Litcham Allotments and Leisure Gardeners Accociation

February 08: Meeting with LRINC
The Interim Committee would like to report that a positive meeting was held with LRINC Trustees and Karen Kenny (Allotment Regeneration Initiative).
Areas of concern for both parties were discussed, and the foundations set for proposals to help make Litcham Allotments a viable means of income for the charity outlined.
LALGA interim committee maintain that the allotments can become financially viable and continue to be an important community asset with all the associated health benefits, and look forward to the day they are fully regenerated.
A report on the meeting will be discussed and votes from membership of LALGA are required on some proposals from this meeting.
EGM
Anyone with an interest in the allotments or becoming a member of LALGA is invited to the EGM where it is hoped a new committee will be formed. This will be held on the 15th February 2008 7.00p.m at Litcham Methodist Chapel
click here for EGM Agenda...
Sharon Junge Interim Secretary LALGA

January 08: AGM: Having held the A.G.M on 11th January 2008 it was not possible to form a functioning committee.
We have 5 prospective committee members with the post of secretary being filled, however the post of Chairman and Treasurer remain vacant.
Committee members Paul Mummery, Ronnie Hewitt, Sharon Junge remain with two fresh faces coming on board Nancy (taking the role of secretary) and Carolyn.
To make the tasks for committee manageable it is possible that roles can be subdivided into:
Chairing meeting
Secretary
Treasurer-Accounts and Banking
Publicity
Distribution of Newsletters and information to members
Fundraising
Membership secretary
If you are interested in taking on the role of Chairperson or Treasurer we would very much like to hear from you. A good handover and support is available to help you with these roles.
We will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on the 15th February 2008 at 7.00p.m at Litcham Methodist Chapel where it is hoped a functioning committee will be formed.

If a committee with the three essential offices of Chairperson, Secretary Treasurer filled is not formed this will unfortunately mean we cannot function according to our constitution, and therefore will have to wind the Association up with funds being distributed to a cause decided at the E.G.M by members.

Karen Kenny who came to the A.G.M will be attending the E.G.M. She praised the way in which LALGA members have worked together to try to regenerate Litcham Allotments. It would be particularly sad if we could not continue the work we have started, particularly as we are so close to reaching our aim.
Karen also brought news about possible grants we could apply for working with Trustees and allotment holders, to help improve allotment sites. So a really exciting time is in prospect. So please think again, could you spare some time for this community project?
Or do you know a friend or relative who may be able to take on one of these roles. They do not have to live in Litcham or have an allotment just an interest in our aims and want to get involved in a community project.
In the interim period Henry Dennett, Louise Dennett and Sharon Junge have agreed to remain in post as an interim committee, and will attend the meeting with Trustee’s on the 1st February 2008. This was agreed by members vote at the A.G.M.

For those members who hold allotments and did not attend the A.G.M, I would like to inform you that all matters related to letters and Rent Agreements where there is dispute between the Trustees and the allotment holder have been placed on hold until after the meeting of the 1st February 2008.
So if you have any concerns or issues please contact Henry, Louise or myself, so we may represent your views at the meeting. We need to hear from you by Wednesday 23rd January, as we have to compile items for an agenda to be sent to the Trustees by 25th January 2008.
Looking forward to hearing from you, it would be wonderful if we were able to carry this association forward.

N.B. Membership subscriptions will not be collected until the committee is stabilised

Sharon Junge Interim Secretary LALGA.
click here for AGM Minutes 2007...

AGM: Friday the 11th January at 7.00p.m at Litcham Methodist Chapel we are hoping many people will come along, refreshments will be served.
We need new committee members as all offices will be vacant as the chairman, treasurer and secretary will not be standing for re-election due to other commitments. To keep the momentum going we need a proactive committee who want to promote gardening for everyone with its associated benefits, working to promote the environment and community spirit, and in doing so raise funds to regenerate Litcham Common Garden Allotments.
With a prospective meeting with the Trustees of Litcham Relief in Need Charity in the new year it could also prove an interesting time, creating a good working relationship with the Charity who are the custodians of an important community asset
We would like to develop our website area further, also gardening resources for new comers. We would like to think about visits, guest Speakers and how to continue developing the association for our members, whilst increasing further links with other community groups.
If you are interested in joining Litcham Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association please come to the AGM or contact Sharon on 01362 699160, you do not need to live in Litcham or have an allotment to join. Just come along and join in.
click here for Agenda...

