was a climate of fear and I believe that to be true.Nothing to do with Allotments.However I won and I can't tell you how good that feels.
I have spent my life sticking my neck out and to be true to myself can not be any other way.
I blame my parents who did so much good in the back street factories of Birmingham being union reps.
Seems now days many are frightened to say boo to a goose.
Have already done that Simon and hope all of us Allotment holders will do the same.
This is my reply to Julian
Thankyou for replying to my email so promptly.As you said "there are two sides in every disagreement".If I had been an allotment holder on Mr Kirby's site then I
too would have objected to such an enormous rent increase. Just because he is the only person left from that allotments site that is still standing his ground does not make him wrong. I think that rather than shoot him down you should speak to him and try to resolve the situation
Quote from: Unwashed on April 04, 2012, 09:58:54
Quote from: Ellen K on April 04, 2012, 09:33:00
So is that what you want, for council members to resign?
I am just wondering what is your definition of success.
Right now I need them to be open, honest and accountable. That means they recognise the unlawfulness of the Notice to Quit and start talking to me about what went wrong, why, and how to make it right. It's not very helpful at this point to say what I think "right" looks like.
A meeting with a member of the council would be good but it has to be about the future. If you spend it talking about what they did wrong, why etc you are not going to get anywhere. And they
are accountable, come re-election day.
That's why you have to do some very clear thinking about what you want and how realistic it is. If you want an apology, well that is not going to happen is it?
And there are THREE sides to every story: your side, my side and the truth.
Good luck with what you decide and I really hope you get to keep your allotment.
Quote from: Ellen K on April 05, 2012, 12:44:36
Good luck with what you decide and I really hope you get to keep your allotment.
This should be your focus now Simon, with you as a tenant they know they have to do things correctly from now on, pick up the pieces and keep your plot...if you can. Pay under protest if you must..
Steve...:)
A waiting game now Simon.
If there is any justice left in this country the court will not let them do this to you.
Good luck.
My apologies, I am too harsh .... but don't lose your allotment over this.
You have done enough: what you have said is in the public domain forever and you can't have much new to add.
So sign the gagging order and keep your garden.
:-X
Quote from: Ellen K on April 07, 2012, 13:06:02
My apologies, I am too harsh .... but don't lose your allotment over this.
You have done enough: what you have said is in the public domain forever and you can't have much new to add.
So sign the gagging order and keep your garden.
:-X
Even if I wanted to Ellen, it's not on offer. Anyway, it's only an allotment, hardly something worth sell-out my principles over is it? Isn't that how dictatorships start, because no one objects to the little stuff?
Mediation was always our first step when I worked with parents and pupils in a large school. Argument is something best avoided but......
Problem is when one side does not want to meet to discuss the options and does not want to seek a solution.
On occasions the heavy handed attitude of officialdom can put a stop to attempts to seek agreement.
Principles are sometimes heavy things to cart about and so very hard to let go of.
If things do not go your way Unwashed I wish you calm and contentment.... they are both things I find it difficult to obtain when I feel someone has done me wrong.
Anyway, it's only an allotment, hardly something worth sell-out my principles over is it? Isn't that how dictatorships start, because no one objects to the little stuff?
(Quote by Unwashed)
I agree with you Simon. You can always get another plot. Cow towing now would mean that all of this has been a waste of time and that you only did it as a whim.
It's very difficult to leave an allotment that you have worked your butt off to get it to produce something, Added to that, the money you have spent on it.
Sometimes our self respect is worth more than anything else.
I hope with all my heart that you get to keep your plot Simon.The game is not over yet.
Whatever the outcome I think you can keep your head held high.
Let us hope Newbury council do the decent thing.
Any news Simon ?
Quote from: betula on April 13, 2012, 08:55:36
Any news Simon ?
Thanks Betula. I think I mentioned how the Council had fenced round the plot with temporary fencing and how I'd taken it down and am still working my plot. From this week's Newbury Weekly News:
QuoteNewbury Town Council has reported an allotmnt holder for criminal damage following a dispute over the legality of his eviction.
Wash Common resident Simon Kirby, who has been embroiled in a long-running dispute with the council over an increase in his allotment fees, last week refused to accept the legality of his eviction and removed the fence that had been placed around it.
