Kettering Allotments
Annual Report by the secretary 2009 AGM
Allotments in Kettering are flourishing and we have continued to be able
to serve the gardeners in our town by having a well organised committee and
association. Sincere thanks to all of the field stewards, committee members
and officers for all of their hard work. A special note of thanks to Mr David
Lane who retired from the committee after many years of service. Thanks also
to KBC, especially Mr Kish Lad who continue to support us.
Highlights of the year (2008)
• Clearing of the extra land at Silver Acre (Scott Road),
bringing another 28 plots into production and briefly clearing our waiting
list.
• Another year of full tenancy, with waiting lists in all
of our fields. More and more plots are now actually cultivated as well as
being paid for and very few patches of overgrown land exist in our fields.
• New fencing for Northfield Avenue and Windmill Avenue,
paid for by KBC. New gates at Windmill Avenue.
• Water troughs fitted to replace taps at Northfield Avenue.
• New committee members, giving us full representation
of all four fields.
• More free water butts delivered to some fields.
• Rent collection systems now more efficient than ever,
and members’ contact details are now up to date.
• Continued good liaison with the Police.
• An engagement between two members from Silver Acre.
• Plans for a secure container at Silver Acre are well
advanced.
Lows
• Rat infestation at Silver Acre related to poor management
of poultry.
• Continued vandalism, theft, arson etc. on and off throughout
the year.
• Applications for lottery and other grants for fencing
at Silver Acre turned down.
• A fence for Silver Acre looks no more likely, there is
a right of way issue along the access road, meaning our boundary cannot be
fenced until this is resolved.
• Some rubbish dumping/fly tipping, including one incident
of dirty needles and evidence of drug use.
Future Plans
• Improving security
• Secure container installed at Silver Acre
• Possible container for Windmill Avenue
• Closer liaison with the Green Patch, including training
for inexperienced gardeners, especially those on the waiting lists.
Thank you
Once again, grateful thanks to all our members, supporters, field stewards,
committee members, officers and volunteers for helping us to serve the people
of Kettering and maintain allotment gardening in the town.
Secretary
R Attwood
10.03.09