Contact the association for details of the site

The allotment site was created in the sixties and was laid out as 10 rod plots. Many of the plots have now let as half plots, this being by popular demand. In order to make the site more user friendly to families and make life easier for plotholders many improvements have been carried out over the years:- 

early projects

These include an extension to the car park, installation of mains water - one tap per 8 plots, a system to collect rain water from association huts and store in butts that feed water butts on the site, the replacement and improvement of the boundary fence and the construction of a sales hut and later an extension to the sales hut cater for increased business!

provision of an on site toilet

After many years of debate within the association it was decided to seek funding for the construction of a toilet on the allotments site. Despite the only offer of financial support coming from the owners of the site, Capel St. Mary Parish Council, the toilet was completed in 2001. The provision of the toilet has lead to an increase of family involvement in the allotments. The toilet was opened by the chairman of the parish council (centre) wearing an appropriate chain of office!  Also pictured is Colin Nickerson, regional representative of the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (right) and association chairman Charles Heath (left).

provision of a polytunnel

Late in 2003 the association decided to construct a polytunnel on the allotments site. After taking advice of the local authority and the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners and seeking the permission of the owners of the site, the parish council, work commenced in preparing the site and erecting the tunnel. By early May  2004 the mini plots were being let out to members at £3.00 per annum. The project was 100% funded by the association. In April 2005 an automatic irrigation system was designed and installed. Rents  have  been increased to £5.00 to take into account the additional facility.

machinery

Over the years machinery has been made available to ease site maintenance and to make working a plots easier. Some of the purchases have been funded by the parish council whilst others have been donated by the association. A ride on mower (restricted access) is available for maintenance of the communal areas. Small petrol mowers are available free of charge to plot holders for cutting grass paths between plots. A rotovator and cultivator are available for plot preparation. The maintenance of the site and machinery is the responsibility of the site manager.

break out areas

A number of picnic tables have been provided to allow plotholders enjoy a break away from their plot. These have been financed by the association's participation village events where fund raising has been on a 50 / 50 basis.

 

the future

Discussions are ongoing with the Parish Council and the village school to create a bog garden a nature area on the site. The Association is always ready to consider suggestions for improvements to the site from plotholders and the Parish Council.