Thursday, 2 September, 2010
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In Spring 2001, the Millfield Allotments site was in a sorry state; run down with many plots abandoned, vandalism, brambles and nettles everywhere, tumble-down sheds and broken fences.
This all changed when Sandra Todd of Cheney Road called a meeting in August 2001 of the tenants, with a view to taking over the site management. At that meeting the Millfield Allotments Association (MAA) was formed, with Sandra as Chair,  Carol Bullen (also of Cheney Road) as Treasurer, Matt Care (of Whitstable Road) as Secretary and Alan Stanford (Arden Road) as Site Superintendent.
The MAA went onto action that Autumn to impressive effect, starting a programme of improvements which continue to this day.
 Volunteer work-days were started to attack common areas of the site, burning rubbish, hacking back undergrowth, repairing fences and improving paths and tracks.
A social side was started up, and there is now an annual programme of Open Days with Scarecrow Competition, Summer Barbeques and either Guy Fawkes Night or Hallowe’en Bonfire Parties.
The MAA purchased a container and was then able to buy and store equipment which could be used by tenants – a rotovator, mowers, brush cutters, strimmers and fencing gear.
Communications to tenants were improved via Newsletters and a programme of Open Meetings and the formal AGM, and a Notice Board made available.
 An area of the site was converted to be a communal picnic/social area. Regular press notices kept the local papers informed of our progress.
By 2006 the Millfield site had achieved full tenancy, and now, in early 2007 we have a short waiting list for plots.
Lately the Committee has also been able to support a plan to rescue the failing North Preston Allotment site off Broomfield Road, and is pleased to have been able to help this site back to almost full occupancy.
If you are interested in working a plot at either the Millfield Site or at North Preston please contact our answerphone  01795 530490. Some plots are free for the first year. Rents are generally around £20 per year for a full plot. Half plots are often available.
Further InformationMatt Care Millfield Allotments Association Whitstable Road Faversham Kent ME13  01795 530490  cottuli.care@btinternet.com
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