General News - General News

Just a reminder that despite the lockdown, the trading hut is still able to provide all your allotment needs. As previous notes, please get in touch with Ray of Karen, who will let you know when they are on site to allow collection of your order.

The trading hut has an array of fertilisers, soil and plant feed, canes, timber, netting and fabrics available. Potting and Ericacious compost, vermiculate and this year we have added Potato fertiliser to the products on sale. This mix is specifically formulated to assist the growth of potatoes, rather than a general fertiliser.



A variety of other accessories, from gloves, string, plant labels, to wild bird seed can be purchased. We are hoping - along with everyone else - for some positive news from the government over the coming weeks in terms of social distancing, which may in turn allow us to re - open more normally the trading hut. In the meantime, we would like to take the opportunity of thanking everyone for the continued support of the Association trading hut.

We are pleased to announce the Annual Allotment Competition will take place again this year, with the judging to take place on July 17th. This event was one of the few things we could safely accommodate during the lockdown last year, and with a number of new members, and seemingly a lot of additional activity on the plots, we really gave the judge something to think about in terms of how good all of the plots proved to be.

Our judge last year, Steve Withers, commented on what a tough time he had reaching his decision as the standard of plots were high, and had never seen the overall site looking in such good shape.

As usual there are two categories, the first for members of the Association less than 18 months, and the second for those more experienced plot holders who have held their membership for greater than 18 months.

Whilst the summer months may seem a long way ahead at the moment, they will shortly be upon us, and the very best of luck to everyone.

Despite the inclement weather, and perhaps the January blues, life on the allotment continues. This is generally the time of year not for the faint hearted on the plot, with various repair jobs and general maintenance undertaken.

Over the last couple of weeks there have been various pallet deliveries (we don't know who the generous donor is), and Foggy has left various pots of herbs in front of the trading hut which were very quickly picked up.

A huge thank you to both or all those who continue to support the Association and its members. Truly appreciated.

Before the Christmas period and subject to easing of the situation in respect of COVID we were planning to re open the trading hut early January. However, it will be no surprise to anyone, following the latest government announcements and restrictions in terms of 'lockdown', we have taken the decision this is now not possible and the requirements prevent us from re - opening until further notice.

As previously if there are any urgent requests, please contact Karen or Ray, who will organise to make product available on a collect basis as and when we are on site.

As soon as there is any further news we will update and advise

We hope everyone is safe and well.

The Melbourne Park Allotment Association regrets to advise a couple of sad pieces of news in respect of two long time members of the Association.

Peter Fox sadly passed away prior to Christmas. Peter was a long standing plot holder, with almost 50 years on site. An original committee member, he could always be relied upon for a chat, especially about the state of local football. Karen and Tony attended his funeral service on behalf of the Association.


Peter Fox enjoying a cup of Tony's mystery brew at the mince pie and coffee morning, December 2014.

On Christmas Eve, Ada Cornell, wife of our Honorary President Arthur Cornell, sadly passed away. Arthur and Ada had an enormous influence and relationship with the Allotment site, having tended plots since 1947 when Arthur de-mobilised. Ada was heavily involved in the local Chelmsford shows and competitions on behalf of the site, as well as competing on her own behalf. The Association still holds various trophies recognising Ada's winning contributions. Ada also acted as the Association secretary when it was re established 17 years ago and was always at Arthurs side in the trading hut, come rain, shine or snow.


Ada cornell.

We have sent our sympathies and best wishes on behalf of the Association to the families and friends of two wonderful individuals who both had such a long standing relationship with the Melbourne Park Allotment Site.

As an unusual and unique COVID dominated 2020 comes to a close, we hope everyone had a great Christmas and we take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy and above all healthy 2021.

Whilst not strictly allotment business, we are fortunate enough to see quite a variety of wildlife on site, including various bird species, finches, robins, tits, and woodpeckers amongst others.

The good folk on plot 111 sent a reminder to the Association in respect of a recent RSPB announced promoting the Great Garden Birdwatch to take place over the weekend of 29th to 31st January, with registration starting on the 9th December. This notice is for anyone who would like to get involved and take part.

