Page 5 - ALG Issue 4 2017

chairman’s comments
I hope you are all basking in the glow of a successful National Allotments Week event, and that interest in our movement has increased, maybe even a couple of new names to add to your waiting list. I understand that the events held
After these ideas were written up and examined by the Management Committee, another meeting with the secretaries was arranged for early September. Again, a very lively meeting ensued with input from
at Barnsdale were successful and are likely to become a permanent xture for Allotments Week.
The work had, of course, been put in abeyance until the National Rules were completed.
all delegates when compromise and consensus on the day meant that a great deal of work was nalised.
The next step will be for the subcommittee, or more probably Jeff Barber, to rewrite the document to take account of this meeting. The document will then go before the Governance Committee to check its conformity with the National Rules, then out to the Regions for
I am sure that most of you are aware that,
after the acceptance of the new National Society
Rules, the subcommittee agreed to continue
to look into the Regional Constitutions. This
had been proposed earlier, and in 2016 some
of the regions had put a small amount of work into collecting the constitutions in use at that time. The work had, of course, been
put in abeyance until the National Rules were completed. On its re-emergence, the subcommittee did some preliminary work, approved by the Management Committee, and then a meeting was arranged with the regional secretaries on 25 January 2017. This meeting determined the relationship between the National Society and the Regional Bodies and mapped out the new constitution.
their nal comments/approval. A long process I know, but one that, because of the input source, should be acceptable to all - a compromise, but we hope a fair one.
As I have only returned today from a short break in North Yorkshire I have got my newly delivered Kings Seeds catalogue to peruse and next season’s selections to make. I hope you have all started clearing your plots and can nd time to enjoy the new seeds catalogues. Tony Heeson, NAS Chairman
Head Of ce
president’s scribblings
Well I knew the role of President would be busy and that sure has been the case.
The week after the NAS AGM in Bath, I attended the Scottish Allotment Gardeners’ AGM in Dunblane. I am all for keeping the allotment voice together despite what the politicians are trying to do. It continued from 9am until 4.30pm with lots of interesting talks throughout and they have produced some very interesting literature to present to councils and planners alike. It was well worth the visit. (See story in mag.)
physical, verbal, psychological or gender is totally unacceptable and has no place on an allotment site or anywhere else for that matter. There is never a need for such behaviour and it should not happen. It is hoped to add some guidelines and procedures on the website should you be unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of such demeaning abuse. Many incidents could be avoided if proper paperwork was in place regarding rules and procedures.
I had an invitation to visit a brand new 80 plot allotment site in Leeds which I always nd very exciting and even more so with this one as I had a hand in getting the association started over 7 years ago. They are members of the NAS and have taken advantage of our organisation’s assistance to become a limited company; a wise move. Are you aware of this facility?
I even had a request to go on the BBC World Service; can’t wait for that opportunity.
I again attended the Great Yorkshire Show with the ‘MYHarvest’ team from Shef eld University. The children were amazed to see all the live micro-organisms in soil through powerful microscopes whilst parents were browsing our allotment information. The NWCAA invited me to join them at the Southport Flower Show. What a wonderful display they had created and quite rightly were awarded a large gold medal for their
I have had a steady stream of requests for quotes about allotments from various media sources, which I am always happy to do if it promotes our wonderful recreational activity and I have done 3 radio interviews. I even had a request to go on the BBC World Service; can’t wait for that opportunity.
I think what has given me the most pleasure was presenting City & Guild certi cates in horticulture and horticultural awards to the students of ‘Horticap’, a wonderful organisation for people with learning and physical disabilities, opposite RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate. (Again see story in mag).
On a less happy note I have dealt with a problem about livestock which was brought about by unclear regulations; it is
so important to have clear informative paperwork in place; this saves a lot of misunderstandings and problems. A more worrying request for help was received regarding bullying. Bullying whether
efforts. It was good to see old friends too.
I also joined a very positive and interesting International
Allotment Study Session in Copenhagen. Their allotments are very different to ours but they have all the same problems. You will be able to read a full report about the study session in ALG1 2018. Are you aware, as a member of NAS, you are automatically af liated to ‘The Of ce International du Coin de Terre et des Jardins Familiaux’, just as you are automatically af liated to your ‘Regional Federation’?
Finally, I felt a little disappointed as I could not ful l a request to attend a presentation in Birmingham and two in Blackpool. That’s the trouble with having a full diary. Please don’t be put off though if I can attend an event I will. Please make me aware of any success stories; they may be suitable for an international award. Phil Gomersall
NAS Survey results coming soon in ALG 1.18
We received a great response via email and also in the post and we have gained valuable feedback from them all.
In kind association with:
5