The 1/2 Yearly Meeting of BDAC took place on the 25th November 2023 at Bordesley Green Allotments. A full record of the meeting will go out to site secretaries later but here are a few key points and comments.

1: David Read, Acting Chairman, outlined the need for BDAC to consider the need to become a co-operative so it can be in a stronger position to take over the management of Birmingham sites should we be able to convince the council we are in a position to take on this responsibility.

2: Working with Birmingham University BDAC are hoping to raise the profile of allotments and the role they play in food production, mental and physical health. Towards this end a survey has been produced and is circulating. Please share with fellow plot holders.

3: Some excellent refreshments were shared, including many things grown on plots.

4: With the the BCC passing an increasing number of plot enquiries to the secretary BDAC have developed a system in which a rather than 8 months as shown on the BCC website, BDAC can respond within less than 8 mins. Requests for information and requests for support is going out to secretaries at towards the end of the rent period.

5: Problems: Attendees had the opportunity to share details of problems and concerns. Many sites shared the frustration they have gaining support from the Allotment Officer when trying to remove people from their site rent roll. The need to change and maintain rules relevant and appropriate to sites was highlighted by a paper to change the rule relating to corrugated iron to enable contemporary raised beds to be not “illegal”.

6: Training – BDAC following the success of the First Aid training BDAC are inviting sites to consider what training needs and approaches are relevant to their needs.