The Manure deliveries for this year have now taken place, albeit spread over 3 days not two days due to problems with the trailer. A huge thank you to Peter Hunnable for organising on all members behalf in pretty cold, miserable conditions.

If there are any deliveries which straddle pathways or roadways a quick reminder to everyone to ensure these are moved within 7 days.

Despite the move announced by the government from lockdown to a tiered system, we have taken the decision to keep the trading hut closed until after the Christmas break. We intended to close for two weeks over Christmas as previous years.

We are considering the possibility to re - open early January and will post further information via the web site.

As has been the case over the course of the pandemic ravaged year, Karen and Ray can be contacted (via their mobile phones or the website contact page) and will open up for any purchases when they are on site.

Peter Hunnable has been advised the dates for delivery of manure orders has changed to Monday 30th November and Tuesday 1st December.



A polite reminder if there is restricted access to your plot and delivery is made on a pathway or road you must clear to your plot within 7 days of delivery.

A huge thank you to Peter Hunnable for organising the deliveries once again on our behalf.

Peter Hunnable has been advised the dates for delivery of manure orders will be Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th December. We do not have any indication at this point in terms of what order the deliveries will take.



A polite reminder if there is restricted access to your plot and delivery is made on a pathway or road you must clear to your plot within 7 days of delivery.

A huge thank you to Peter Hunnable for organising the deliveries once again on our behalf.

Following the latest government announcements in terms of Lockdown and closure of non essential facilities, we have regrettably taken the decision to temporarily close the trading hut in line with this guidance - at least until December 2nd.

However, if you send a message via the website or phone Karen (07919 083234) / Ray (07774 985144) in terms of purchases we will organise to make them available, on a collect from the hut basis.

We will phone anyone who orders to let you know when we are next on site so you may collect at this time.

Carefully managing all the requirements for social distancing, the trophies and certificates for this years Allotment Competition were awarded this morning. On a day blessed with sun (especially after all the recent rain), Alex Horne awarded the winners of the Best Allotment to Kevin Baskill, joint winner with Peter Caffrey (who was unable to attend), and the Best Newcomer to Alan Howell.





Places in the Newcomer category were awarded to Gemma Baldry (2nd), Sally, Dawn and Laura Turner (3rd) with the Marconi Belles on plot 111 highly commended. In the over 18 month category Peter Hunnable collected a certificate for third place and Josie Rawlings plots were highly commended.

A huge vote of thanks to Alex for organising the event for us, and marshalling our Judge Steve Withers on the day who commented (as an ex member) he had never seen the plots and site in general looking so good.

Thank you for everyone for being patient with all the 'distancing' requirements,

We are again placing orders for Manure deliveries this year, although the supplier has advised a limit on the number of loads at 15. The price is £36.00 per load this year and we will be taking orders on a first come, first serve basis only. If you only need a half load, and can find someone to share with you, this would be preferred.

As with previous years, the delivery is normally made the first or second week of December, and you need to be available if possible at the time of delivery. It would be a great assistance if you could leave a contact number with Peter so we can communicate close to the time to advise the load is on it's way.

If the tractor cannot access your plot, the load will be delivered as close as possible to the plot and any delivery made to the roadways or natural pathways must be moved within 7 days of delivery.

Please contact Peter Hunnable for any further information, or enquire / place order with payment at the trading hut.

We know the Annual General Meeting is the first date everyone looks for in the up coming calendar as a unique event to attend. However, in view of the situation with COVID, the restricted space available to us and the need to ensure social distancing prevails, we have regrettably decided it would be inappropriate to attempt to hold the AGM this year.

We will publish a summary of the year and some information on the website and leave a copy on the noticeboard, and will organise a stock check and complete the accounts in the same fashion. A copy of the financial statement will accompany the note.

All the members of the committee are prepared to stand for another year, and we are grateful for all the effort and energy everyone provides. We are still looking for a couple of volunteers for the committee, and if you believe you would like to get involved or able to commit some time and energy, please get in touch with Karen or Ray who can advise exactly what is likely to be involved.

We hope despite the unusual circumstances we find, everyone has had a great growing season,

As with previous years we will be organising for a potato order. This year we will be ordering two varieties of potato

- CHARLOTTE - white, salad potato
- SENTANA - Red, main crop

The price is the same as last year at £2.80 per 2.5 kilo bag. Notices will be posted at the trading hut together with an update on the website nearer the time with fuller ordering details.

