Meopham and District Allotment Association

News

Dear members,

As you may have seen through the notices posted at Southfield Shaw, Meopham Parish Council (MPC) is planning to take over the running of our allotments. Your Committee is fighting against this, arguing that plot holders want to retain the Association’s independence. We feel that we have achieved a lot since the SGM in November: practical things such as improvements to the central roadway and walkways; fully updating the constitution and tenancy agreements; and developing a database of plot holders, accessible in bespoke formats to Officers of the Association and the Lettings Manager for carrying out the tasks that enable members to achieve their objectives.

The Association’s seven-year lease is due for renewal very shortly. Your Committee is concerned for this to happen, as well as maintaining our independence. We feel that a Committee of plot holders will be far more dedicated to improving our allotments than if they are run by the Parish Council.

The reasons MPC have cited for their decision include statements such as this:

“A lengthy debate was had regarding the Association in light of all the problems and unfortunately at this present moment in time they are not confident that the Association can work and function. Councillors are very aware of the allegations of bullying and harassment, and that many plot-holders are not attending the allotments due to this and are no longer getting enjoyment out of the allotments. There is strong concern that plot-holders will start to leave. At present they do not feel the Association can turn this around.”

We will keep you informed regularly regarding our actions and, should you want to see our independence maintained, we appreciate any support you can give.

Mitchell Whetstone

Secretary

Meopham and District Allotment Association

secretarymdaa@btinternet.com

Water usage

Follow this link for a chart of our monthly water consumption: Monthly data.

As in previous years, the water supply will be turned off for the winter months and turned on again in early March 2026.

Now that we are in the second year of regular collection of water usage data, members will be able to compare current usage with previous years, month by month.

Theft from plots

During the harvest season and at other times of the year, we experience occasional theft of produce from our plots. Your Committee is exploring several ways in which our security can be improved.

Manure

Horse manure is delivered to a site on the left coming in through the front gate. Loads are generally delivered by a large tip-up truck which cannot negotiate the central roadway. Your Committee is always looking for opportunities to have smaller loads delivered to the 'Far End'. If anyone knows of potential suppliers of small loads, please get in touch with our Secretary via the Contact Form.

Polytunnels

Tenants are reminded that the covers of polytunnels shall be removed and stored over the winter months. There have been several instances over the last five years of polytunnels being mobilised in strong winds with damage caused to owners' and their neighbours' property. Your Committee has set a deadline of 1st November for removal of covers, with re-installation allowed on 1st April.

As well as being practical common sense, this is a requirement in the Tenancy Agreement.