CHAIRMAN’S REPORT


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AGM 14th December 2024

This is an abbreviated version of Tony O’Connor’s report covering 2024.

This report outlines our Society’s achievements and challenges in the past year, and also its exciting prospects ahead. It is encouraging to observe that our Society continues to flourish as evidenced by the continued presence of the many longstanding and new Members. Each Member's commitment significantly contributes to the success of our Society and enjoyment of our very special allotment and garden site.

The past year has been unusual as far as our Chair, David Lay found that due to work commitments he felt he had to resign from the Committee as he could not give it and his role the time it required and deserved. In David’s absence I assumed the role as Acting Chair and Kin Tse took over the role as Acting Vice-Chair. I am pleased to advise that David remains a remarkable supporter of our Society and Committee and I thank him on their behalf for his work as Chair and his continued support and involvement in developing the Committee’s objectives during this year.

An accidental fire destroyed the Bee Shed earlier this year and it is to be repaired / replaced 2025.

Ensuring the security of our allotment site remains a top priority for the Committee and it consistently reviews the security measures. Regrettably, the past year witnessed a few break-ins, resulting in the theft of goods from sheds along with some damage to sheds. It is not possible to completely secure the site, however additional CCTV cameras have been installed and, following their successful installation, these will be increased in number and locations. The Society has also agreed with its adjoining neighbour, Shirley Oaks Management Limited, that anti-climbing paint may be applied to the cappings of the boundary wall along Primrose Lane. These works will be undertaken during 2025.

Objectives for the coming year:

  • Instigate procedures for the encouragement of Volunteers.
  • Complete redraft of Society Regulations for Committee approval mid-2025 and for introduction before plot letting.
  • TRADING CENTRE OPENING TIMES : REOPENING WEEKEND 11TH JANUARY 2025 SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10.30AM TO 12.15PM
  • Complete Society Health and Safety site-wide Policy for completion mid 2025
  • Complete redraft of Society Rules for Committee consideration, third quarter of 2025. Members’ consultation late 2025 and Members approval via SGM prior to the 2025 AGM.
  • Investigate measures to support new plot holders.
  • Investigate measures to increase use of hiring the Hall.
  • Ongoing review of measures for improving site-wide security.
  • Investigate Feasibility and Demand for Development of an Area With Raised Beds for Senior Members / Retiring Plot Members: prepare proposal for Committee consideration 2025.
  • Continue improvement of the Society’s visibility via internet, local churches, and community organisations.

In conclusion:

2024 has been another successful year for our Society. Notwithstanding this it is recognised that the Society has and is experiencing much change including demographics, legislation, threats of changes in planning. In recognition of this the Committee is undertaking reviews in a number of areas, including Rules. It is monitoring Croydon’s Development Plans. It is also looking at how it can improve in the encouragement of volunteers, social events, uses of its facilities, visibility to Members and the wider Community. It looks forward to concluding many of these matters in 2025 and to the continued future success of our Society.

AWSLG Committee
December 2024