Tricks
This site is situated between Pynes Lane and Backaborough Lane. There are fabulous views across Bideford and access is good. Vehicles can be parked on Capern Road and a limited number can be driven on site. The soil is excellent and there is rarely a weedy plot at Tricks. Members of the Tricks site are working hard to improve the site and have recently instigated some tree surgery to the boundary hedges. There are 61 full plots and 3 half plots on this site and there is nearly always someone on site. New plot holders are welcomed and there is always someone around from whom advice can be sought.
Marland This site is well placed to become responsible for running the site themselves as an active allotment association has been operating here for a couple of years. Before a site can take the step of devolved management, it must have an elected committee in place which includes a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary. A lease agreement has been drawn up between the Town Council and the Marland Allotment Association for an initial period of 5 years. After this time, there will be an opportunity to review the terms of the lease.
Handy Cross - Self Management
So why self-management – how will this benefit the allotment holders? Well apart from the feeling of satisfaction and sense of community they will achieve from running their own site, self-managed associations are able to access funding through sources that are not available to Councils. The plot holders also have that “ear to the ground” advantage, in that they know exactly what is happening on site, so any problems can be rectified quickly. For example, a self-managed group will tend to know when a plot holder is ill and not able to tend their plot, in a way that is not always apparent to an officer. However, self-management will involve extra work and responsibility for those at Marland and especially the committee members. They are now responsible for such tasks as maintaining the waiting list, letting the plots, collecting rents, provision of water and arranging the Annual General Meeting with audited accounts. The aim of the association is to improve conditions on site, to improve facilities and to increase usage of the site. It is also looking to actively promote interest in allotment gardening to individuals, organisations, charities, schools and self help groups.
Further Information
How to Apply: You are eligible to apply for an allotment if you are on the register of electors for Bideford. Application forms can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office, or can be downloaded from the menu on the right. If you have any further questions, please telephone Heather Blackburn at the Town Clerk’s office on 428818 or call in for a chat.
