Last week’s Annual General Meeting was packed to the rafters with members old and new.
The meeting was led by Rick Anderson, as Neil Cameron was away due to a family bereavement. Things were kicked-off with a big thank you to the committee members and all the volunteers who’d helped to make 2013 a great year from Frome Allotments.
Complete minutes from the meeting by secretary Mary Darville will follow. But here are some of the highlights from 2013 and a few snap shots of the meeting.
2013 in recap
- Frome Allotments will no longer pay a rental fee to Frome Town Council, as we have taken on more of the site management. This includes general maintenance, fencing, etc.
- Our bid for funding from Frome Development Committee Interest Company was successful.
- Rossetti House (Gracewell Homes) have also granted the association further funding.
- The Association is now preparing a 5-year plan to prepare for the next round of bids.
Success stories
- Kitchen Garden Magazine featured a 2-page spread on the Muriel Jones Field.
- Successful open days were held at Muriel Jones and Welshmill. We hope North Hill will be open this year for Frome Hidden Gardens.
- Our allotment holders have won awards for ‘Best of Class’ in flower and veg, as well as ‘Best of Allotments’ within Mendip.
Improvements
Welshmill
- Raised beds were installed at Welshmill for those less able-bodied.
- Paving has also been added.
- School plots were utilised by 60 pupils in the past year.
Muriel Jones
- Two rainwater butts were installed at Muriel Jones, as well as a hand water pump. We are also investigating tapping into a natural spring nearby.
- Gates have been installed and the car park will be extended this year.
- The community plot saw courses begin last year through Frome Community Education.
North Hill
- We have worked hard to keep the site open and maintain access.
- A lawn mower has been purchased.
*We face ongoing challenges around security and will look to install storage containers for equipment.
*Biodiversity is something we will be working on this year, installing nest boxes for birds and bats.
Challenges for 2014
- New agreement with Frome Town Council regarding self management of our sites
- Increased need for volunteers to help with maintenance and set priorities (and a reminder to everyone to maintain the paths surrounding your plot)
- Budget development and our 5-year plan
- Managing our waiting list (now stands at 90 people)
- Site security
Elections were held, followed by tea and chat…here’s to a great 2014 !
