Millfield Allotments Association

NAME:

​

The name of the Association shall be “Millfield Allotments Association”

​

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION:

​

The Association exists:

1. To promote the interests of allotment holders and to take joint action for the benefit of members

2. To co-operate with any committee set up by government, local authorities or other bodies, to further the interests of allotment holders

3. To co-operate with any committee, local authority, national or local body set up to provide seeds, potatoes, tools etc for allotment holders

4. To take whatever steps required with the local authority for the good management and cultivation of allotment gardens

5. To protect members from damage, trespass or theft where ever possible

6. To approve the appointment of Trustees for the Millfield Allotment site, as provided for by any lease between the Association and Swale Borough Council or its successors

7. To arrange lectures, film shows, demonstrations, competitions and other social events

8. To co-operate with other gardening associations in matters of mutual interest

​

MEMBERS:

​

Membership shall be open to all persons who are current, legal and paid-up (or agreed free-of-charge) holders of allotment gardens on the Millfield Site.

​

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

​

Allotment holders who choose to be members of the MAA will pay an annual subscription, the amount of which will be decided by a general meeting. Subscriptions will be payable in advance and in addition to the overall rental payment for the member’s allotment garden.

​

OFFICERS:

​

The Officers shall be the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary, who shall be ex-officio members of the Committee. They shall be elected at each Annual General Meeting (AGM). Retiring Officers shall be eligible for re-election.

​

COMMITTEE:

​

The affairs of the Association will be conducted by a Committee of Management of not less than 4 members, each of whom may serve as a Trustee for the Millfield Allotment Site, as provided for by any lease between the Association and the Swale Borough Council or its successors. The Committee will retire at the AGM but will be eligible for re-election. The Committee shall fill casual vacancies. The members so appointed shall hold office until the AGM. A quorum at committee meetings shall be not less than 3 members.

​

GENERAL MEETINGS:

​

The AGM, of which 7 days notice will be given and at which the audited accounts and Chairman’s report shall be submitted and the officers for the ensuing year shall be elected. If a Special General Meeting is necessary, it must be called by a minimum of six members at Committee or a General Meeting. Six members shall form a quorum, and in the case of equal voting, the Chair shall have the casting vote. Voting shall be on the basis of one vote per allotment holder, irrespective of the number of plots cultivated. Members shall be notified in advance of any proposed changes to the constitution, which will be discussed and voted on at a General Meeting.

​

EXCLUSIONS:

​

No party-political or sectarian discussions shall be raised or resolutions proposed at either Committee or General Meetings.

​

FUNDS:

​

The Committee shall open a Banking account in the name of the Association and all monies received from any source on behalf of the Association shall be paid into such account. 2 out of a possible 3 signatories shall sign cheques. Association funds will not be spent by the Committee other than to pay rent for any lease between the Association and the Swale Borough Council or its successors, or unless it directly benefits allotment holders on the site.

​

AUDIT:

​

There shall be appointed an Auditor, who is not a member of the Committee, to audit the accounts and submit a Report to the Annual General Meeting.

​

This Constitution was accepted at the first AGM of the Association, on 19th November 2002.