DAGA Plot Inspections 2017

Annual Bank Holiday Plot Inspection – May 01-03 2017 carried out by the Plot Inspection and Allocation Group ( PIAG)

1. Plots and Membership

As established at the November AGM of 2013, the plot inspection function was combined with custody of the waiting list. Since the last report, PIAG has:

created one full plot and two half plots
twice subsumed two half plots into one plot.
welcomed FIVE new members this year: JH and PC (plots E6A & B...) K and E (Plot E3) and N (Plot ?B).
lost four members who were not looking after their plots.

DAGA now consists of 64 Plots, 58 Members and 22 Associate members.

This is now a large Association and all members have responsibilities to assist in its successful operation.

PIAG report to the DAGA Organising Group on completion of May inspection.

2. Procedure:

1 This is the third time the inspection has taken place at May Day Bank holiday. This is earlier than previous inspections which were conducted ONE MONTH later at the May Bank Holiday weekend.

2 The earlier date allows DAGA to identify plots causing concern and to enter into dialogue with the plot holders concerned. If the plot is being given up, this results in people on the waiting list being contacted intime for the growing season.

3 The inspection pro forma is based on the Rules of DAGA as agreed at the AGM of 2012 (which can be found on the website at http://deptfordallotments.shutterfly.com ) and individual contractual obligations. Plot-holders are required to demonstrate 80% cultivation (agreed at November 2013 AGM).

4 PIAG reviewed the members’ list so that it accurately captures plot-holders and associates. This information is passed on to the Secretary who is solely responsible for updating the xls database which is now password protected.

5 We are pleased to say that CS (Plot 41) has re- joined the existing PIAG team following the November 2016 AGM.

PIAG now consists of RS Convenor (plot18) and SW (plot 01) SN (Plot 30) and EJ (Plot 39). As always, other plot-holders are invited to join.

2. Standards

The standard of plots is the best ever. We should all take pride in the site which has improved year on year. Members have carried out some fantastic work at the top end where the jungle has been cleared and a big extra plot created along with a dedicated bee area. Compliments should be paid to JH, IF and PC.

We can now safely say that DAGA stretches all the way to the Nunhead / Peckham railway line and that we are at last using the full length of the land offered to us. A special mention to IF who has been instrumental in this steady development over the past 10 years to return DAGA to its original boundaries and approaching 100% occupancy!

Similarly, those plots at the top end have made further progress in taming the wilderness they inherited and nearly all plots are now using the maximum space. Those plot holders have not had an easy task and deserve special praise for all their efforts over the past five years or so. With so many more plots and in particular female members operating at the top end toilet facilities should be reviewed - see proposal ONE.

Under the guidance of DS the Path Tsar, and special mention to him for his dedication and doggedness, further progress has been made on the path during a work weekend in April. Unfortunately, not many members turned up to help so many thanks to those who did make the effort - see proposal TWO.

Thanks should also go to those members who cleared the big tree that fell across the path during storm Doris. That was not an easy task so cheers.

3. Plots

1 Most plot holders have had their plots for a few years now so it is appropriate that the Association should now examine more closely how its land is being used.

DAGA plots are much bigger in surface area than other plots across the country and fees are well below the national average so it is incumbent on members to fully exploit the land. In this report, we flag up those plots that are not using all the land available and by the time of next May inspection we expect full 100% usage - see proposals THREE and FOUR.

E8 - FB
09 – JM -bottom half uncultivated
10 – P - bottom half uncultivated
15 - FA - a lot uncultivated
16A - PS - back half untouched
16B - KJ - back half untouched
17 - AT - back end untouched
22B - AP - derelict polytunnel at rear end of plot AND too near railway fence
23 - DM - 33% untouched
24 - AM - 33% untouched
27 – M? excessive building cover
28 - MR - untouched
36 – SM - neglected
39A – RO - neglected
43 - BB - 50% is grass path

2 Some plot holders are unhappy about trees obstructing light. We completed phase one of our tree plan last year i.e. trimming those trees that bordered houses in St Norberts Rd. and were considered to pose a threat to the fences. Despite paying for the services of a tree surgeon. TWO trees have subsequently fallen,

Phase two, as detailed in the PIAG Report of 2015, is to deal with trees on plots - see proposal FOUR.

4. Proposals:

1. Work weekends - fix late Autumn and Spring weekends outside of growing periods - Nov and late Feb?

2. Toilet for top end plots - PIAG proposal and costs.

3. Change contractual requirement of 80% cultivation to 100%

4, If the number three proposal above is agreed:

Plot holders listed above at 3.1 to besent a DAGA letter alerting them to the risk they run of falling the 100% requirement and spelling out the risk of penalty
the 2018 inspection to focus on 100% land usage to include an assessment in both May and September.
DAGA needs to agree a suitable penalty/ incentive where 100% usage is not achieved - NB we have people waiting to join the Association.

5. Phase two of tree plan to be actioned and financed. PIAG proposes to approach the company that regularly deposits wood chip in our forecourt. (Please note the last works were quoted at £900 but eventually SW got the final payment down to £650).

Actions not carried out since 2016 report:

It was agreed to position clear signs to remind individual plot holders:

a) of their responsibility to keep PATH clear for the benefit of all; path must be minimum of 6 foot in width ; each plot holders is responsible for keeping grass cut

b) that there is to be NO growing of vegetables within path parameters There is an increase in members growing runner beans etc on pathside of fences thus

1. Reducing width of footpath and

2. Increased water requirements.

c) Inconsiderate use of water at lower end impacts top end members. Clear signs needed to remind Members of collective responsibility.

d) Exposed pointed tips of canes and posts continue to present a serious health hazard

PIAG

May 2017