2018 Chairman's report to the AGM
Sometimes no news is good news. We have started previous reports to the
association on the progress, or lack of it, on the possible housing development at
Roeshot Hill. This year we have something to report from the borough council on
the Core Strategy at least. We do know there is local government reorganisation
in the wind and this will affect this association sooner or later. There are two
exhibitions, one at the Regent Centre on Tuesday 7th August, between 3pm and
7pm, and at Burton United Reform Church on Thursday 9th August, same times,
which are supposed to be about housing development, industry and so forth. If
this is so important why is it being allocated so little time? Our aim as ever is to
have a full site, well tended, with a demand for plots, with continued Green Flag
awards, a community asset not to be got rid of. It is possible to detect a lack of
interest at times from our landlord and this association may have to increase its
efforts to ensure that we remain on the allotment site with a landlord showing
the same commitment.
The association was, at the last AGM, preparing to install a third sea container to
be used as a store and as a workshop. We did have to go through the full
planning application which was finally granted by 21st July but without a full
landlord’s permission. It was not until 12th September that we were able to
secure the new container. This was duly delivered and installed after work by
Steve Godley, John Lack and others to clear away the old cage, kill off the weeds
and level the site before marking out and pouring concrete for the supporting
piers. The container duly arrived and was craned into position with a minimum of
fuss. The committee had originally intended to turn its attention to painting,
fitting out and possibly installing lighting. Unfortunately, events had already
somewhat altered the priorities.
On 31st August Richard Mann broke the news to the committee that the shed
containing the compost and the lawn mowers had been broken into. The mowers
were gone but the compost was untouched. We also found out that the cabin
used as a cafe had been broken into and trashed to such an extent that it was
later decided that it was not worth repairing. The decision therefore was taken to
look for a metal cabin, perhaps an ex-site hut which would be more vandal
resistant. After much perusing of the internet we secured the present cabin from
Eagle Containers at Hurn airport. A very great deal of committee time and effort
has gone into the new cabin. Unlike previous containers this one was to be able
to provide catering facilities which included water and gas supply. We also had to
go through the planning application procedure and pay yet more money to our
landlords for putting a cabin on their land. The cabin was stripped out and
refitted inside, by primarily, John Lack and Mark Merritt, whilst Don Hilton, Colin
Gatrell and Ken Ryder tackled the outside, which had to be rust proofed, with
seams filled, before painting. Most importantly it had to be waterproofed on top
and a leak dealt with during one of the wettest Springs that many of us could
remember. The site had to be cleared and levelled with the four base piers put in
place. This was done by Jim Covernton on a non-rainy day as he was faster on his
own than the rest of us put together. It says in our constitution that we may have
a couple of meetings a year. There have been meetings almost monthly, both
with the main committee and with the sub-committee, on fitting out the cabin
and on finance. There had been a generous settlement by the insurance
company on the old hut and for the lost lawn mowers which were replaced at no
extra cost by one quality Honda. The association did have to dip into funds to fit
out the cabin and there were concerns over spending. There was no manual on
fitting out a second hand cabin and things have occurred to the committee as
the work has progressed. At the time of writing the inside is in regular use whilst
the exterior is nearing completion. Slabs have been dug up and replaced whilst
we now have decking in front of the main entrance and a ramp to enable
wheelchair users to get to the door. This has led to talk of hand rails to stop
wheel chairs falling off the decking and so it goes on. So far every problem has
found a solution. This association owes a very great debt to John Lack and Mark
Merritt for their work on the cabin over many, many hours. We also need to say
thanks to Steve Godley and the sub-committee. There has been a great deal of
discussion and argument over the past few months but we think that it was
worth it!
We are on the final stretch with the outside of the cabin. Steve, John and Mark
have designed and built the wheelchair ramp and detailed discussions are taking
place over the safety hand rails. A raised bed is to be built to be filled with
shrubs or flowers and we are watering the free turfs morning and evening to
coax them into life. Earlier in the year there was a proposal to paint an allotment
themed mural on the front of the cabin. There were conflicting views within the
committee, both as to the desirability and practicality of over painting on top of
the current green paint. The committee may seek further views on this.
