shepperton allotment association
ABOUT US
Our Allotments
Our History
Shepperton Allotments were established in 1862 as a result of the enclosure of common land in that year, in which the land was divided amongst existing landowners. As poorer people had lost their rights to graze animals, collect fuel etc over the commons, they were given ‘allotments’ of land in return, on which they could grow crops. Later, Allotment Acts placed a duty on the local council to maintain allotments.
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In the 1970s, Spelthorne Council devolved control of the site to Shepperton Allotment Association, which has run the site ever since and made numerous improvements.
Our Aims
The formal objects of the association are:
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to manage the site, to promote the interest of all members in gardening activities and to take joint action for the benefit of members;
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to conduct negotiations with the local authority with regard to rents, management agreements or leases, maintenance and any other matters affecting the site;
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to take action to protect members against damage, trespass and theft;
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to co-operate with other gardening organisations in matters of mutual interest; and
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to protect and maintain the site as allotments for posterity.
These functions are undertaken by a management committee, which is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. We encourage all plot holders to attend the annual meeting, which is normally followed by an informal social.
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In addition, the association arranges regular grass cutting of the main pathways, the provision and maintenance of toilet facilities on site, the regular supply of stable manure and bark chippings, the supply and maintenance of garden tools and equipment and social get-togethers on the site.
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The association is affiliated to the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners.
The Site
Shepperton Village Allotment Garden – usually known simply as Shepperton Allotments – is situated in Grove Road, Shepperton, next to the recreation ground. The site has about 130 plots of varying sizes. Most plots are approximately 2.5 rods (25 feet square), but some plot holders have 2 or more plots. In addition, there are several purpose built raised beds to suit disabled gardeners. Pedestrian access can also be made by a gate at the rear of the site, off the footpath between Manygate Lane and Glebeland Gardens.
Our Facilities
Mains water for watering is provided by a series of dip tanks. There are no taps, so hosepipes cannot be used for watering. However, drinking water is available from a tap located behind the committee shed, next to the main entrance.
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Flush toilets for men and women/disabled persons are located in the former trading hut, next to the main entrance.
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Fresh stable manure is regularly delivered and is available to all plot holders free of charge. Wood chippings, for mulching or making pathways, are also supplied as and when available.
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First aid boxes are provided at either end of the site to cater for minor accidents and mishaps on site.
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All main pathways are maintained by the management committee and the grass is regularly cut. Individual plot holders can also use the motor mower which is provided for community use.
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Although plot holders are not permitted to have bonfires, unwanted wood, tree prunings and woody material may be left on the communal bonfire plot during the winter months, for burning by the committee.
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Several wheelbarrows are provided for use by plot holders and these are located close to both entrances to the site
The Oasis and Memorial Gardens
In the last few years, the Committee has created 2 informal areas at the far end of the site, out of previously derelict parts of the site. The Oasis garden is nearest to the Greeno Centre and is intended to provide a haven for wildlife, with several log stacks and a “bug hotel”. In the other corner is the memorial garden, complete with a bench, where plot holders can rest and remember lost ones. Both of these areas have drawn many favourable comments from passers-by as they use the footpath between Manygate Lane and Glebeland Gardens, known informally as Rope Walk.
Part of the local community
The Association sees itself as an important part of the Shepperton village community. In recent years, we have established links with local schools and community groups. We have provided working parties to maintain the gardens at St Nicholas’ School, hosted visits to introduce their pupils to allotment gardening and provided local Beaver and Brownie groups with opportunities to support the Oasis garden on the allotment site and experience gardening first hand. In addition, our Allotment Manager and his working parties help to maintain the border to the public footpath along the southern boundary to the site.
Social get-togethers
Twice a year, the committee organises informal social gatherings for plot holders, their families and helpers. There is always a plentiful supply of food and drink for which no charge is made. Socials are held on the allotment site and normally take place in June and December. They provide an opportunity for new members to get to know fellow plotholders, as well as enjoying good company. In addition, our Annual General Meeting in October is followed by an informal social.