17 March 2007

Tony’s not the only lame duck leader

A long time ago you may remember me mentioning how I had been press-ganged into becoming our site’s Allotment Holders’ Association Chairman (or Chair or Chairperson – whatever your preference). I had absolutely no interest in taking on the job but decided to accept the post simply because we numbered so few that otherwise the Association and the site were in danger of collapsing in on themselves. If I agreed to this small thing, at least we could continue. Plus, I signed up on the strict understanding that there would be no actual work involved.

I have honoured this manifesto and have resolutely done absolutely nothing towards the running of the Association. I even bought my seeds online when I should have supported the Association by buying through them. Naughty me.

Since our general meeting 18 months ago, Ben, our Secretary, has worked amazingly hard to bring in eager allotmenteers to take on our vacant plots and has, I have recently been told, succeeded in now filling every one of them. This is an absolutely incredible achievement and fantastic news for the Warstock Lane plotholders – we’re now a much less vulnerable site.

Alas, more people also means more political machinations. Chris, she of the BDAC, apparently wants me ousted as Chair. As far as I’m concerned that’s fine – after all, what have I done for the good allotment holders of Warstock Lane throughout the term of my office? I feel certain that among the new blood there must be someone with the energy, interest, time and political nous who can take on the role and do something positive for us all. There are some who want me to stay, however, as there are concerns, I am told, that Chris is eyeing the position herself (which I find confusing given that she doesn’t have a plot with us…). I’ve been thinking for a long while that I need to step down as Chair and hopefully a large number of new people gives me the chance to do that and not feel as though somehow I am letting anyone down.

I am a little worried, however, that the site will end up being run by the weed police. You know the type. The moment there is a dandelion or dock or wisp of bindweed spotted on your plot you get a ‘dirty allotment’ notice (could there be anything better devised to elicit shame?). If our Association ends up being run along those lines then I haven’t got a chance in hell of holding on to my patch longer than a month or two.

But then, well, there go those heretical thoughts again…

Filed under: Plot politics — Clare @ 6:30 pm