December 07
Bingo held jointly between Friends of Litcham Primary & L.A.L.G.A raised a total of £416 divided equally between the two organisations.
The Christmas Bazaar held on 30th November raised £511.61.
Thank you to everyone who provided items for both the above events, also those who helped with teas and stalls, and finally to those who came to give their support.
Another reminder…our A.G.M. will be held at Litcham Methodist Chapel on Friday January 11th at 7pm. Any items for inclusion on the Agenda should be forwarded to Sharon Junge 01362 699160. We will be seeking some new members to join the committee.
Membership forms will shortly be available in the village shops, & butchers, for those who wish to join LALGA for the first time. Memberships will be due for renewal in January (at AGM).
Any queries please contact Louise 01328 701938 or Sharon as above.

November 07 - The 19th October Speakers Evening was A Question and Answer Evening which proved to be an enjoyable social event for all who attended. Many thanks to Mark Harmer who gave an excellent talk on Lexham Hall Gardens along with Slide show, and answered questions on a range of gardening topics.
A big thank you also to all who provided the refreshments.And lastly to all who attended to make the evening such an enjoyable occasion.
The Bingo LALGA held on the 16th November 2007 with Litcham Primary School Friends raised a brilliant sum of £416(to be shared between the two causes) and proved to be a fun evening.Many thanks to all who donated prizes, and gave their time freely, particularly Mark Raven our caller on the evening.And to all who attended to make the night such a success.
Our next fundraiser is the Christmas Bazaar on 30th November 2007, we have many lovely gift ideas, pickles and cakes, crafts and stalls of soaps, cards and bags, come and have a browse, a cup of tea and a mince pie.
The new Trustee's of the Litcham Relief in Need Charity Trust are now in place, and are believed to be in the process of working through issues related to the Charity and the Allotments. LALGA wrote the Trustee’s on the 24th September 2007, enquiring about progress and offering support and ideas. We continue to look forward to a response, understanding informally that circumstances have at present prevented this so far. LALGA understand completely the Trustee's commitment to the Charity's aims as previously stated.

September 07 - Unfortunately the planned visit to Kew Gardens on 22nd August was cancelled, due to lack of demand for places.   As it happens, the weather was appalling on that day so probably a blessing in disguise!
As previously mentioned, we will be holding a Speakers Evening at Litcham Methodist Chapel on Friday 19th October at 7.30pm –Mark Hamer (Head Gardener at the Lexham Hall Estate) has agreed to hold a questions and answers evening on anything related to gardening.   Some advance questions would be preferable, in order for Mark to research answers if necessary.   Thereafter the evening will be very informal where people can ask questions on a one to one basis.   There will also be a sales table offering preserves and pickles together with second hand gardening books.   Refreshments will be provided. Open to members and non-members (small entrance fee for non-members).   If you have any advance questions for Mark please telephone Louise Dennett 01328 701938 or Sharon Junge 01362 699160.
It seems a long way off, but another event for your diary, a Christmas Bazaar to be held on Friday 30th November at the Methodist Chapel from 4pm until 8pm.   We should have a broad assortment of reasonably priced gifts……..more details next month.
For members your September Newsletter should be delivered to you over the coming week. If for some reason you do not receive your copy, please let us know.

July 07 - New Committee Member - Firstly, I would like to update you on the new committee member, Ronnie Hewitt. Ronnie was appointed at our Committee meeting on the 2nd July, he has a farming back ground, and has many skills which will make him a real asset to our team.
Clearing Day To all of those individuals who helped with the Clearing Day on Sunday 24th June - and before, I am sure we all agree they have worked extremely hard.
Open Day Members of L.A.L.G.A will be aware from the June Newsletter; that Allotments were open on Dunham Road, as part of Litcham Churches Open Garden Day on Sunday 15th July 2007. The feed back from people who attended was positive, everyone who knows Litcham Garden Allotments spoke very positively about what has been achieved so far. As we know, all achieved with good will, hard work and the cost of a skip! I thought people would like to hear this feed back as without your continued cooperation and practical support we would not have been able to get this far.
L.A.L.G.A’s stall raised £125, which we were very pleased with. As agreed by the Committee 50% will be donated to Church funds, and the remainder to L.A.L.G.A funds. It was good to work with the churches in this way and be part of a Litcham’s community event. Thank you also to those of you who donated vegetables and other produce to the stall, it was very much appreciated.
We also held a stall recently at the Play 2000 Fete which was manned by Paul Mummary. (Thanks again Paul) and thanks for the invitation Play 2000 committee. This again was a good link with another group working for the benefit of the village, and a good way of promoting L.A.L.G.A’s aims.
We are still hoping to go ahead with the Kew Garden Trip depending on getting sufficient numbers to make the trip viable, holidays and other trip commitments have unfortunately affected numbers.

