Allotment Society

[DFV]

There have been a few rumbles of discontent on our site just recently and it seems to be developing into a bit of a newbies versus the old-hands stand-off.

In short, the site has had the same Secretary for over thirty years. It has a committee, but no obvious way of taking part in the running of the site (I'm told the last AGM was over four years ago). The site hut doesn't open very often and it can seem to be a bit of a clubhouse for a few who have been on the site for a very long time.

I'm a relative newbie because I've only been on site for three years. Just recently I've been approached by a couple of plot-holders who want to try to vote the old committee out.

Its very sad because it does seem like it could all get a bit unpleasant.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

[nick the grief]

Sort of. We had a committee of 1 on our site cos no one wanted to help, then I suggested something to Mick our treasurer and he said great idea go for it and now I'm the Secretary !!!

There is a feeling of them and us on our site as there are 8 plots that are tucked away (one of which was my old plot) and they feel as though they are left out of things - I hope that I don't leave them out and when I'm up there I always make a point of taking a walk around the site and speaking to all parties.

If you want the site shop to open, why not ask the committee if it's OK if you take that over for a start.

I'm afraid that you won't win whatever you do.

[greenlung]

Hi - yes, very familiar. I'd recommend concentrating on the fruit & veg and leave others to the political posturing and power struggles : Direct action's the only way.

[DFV]

Thanks Nick. Part of the reason I go up to the allotment is to get a bit of peace and quiet, so I really don't want to be drawn into any dispute. I have to admit that the digging does suffer sometimes because it seems a much better idea to sit in my shed and watch the Kestrels hunting on the adjacent scrub land. Seems you can't escape from politics wherever you go!

[DFV]

Hi Greenlung
Sound advice. I'm trying to keep my head down, but I'm only a couple of plots away from one of the main agitators.

[Earthbabe]

I suppose if it comes to it you will have to show your colours. (so to speak). We had a problem of a different sort and tried to avoid being drawn in but when the issue reached a peak the allotment officer from the council was on the phone asking what we had heard/been told etc.

I think you are doing the right thing though. It is always a shame when people can't learn to get along and just take things as they come. You'd think that people growing veggies etc would have learned that all things take time and change happens eventually but if hands are forced there will be at best hurt feelings at worst who knows.

[jacob marley]

My thoughts are that the first thing to do is ask to see a copy of the rules of
society if there are not any why not if there is use there rules to sort job out.
I thought AGM stood for Annual General Meeting not every 4 years or so grounds for a good sort a good idea is to make the Bullets give to chief stirrer
and let him fire them jacob

[rustylady]

It seems to be a bit of a power thing. What are the oldies complaining about, do you know? If you have a committee you should also have regular meetings which are open to every allotment holder, and all of you can go along even if it is just to observe (they can also be good social evenings with a chance to meet other plot-holders). As a plot holder you have a right to voice your opinions. Most of us don't want to get involved in "politics" but sometimes you just have to say out loud if you disagree with something you believe to be wrong.

[Paulottie]

I'm certainly no diplomat but it would be horrid to have a bad atmosphere at the site.

Generally you should ask youself whether... the grass is truly greener over there; what is the best and most desirable outcome for you; Are these 'agitators' the sort to work for the general good or just moaners. - otherwise sit resolutely on your fence.

AGM should mean just that and must be advertised. It is the time to raise a quarterly/monthly get together etc. Positive and steady as change should be.

[Sue]

Hi DFV
We have the same problems but without the rumbles, the old guard carry on, no visible meetings, no notices, no opportunities to join in and a shop that's open when the doors open or if you can catch a key holder, if they're not around it can be days before you can get something - 2 weeks without was my record.
I don't want to stir things up but with all us new people on site, it would be great if there was more of an organisation, better shop and stock for a start and more help and encouragement for the very new. I'd like to be involved but feel a bit awkward about asking.
Sue