has anyone organised allotment association (or similar) talk evenings?

[salome2001]

I want to get something started in our Association. Some sort of talk with a growing related topic, plus tea and cake (of course!), on a monthly basis.
We have a hall so no problems there. Pretty much no starting budget so we're not going to be able to get Monty Don in though.

Just wondering what sort of talks people may have gone to that were really popular, any suggestions for how to get bums on seats, what sort of admission you charged, and what sort of going rate people gave to speakers for their time and expertise.

Any suggestions v welcome...

[Shroomy]

Maybe invite someone from one of your local nurseries round to give you a start they will be a font of knowledge and kknow what grows in your area

[alldigging]

How many in your association? We have 17 plotholders so felt a wider audience would make talks more sensible. We have done an initial meeting and are planning a second.

We got Paul Peacock to give a short talk for us - he's very nice! He does lots of things so can talk on tons of subjects! City Cottage Magazine

[salome2001]

alldigging, we have 400+ plots over 7 sites so hopefully enough interest ....

[Aberdeenplotter]

I regularly talk to local gardening clubs. At most, there is no admission charge to members. Some ask for donations to cover the cost of the tea and biccies but all have a raffle which covers the cost of hall rentals. I personally do not charge for my services. I'm just happy to be able to preach the gospel of the benefits of growing veg. I normally don't even take anything to cover travelling costs but would consider doing so if asked to travel a long distance. Fuel costs have become too large not to take that into account.

At the biggest local gardening Club, Jim McColl of Beechgrove gardens famehalf filled the hall talking about Beechgrove gardens. The following month, the hall was filled with standing room only when I talked about growing veg. I don't think personalities fill seats. It's the subject matter and growing veg is a popular topic presently.

I talked to the gardening section of a local club for well heeled local residents the other evening. Every seat was taken but the previous month for a talk about growing sweet peas, they were only half full.

I wish it was me that filled the seats mind. I would do it for a living

[Aberdeenplotter]

p.s. have a look at the NVS website. There is a list of lecturers here http://www.nvsuk.org.uk/images/user/...rersOct121.pdf

[veggiechicken]

I belong to a local gardening club too. We pay an annual membership ?£5, no admission charge but there's always a raffle - prizes donated by members. We meet at the rugby club so there's no room hire as we buy drinks from the bar.
Last month, a local wine maker came along - but I missed that
Gardener's Question time is always good fun - just choose some knowledgeable allotment holders with a sense of humour to answer questions.

[alldigging]

I regularly talk to local gardening clubs. At most, there is no admission charge to members. Some ask for donations to cover the cost of the tea and biccies but all have a raffle which covers the cost of hall rentals. I personally do not charge for my services. I'm just happy to be able to preach the gospel of the benefits of growing veg. I normally don't even take anything to cover travelling costs but would consider doing so if asked to travel a long distance.

Is Chadderton too far?

[Aberdeenplotter]

Crikey, I'm not that committed to the cause . Seriously though, the NVS is full of guys like me. It's not all about growing to show, It's growing really good kitchen veg and showing folks how they can do it. There will be someone in your area. Contact the Secretary of the local District Association of the NVS you should be able to find your local one here http://www.nvsuk.org.uk/northen_da.html. They will put you in touch with someone.

[Hans Mum]

Check with your local council allotments office, we had a talk last year by the Pest Control Officer 'rat catcher' employed by LCC - I could have listened to him all night he was so knowldegeable and knew about all sorts of wildlife and how to manage it he was a lucky man as he obivously so enjoyed his job.

We also had a chap (council again!!!)who knew more about trees than anyone ive ever met, again he was interesting to listen to and had lots of ideas about what we should & shouldnt do with native trees - not just fruiting

[WendyC]

so we're not going to be able to get Monty Don in though.)

Saw him last week for a talk. Was very entertaining. Dread to say what his fees were.

[salome2001]

I really like the idea of gardeners question time!

So.... anyone want to come give a talk in Bristol?

[alldigging]

Monty Don - JLA - After Dinner Speakers

CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
£5K TO £10K

AFTER DINNER SPEAKERS
£5K TO £10K

PRESENTERS
£5K TO £10K

[Aberdeenplotter]

AD, I've changed my mind. At that price I'll come down for a week