A Bee Orchid was recently found on the allotments, which has been registered as a sighting with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. We are keen to promote gardening which promotes wildlife, so allotment holders if you find anything of interest on your plot please let us know.

Dumping Historically Litcham Common has been a dumping ground at times, (even in the past from the Common Gardens), however now the Common is a Nature Reserve, with a party of Volunteers who regularly meet to maintain this amenity. Having spoken with Tim Angell -Litcham Common Management Committee, I know it would be very much appreciated, that any sightings of Fly Tipping are reported to the authorities to stop people dumping their rubbish in this way.
Events L.A.L.G.A has quieter times ahead on our events calendar, a chance for everyone to recharge their batteries. The next planned event is the Speakers Evening on Friday 19th October, a social gathering of Question and Answers with the Head Gardener from Lexham Estate. It’s free to members with a small fee for non-members so try and come along if you can. Watch out for further details.
I would also like to make you aware of a wonderful book published by Norfolk Recorders called ‘Norfolk Allotments the plot so far’ there is an excellent description of the history of Litcham Common Garden Allotments. If you would like to look at the book, L.A.L.G.A has a copy.L.A.L.G.A’s committee can purchase this book at a discounted price, please contact me if you are interested, I will be placing an order soon and again after distribution of the September Members Newsletter.
We now have a good amount in L.A.L.G.A funds; we plan to use money on allotment regeneration, and are considering options and priorities of need in consultation with allotment holders and we hope in the future with the Trustees of Litcham Relief in Need.
Charity Update. I attended Litcham Parish Council Meeting today (16th July) to see if there was a report from Parish Councillor David Holland in his capacity as a Litcham Relief in Need Charity Trustee. Although a report was not presented, the chairman Mike Oldfield did allow me to ask a question. It was confirmed by David that he, Tony Green and Chris Chalk will be meeting in the near future to appoint the final two Trustees to the Committee of Litcham Relief in Need. The Charity Commission has once more stated in a letter to all concerned that the Charity is ‘not an allotment Charity’, (since L.A.L.G.A’s formation in November 2006, the committee has always been aware of the Charity’s 1994 changes to its governing document), so this statement is not new. I asked if the Trustee Committee when formed would be able to meet with L.A.L.G.A to discuss the allotments, however David replied it would be unfair to comment as he could not answer for his fellow Trustees. David did say that as soon as a secretary had been appointed he would be in touch. I was unable to ask further questions as this item was not on the agenda and the Charity’s affairs are deemed not Parish Council business. For those who have asked me if the Charity are now in possession of the Charity documents, where to pay rents or when they can rent plots- I am sorry I was unable to ask these questions. However I think we can take comfort from the fact that although progress appears slow, progress is being made. L.A.L.G.A will continue to hold a waiting list of prospective plot holders, (which the Trustees are aware of. If you are interested in renting an allotment please contact me with your details, and I will add your name to the list).
Hopefully all our questions will be answered in the near future, and then finally we can work with the Charity to continue to regenerate the allotments, so freeing the Trustees to focus on their charitable aims.
Please remember we are still accepting new members in this our first year, membership is only £5. There are many benefits in becoming a member of L.A.L.G.A., with discounts, Speakers Evenings, Organised Trips and Newsletters. Please contact Louise 01328 701938 or myself if you would like to know more. Why not join in ?
Best Wishes, Sharon Junge L.A.L.G.A Committee Secretary

June 07 - Competition Results & Open Gardens Day
A BIG thank you to the pupils and Staff of Litcham Primary School and Litcham High School for supporting our Children’s Competition. Thank you also to Litcham Surgery, Shops, Butchers and Museum for your support in display information.