Mr Kirby said "they have no grounds to evict me, there has been no court order, and if the eviction is illegal, I am not doing anything wrong in removing the barrier around the allotment"
The town council had a different opinion and reported Mr Kirby to the police.
The leader of the council, Julian Swift-Hook (Lib Dem, Pyle Hill), said "the fencing was the council's property and had been installed as part of the legal process of taking possession of the plot following Mr Kirby's eviction.
"Mr Kirby's actions in removing the fencing and continuing to access his former allotment amount to criminal damage and trespass, we are advised, which the council has had no choice but to report to the police.
Mr Kirby had neither been arrested nor charged, and no police action had been taken at the time the Newbury Weekly News went to press yesterday (Wednesday).
Previously Mr Kirby had reported the chief executive of the council, Graham Hunt, accusing him of refusing to hand over minutes of a council meeting. After one summary hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charge against Mr Hunt because it had not been brought in time.
I heard too late to make the paper, but the police have reviewed the matter and are aware of the issues and are not taling any action.
I have again written to the Council suggesting that they should just let the matter rest now, and I hope that Julian Swift-Hook will accept the olive branch.
Simon, I've liked and shared. I used to live in Reading and still have family/friends up there so you may get some more "local" support
Bloody hell Simon they are really out to get you.Shocking behavior >:(.
http://www.allotmentssouthwest.org.uk/index.php?page=eviction-article
I found this interesting
Quote from: betula on April 13, 2012, 17:38:10
Bloody hell Simon they are really out to get you.Shocking behavior >:(.
Thanks Betula, it's not pretty is it. I sincerely hope that the Council take my olive branch now and just let it all drop, we could all do with some peace.
Totally agree Simon.
Presumably you are still gardening Simon?
And the evil ones are hopping up and down with impotent rage ;D
Hi Simon,
I hope things turn out okay for you and you can get another plot. I'm on the Parsons site in Newbury and seen the councils buffoonery in action, and have also attracted the attention of the services officer for allegedly neglecting my chickens. Funnily enough when challenged they couldn't back up the accusation with any other details - and it seemd that they know naff all about allotments and livestock in any case. In the space of a few days I had two phone calls, a letter and have an email trail with their arrogant and condescending replies.
I think once you're under their gaze you're doomed.... I'm beginning to imagine the clock tower on the councils offices is like the Eye of Sauron.
When I wanted something in return, some of my chickens were stolen as the site is not secure (unmaintained hedge and inadequate fence) I was given the brush off. Typical jumped up council, all about authority but no responsibilty.
Cheers.
It's time these bullys were voted out. >:(
It is nice to see someone else from Newbury posting.
Quote from: jonny211 on April 20, 2012, 17:17:33
Hi Simon,
I hope things turn out okay for you and you can get another plot. I'm on the Parsons site in Newbury and seen the councils buffoonery in action, and have also attracted the attention of the services officer for allegedly neglecting my chickens. Funnily enough when challenged they couldn't back up the accusation with any other details - and it seemd that they know naff all about allotments and livestock in any case. In the space of a few days I had two phone calls, a letter and have an email trail with their arrogant and condescending replies.
I think once you're under their gaze you're doomed.... I'm beginning to imagine the clock tower on the councils offices is like the Eye of Sauron.
When I wanted something in return, some of my chickens were stolen as the site is not secure (unmaintained hedge and inadequate fence) I was given the brush off. Typical jumped up council, all about authority but no responsibilty.
Cheers.
Thanks for the support Jonny, and I know what you mean.
Can I ask you to read the synopsis of the dispute on my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/NewburyGrowingPains/posts/180715468713648) and Like it (if you're on Facebook), and then maybe think about registering on the Newbury Weekly forum and contributing some comment as a fellow allotmenteer on this thread maybe? (http://forum.newburytoday.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=1779&st=160&start=160) I'd appreciate the support, and anyone else you know for that matter.
Thanks, Simon
I do not use facebook. So what is the latest. I got to they fenced off the allotment and you removed that and continued working and they accused you of criminal damage to council property. So what is the latest?
