Meopham and District Allotment Association
News
Dear plot holders,
As you will be aware, we have been informed by MPC that they will not be renewing our lease at the end of this month - we will be reverting to a council run allotment site. MDAA will cease to exist. The allotment community that we have built up over twenty years, working together to improve our site, supporting and helping each other, may cease to exist.
Members of the committee will be at the allotment site on Sunday 22nd March, 10am - 2pm. Please pop by for a chat, ask questions, and discuss what we can do to save our MDAA community and retain our independence, or make the most of the MPC takeover?
Some questions to consider are:
How do you feel about our allotment association?
Do you enjoy attending your plot?
Do you enjoy being part of the MDAA community?
Do you feel that your committee is approachable and supportive?
Do you wish to continue as a self managed allotment association?
Do you feel that your committee strives to look after the allotment site and plot holders?
Ask yourself these questions so that your views can be taken into account and you can express to MPC how you feel.
There will be differing opinions and so it is asked that all plot holders are civil and polite to each other. However divided some people may be, we all share a love for nature and the growing of crops to eat, as demonstrated by the commitment people put into their individual allotments.
On average we are of mature years and so have no excuse in disrespecting or arguing with each other, if MPC do take over, we still want to maintain and improve our cherished and loved Southdown Shaw, so lets make this a positive day for all. We are more likely to influence MPC if we do.
Mitchell Whetstone
Secretary MDAA
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.
