LHAA Report for Allotment Year [2022-2023]
2023 has seen our committee structure change and grow. We welcomed 4 new members to our site management committee to assist with site maintenance and managing our website. We've had to deal with a few challenges in 2023 and I would like to thank the trustees and the committee for their advice and support. We believe that we have learned from the events in the 2023 and hopefully all members will notice that we are sharing our committee meeting minutes and keeping members informed of planned events.
The allotment has been looking good all year and it was particularly interesting to hear from a visitor on the walls that the site had been recommended to them a must see while visiting Berwick Upon Tweed. They were impressed by the site. During this year we allowed the Berwick Art Group to use the allotment as a backdrop and centre page on their canvases. We also hosted a visit of 10 members of the public as part of the heritage weekend.
As ever we are learning and developing the way that these types of events are supported and communicated to our members to ensure that we do not be a nuisance.
The allotment is full, I would like to welcome the new members who have joined us in 2023. I hope you can all enjoy your plots and gain from the knowledge of your neighbours.
At the AGM four more members volunteered to join the trustees, this will provide the LHAA with a strong management team to take the LHAA forward. The trustees plan to review the site rules during 2024 to make them less about things we should not do, and more about the things we should do, this may take some time and of course we would seek to agree the revised rules with members. There will be an extended consultation period and we would hold a vote on any required changes at the 2024 AGM.
We have held 3 joint trustee/committee meetings in 2023 [and we plan to hold 4 in 2024] – topics included:
proxy voting plans, bee hives, plastic grass, paths and boundaries, plans to review allotment rules, committee member’s roles, use of the website, assisting with neighbouring plot disputes, path maintenance, managing complaints, condition of various plots, Apple and Fruit Tree map [developed by Sabina Maule], LHAA site insurance, income/expenditure, membership/waiting list, ‘Buildings and Trees’ consent and more.
The site has also hosted three coffee mornings that are organised by one of the site members, these are starting to gain popularity and provide a chance for the allotment community to get to know each other.
In 2024 we are also considering changes to our website to include more information sharing and other new ideas.
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Income
Allotment Rents £1302.33
Maintenance Contingency
£1060
Fund
Total Income £2362.33
Expenditure
Site Maintenance & Repairs £183.10
Loan Repayment £400
Insurance £317.46
Water Costs £183.96
NAS Subscription £66
AGM Hall Hire £15
Website Costs £57.60
Total Expenditure (£1223.12)
Net Income Over
£1139.21
Expenditure
Opening Bank
£3218.05
Balance on 01 No-
vember 2022
Add: Net Income £1139.21
Bank Balance on £4357.26
31 October 2023
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