Steve gets extra brownie points as the co-ordinator of the working parties which
have helped clear plots, do much needed maintenance and have filled in the pot
holes with the excellent material supplied by the borough council, one thing it
has been half good at. We are still waiting for the second load, lost between here
and Dorchester. There is a regular plot holder group who do turn up and who do
extra at other times. Thank you all.
This year has been highly unusual for this association, largely arising from the
vandalism at the old cafe. There have been serious differences of opinion and
resignations from the committee. Some, but not all, resignations have been
withdrawn. The association needs a new treasurer and a trading hut manager
possibly with a management committee. It will also need a new secretary by the
end of the year. We have had good service from KG Loach who not only have
provided very good quality potatoes but have been able to supply items formerly
sourced from LBS whose service has been patchy to say the least. Present
committee members have attempted to keep the association functioning but this
system will not last much beyond the AGM.
Despite committee differences we did submit our application for yet another
Green Flag award and we did conduct Christine North around the site to explain
what we are about and what we hope to achieve in the future. It was a really
enjoyable day with committee members, past and present, turning out to provide
tea and cakes whilst giving a picture of what the site is about. There was a very
strong emphasis from Green Flag on organic practices and on community
involvement, something we may need to develop in the future. We have been
awarded yet another Green Flag, again in the top 8o per cent band. The
assessor’s report contains some pointed comments on the lack of involvement of
our landlords, Christchurch Borough Council!
For most of the time it is very enjoyable to be part of the Roeshot Hill community.
As committee members our biggest frustrations come from our business with the
borough council. We have seen our rents rising by around 10% or more year on
year and we see a marked reluctance to invest in our site. We know that the
fence alongside the A35 is in need of a complete replacement and our latest
problem is that of the water tanks. The lids were replaced about three years ago
with materials provided by CBC and with the manufacture done by RHAA.
Prominent among these was Ronnie Clarke who still goes round to monitor the
tanks. The lids have rotted in the water and are due to be replaced. Don Hilton
has designed and costed metal replacement covers. CBC are not interested and
suggest we do a few a year, which totally ignores the cost of tooling up for metal
fabrication. It would be cheaper if covers for this site and others in Christchurch
were all done together. Don very generously offered to licence manufacture
using his design for just 1 guinea. We may have to wait a long time for a positive
response. We have contacted Bournemouth water for assistance and
sponsorship. Meanwhile Ronnie Clarke has patched up and made temporary
wooden covers.
We have completed plot inspections and the site does look in good conditionmostly,
despite there being a high turnover in plot holders. There are some
exceptions where the same old names come up. These people have usually been
referred to CBC which has either lost or sat on the forms and generally failed to
act. We do feel that slack administration is leading some plot holders flouting
laws or ignoring their neighbours. There have been several disputes between
neighbouring plot holders, usually because one of them cannot bother to garden
according to their contract. There have been weird structures not conforming to
the CBC allotment strategy. We have seen the gate left open at all times of the
day. We have seen the rise of dumping on vacant plots and most recently fly
tipping of building rubbish. The chairman’s van has proved most useful in moving
stuff to the dump as has Ronnie’s large Mercedes. Let’s hope neither of them
goes down to an original Mini! There is a steady trickle of people coming forward
to apply for a plot and virtually no waiting list. Several plot holders are on the
waiting list for a specific extra 5 rods. We have plots waiting to be cleared but
cannot act until we know that they are available to let.
We have put up notices asking plot holders not to leave us treasured articles on a
recycling table in front of the trading hut. Other people might consider such
articles as complete junk-dumped for somebody else to get rid of!
It has been mentioned before that the trading hut is still opening on Sunday and
on some Saturdays throughout the Summer months. We do take a fair amount of
money on a Saturday morning when the trading hut is open. Once again we need
more allotment members willing to open up the trading hut, and not just
committee members. To replace Edwin Tucker we ordered potatoes and onions
from KG Loach. Whilst this was a very poor Spring which did not encourage
members to come to the allotment we did have quite a lot of potatoes which
were not sold and even more onions /shallots which we eventually gave away. If
newer members are not going to order potatoes and onions we may decide to
save ourselves some work. Keith, Kay and Pauline can stay in the warm instead!
There was a seed order, using seeds from D.T.Brown, which was run by Hugh
Jones and the committee would like this to continue in a slightly amended form,
but only if there is sufficient support.
