LETTER FROM THE [then] CHAIRMAN Richard Ross
Hi Everyone,
A couple of years ago we asked for help with the various routine maintenance tasks associated with keeping the site looking good and keeping all the communal assets, services and facilities in full working order. The idea was that individuals offer to take responsibility for an agreed task or set of tasks which in total would amount to a commitment of about 6 hours of work per year. We ended up calling the scheme “Communal Work Agreement” as it’s all about contributing to the communal work on site; people only take on tasks that they are willing to do and are in full agreement with.
Two years on and the general view seems to be that the site has significantly benefited from this structured approach. We currently have eight plot holders involved in the scheme. However, over the year tasks have been added to the list and some existing volunteers have left so some additional help would be very welcome in order to redistribute some of the work and therefore help spread the load. A folder with some background information and full details is kept in the summer house on the allotment site. A full list of all the current routine maintenance tasks is noted below.
So:
If your plot is in a reasonable state, this is always the priority, and you feel you would like to contribute to the upkeep of the allotment site and you feel you could commit to about 6 hours of communal work per year
Then please have a look through the list and if you would be happy to take on one or more of the tasks just contact me at [email protected].
Thank you
Richard Ross
for DAG Committee
Hi Everyone,
A couple of years ago we asked for help with the various routine maintenance tasks associated with keeping the site looking good and keeping all the communal assets, services and facilities in full working order. The idea was that individuals offer to take responsibility for an agreed task or set of tasks which in total would amount to a commitment of about 6 hours of work per year. We ended up calling the scheme “Communal Work Agreement” as it’s all about contributing to the communal work on site; people only take on tasks that they are willing to do and are in full agreement with.
Two years on and the general view seems to be that the site has significantly benefited from this structured approach. We currently have eight plot holders involved in the scheme. However, over the year tasks have been added to the list and some existing volunteers have left so some additional help would be very welcome in order to redistribute some of the work and therefore help spread the load. A folder with some background information and full details is kept in the summer house on the allotment site. A full list of all the current routine maintenance tasks is noted below.
So:
If your plot is in a reasonable state, this is always the priority, and you feel you would like to contribute to the upkeep of the allotment site and you feel you could commit to about 6 hours of communal work per year
Then please have a look through the list and if you would be happy to take on one or more of the tasks just contact me at [email protected].
Thank you
Richard Ross
for DAG Committee
- Fill the eight water tanks at the top of the allotment as and when required to ensure that there is a supply of water to the site distribution system during the months of April to October. This is an extremely important task especially, you will appreciate, in times of extended dry weather. When filling the water tanks from empty it takes approximately three hours to completely replenish the tanks.
- Fill the three water tanks at the site entrance as and when required to ensure there is a supply of water during the months of April to October. This should really go hand in hand with the filling of the eight tanks at the rear of the allotment since water is actually taken from the top eight tanks to fill the bottom three tanks.
- Keep green fuel containers topped up with unleaded petrol (for Honda strimmer, water pump, rotovator etc) - the committee reimburse the cost of the fuel.
- At the end of November each year fully drain the water distribution system i.e. all eleven tanks to remove the possibility of frost damage from burst pipes.
- Cut back hedge growth and overhanging branches along the allotment boundary fence line from entrance gate, behind greenhouse and up to plot 49. (Excludes grass cutting)
- Provide wasp nest removal service when requested by plot holders
- Arrange for deliveries of manure as required
- Take Honda strimmer for annual service.
- At the site entrance
- From entrance gate, beside the manure bay, behind and between the two sheds and summer house up to plot 19.
- From the site entrance along the boundary fence, beside the greenhouse and along to plot 49 including the area in front of and beside the toilet.
- From behind plot 2 up to the water tanks.
- Area in adjacent to greenhouse.
Management of starter plots. Give tour of allotment to new members, describing rules and constitution, handing out keys.
Monthly oil of padlock and combination lock on entrance gates, replace combination lock as and when necessary.
Paint DAG notice board at site entrance, as and when required, and keep notices up to date.
Clean and tidy inside of summerhouse, clean windows as required, update information inside, monitor comments in communications book and alert committee members as appropriate.
Clean and tidy inside of toilet shed.
Monthly check on contents of First Aid box (in summerhouse) and replenish as necessary.
Cut and strim access route to allotment site from “dog leg” to main gate entrance, remove overhanging branches and keep rubbish free.
Cut back hedge growth and overhanging branches along the allotment boundary fence line from entrance gate to plot 19.
Clean and tidy inside of equipment/tool shed, organise storage of equipment.
Maintain up to date list of communal shed space allocations.
Control growth on outside of allotment fence alongside plots 49, 50 and 51.
Maintain (DIY) water pump, lawnmower and hedge trimmer on an annual basis. (Oil change, spark plug change, air filter clean).
Ensure a supply of petrol in the red container (50:1 petrol :oil mix for hedge trimmer, wee strimmer etc.)
Inspect paths and apply weed treatment as appropriate.
Remove rubbish from site collection point, package up and leave for Council pick up.
Ensure that plot holders have access to a minimum of 4 wheelbarrows in full working order at any one time.
Maintain the pond and ground within the fenced area to encourage a diversity of flora and fauna.
Ensure there is a walkable path around the pond.
Maintain the pond area entrance gate and fence to ensure the safety of visitors.
Trim and cut the trees and bushes along the boundary fence within the pond area.
Cut back the growth, grass and tree branches, on either side of the path leading down from plot 2 to the pond area gate to ensure clear access.
Burn accumulations of wood, remove ash and keep incinerator area tidy.
Cut grass on incinerator bund area as required.
Act as deputy for water system
Maintenance of Plot 24 (lower)
Wash and clean greenhouse glass internally and externally once per year (March/April)
Clean / tidy / repair green house
Prune apple tree (Plot 24)
Maintenance of Plot 24 (upper)
Painting of: four community sheds and the summer house (an excellent place to relax if your back is getting a bit sore or if it starts to rain) .