We had 34 drawings or collage entries from local children, which was fantastic. Our judge,
Mr Philip Hoste-Davies (Secretary of Norfolk Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners) found the standard of the entries to be extremely good, which made his job very difficult.
First Prizes went to Dexter aged 5, Callam aged 7 and Kate aged 10, we were sorry we could not give a prize to every entry. What we will say is look out to all who entered; we could be using your entry in the future on our posters. Well done everyone we hope you enjoyed joining in.

Open Gardens Day Thankfully the rain held off for The St Swithins Day Open Gardens on the 15th July, and from the support we received we were able to raise £125 on the Open Allotment Stall (pictured left) from the sale of jam, vegetables and plants, and face painting. A special thank you to Ryan and Kate, children who helped us on the day, Ryan’s side stall was well organised and lots of fun and Kate was a big help putting up the tent and arranging the stall. Thanks also to Sue, Ellie and Tracey for the face painting. 50% of the funds raised will be donated to Litcham churches who organised the Open Gardens event. We really enjoyed participating in the afternoon and thank you to Stephen and June and all their fellow organisers for planning the Open Gardens.
Our next planned Social gathering is on Friday 19th October 2007 A Question and |Answers Speakers Evening. Free to Members, small fee for non-members.
Following the success of the allotment clearing morning on Sunday 24th June, we hope to have another Clearing day some time in the Autumn. If you do see anyone on the committee in the mean time, do come over and say hello, we would always be pleased to speak to you. Or alternatively phone or email.
Until then to all who have supported us we say enjoy your summer in between the rain showers and Happy Gardening.
Regards Sharon (LALGA Secretary)

May 2007

Litcham Historical Society hosted an exhibition at the Bull Meeting Room on the 5th of May.   Proceeds from admission and competition fees were kindly donated to LALGA these totalled £58.70, added to the £48 raised from the raffle, making a total of £106.70.   Many thanks to all who attended the exhibition also to Mr Ron Shaw and members of the Historical Society.   Also to Paul from the Litcham Bull for the use of the meeting room.
THANK YOU – The Plant sale held on Saturday 19th May raised a staggering £602.   We would like to thank everyone involved in setting up before hand, helping on the day, also those who donated plants, prizes, cakes and not least to those who came and supported us on the day.
Forthcoming events: As part of The Litcham Open Gardens event being held on 15th July, 12noon until 5pm some of the Garden Allotments on the Dunham Road will be open. Winners of the Children’s Drawing/Colouring Competition together with longest carrot competition will be announced. Other things to include; sale of plants, donated produce, face painting and a childrens activity table.   Proceeds to LALGA with a donation to Litcham Churches Fund.
Louise Dennett (LALGA)

April 2007
Coffee Morning We had an excellent coffee morning on Tuesday 20th March hosted by Sadie Bailey. This was very well supported which reflects in the magnificent sum of £175 being raised.
Also on Friday 23rd March we held our first guest speaker evening which was open to members and non-members. Guests were given an amusing and informative talk on Organic Gardening by Karen Kenny. This evening was also very well attended and we raised a further £112. The Bingo held on the Monday 23rd April was great fun for all and resulted in a further final total of £186 being raised thanks to the generosity of donators of prizes and those who played. A big thank you to all who have supported L.A.L.G.A , and most importantly we hoped you enjoyed being part of these community events.

