Name of Clerk/secretary: Helen Andrews
Contact details helenandrews131@hotmail.com
(please advise who is the main point of contact)
Name of Treasurer: Richard Evans
Contact details 01638 716974
Other committee members: Mary Parkin (vice chairman)
David Cox (Press Officer)
Liz Crabtree (Event Coordinator)
Number of members:40
Main aim of organisation (brief):
Our aim is to continue to develop the land into an allotment site where 21 families and local gardeners can come to grow their own food, pass on their gardening skills to the next generation, exchange cultures, protect our local wildlife, get involved in social activities, and build a sense of belonging and well being. The Association is working with the Parish Council in managing the site.
Where and when does organisation meet:
The Allotment Committee meets every other month.
National body that belong too:
Web site or contact details for national organisation
BMAA is affiliated to NSALG
http://www.nsalg.org.uk/
Background
In March 2009, 30 villagers with a shared interest in allotment gardening got together to form the Barton Mills Allotment Association. They represented the interests and demand of local residents for allotments as their concerns about healthy living, environment impact of food transport, food packing, supply and rapid housing developments in the area grow
In April 2009, the Parish Council identified a plot of land within the village and began negotiations with Suffolk County Council to obtain a lease
During 2009 -2010, the Association promoted, campaigned and raised funds to support the development of the site
It was not until March 2010 that negotiations were complete that Suffolk County Council leased an acre of land behind Church Lane Close for 10 years, to the Barton Mills Parish Council, who will then become the Allotment Provider .
During 2010, 21 families were able to start cultivating and growing their own fruit and vegetables.
Map of Allotment SiteThe Aims and Objectives of the Association for 2011-12
The Assocation will work with the Parish Council to continue to manage the site, install the allotments infrastructure and promote allotment gardening through a programme of activities and services .
Our Objectives:
- To manage the allotment site and ensure it is safe, well maintained, accessible and friendly place to be.
- To agree policies relating to the administration and management of the site, including self-management and greater tenant involvement.
- Install the remaining infrastructure on the site. This includes a water system that lifts the water from the borehole, an allotment building, a composting toilet, rabbit fencing and solar lights.
- Secure funding for the allotment's development, maintenance and services through tenancies, subscriptions, grants and fundraising.
- To continue promoting the Junior Allotment Club and introduce more children and young people to allotment gardening.
- To provide educational opportunities and practical workshops for tenants and local residents.
- To provide social activities, family fun days, and allotment open days.
- To encourage biodiversity and conservation through sustainable and green practices, such as recycling, composting, water efficiency, and protecting wild life habitats through organic cultivation.
- To participate in future planning ensuring allotment provision and green spaces are included in local planning policies.
5th June is the Allotment Open Day with the Dig for Victory theme.
30th October – Pumpkin Party
JACS
The Junior Allotment Club (JACs) is for 6-13 yr olds who’s families are members of the Barton Mills Allotment Association. Our aim is to help children explore the natural world, try foods they’ve grown themselves and develop basic gardening skills that they can use later in life. JAC is run by volunteers who have experience in children’s participation.. Fun, hands-on, interactive activities are a fundamental part of our programme of learning at JAC
Please email bartonmillsallotments@gmail.com with your enquiries.