Allotment Comittee Advice please

[leonmc0708]

Hi There


I am in the processing of contacting a select number of well run allotment associations.

I am looking for some ideas, suggestions, help and advice on allotments and in particular fund raising options ideas and any local or national help available.


I am currently an allotment holder near my home in Liverpool and would like to consider putting myself forward to be part of the committee at the next AGM.


I do however feel that despite apparent precedent this kind of role should be both earned and one which adds to the existing committee rather than simply replaces a lack luster member who has given up or sadly passed away.


I am working on and formulating some ideas for improving the site, raising funds and reinvigorating what is frankly a tired set up.


I would appreciate if you could point me in the right direction with any items you think would help.


I will gladly share my findings once I have collated them by posting you a paper with my final draft of proposals suggestions and discussion points.


Thanks in advance for your help.


Leon


Sent from my iPad using Grow Your Own Forum mobile app

[Two_Sheds]

any ... national help available.

Allotments Management – The National Allotment Society – National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd

is worthwhile, and this might be worth a look too: Allotment Movement

[Alison]

My lottie doesn't have a committee so can't help much but I think your enthusiasm is great. However please remember that what you think of as tired may be somebody else's idea of perfection. For example I have zero interest in any social events, wouldn't want to pay for installing a water supply but would consider group delivery of , say bark for paths and manure (if it could be guarantee safe). Another plot holder might want the opposite.

[Two_Sheds]

I am looking for some ideas, ... in particular fund raising options

What are you hoping to buy?

What amount of funding are you needing?

[WendyC]

I have had an allotment for nearly 10 years. I sat quietly at the AGMs for a number of years then put my name forward for the committee which I joined a few years ago. When our current chair stood down I was asked to, and was then elected chair.
There have been a few things I have wanted to change and it has been a case of proceeding carefully. The last thing to do is get people's backs up as you want them on your side.
Choose one thing that you think is important to change, something small. Ask for your item to be added to AOB before your next AGM. This gives everyone a chance to think about it and have an informed discussion rather than spring on surprises. Take it from there. Little acorns and all that.

[Lazy Gardener]

My only experience of any committee made me think no way would i want to be
on any committee.

People all wanting to be leader and a do as i say not as i do attitude. Im the leader you
do the work and i take credit for it if it goes right and blame you if its wrong.

[binley100]

obviously then Lazy Gardener you've not experienced our committee......

"I am working on and formulating some ideas for improving the site, raising funds and reinvigorating what is frankly a tired set up."

This has all been achieved on our site over the last five -six years.....is it a self-managed site?

[Snadger]

What you will find is that it will be a case of "Whip the willing horse" My first stint as Secretary I had loads of ideas where I was allowed to have a free rein with.(no one else cared, just complained) I devoted a lot of time in setting up woodchip deliveries, muck deliveries, skips, fence repairs, extra keys et etc. So much so that I sickened myself and resigned eventually thinking I'd done my bit and it was someone elses turn.
Things rapidly got worse and the Association was on the verge of folding when once again I volunteered my services as apathy had set in with the members and we couldn't even form a committee.

I came back as Secretary on MY terms this time. I still devote enough time to do the job but I have mellowed and calmed down and realised that not everyone has the same enthusiasm I have...........and I am happy with that!

[Hans Mum]

As others have said slowly slowly.........& appreciate not everyone wants to join/help & you have to accept that, there are some folks that want to & some that don't but that's OK its a democracy not a dictatorship.

[Mikey]

Leon,

As a couple of others have said softly softly.

I haven't had my allotment that long about 6 years, but a committee was formed with vigour a couple of years ago, they put a lock on the entrance gate which we each then had to pay for a key. They ordered chippings to extend car parking which we all had to contribute towards created some new rules about water usage and changed the way in which judging was done. They've been very vocal and derogatory about the council secretary in charge, and in general quite authoritarian.

Personally I would never now get involved with the committee, I got an allotment to grow veg, I subsequently found I really enjoy the surroundings and chatting with like minded people. I don't go there to have others opinions and wants forced upon me.

If you bear in mind that not everyone will be in favour of your changes, and may not appreciate being told that their site is tired you might settle in ok. What you don't want to do is go in all guns blazing trying to take over as this is a sure fire way to get everyone elses back up and make your life miserable.

[veggiechicken]

My advice, for what its worth, is put yourself forward for the committee, see how it operates and who are the voices that count. Put forward your ideas at the right time - and that is unlikely to be the first meeting. You need to be persuasive not controversial.
New brooms don't always sweep clean. In fact, push them in the wrong direction and you'll end up with more of a mess than you start with

[alldigging]

What does the rest of your site think?

[Two_Sheds]

"Whip the willing horse" ...(no one else cared, just complained):

New brooms don't always sweep clean.

Two new sayings to me, but they're good 'uns, and very apt.

It doesn't matter if you have the best ideas in the world, and they're for the benefit of everyone: there will always be someone who hates you doing it, and will endeavour to bring you down.
My lotty site has been poisoned for years by a spiteful little band of old men who once held the highest office ( lo! "site rep", what ambition, what power!) and have been bitter about losing it ever since. They make life unpleasant for anyone else who has a go.

[binley100]

Seems to me that a lot of sites are run by a bunch of old men who are stuck in their ways ...but it takes a brave person to challenge them .
Learn the art of tactfull persuasion so they think new ideas are theirs......

[snakeshack]

remember though.....a camel is defined as a horse designed by a comittee,don't be the one who adds the fifth leg!