February 2007
Committee Meeting; held on the 27th February 2007 covered many areas. Committee members were pleased that Ian Francis from West Norfolk Voluntary and Community Action (VCA) was able to attend the meeting to discuss support available to community groups such LALGA in terms of possible advice and grant application.
Louise Dennett (Treasurer) reported Lalga membership at present stands at 53, with members now affiliated to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners. Membership enquiries to Louise Dennett (01328 701938).
Waiting List: The Common Garden Allotments waiting list now stands at two, with other people making enquiries to the committee about plot sizes. Any enquiries welcomed, at present the allotments are rented to tenants by Litcham Relief in Need Charity however the list is held jointly between the charity and Lalga so any application to join the list to either party will be recorded by date.
Individual allotment holders have started to tidy their own plots and I think all would agree it is good to see these improvements. By individuals taking responsibility for there own hedge trimming this is already saving the charity a considerable amount of money, which can in future be redirected to other causes. We would, as a committee like to organise a more structured clearing day for those who feel they need assistance with their allotment clearing.
Kings Seed Catalogue Orders, committee aware that it is rather late to order seeds for this season, however are in the process of approaching individuals in the hope of recruiting someone to organise this project. And will up date members as soon as possible as to who this will be.
Information is being gathered on the history of Litcham Common Gardens and once again we welcome any stories or information to compile an archive of the history and regeneration of Litcham Allotments.
Finally, a LALGA members’ newsletter is being put together to be published quarterly. Louise or myself would welcome any gardening tips or ideas.
With Kind Regards Sharon Junge Secretary L.A.L.G.A (01363 699160)

January 2007 Inaugural Annual General Meeting at The Bull Meeting 15th January 2007. (Many thanks to the Landlord Paul for his kind hospitality). The meeting was positive with 35 people attending.
Chairman Henry Dennett, gave an outline of Lalga’s history since its formation in November 2006 and the constitution was made available to those present. Karen Kenny of the Allotments Regeneration Initiative, gave the meeting brief feed back on the site visit she carried out on Litcham Allotments on the afternoon of the 15th January. She reported although the task was large, the allotments could be regenerated in stages. Karen plans to write a written report that will be sent on to us in due course. LALGA objectives for 2007 include helping tidy up the allotment site and fundraising to enable this to happen, working in cooperation with the Trustees of Litcham Relief in Need.
At the A.G.M the committee was re-elected as follows:
Henry Dennett (Chairman)
Louise Dennett (Treasurer)
Paul Bagguley
Fred Feeke
Evan Fulcher
Douglas Manning
Paul Mummery
Sharon Junge (Secretary).
At present membership stands at 49, and it is hoped that this will continue to grow. Membership supports the allotments and benefits members with the opportunity of gardening discounts. It also means individuals can become part of a community group with a wide range of experience and interests in gardening, providing a good opportunity to meet new people.
In the future it is hoped that working with the Trustees and allotment holders plot sizes can be renegotiated. We would also like to hear from anyone interested in renting a plot so we can add your name to the waiting list we have started.
Lalga are planning fund raising events during 2007. With this in mind we if anyone divides plants or has extra seedlings we would be really pleased to accept donations for our plant stalls.
Likewise for anyone creative out there, your skills would be appreciated for our craft sale during the Summer and next Christmas (along way off but good to think ahead!).
To anyone who has pictures of their allotments past or present it would be great to have copies, we would like to create some kind of record of the Litcham Common Garden Allotments history, but also there regeneration. So please photograph your work on your allotments.
We also hope to develop a quarterly Lalga newsletter, so any gardening ideas or local information would be a real help in putting this together.
Finally a big thank you local businesses and Litcham Historical Society who have supported this community group by holding membership forms and displaying posters. And of course all the members who have joined who are helping support through their membership the regeneration of Litcham Garden Allotments. We look forward to welcoming new members and to anyone who feels they would like to help our aims.
Sharon Junge, Secretary to LALGA.

Inaugural Annual General Meeting
Held at Litcham Bull Meeting Room 15th January 2007