I'm still working my plot. :)
The police told the council to go away and use due process; that it's a civil matter and that they're not going to take the complaint of criminal damage further. That effectively removes the threat of them dragging me off the plot bodily. I've offered the council, as a resolution to the dispute, that I'll sign the new tenancy agreement. That was over a week ago and they haven't responded, but they haven't done anything about applying to the court for a possession order either so I'm sort of hopeful that they'll accept my olive branch and we can all move on.
Hi Simon,
Hope you're still on your plot. If you didn't know already we've received a letter from the council... the usual bumf about changes to the tenancy agreement but they've also included a questionaire and a leaflet about self-management!!!!
Cheers.
Jon
Quote from: jonny211 on April 29, 2012, 22:47:38
Hi Simon,
Hope you're still on your plot. If you didn't know already we've received a letter from the council... the usual bumf about changes to the tenancy agreement but they've also included a questionaire and a leaflet about self-management!!!!
Cheers.
Jon
Self-management! Now that sounds very worthwhile following up.
A leaflet about self-management? How interesting. I'm curious to know what's in the leaflet given they seem to know squat-all about it and have spent the last four years trying to suppress any debate, but hey ho. Any chance you can post it?
What changes have they made to the tenancy agreement now?
Yes, I'm most certainly still on my plot, and there's no immediate likelihood of them doing anything about that.
Good on yer Simon.
Hi Simon
I would like to add myself in support of your campaign and hope that your Council start using common sense and start treating you fairly and properly.
You may remember that you and many others on the forum were very supportive in my own dispute with the Hawkenbury Allotment Holders Association in Tunbridge Wells and this is on the forum under "Unlawful Eviction from my plot".
Our own dispute is still ongoing and we are well into the legal matters and a civil action. The committee are now few in number as most of them have jumped ship. Also the two trustees have had enough and one of the trustees who was a local councillor has stood down from that as well. So the Association is in a mess and at least 25 members called an EGM last week as they are fed up.
Your case is very important as we must stand up to these bullying people whether Council staff or allotment committees. Like us, you have worked hard on your allotment and you should stand firm and fight to keep it.
It was good to hear that you removed the fence around your plot. Perhaps we should have done the same.
Kind regards, Roger Winch
PS. did you get my email re: Court cases ?
Quote from: Unwashed on April 30, 2012, 16:17:44
What changes have they made to the tenancy agreement now?
We now get three warnings a year to get a plot straight within 30days before being evicted. Plots also have to be 70% cultivated, I hope that includes livestock and green manure. I probably couldn't post the self management info but if you pm me.
Quote from: mahonia on May 01, 2012, 08:53:39
PS. did you get my email re: Court cases ?
Cheers Roger, email and PM sent.
Quote from: jonny211 on May 03, 2012, 13:46:27
We now get three warnings a year to get a plot straight within 30days before being evicted. Plots also have to be 70% cultivated, I hope that includes livestock and green manure.
Why they keep wanting to provoke trouble is beyond me. It would be an extremely unusual situation for someone to receive three legitimate cultivation warning in a year which were all put right, but if that ever happened the Council still have to give the tenant a reasonable opportunity to put right any further issues and they simply can't opt out of the requirements of Section 146 of the Law of Property 1925, notwithstanding that they believe they are above the law. They're simply addressing a problem that doesn't exist.
Likewise, a requirement to cultivate 70% doesn't appear too unreasonable, but if all of our sheds, paths, ponds, patios, compost bins and stuff has to fit in 30% of the plot that's not really possible on a small plot. You also have a statutory right to keep chickens anywhere on your allotment and that could easily take up more than 30% of even a fairly large plot and as the rule goes further than allowed by statute that makes it unfair under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999.
The Council would do so much better if they just let things be, and if there really is a genuine pressing problem that they to address then they really need to get a consultative allotments group together that they can consult and that will speak up for the allotmenteers, but I just don't see that happening in Newbury.
Quotethere's no immediate likelihood of them doing anything about that.
Can you explain. Are they going to court for an eviction order?
Quote from: Digeroo on May 03, 2012, 18:37:46
Quotethere's no immediate likelihood of them doing anything about that.
Can you explain. Are they going to court for an eviction order?
