Allotments 4 All

I've often been frustrated by the fact that so many places have a big seed swap - Seedy Sunday or whatever they want to call it - and there's nothing in Birmingham. So is there sufficient interest to try? I've never been to one, and don't know how they're organised, but this is what I've thought of so far:

Premises. A church hall comes to mind. Mine costs £43.75 for five hours, and I don't think you'll find anything cheaper or more central.

Tea and coffee.

Maybe a £1 charge on the door? We'd need 50-60 people coming to make it viable. Where do any profits go?

A few people to set it up and clear up afterwards.

Lots of people with seeds and plants to swop. Where would we advertise it?

Any more ideas?

Maybe worth asking any allotment associations in the region if they'd be willing to help/advertise and any profits can be split between them all?

Other advertising worth looking at might be local papers, Facebook, Twitter, forums. Alyse Fowler might be good bod to ask for support as well as she's in the area....

Just found this that might help:
http://www.seedysunday.org/category_idtxt__runyourown.aspx

Thanks, that's useful.

Sadly I'm not in your area Robert otherwise I'd be joining in with you as I've wondered about trying to organise something like this for our allotments.
Thanks for the info links sazhig - I'm off for a read.

Let us know how you get on Robert - trials and tribulations, plus all the successes  :)

Great link sazhig, lots of useful information.

Sounds a great idea Robert, if I were closer I'd be asking to join and be involved. I'd have thought a B'ham swap would create a lot of interest. Good luck and look forward to following how you get on  :)

HSL have a seed swap on Potato days but it is a bit low key though I got some goodies last year.  Not that far from Brum. 

Good luck with your venture. 

It's a bugger to get to if you don't have transport. I'd have thought the Midlands would support more than one.

Its a bit of a b to get to even if you do have transport.  Mind you the Romans were kind enough to build a road more of less door to door. ;D

Hi Robert,
I am closer and what a great idea, we would be more than willing to volunteer our services (ill tell OH closer to the time  :)) and help advertise, we also attend regular meetings with sandwell allotments council where all self managed sites attend so that could help with involvement and more swaps

Jo

That would be great. If a few more people are willing to get involved then we've got a chance of making it work.

I'm not far from you, so please keep us informed

thanks steve

................and me please!! ;D