Firstly; a very warm welcome to all new plot holders. We do hope you will enjoy the experience of having a plot to cultivate and grow your own fruit, flowers and vegetables. We also hope you make new friends, share knowledge and get involved with the community.
TAA News
Back in February, Nigel Caplin (chairperson), sadly and unexpectedly died of a heart attack in his sleep. Nigel worked with huge commitment and dedication to the association over many years; he will be greatly missed.
In November 2021 the TAA committee met in person for the first time in almost two years. Then in February 2022 Paul Hay, a Wolsey Drive plot holder, was unanimously voted in as Chair. Paul is a retired headmaster with a lot of experience chairing committee meetings and dealing with all sorts of situations - so he will be a great asset to the TAA.
Jill Johnstone, site supervisor, has stepped down after many years working alongside Jim at Park Road. She has moved, with husband Mike, to a quieter life in the country.
Jonny Hoare has agreed to be the "Apprentice Site Supervisor". He has a very sunny disposition and always seems to have time for a chat. Please be nice to him.
Please could all plot holders take a look at the TAA Constitution, Conditions of Letting and Allotment Etiquette. This is to remind everyone of the rules and responsibilities that everyone should adhere to. Available here on the TAA website:
https://e-voice.org.uk/tudorallotments/
It has been brought to our attention that some plot holders think that they could pass on their plot to anyone they choose. However, this is not the case. The waiting list for both sites currently stands at over 110 people. If you are considering giving up your plot or finding it too much please approach your site supervisor to discuss.
House Keeping:
The site supervisors have requested that you compost as much of your waste as possible and everything else must be taken off site. It is very easy to book a slot at Kingston recycling centre. If you don’t have a car please speak to your site supervisors.
https://www.kingston.gov.uk/recyclingcentre
Please can all paths be kept clear of rubbish so plot holders have clear access to their plots. Wolsey Drive plot holders, please don’t leave stones and rubbish on the grass footpaths.
Please avoid bringing ‘single-use plastic’ on to the sites. Please don’t use old carpet to suppress weeds or create paths as it ends up decaying and man-made fibres then contaminate the soil. Two layers of cardboard weighted down does the trick or you can use a weed-control horticultural sheet that you can get from the TAA shop.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Treasurer’s Report
Our wonderful accountant, Lynn Boyd, has done a marvellous job of keeping our accounts ship-shape and her financial report can be found here.
Despite the constant news recently that everything seems to be going up in price you will be pleased to hear that there is one thing that won’t be going up this year as it was decided that the rents would yet again remain the same at £9.20 per rod.
AGM
After two years of not being able to hold our AGM we have the good news that this year we are allowed to gather.
You are warmly invited to the 2022 TAA Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12th May at 7.30pm.
It will be held at:
Forward House
Park Road
KT2 5RL
Light refreshments will be served.
We kindly ask that if you have ANY Covid symptoms please do not attend.
We look forward to welcoming you.
We wish you and your families a happy and successful gardening year.
The TAA Committee
Chair person: Paul Hay
Secretary: Peter Brown
Treasurer: Lynn Boyd
Site Supervisors: Jim Turner and Jonny Hoare (PR) Julia Cork and Sid Mullet (WD)
Co-opted members: Richard Post and Nathalie Ashbee