One of our regular helpers in bagging up potatoes in the deepest, dankest part of
Winter was Tony Gabb, one of our longest serving members and association
auditor a very long time ago. Tony had not been in good health for some time but
always turned up to help. Sadly Tony died over the Winter and the committee
was represented at his funeral in Highcliffe by Hugh and Jane Merrett and by
Pauline and Alan Ruck.
The committee would like to thank once again Frances Rushbrook, Jane Merrett
and the team who open the cafe on Sunday mornings. We thought that we would
be slightly late in getting started this year due to fitting out. The fine weather of
late May and June has shown how much of a community asset the cabin can be.
Now that the working parties and individual members have cleared away the
scalpings and rubble to the left of the cabin there should be even more sitting
out space once the seeded grass is grown.
Plot holders at Roeshot Hill are very fortunate that Hugh Merrett, Hugh Jones,
John Ferry and Rosemary De Souza have grown so many plants, both for food
and to please the eye. They are our major source of income, £927.80 was the
figure at the end of 2017. We do have plot holders coming from other allotment
sites to purchase plants which leads to greater sales from the trading hut. It is
pleasing to note that most people are very honest and post money through the
letter box or even come to the trading hut later, to record their earlier purchase
of plants.
The Show last year was again really enjoyed by all who took part. The committee
would like to extend its thanks to David and Julie Keeton and to all those who
helped organise the event. This year, Julie and David with Anne and Doug Cort
will again be in charge and schedules have already been published. There are a
few changes designed to involve all the family and all we need is for the fine
weather to continue. This might be the time to thank Doug for his work in
running the trading hut for several years until stepping down in December, and
for his continued advice whilst we wait for a permanent trading hut manager.
Steve continues to manage the website and the linked Facebook pages which are
gaining popularity. Being at the limit of his skill and understanding he is pleased
to have a helper with the Facebook pages in Karl Foreman and, as the website is
in dire need of reorganizing, will defer to Karl as soon as he can find out how to
transfer the admin role. Maintenance of 'Steve's Blog', the diary of a struggling
vegetable grower, has been somewhat intermittent of late due to Steve's other
commitments but produces a boost in hits whenever there is a post. If you can
find your way through the procedure, comments on posts would be most
welcome.
The website continues to have a ridiculously high volume of hits and serves as
an information source for allotment tenants. The Facebook page is better for
immediate news but the Roeshot Plotters group page provides for
communication between tenants. Group membership is open to anyone who is
recognised as an allotment worker.
Posted on the website will be the association policy on Data Protection. The
association needs to keep address, telephone and e-mail information on plot
holders to be able to contact them when needed. This is to be kept on one
encrypted computer only with a paper copy to the association secretary, to be
kept away from the site. Information on membership is no longer kept on view at
the trading hut. We are assured by council officers that the issue concerning nonmembers
will be resolved by CBC through its legal department and possible
future discussions with RHAA. Do not cancel your holidays yet!
We are still awaiting our new contract and the accompanying Grant.
The AGM is the venue for the Association reports and for the election of the
committee. When there is a full committee half of the committee usually retire
but can be re-elected if there are no candidates to take their place. This year has
been extremely difficult with committee members resigning and, in some cases,
withdrawing that resignation. At the time of writing we currently have our
chairman, John Batchelor, a prospective treasurer and five committee members,
including the secretary who will stand down from the committee at the end of
2018 at the latest. We now have a prospective trading hut manager and one
prospective volunteer for a possible management sub-committee. There has
been no shortage of people willing to help maintain and improve the site,
sometimes as part of Steve’s working parties and sometimes working alone, as
with pot holes being filled with CBC’s rare gift of scalpings. What we will need are
younger committee members, preferably to assume specific responsibilities such
as managing the grass cutting. The committee was not impressed at the service
we received last year and has not renewed the contract. We have new mower
but have not yet put in a proper system for using it, or the other association
equipment. We do have provision for members to be elected to the committee
for a specific purpose such as using RHAA equipment-and being excused from
the formal committee meetings. This applies to Ronnie Clarke and could include
others. There is a possibility of a new managing authority for the site in the next
year. It may well be time to look at the way we work and to involve new
members in doing that.
