2026 AGM Important Information

The Committee met on Monday, September 7th and discussed several issues which will be raised at the Annual Geneal Meeting to be held on Monday, October 19th at 19.30 in the ComradesClub.

This year has been challenging for the committee as several key posts fell vacant during the year. We need to create a more resilient and sustainable committee structure to manage the business of RAHA, by introducing terms of o ice and staggering elections to the posts. This will be the start of a transition period to the new arrangements.

1. We will be electing the following posts:

• a. Chair – to be elected for a 2 year term
• b. Treasurer – to be elected for a 3 year term
• c. Membership Secretary – to be elected for a 3 year term
• d. Estate Manager- to be elected for a 2 year term
• e. 2 general committee members to be elected for a 2 year term and 2 general committee members to be elected for 1 year

If you would like to be considered for any of these posts, an application must be submitted by email to info@romseyallotments.org.uk including the name of the persons nominating and seconding you to reach us by Monday October 12th 2026, On the evening, we will ask all candidates to introduce themselves and say in a few words what they hope to bring to the committee. If any posts are contested by more than 1 candidate, elections will be made by a show of hands.

2. The committee is proposing that the membership element of the rent be increased by £2 to £14 for the coming year (2026/27) to cover the increase in rent paid to Broadlands.

3. The rent will need to be paid by bank transfer. We are no longer able to accept cheques. Anyone who cannot pay by this means needs to discuss their situation with the treasurer.

4. We want to generate a 3-5 year investment programme, with key priorities to include security, creating equality of access to water for all plotholders, a site survey.

Other items to note are that the hedge between Southampton Road and the allotments will be trimmed on September 22nd; contractors will be on site on September 28th to set up equipment and do necessary tree felling work before returning to replace the high voltage overhead cable October 5-15th. We will also be maintaining a programme of social events as we head towards autumn – watch out for the dates.

I hope as many of you as possible will attend the AGM and share your views on how you would wish to see RAHA invest in facilities for the allotment holders.

Jenifer Smith

Interim Chair, RAHA

Upcoming Events

2026

Wassail Party – Community plot 10/01/2026

Tree pruning course – end of January

Plant swap 10 or 31st May

2025

BBQ – Community plot 30/8/2025 17:00-20:00

AGM – Comrades club 27/10/2025 19:00

Guy Fawkes Party 2/11/2025 TBC

2024 AGM

See the AGM minutes for all discussion

Thefts

It is sad report that we have been seeing an increase in break in’s & thefts at our beloved Romsey allotments. It appears to be happing on differing days of the week & at varying hours of the day. Myself being the latest victim, at 14:30pm on Friday afternoon with neighbouring plots holders in plain view. Brazen! I DO know that the committee have/are discussing possible measures to help elevate this (update to follow), however even if we do lock the gates during the night and install CCTV, I do feel that we can not completely irradiate this type of thing. Nevertheless we can try to protect ourselves the best we can by;

• Only keeping bare essential tools & equipment on our plots
• Take any valuable tools home & bring back as and when needed or borrow between plot neighbours
• Install Wildlife cameras on your plot (or dummy cameras)
• Question anyone you do not recognise (genuine members & visitors will not be offended, they understand that you are looking out for them too)
• DO NOT try to physically challenge/Stop/Restrain any person(s) found to be acting unlawful!
• Please report thefts & suspicious behaviour to the Police. I know that to some, this will feel like a complete waste of time, however the more reports the police receive, will enable them to build a case and act accordingly.
• Visiting your plot at differing days & times (if possible) may help with the element of surprise.
• Remember the majority of people are nice & decent human beings. Smile & say hello, you may just brighten their day, and your own!

Please understand that I am NOT condoning the actions of said thief(s) nor do I believe that we should have to put up & accept this! Unfortunately we live in a world where there will always people who feel them can take what they want without a care for the person(s) they are taking from.

This is of course just my opinion. Kind regards Gemma.

La Ronde 2023

This years La Ronde was a great success. A massive thank you goes to all our members who supported us by tidying up plots, hedges & pathways, to those whom made scarecrows and decorated their plots, for all of you who kindly donated some of your fruits, vegetables & homemade produce and for everyone who helped run & mange the day. Thank you.