Draft Letter

Letter that went out:

A Message
to all Cole Park Allotments Plot Holders

September 2006

Dear Fellow Plotholder

Proposals for a Cole Park Allotments Association

For several years now CIP, the company that manages the allotments on behalf of Hounslow Council, has been unable to maintain the allotments to an acceptable standard. Individual plot holders now repair the fences, clear the rubbish left in the centre of the site, create the car park and cut the grass on pathways. This is being done with no additional machinery or financial support, but just because we all prefer a more secure and tidy site.

In order to organise and formalise this work, it has been suggested that we form a Cole Park Allotments Association, and so far three meetings have been held to discuss progress – you may have seen notices on the gates. Each meeting has been well attended with a very favourable response. But we are keen that all plot holders should have the opportunity to engage in the process and put their views.

Here are some of the things the Cole Park Allotments Association will be able to do:

· Apply for grants from business and other organisations
· Purchase equipment for communal use
· Repair damage to the gates and fences
· Remove unwanted and fly-tipped rubbish from the site
· Keep bramble and unwanted scrub at bay
· Keep pathways clear
· Arrange deliveries of manure
· Maintain vacant plots in a state that makes future cultivation less daunting
· Work with the Isleworth & District Horticultural Society to maintain the sales
· Provide a toilet
· Hold social events and open days

We are particularly concerned that the site should not become regimented or disciplined in management or style, but that it should remain diverse, varied, friendly and interesting.

A General Meeting will be held on 28th October in All Souls Church Hall, Northcote Rd. at 2.00 pm., at which all plotholders will have the opportunity to decide whether to proceed with the proposal to form an association. A constitution has been drafted, with objectives and basic rules for the organisation, which can be altered or adopted. This is being displayed at the gates and on the noticeboards. Officers will need to be appointed – Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, so please consider standing for one of the posts. Or maybe you have other skills that you can offer the group. In case you are unable to attend the meeting, a reply slip is included in this mailing to give you the opportunity to vote for or against the proposal. Please return this by 20th October.

Please keep a look out for further messages on the gates, speak to Reg on plot 8, our representative with the CIP, or check the website – www.coleparkallotments.org.uk.

Meanwhile - Happy harvesting!

On behalf of some Cole Park allotment holders