John Batchelor (Chairman RHAA)
association on the progress, or lack of it, on the possible housing development at
Roeshot Hill. This year we have something to report from the borough council on
the Core Strategy at least. We do know there is local government reorganisation
in the wind and this will affect this association sooner or later. There are two
exhibitions, one at the Regent Centre on Tuesday 7th August, between 3pm and
7pm, and at Burton United Reform Church on Thursday 9th August, same times,
which are supposed to be about housing development, industry and so forth. If
this is so important why is it being allocated so little time? Our aim as ever is to
have a full site, well tended, with a demand for plots, with continued Green Flag
awards, a community asset not to be got rid of. It is possible to detect a lack of
interest at times from our landlord and this association may have to increase its
efforts to ensure that we remain on the allotment site with a landlord showing
the same commitment.
The association was, at the last AGM, preparing to install a third sea container to
be used as a store and as a workshop. We did have to go through the full
planning application which was finally granted by 21st July but without a full
landlord’s permission. It was not until 12th September that we were able to
secure the new container. This was duly delivered and installed after work by
Steve Godley, John Lack and others to clear away the old cage, kill off the weeds
and level the site before marking out and pouring concrete for the supporting
piers. The container duly arrived and was craned into position with a minimum of
fuss. The committee had originally intended to turn its attention to painting,
fitting out and possibly installing lighting. Unfortunately, events had already
somewhat altered the priorities.
On 31st August Richard Mann broke the news to the committee that the shed
containing the compost and the lawn mowers had been broken into. The mowers
were gone but the compost was untouched. We also found out that the cabin
used as a cafe had been broken into and trashed to such an extent that it was
later decided that it was not worth repairing. The decision therefore was taken to
look for a metal cabin, perhaps an ex-site hut which would be more vandal
resistant. After much perusing of the internet we secured the present cabin from
Eagle Containers at Hurn airport. A very great deal of committee time and effort
has gone into the new cabin. Unlike previous containers this one was to be able
to provide catering facilities which included water and gas supply. We also had to
go through the planning application procedure and pay yet more money to our
landlords for putting a cabin on their land. The cabin was stripped out and
refitted inside, by primarily, John Lack and Mark Merritt, whilst Don Hilton, Colin
Gatrell and Ken Ryder tackled the outside, which had to be rust proofed, with
seams filled, before painting. Most importantly it had to be waterproofed on top
and a leak dealt with during one of the wettest Springs that many of us could
remember. The site had to be cleared and levelled with the four base piers put in
place. This was done by Jim Covernton on a non-rainy day as he was faster on his
own than the rest of us put together. It says in our constitution that we may have
a couple of meetings a year. There have been meetings almost monthly, both
with the main committee and with the sub-committee, on fitting out the cabin
and on finance. There had been a generous settlement by the insurance
company on the old hut and for the lost lawn mowers which were replaced at no
extra cost by one quality Honda. The association did have to dip into funds to fit
out the cabin and there were concerns over spending. There was no manual on
fitting out a second hand cabin and things have occurred to the committee as
the work has progressed. At the time of writing the inside is in regular use whilst
the exterior is nearing completion. Slabs have been dug up and replaced whilst
we now have decking in front of the main entrance and a ramp to enable
wheelchair users to get to the door. This has led to talk of hand rails to stop
wheel chairs falling off the decking and so it goes on. So far every problem has
found a solution. This association owes a very great debt to John Lack and Mark
Merritt for their work on the cabin over many, many hours. We also need to say
thanks to Steve Godley and the sub-committee. There has been a great deal of
discussion and argument over the past few months but we think that it was
worth it!
We are on the final stretch with the outside of the cabin. Steve, John and Mark
have designed and built the wheelchair ramp and detailed discussions are taking
place over the safety hand rails. A raised bed is to be built to be filled with
shrubs or flowers and we are watering the free turfs morning and evening to
coax them into life. Earlier in the year there was a proposal to paint an allotment
themed mural on the front of the cabin. There were conflicting views within the
committee, both as to the desirability and practicality of over painting on top of
the current green paint. The committee may seek further views on this.
