LIONS HOUSE ALLOTMENTS ASSOCIATION CIO
ANNUAL REPORT 1/11/2024 to 31/10/2025
Chairman’s Report
The challenge for everyone this year has been the long spells of lovely Summer weather that we have not experienced for a few years. The lack of rain has been compensated by the abundance of fruit that we have all enjoyed. The allotments have again drawn praise and positive comments from locals and visitors as they enjoyed their walk around the walls. The recent visitors who took the opportunity of the heritage open days to have a closer view of the allotments were all very positive and enjoyed their short visit and walk amongst our plots.
We have a full allotment and a healthy waiting list; I would like to welcome the new members who have joined us in 2025, I hope you can all enjoy your plots and gain knowledge from your neighbours. If you would like help or advice regarding the management and cultivation of your plot you just need to ask, I am sure all members would be able to assist in some way and if not, they will know who to ask.
The communal area has begun to take shape in recent months; the start has been delayed as we waited to see what funds would be available to assist us. Dorothy has secured funding to allow the purchase of a suitable shed; we also have funds to erect solar panels to provide a power outlet to recharge batteries for members to use. Some members relocated sufficient spare paving slabs from Church Street, to allow us to provide a suitable space to meet for coffee etc. Any ideas for what we can add to the facility would be appreciated.
We would also welcome any interest and help with running the allotments association and would always welcome new faces on the committee.
We are pleased that since agreeing our new Constitution the revised Association Rules have been prepared and shared with all members at the general meeting earlier this year. There is one proposal that we will vote on at the AGM, no other feedback has been received. Once the proposal has been decided at the AGM the new rules will be published.
Site Report
We have completed several inspections this year and as a result there have been a few plots passed to new members. I would like to remind everyone that if for whatever reason they are struggling with their plot that we can support them. They should get in touch with any of the committee in person or via the secretary email. We have an agreed process where any long-term issues can be resolved by members rejoining the waiting list. Members will be offered a new plot once circumstances have changed and a plot becomes available.
Work is still in planning for the improvement of the site paths, without funding or volunteers from the association, this process may take some time. As resources become available, we will push forward with improvements.
Allotment Safety & Community Improvements – Update
Following the AGM 2024, the Safety Review Team met on-site earlier this year to review the Trustee safety survey. The team identified the need for upgrades to paths and steps to improve safety and access. A schedule was drawn up, and after site visits with three
potential contractors, one provided provisional estimates. We agreed on the refurbishment method and shared the strategy and schedule with members via notices on the allotment boards.
Funding Progress
-
Community Chest (Northumberland County Council) : £1,476 awarded for the community area.
-
Core Legacy Fund : £2,000 granted for solar panels (estimate: £1,614), with additional panels included in the award.
-
BTC & Sir James Knott Fund : Applications declined.
-
Awards for All Lottery : Requires more evidence of local group involvement before approving our £20,000 request.
-
Local Councillor Support : Unfortunately, funding hopes ended after the election.
Planned Improvements
-
Repair and refurbish main paths and steps for safety.
-
Install solar panels and battery for electricity in the community room.
-
Build a storage shed for shared equipment.
-
Provide gardening tools for new members.
-
Create a covered and grassed communal area with pavers and a raised herb bed.
-
Add fencing or hedging along the ice house area.
Members
We have 54 members and there are currently 40 people on our waiting list. After the change to members fees agreed at last year’s AGM, there is no proposal to increase site fees.
LIONS HOUSE ALLOTMENT SOCIETY
Financial Statement Year ended 31 October 2025
£ Income Allotment Rents 1633.49 Maintenance Contingency Fund 1080.00 Grants Received 3476.75 ———— Total Income 6190.24 Expenditure Site Maintenance & Repairs 32.03 Contingency Fund Repairs 0.00 Loan Repayment 400.00 Insurance 248.59 Water Costs 237.31 NAS Subscription 66.00 Website Costs 246.42 Printing Costs 6.55 AGM Hall/Meeting Costs 22.00 Grant Monies Utilised 1476.75 ———— Total Expenditure 2691.65 ———— Net Income over Expenditure £3498.59 ======= Opening Bank Balance at 01November 2024 5241.73 Add: Net Income 3498.59 –--------Bank Balance at 31 October 2025 £8740.32