Waiting list users asked to join Association

[chris]

I've just had an email asking me to confirm my details, and interest still on the allotment site closet to me (2-3min drive - I'd guess around a 15min walk). If still intersted, please turn up this Sunday and pay the annual fee to join the Association. It's £2.50.

I'm not sure what that gets you, kind of in two minds about it...

Happy as it may weed a few people out (list is 25 people long). On the other hand, what do I get for this £2.50 - is it just to keep me on the list? If that's the case, then why do I need to pay this, it's not a privately ran site. I know it's only £2.50, it's the principal though..

I'm going along to pay it, but thought I'd try to get an insight into what joining the association really is, if anything at all? Fundraising for the site?

thanks

[jacob marley]

It shows them that you are serous about getting a allotment and it entitles you to go to the AGM if they have one also if shop on site you are able to buy goods from there there might be more but can't think at the mo....jacob

[w33blegurl]

Ours has something similar - the £2.50 gets you access to the shop at the weekend for cheaper supplies. Plus as you say it weeds out those who are genuinely interested I guess!

[Nicos]

Yep- shop access- much much cheaper than anywhere else!

( you're going to tell me there's no shop now aren't you?)

[chris]

I don't know, I've not even seen the site yet.. I can't even work out how to get there (google maps is outdated - and I'm "new" to Wales!)..

What sort of stuff do they sell in the shop? booze?

[jacob marley]

In our shop we sell all compost's and fertilizers and 8 ft cane's @25p each and other bits and bobs..jacob

[jackie j]

We pay £1 a year to be shop members but anyone can join not just lottie holders. I like to support it where I can. 8ft canes pack of 10 £2.75. Brassica plants £1 for approx 15.
Also paid membership fee but this was added to the first payment when I got the lottie.

[frogdoctor]

Well worth it..

Our site fees are per size plot plus an extra £3, which is optional, but if you pay that £3, you get membership to the local horticultural society and access to the allotment shop. People on the waiting list just have to wait!! at no extra cost , I am told that there are some 200 of them waiting.
Waiting for a plot is a bit like waiting for a bus really, there is a long wait for one, then loads all turn up at once

[zazen999]

I would assume from your original post that it means there is a plot waiting for you....after all why would you join the association if you aren't a plot holder?

[Alison]

I read it as having to pay just to stay on the list and didn't get the impression that there was a plot waiting yet. If that's the case then I think that it's a bit of a cheek as many of the perks which you might get from a shop etc wouldn't be much use if you didn't have a plot.

[chris]

The email says the list is at 25 people, but they're asking members on the list to join the AA to show that they're still interested - i'll dig the email out in a sec!

Initially I thought it was offering me a plot, I was well excited :|

[zazen999]

I read it as having to pay just to stay on the list and didn't get the impression that there was a plot waiting yet. If that's the case then I think that it's a bit of a cheek as many of the perks which you might get from a shop etc wouldn't be much use if you didn't have a plot.

I'd say ALL of the perks wouldn't be much use.....and if you haven't got a lottie aren't you lying if you join a lottie association?

Just being pernickerty....looks like Chris will have to join to be in with a chance....

[chris]

The bulk of it says...

In order to manage our waiting list, which is currently 25 people, and ensure that
those waiting are still interested in renting an allotment, we are asking all those on
the waiting list to confirm their contact details and to join the Allotment Association.

Association membership is £2.50 for the year 2010/2011 payable by 30 June2010.

If you are still interested in renting an allotment, please check your contact details
shown below, amend if necessary, and bring to the allotment shed between 10 and
11 on a Sunday morning, together with your membership fee. Alternative times can
be arranged by appointment.

I'd really like a plot on this site, as it's so close - the others are much further away - ok by car, but like now with my car being in the garage -I've been without a car for 2 months... (and had to take the train to work - YUCK!) so closer would be better (obv).

[Veggiemama]

Hi Chrismarks.

I dont know anything about allotments. My plot is in my garden (have been blessed with a field for a garden)

But for £2.50, i would pay. When you turn up on Sunday, ask what this entitles you to.

Maybe they cant make their minds up as to who to give available plots to. Maybe they have had waiting lists, only to find out that someone they have offered a plot to, either already had one and didnt remove their name from the list, or was no longer interested in a plot.

there could be all sorts of reasons why.

But as i said, for £2.50, its not too bad. Just make sure you ask if this entitles you to the shop (if they have one)

Good luck and hope you get a plot soon.

veggiemama

[frogdoctor]

Chris...its sunday already, did you get down to the allotment shed to find out about that £2.50 fee? Hope you can let us know.
John the frog