Steve gets extra brownie points as the co-ordinator of the working parties which
have helped clear plots, do much needed maintenance and have filled in the pot
holes with the excellent material supplied by the borough council, one thing it
has been half good at. We are still waiting for the second load, lost between here
and Dorchester. There is a regular plot holder group who do turn up and who do
extra at other times. Thank you all.
This year has been highly unusual for this association, largely arising from the
vandalism at the old cafe. There have been serious differences of opinion and
resignations from the committee. Some, but not all, resignations have been
withdrawn. The association needs a new treasurer and a trading hut manager
possibly with a management committee. It will also need a new secretary by the
end of the year. We have had good service from KG Loach who not only have
provided very good quality potatoes but have been able to supply items formerly
sourced from LBS whose service has been patchy to say the least. Present
committee members have attempted to keep the association functioning but this
system will not last much beyond the AGM.
Despite committee differences we did submit our application for yet another
Green Flag award and we did conduct Christine North around the site to explain
what we are about and what we hope to achieve in the future. It was a really
enjoyable day with committee members, past and present, turning out to provide
tea and cakes whilst giving a picture of what the site is about. There was a very
strong emphasis from Green Flag on organic practices and on community
involvement, something we may need to develop in the future. We have been
awarded yet another Green Flag, again in the top 8o per cent band. The
assessor’s report contains some pointed comments on the lack of involvement of
our landlords, Christchurch Borough Council!
For most of the time it is very enjoyable to be part of the Roeshot Hill community.
As committee members our biggest frustrations come from our business with the
borough council. We have seen our rents rising by around 10% or more year on
year and we see a marked reluctance to invest in our site. We know that the
fence alongside the A35 is in need of a complete replacement and our latest
problem is that of the water tanks. The lids were replaced about three years ago
with materials provided by CBC and with the manufacture done by RHAA.
Prominent among these was Ronnie Clarke who still goes round to monitor the
tanks. The lids have rotted in the water and are due to be replaced. Don Hilton
has designed and costed metal replacement covers. CBC are not interested and
suggest we do a few a year, which totally ignores the cost of tooling up for metal
fabrication. It would be cheaper if covers for this site and others in Christchurch
were all done together. Don very generously offered to licence manufacture
using his design for just 1 guinea. We may have to wait a long time for a positive
response. We have contacted Bournemouth water for assistance and
sponsorship. Meanwhile Ronnie Clarke has patched up and made temporary
wooden covers.
We have completed plot inspections and the site does look in good conditionmostly,
despite there being a high turnover in plot holders. There are some
exceptions where the same old names come up. These people have usually been
referred to CBC which has either lost or sat on the forms and generally failed to
act. We do feel that slack administration is leading some plot holders flouting
laws or ignoring their neighbours. There have been several disputes between
neighbouring plot holders, usually because one of them cannot bother to garden
according to their contract. There have been weird structures not conforming to
the CBC allotment strategy. We have seen the gate left open at all times of the
day. We have seen the rise of dumping on vacant plots and most recently fly
tipping of building rubbish. The chairman’s van has proved most useful in moving
stuff to the dump as has Ronnie’s large Mercedes. Let’s hope neither of them
goes down to an original Mini! There is a steady trickle of people coming forward
to apply for a plot and virtually no waiting list. Several plot holders are on the
waiting list for a specific extra 5 rods. We have plots waiting to be cleared but
cannot act until we know that they are available to let.
We have put up notices asking plot holders not to leave us treasured articles on a
recycling table in front of the trading hut. Other people might consider such
articles as complete junk-dumped for somebody else to get rid of!
It has been mentioned before that the trading hut is still opening on Sunday and
on some Saturdays throughout the Summer months. We do take a fair amount of
money on a Saturday morning when the trading hut is open. Once again we need
more allotment members willing to open up the trading hut, and not just
committee members. To replace Edwin Tucker we ordered potatoes and onions
from KG Loach. Whilst this was a very poor Spring which did not encourage
members to come to the allotment we did have quite a lot of potatoes which
were not sold and even more onions /shallots which we eventually gave away. If
newer members are not going to order potatoes and onions we may decide to
save ourselves some work. Keith, Kay and Pauline can stay in the warm instead!
There was a seed order, using seeds from D.T.Brown, which was run by Hugh
Jones and the committee would like this to continue in a slightly amended form,
but only if there is sufficient support.
