NAME
The name of the Society is Knowle Allotments Society (changed from “Jobs Close (Knowle) Allotment Society” at AGM February 2000) and is a member of the National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd.
Knowle Allotments Society occupies land (situated off Jobs Close, Knowle) leased from Solihull Council to whom all rentals are forwarded annually
OBJECTS
The objects of the Society shall be:
· To promote the interests of all members (plot holders) in their gardening activities and to take joint action for the benefit of members.
· To conduct negotiations with the local authority regarding the use of the land as above.
· To make arrangements on behalf of members for advantageous purchase of seeds, fertilisers etc from suppliers.
· To co-operate with other gardening/allotment associations in matters of mutual interest.
MEMBERSHIP
The Society shall consist of such persons whose plot applications are approved by the Committee. All prospective members will complete and sign the current Tenancy Agreement thereby agreeing to abide by the rules of the Society both present and future.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held at a time decided by the Committee or previous AGM. A Quorum will comprise ten members. The Chairman’s report and Audited Accounts will be presented and the Committee for the ensuing year elected. Members will receive three weeks’ notice of an AGM together with a copy of the Accounts.
Likewise, Special Meetings may be called upon the requisition, in writing, to the Secretary by at least 10 members when three weeks’ notice will be given.
Alterations to the rules shall be discussed at the AGM provided the proposed resolution, signed by both the proposer and a seconder, is submitted to the Secretary, in writing, at least four weeks before the meeting.
COMMITTEE
The affairs of the Society shall be conducted by a Committee of three officers and at least three other members. The officers shall be Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Together with the other members they shall be elected at each AGM. The Committee shall retire at the AGM but shall be eligible for re-election. A quorum at a Committee Meeting shall be three members. The Committee may co-opt additional members as required. Nominations must be in writing and lodged with the Secretary before the Meeting. In addition, they must be seconded, and signed by the proposed.
FINANCIAL
The Committee shall open an account in the name of the Society with a bank. All monies received from any source shall be paid into such account. Cheques shall be signed by 2 of 3 signatories. The Treasurer will report on the accounts presented at the AGM.
AUDITOR/EXAMINER
An Auditor or Independent Examiner, who cannot be a member of the Committee, shall be appointed to audit/examine the accounts.
RENTS
The rents are to be fixed by the Committee annually (to comply with Council rents) and are to be paid to the Treasurer within 3 weeks from the issue of the Rent Notice.
ARREARS
Any member who is one month in arears with their rent shall be held to have ceased to be a member unless a satisfactory explanation is given to the Committee of extenuating circumstances.
NON-CULTIVATION OF PLOTS
The Committee reserves the right to ask for an explanation from a member if their plot is neglected or causing nuisance to other plot holders and the Committee may re-allocate the plot if it is found necessary.
DAMAGE & LOSS OF CROPS AND PROPERTY
Whilst the Society will endeavour to maintain a degree of security on the site, the Society disclaims responsibility for any loss of or damage to crops or property
GREENHOUSES, HUTS ETC
No greenhouses, huts or other buildings, temporary or otherwise, are permitted.
HOSES
Two water points are provided for the reasonable use of members. Under no circumstances can water hoses be left running unattended. Nor should hoses be used to water ground directly. Plot holders are encouraged to provide their own water butts and water their plots using watering cans.
COMPOSTING/OVERGROWN BUSHES ETC
Every effort should be made to compost allotment generated material. On no account can waste material be dumped in hedges or other general or uncultivated areas.
PATHWAYS
Members of the Society are required to comply with the following warrantee included in our Publiv Liability insurance:
It is a condition precedent to liability that the Society and/or its members ensure that all pathways/footpaths are maintained in reasonable standard and free from debris
In order to assist with the mowing of grass all paths must be kept clear of stones and overgrowing vegetables and fruit bushes etc.
FIRES
Fires are only permitted during daylight hours and plotholders must comply with our Public Liability insurers Bonfire Warrantee which states:
It is a condition of the Policy that in respect of the burning of debris the following precautions are taken on each occasion:
1. Fires are to be in a cleared area at a distance of at least 10m from any property
2. Fires are not to be unattended at any time
3. A suitable fire extinguishing appliance to be kept available for immediate use
4. Fires to be extinguished at least one hour prior to leaving site
In addition only dry dead material arising from the allotment should be burned – domestic waste/material should not be brought onto sight for incineration (the Council provides a central municipal tip for such disposal). No diesel fuel, engine oil or similar accelerants may be used in burning waste matter.
It is essential that no nuisance whatsoever (such as excessive smoke) is caused to neighbouring residences or gardens
FRUIT TREES ON PLOTS:
Fruit trees may be grown on plots – providing the following points are adhered to:
· Fruit trees should not overshadow neighbouring plots and should not encroach onto common pathways. Any plotholder whose trees overshadow or encroach will be required to prune them to alleviate the situation.
· They must be maintained in good condition and appropriately pruned annually.
· No fruit tree should be allowed to grow above 2.5m. Dwarfing rootstocks (M27 or M9 for apples, Quince C for Pears) should be used for all fruit trees. Plotholders whose trees exceed this height will be required to prune them back to 2.5m.
· Plotholders are encouraged to grow fruit trees in trained forms (cordons, espaliers and fans).
Failure to keep to the above rules may result in trees being removed
Trees other than fruit trees are not permitted on any plot