Meeting Opened 7.05p.m.
Approx 35 people present including:
Committee Henry Dennett (Chairman) Louise Dennett (Treasurer), Sharon Junge (Secretary), Paul Bagguley, Fred Feeke, Evan Fulcher, Douglas Manning and Paul mummery
1. Apologies
Clerk to Parish Council John Relph, councillors unable to attend, unfortunately Parish Council Meeting being held at same time as AGM.
Mr and Mrs Palmer also unable to attend, sent their apologies
2. Any other business- moved to last item on the agenda before close
3. Introductions/General Information- Report by Chairman
All members of the committee formed from the open meeting held on 13th November 2006 introduced. (See above)
Chairman Henry Dennett introduced Karen Kenny Allotments Regeneration Initiative (ARI) Mentor. Tony Green, Karen Bradley and Sadie Bailey introduced as Litcham Relief In Need Trustees, present to listen to LALGA progress.
LALGA: short history The association was formed in November 2006. Described by the chairman as a group of people who came together through their ‘passion of allotments or gardening’ to help move the regeneration of Litcham Allotments forward.
LALGA objectives for 2007.
a.)   Tidy up the allotments
b.)   Help support trustees to ensure the allotments are viable.
c.)   Fundraising
Update on Litcham Relief in Need Charity -at present unable to carry out any duties, documentation requested from previous Trustees, as to date have not been handed over. The Charity Commission have been informed. The new Trustee’s are awaiting a response.
LALGA Constitution – the committee have adopted a standard constitution supplied by Karen Kenny (ARI mentor). This was made available to those present and is available to members on request to secretary.
Membership subscriptions are £5 annually each January. Of which £1.75 goes to affiliate members to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Limited.
This allows access to information and support on gardening and allotments at a national level.
Locally, Louise Dennett (Treasurer) has negotiated very good discounts with local businesses. (Full details contained in membership introductory leaflet.)
Karen Kenny (ARI) spoke, of how pleased she was to see LALGA membership growing. She congratulated everyone present on supporting the development and growth of this community group.
Karen suggested that the regeneration of Litcham allotments should be seen as a long term project. She described having ‘never seen a set of allotments like them.’ But they can be turned around’.
Karen suggested that the emphasise should be initially on short term goals, working together to:
a.)   Clear over grown areas
b.)   Negotiation of re- measuring plots
c.)   Fundraising
She plans to write a detailed site report and will forward a copy to LALGA when complete.

4. Treasurer’s Report – Accounts will run from December to November the following year in preparation for audit and AGM report.
Accounts 2006
Formation or LALGA 13/11/06 initial 14 members - £70
Account opened with Norwich and Peterbourgh Building Society, with 3 signatories as per constitution for cheque account. The chairman wished it to be noted that as the Treasurer was his wife he was not a signatory as he felt it would not be appropriate.
Membership to date stands at 48.
Possible Fundraising -Needed to improve the allotments.
Ideas Sales Table- during the year selling seeds and plants.
Guest speaker Spring/Autumn
Raffle Cakes
There would be a need to form a sub-committee to support these possible ventures.
Volunteers to grow Seedlings/ plants for Sale
Paul Baggley, Paul Mummery, Fred Feeke, Maurice Smith, Henry and Louise Dennett
Fundraising Stall - Ellen Jarvis, Evelyn Smith

5. Secretary’s Report
Letters were sent to inform the following groups of LALGA’s formation.
Trustee’s of Litcham Relief
Litcham Parish Councillors
All know allotment holders.
Posters have been placed on village notice boards to provide information about LALGA’s formation.
Litcham shops, the Butchers and the Museum were all approached and have been happy to display posters on membership and hold a supply of membership forms, which is much appreciated
A flyer drop was carried in December promoting membership and the AGM.
Clerk to the Parish Council Mr John Relph has placed LALGA details on the Litcham Parish Website, which is very much appreciated.
We hope to develop a quarterly Newsletter for members and will be hoping that people will be willing to share ideas and contribute to its contents. In the meantime information will be shared via parish magazine and notice boards.

6. Election of Officers and Committee Members
Chairman advised members present that all committee members would be standing down as per constitution.
Results of Elections for Officers and Committee were as follows:
Chairman : - Henry Dennett Proposed by Sharon Junge Seconded by Evan Fulcher AGM Vote- Agreed
Secretary: - Sharon Junge Proposed by Henry Dennett Seconded by Lyn Jones
AGM Vote- Agreed
Treasurer: - Louise Dennett Proposed by Henry Dennett Seconded by Paul Bagguly
AGM Vote -Agreed
Committee Members who had all stood down where re-elected
Proposed by Henry Dennett Seconded by Veronica Little
AGM Vote – Agreed
Other members were invited to join the new committee. The committee will meet as per constitution at least 4 times a year. No members wished to join the committee at present but other members expressed and interest in assisting with sub- committee projects, times and dates to be arranged, please check village notice boards for details.