One of our regular helpers in bagging up potatoes in the deepest, dankest part of
Winter was Tony Gabb, one of our longest serving members and association
auditor a very long time ago. Tony had not been in good health for some time but
always turned up to help. Sadly Tony died over the Winter and the committee
was represented at his funeral in Highcliffe by Hugh and Jane Merrett and by
Pauline and Alan Ruck.
The committee would like to thank once again Frances Rushbrook, Jane Merrett
and the team who open the cafe on Sunday mornings. We thought that we would
be slightly late in getting started this year due to fitting out. The fine weather of
late May and June has shown how much of a community asset the cabin can be.
Now that the working parties and individual members have cleared away the
scalpings and rubble to the left of the cabin there should be even more sitting
out space once the seeded grass is grown.
Plot holders at Roeshot Hill are very fortunate that Hugh Merrett, Hugh Jones,
John Ferry and Rosemary De Souza have grown so many plants, both for food
and to please the eye. They are our major source of income, £927.80 was the
figure at the end of 2017. We do have plot holders coming from other allotment
sites to purchase plants which leads to greater sales from the trading hut. It is
pleasing to note that most people are very honest and post money through the
letter box or even come to the trading hut later, to record their earlier purchase
of plants.
The Show last year was again really enjoyed by all who took part. The committee
would like to extend its thanks to David and Julie Keeton and to all those who
helped organise the event. This year, Julie and David with Anne and Doug Cort
will again be in charge and schedules have already been published. There are a
few changes designed to involve all the family and all we need is for the fine
weather to continue. This might be the time to thank Doug for his work in
running the trading hut for several years until stepping down in December, and
for his continued advice whilst we wait for a permanent trading hut manager.
Steve continues to manage the website and the linked Facebook pages which are
gaining popularity. Being at the limit of his skill and understanding he is pleased
to have a helper with the Facebook pages in Karl Foreman and, as the website is
in dire need of reorganizing, will defer to Karl as soon as he can find out how to
transfer the admin role. Maintenance of 'Steve's Blog', the diary of a struggling
vegetable grower, has been somewhat intermittent of late due to Steve's other
commitments but produces a boost in hits whenever there is a post. If you can
find your way through the procedure, comments on posts would be most
welcome.
The website continues to have a ridiculously high volume of hits and serves as
an information source for allotment tenants. The Facebook page is better for
immediate news but the Roeshot Plotters group page provides for
communication between tenants. Group membership is open to anyone who is
recognised as an allotment worker.
Posted on the website will be the association policy on Data Protection. The
association needs to keep address, telephone and e-mail information on plot
holders to be able to contact them when needed. This is to be kept on one
encrypted computer only with a paper copy to the association secretary, to be
kept away from the site. Information on membership is no longer kept on view at
the trading hut. We are assured by council officers that the issue concerning nonmembers
will be resolved by CBC through its legal department and possible
future discussions with RHAA. Do not cancel your holidays yet!
We are still awaiting our new contract and the accompanying Grant.
The AGM is the venue for the Association reports and for the election of the
committee. When there is a full committee half of the committee usually retire
but can be re-elected if there are no candidates to take their place. This year has
been extremely difficult with committee members resigning and, in some cases,
withdrawing that resignation. At the time of writing we currently have our
chairman, John Batchelor, a prospective treasurer and five committee members,
including the secretary who will stand down from the committee at the end of
2018 at the latest. We now have a prospective trading hut manager and one
prospective volunteer for a possible management sub-committee. There has
been no shortage of people willing to help maintain and improve the site,
sometimes as part of Steve’s working parties and sometimes working alone, as
with pot holes being filled with CBC’s rare gift of scalpings. What we will need are
younger committee members, preferably to assume specific responsibilities such
as managing the grass cutting. The committee was not impressed at the service
we received last year and has not renewed the contract. We have new mower
but have not yet put in a proper system for using it, or the other association
equipment. We do have provision for members to be elected to the committee
for a specific purpose such as using RHAA equipment-and being excused from
the formal committee meetings. This applies to Ronnie Clarke and could include
others. There is a possibility of a new managing authority for the site in the next
year. It may well be time to look at the way we work and to involve new
members in doing that.
John Batchelor (Chairman RHAA)