One month on and there's no sign of that process starting. The Civil Procedure Rules require them to talk to me reasonably and make their best endevours to reach a settlement without going to litigation, so the court will expect them to have exhausted their own complaints procedure and made some kind of effort to discuss the issues with me rationally, and that will include letting me have the meeting minutes where they decided to serve the Notice to Quit, but none of that is happening yet. I wrote to their solicitor offering to sign the new agreement and let the matter drop and the solicitor replied that the council didn't want to talk to me, and that's the last I've heard from them.
The local paper is now starting to ask why this has gone on for more than two years without the council being able to evict me, and they've dug up that the council have so far spent £8k of public money trying to evict me, and that is starting to look just a tiny bit vindictive when the dispute would have been over and done after Trading Standards approved the new tenancy agreement had the council not endorsed my copy in biro with the clause "terminating on 13 December 2010".
I've just seen on Facebook that Simon has surrended his tenancy,shame :(
Wish there was something we could do :-\
It's just so wrong isn't it? :'(
I've just sent Simon a PM as I'm not on Faceache. :(
Simon has stood up to them for so long. Not only for himself but for all of the allotment holders in Newbury. They should all have backed him. Sad to say some folks don't have any backbone. Its just a case of "Yes Sir" "No Sir".
I feel very priviledge to count Simon as a friend and I know that most of the folks on here feel the same.
He is a man who fights for what he knows is right. We could do with a few more people like him in the world.
Quote from: shirlton on May 12, 2012, 07:00:27
Simon has stood up to them for so long. Not only for himself but for all of the allotment holders in Newbury. They should all have backed him. Sad to say some folks don't have any backbone. Its just a case of "Yes Sir" "No Sir".
Are you from Newbury Shirlton? Is there anyone else from Newbury here?
Please let us know what happened Simon, no doubt I'll be on their list too due to my responses to their questionaire.
Best regards
Jon
Quote from: shirlton on May 12, 2012, 07:00:27
Simon has stood up to them for so long. Not only for himself but for all of the allotment holders in Newbury. They should all have backed him. Sad to say some folks don't have any backbone. Its just a case of "Yes Sir" "No Sir".
I feel very priviledge to count Simon as a friend and I know that most of the folks on here feel the same.
He is a man who fights for what he knows is right. We could do with a few more people like him in the world.
Well said Shirl.
No Jonny211 I am not but I have first hand knowledge of Simons stand against folks who think that they can ride rough shod over folks.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Many of us have had help from Simon and it a very sad affair.
Sad for you Simon.............
Quote from: betula on May 12, 2012, 21:15:50
Sad for you Simon.............
Sad for Simon - yes but he has made a well reasoned decision. Better to safeguard his health and pocket rather than work himself to a stand still fighting when the other side has the finances and legal advice behind them.
It would have been too risky.
Well done Simon - you tried oh so hard on other peoples behalf.
Be proud. I know I would be if I were you.
Thanks Guys. I'm sure I'll pop in from time to time, but Newbury have told me that I won't ever be getting another allotment from them so that's kind of it for allotmenteering for me. I did what I felt I needed to and I don't regret that. Cheers, Simon.
Quote from: Unwashed on May 13, 2012, 08:22:37
Thanks Guys. I'm sure I'll pop in from time to time, but Newbury have told me that I won't ever be getting another allotment from them so that's kind of it for allotmenteering for me. I did what I felt I needed to and I don't regret that. Cheers, Simon.
You need a new hobby .... maybe stand for election to the council ;D ;D ;D
I second that. ;D
You may not be offered your own allotment but you could still help with friends/neighbours plots. Maybe even offer to cover the holiday season. They can't stop you from visiting or offering a helping hand when needed.
Sharon xxx
Failing that you could move and have an allotment at Walsall Rd where you will be more appreciated. Please don't leave A4A because you have so much knowledge ot share with us all
Hope you are holding up OK Simon.
Go on holiday or something. Sometimes, I think my garden means more to me than it should. There is a whole planet to explore out there, why spend so much time on 250 sq m of it ?
Sorry to here you've had to give up the fight, stupid vindictive council wins :'( :'( :'(
Don't leave us though you'll be missed, I'll second taking a holiday from it all but how about a landshare in the future?
Good luck and loads of fun whatever you do :)
Quote from: gp.girl on May 13, 2012, 20:40:07
Don't leave us though you'll be missed,
I'll second that!! ;)