News

BLAA

BACK LANE ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION

BLAA AGM – Thursday 17th November, 7.30pm

This year’s AGM is to be held at the Reading Room in the centre of the village at 7.30pm on Thursday 17th November. Light refreshments are provided and we would love to see as many members as possible attend. If you do intend to join us perhaps you could let us know via email on the website or by speaking to one of the Committee – this will help with estimating numbers.

In addition to summarising this year’s achievements, examining the finances and appointing the Committee for 2012, we will be voting on a number of rule changes to the Association and a proposal for a modest increase in rents. Further details together with formal notification of the meeting and an agenda will be sent to each member.

Copies of the proposed rule changes and the Treasurers note about the proposed rent increase can be seen by clicking on the links highlighted above.

New Committee Members

BLAA is run by a committee made up of local volunteers. The committee is responsible for the finances of the site, its maintenance, projects, social events like the allotment Big Lunch, newsletter and of course the leasing of the plots themselves. We typically meet every second Tuesday of the month for a couple of hours at one of the local pubs.

2012 Rents

As most of you will be aware the existing pricing structure at the site has been in place for many years and we have resisted pressures to increase rents on several occasions in spite of rising costs primarily relating to maintenance and water rates. Unfortunately however with inflation currently running at approximately 5% per annum and grant assistance from various sources having all but completely dried up, we now find ourselves at something of a cross roads. Do we put up charges in order to maintain current services or do we continue to hold rents down and run the risk of the site falling into decay? Not any easy decision.

This is clearly an emotional subject and one which will be debated and voted upon at the AGM. A detailed proposal is presently being prepared by our Treasurer, Simon Earle and this will be circulated for consideration.

Beware Freezing Taps

As you will be aware, there have been various improvements to the water supply this summer. Last year lagging and caps were introduced on many of the taps to prevent freezing and pipe bursts. Most were collected in after the cold weather and these will be re-issued shortly. We are also trying a slightly different method of insulation on the new taps in the lower field which if successful and cost effective may be introduced elsewhere over the winter.

As always, please could we ask everyone on site over the winter to keep a sharp eye open for any water leaks and to report any issues as quickly as possible to one of the committee members. We are very conscious of the amount of livestock presently on the site and will do whatever we can to maintain continuity of water supply over the winter months but clearly if taps are left un-insulated for whatever reason and we experience repeated bursts and leaks its going to be very disruptive. It will also become very expensive in terms of water rates, inevitably diverting much needed funds away from further improvement projects.

Chalfont St Giles Country Show

This year’s show held on Saturday 3rd September with its Down On The Farm theme proved to be a great success pulling in people from all over the area. A big well done to Melonie Calam for winning the BLAA Cup sponsored by Yaldens for the second year running and to Lisa Mayhew and Nicola Hone for coming second and third respectively.