For more information enquire at the Trading Hut via Tony or Karen.

We are planning to re - open the trading hut on Saturday and Sunday Mornings, between 10am and 11am. However, in view of the ongoing situation with the COVID pandemic, we will need to ask all members and users of the trading hut to abide by some very specific conditions if we are to remain open.

- all members / users must wear a face covering or face mask before entering the trading hut.
- please be patient, we will operate a 'one in, one out' scheme so we can effectively consider / manage social distancing requirements. To be clear one person only in the trading hut in addition to the volunteer (s) manning the facility.
- we would urge all members / users to refrain from touching or handling any of the items for sale.
- we would recommend all members / users bring a bag / box or other so items can be placed directly into the bag should you wish to isolate
- it would be preferable for the correct money or change to be available so we can avoid too much cash handling. There will be a pot or receptacle on the desk in the trading hut to place cash within
- if you have any symptoms at all, or have been in contact with anyone displaying symptoms, please do not enter the trading hut or allotment site.

We are planning to re - open on 12th September and we would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their patience over the spring / summer months.

Whilst a little late notice, there is a nationwide Butterfly count taking place. It started Mid July and ends 9th August and anyone interested in participating in the latter stages can find out everything they need from the following link.
https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Just sit, watch and count for 15 minutes and help us take nature's pulse by joining the Big Butterfly Count. The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.

Over the last few days we have regrettably had a couple of instances of non plot holders on site, some of whom believe it is appropriate to pick fruit, flowers or vegetables. If you should see anyone on site who you do not recognise please don't hesitate to challenge or contact Ray / Karen or a member of the Association committee (Alex, Kevin, Ian or Peter and Sybil).

In the meantime, we have become quite relaxed as a site in terms of closing the gates behind us, specifically with COVID in mind which is entirely understandable. At the time there were obviously less people about as the lockdown took effect, but now there are more individuals out and about, an open gate is almost an invitation to some.

Could we therefore please ask all members to close the gates when entering the site, and equally irrespective of who else may remain on site, close the gates on your exit. In late afternoon, please take the time to lock the gates, so we can continue to keep the site secure, and hopefully deter any further unwanted visitors to the site who wish to 'help themselves'.

Thank you in advance.

This years Association Allotment competition was unaffected by the country wide pandemic, principally because the judging and assessment could be achieved maintaining social distancing. The competition this year was judged by Steve Withers, who has his own plot on Chignal Road, and took time out to cast his experienced eyes over our efforts.



Steve combined multiple plots to provide an overall assessment with a view in terms of the variety of produce, considering the impact of companion planting and the impact of flowers contribution to the overall view of the plot.

As a long time committee member of the Association, Steve commented on just how good the site as a whole looked, and the general high standards set overall. In relation to the plot holders who had been on site for less than 18 months, he commented on the number of recent new plot owners and the immediate impact most had made and whoever judged next years competition was in for a tough but exciting time.

After careful deliberation here is the overall result.

Under 18 months

Highly Commended - Kate, Juliette and Jenny , plot 111 and 112R
3rd place - Lost the Plotters, Dawn and Sally Turner, plot 10F
2nd place - Gemma Baldrey, plot 13B
1st place - Alan Howell - Plot 16

Over 18 months.

Highly commended - Josie Rawlings - plot 104F, 105R, 106R
3rd place - Peter Hunnable - plot 48 and 75L
Tied 1st place - Kevin Baskill, plots 76,77 ad 78L and Peter Caffrey, plot 73 and 74



Steve debated long and hard in terms of being able to separate out Kevin and Peter, and in his opinion felt it would be unfair to do so, and we are therefore left with a tie for the overall winner.



Hearty congratulations to all the above. A big thank you to Alex Horne who organised the event, and once again to Steve for sparing his time to judge the competition. Also a big thanks to everyone on site - the site as a whole is looking in the best shape we can remember and it was certainly the first thing Steve commented on.

The award of certificates and trophies will naturally be a little low key this year in view of COVID and will catch up with all concerned.