7. Appointment of Auditors
D.R.Carter Proposed By Henry Dennett Seconded by Ron Shaw
AGM Vote- Agreed

Any other Business
Paul Bagguley wanted to thank Paul - The Bull Landlord for the use of the meeting room and advised the members that no charge was being made for the venue, in exchange for some spare vegetables from allotments. All present were appreciative this gesture, and allotment holders present were happy to agree to this.
Nancy Krois: How many plots available for rent?
Chairman’s reply: 20 all very large, 1 overgrown with trees, 1 previously used by high ways department at present not unfit for cultivation. All available were occupied.
Ellen Jarvis : How could she help someone to have an allotment?
Chairman’s reply: Become a member of LALGA , Encourage other people to join, spread the word.
Karen Kenny(ARI): Response, join the ‘Waiting List’ apply for a plot, by writing to the Parish Council and LALGA. (Waiting List for Allotments Started - to be passed on to Litcham Relief in Need Charity Trustees.)
Tony Green (Trustee Litcham Relief in Need Charity) Advised Allotment Holders that rents for 2007 could not be accepted until the situation of transfer of charity documents had been resolved.
LALGA Chairman suggested that this situation required some understanding and patience, and was sorry that the situation could not be moved forward until the documentation had been transferred.
Fred Feeke asked about the possibility of using land as allotments owned by the charity on Tittleshall Road
Karen Kenny (ARI) Advised the need to focus on clearing the present allotments.
Dougie Manning Asked who rented the land on Tittleshall Road Chairman: Believed to be Colin Archer.
Evan Fulcher Highlighted that some allotments appeared to be used for purposes other than growing vegetables asked if this was acceptable.
Chairman response, at present this query could not be addressed without charity documents/written agreements on which plots were rented to allotment holders.
Karen Kenny in response suggested in general terms all allotment rents are annual, any terms and management of allotments would need to be governed by rules and enforced as required.
Veronica Little asked, is an allotment to be used for a Youth Shelter?
Chairman reply, LALGA agreed at the committee meeting on 28th November 2006, that in principle subsequent to consultation with allotment holders that they supported the Youth Shelter suggestion. However it was clear that there was also a need for consultation with other parties. Following discussion with Karen Kenny (ARI) this support with regret is withdrawn, as there are implications for allotment use.
Nancy Krois: Asked about consideration being given to making the allotment regeneration into a TV project or discussion topic for radio or news papers.
Chairman’s response, to encourage Nancy to write letters and make enquires and feed back results to LALGA committee and members.
Nancy agreed to do this.
Henry Dennett (Chairman) Asked if all members could ask one other member to join LALGA to increase the possibility to regenerate this part of Litchams heritage and community resource.
Sue Patterson Asked about smaller plots or possibility of sharing a plot.
Chairman: Hopefully in the future this would be possible as some plot holders have said they would be happy to split their plots. This restructuring would have to be carried out with consultation of all parties concerned, again the Trustees would need to agree to this but no problems were foreseen.
There would also be a need to review rent in the future to increase income to assist with charity viability and subsequently securing allotments for the future.
Karen Kenny (ARI) stated that country wide an average plot size is 10 rods, rent being £25. Chairman suggested that any rent increase would need to be gradual and sensible.
Veronica Little Will LALGA and Litcham Relief in Need Charity meet regularly? Chairman: It is hoped this will be the case in the future, again the lack of charity documentation means nothing can happen at present.
Chairman asked those present ‘What would you like?’
Two Reponses
Douglas Manning- to get allotments back to how they were. Tidy them up.
Ronnie Hewitt – to sort the allotments out.
All present thanked for their attendance and contribution, and invited to stay for informal chat and refreshments
Chairman suggested Allotment Holders continue to work to tidy there own plots and help each other to do so.
Clearing dates for people happy to help, to be arranged following next committee meeting. To be confirmed by posters or in the parish magazine.
Membership cards, LALGA introduction leaflet and receipts distributed to those present by Treasurer. Newly registered members will receive
their membership cards as soon as possible, following the meeting AGM. members will be affiliated to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Limited as soon as is reasonably possible.
New members are sought and continue to have membership for 2007 until November as the accounts run. Following this time all new members and renewals of membership will be for 2008.
8. Meeting Closed 8.30p.m.

For more information about LALGA please contact
Lyn Jones, Treasurer 01328 701062 or Nancy Krois, Secretary 01328 701747.

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