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This is a copy of the most recent general newsletter to members.

If viewed at a later date then some of the information may have changed.

To all HBAGA members 24/11/23

Plot Rents

There were no changes to annual rents or associate fees at the AGM so rents remain at £50 for a full plot - with others in proportion (half plots cost £25

etc). Each rent payment will be increased by £1 for Association membership as usual – so the total amount to be paid will be £26, £51, etc.

Plot rents become due on 1 st January and must be paid by the end of that month.

We start taking rents from the beginning of December. Please pay in the Shopby cash, cheques or card.

In the past some members have paid for rents and other items by BACS.

However, this adds to our admin work and we now have card payments as an option. So – please do not use BACS.

If you cannot pay as suggested then let me know and we will work out an alternative. Please do not forget. The assumption is that if you do not pay within the next two months then you no longer wish to keep your plot(s).

Please bring your Rent Card to the Shop to be updated (assuming you haven’tlost it!).

Obviously we record all rent payments but as an additional check this year we will be issuing you with a simple receipt as proof of payment.

We may take the opportunity when collecting rents and fees tp ask if you have any exprience (and time) to help the Association.It’s always good to have help for general work around the sites but specific talents such as welding, carpentry,tiling - whatever - could be particularly valuable.

Associate Members

Annual subscriptions will also be due from January so please remember to pay your £1 next time you visit the Shop.

AGM Outcome

Jean Law has been our President for many years and has been a very valued presence in our Committee. She has decided that the time has come for her to withdraw and we thank her very much for her contribution to the Association.

Jean will be difficult to follow and there are no current plans to find a successor.

Ralph and Sue Laughton recently withdrew from the management of the Station

Road site and elections on the Jessops site resulted in changes there. Thanks

are due to Ralph, Sue, Roger and Rob for their past work.

The new Committee consists of -

President Not filled

Chairman Dennis Jennens

Vice Chair Dave Sidders

Secretary Kathy Farr

Treasurer Dave Gardner

Social Secretary Vacant

Shop Manager Dave Gardner

Cross Street Manager Andy Shilling

Cross Street Assistant Vacant

Eddington Lane Manager Kevin Tracy

Eddington Lane Assistant Alan Barber

Jessops Manager Debbie Williams

Jessops Assistant Vicki Blatt

Station Road Manager Ken Driver

Station Road Assistant Vacant

and we welcome the new names on the Committee.

A question about the organisation of the recent Jessops election was raised and discussed at some length and the possibility of installing Defibrillators was also mentioned. These will be included in the draft minutes which will be issued shortly.

Social News

Margaret Easterby has for some years organised social events and trips but has decided to stand back at least for the time being.

Margaret has been very successful in managing such activities and she will be much missed - but it is open to anyone to come up with ideas and take them forward. Previous events have included trips to gardens such as Kew, to the Brick Lane adult pantomime and local Burns Night social evenings.

There is an art group that runs on a Wednesday afternoon 1:30 to 3:30 cost £1.50 tea coffee included - all mediums welcome.

Contact Dennis on 07763 038 266 for more information

Calendar for 2024

As last year we have a supply of attractive calendars for sale in the Shop. They have been hand-painted by one of our members and all profits go to support Cancer Research UK. They cost £7 each.

Shop Information

We still have some bulbs in stock (daffs, tulips, crocus and bedding hyacinths) pictures and details are on the website.

This time of year is right for planting garlic and over-wintering onions and we have these in stock. It’s also right for sowing broad beans either in the ground (if suitable) or in pots for later planting out. We have the usual Aquadulce in stock.

The Shop will be open as usual (unless we are snowed out) every Saturday and Sunday morning throughout the winter (9.00 to 12.00).

If you are running out of ideas for presents then why not buy gift vouchers from the Shop. They are only redeemable for goods at our Shop. They cost £5each.

Our supply of seed potatoes and spring-planting onion/shallot sets will be arriving around mid-January (weather permitting). You can just come to the

Shop and purchase from the stock - but if you would like to make sure that we don’t sell out before you are able to visit then you can reserve some via the usual email or at the Shop. The list of available varieties is on the website although we have already sold out of Picasso.

The Shop shelves have been restocked with our usual range of seeds from both Browns and Kings. You can continue to place your own orders but the later you leave it the longer the wait might be – I need to have a minimum total each time I order to obtain full discounts.

Horse Manure

We have been informed that there is plenty of well-rotted horse manure (with perhaps some additional sheep and goat contribution) available for collection.

Contact Vicky on 07429 233 000. Stoneyfields, Bullockstone Road, CT6 7NR.

Take your own shovels and bags.

Website www.hernebayallotments.com

Regards - keep safe

David