Working with the Community
Our Constitutional objective is ‘to promote the preservation and conservation of the allotment site at Moss Row’ and promote the benefits of allotment gardening to the wider community.
Since becoming self-managed, the site has developed into a thriving community resource with 22 plots of varying sizes, wildlife area and pond, surrounded by an edible, wildlife friendly hedge.
Grants from ‘The Lottery Fund’ provided the site with boundary fencing, Township grants supported by local councillors gave the Society the means to plant hedging and develop the wildlife area and woodland.
The Society enjoy taking part in community events, welcoming annual visits by school groups, working with ‘The Green Volunteers’, planting native trees in the Moss Row woodland corridor. We have taken part in Township in Bloom 2015, 2016, 2017 top category of OUTSTANDING and THRIVING in 2018. We have hosted PETRUS People, Rochdale Photographic Society, Rochdale Artists and have forged an association with the local WI group. Events such as a Bat Night and several Open Days keep us from becoming a "closed gate community".
The Society is committed to the on-going development and improvement of the site and surrounding Moss Row corridor, and to maintain and protect the unique features of the area for the Norden Community.
Welcome to our Website
We are a small self-managed allotment society formed to develop and improve the allotments at Moss Row in the centre of Norden.
The site currently has 29 plots with many of them more manageable, half plots. The rental for a plot is set based on size of plot allocated - currently 40p/m2. ( 1/2 plots are now the norm approx 125m2)
We are always happy to make contact with anyone looking for an allotment and also welcome children's groups and other local groups or societies.
Not only is Allotmenteering a very popular activity, it keeps you fit, provides you with fruit and vegetables and helps preserve the local wildlife. You might even make some new friends. >>> FIND US
Dates & General Information
The website has been slimmed down substantially and only basic information provided. Enquiries for a plot to the Secretary of MRCAS at the following email address mossrowcanew@gmail.com
Message from the New Secretary of MRCAS
Leanne Riddings was voted was voted in as Secretary at the May 2023 AGM.
From the tenants point of view there are no changes other than the new email address that you need to use if you need to contact me/the committee, this is; mossrowcanew@gmail.com
A few things .........
To let you know, we have a new tenant at the allotments, Simon, who has taken over Paul Lucas' old plot. This is situated in the bottom corner at the Moss Row end. Some of you have already met Simon as he attended the last working party , for those that didn't meet him, I'm sure you'll join me in giving him a warm welcome.
The 'In Bloom' judging of the allotments was on Wednesday 5th July. Thanks to everyone who helped to make the communal areas look good, together with personal plots and any areas near plots such as pathways.
The annual BBQ washeld on Sunday 27th August (Bank Holiday Monday the day after).
We are also hoping to hold an open day/morning was cancelled this year due to lack of volunteers.
If you have any questions or suggestions, just drop the Secretary (Leanne) a line using the mossrowcanew@gmail.com address.
Rent and NSALG Membership
To cover NSALG membership, water, insurance and maintenance costs the annual will be 40p/m2 + Each named member on the tenancy agreement will also pay the current annual rate of membership of NSALG, payable with the rent, on 1st January each year.
There will be NO refund option for anyone giving up a plot, and only a reduced amount charged to new tenants if the remainder of the year is 6 months or less.
Full Rent charged between Jan 1st – June 30th, Half annual rent July 1st – Dec 31st. Keys £10 deposit. Cash or Bacs ONLY, to be accepted for payment.
Working Parties
Though not mandatory it is helpful if each tenant could manage a minimum of 3 WP per year.
Working Party Attendance
Working Parties are vital to ensure the general upkeep of the site. As you should be aware the general maintenance of the site includes hedge work, wildlife area, paths, fence line maintenance, painting, general repairs and clearing rubbish etc.. It is also a great opportunity to socialise and meet the other tenants.
The committee have found that these tasks often fall to the committee members and a relatively small number of people who regularly attend Working Parties. We would therefore urge you to try to attend a minimum of 3 WP per year, so that the tasks do not always fall to committee and a few others. The committee recognises that it's not always easy or convenient for everybody, due to other commitments on Sundays. However, the work required need not always be done on the WP day. There are two members who don't come on the Sundays but carry out lots of site maintenance work on other days.
So please try to come along.. I always send out invitations and reminders well in advance. Your help and assistance would be appreciated.
Plot Inspections
Plots will be inspected monthly and face to face discussion with tenant to identify improvements OR by mail if tenant not available.
Examples: Lack of cultivation - Poorly maintained - Excessive rubbish - Maintenance corridor on plot near fence line
Tenants may be asked to leave if no remedial action is take in good time. NOTE we have 40+ on waiting list
Water
The site water supply is usually off around October/November each year and back on in April.
Security
Local PCSO has a key to the site so that she can patrol. Please let us know if you see anything suspicious. We have now planted barrier plants in vulnerable areas and will continue to apply anti climb paint.
Tenants need to let us know if there are thefts, vandalization etc in good time with approximate dates and times.
Waiting List Application to MRCAS Secretary mossrowcanew@gmail.com please provide:
Mobile Number
Email address
Full Postal address including Post Code
NOTE we have 40+ on waiting list
Please keep your details up to date as we review the waiting list every 2-3 yrs.