General News

Hopefully you may have been following the exploits of project 63 which is now in its third year. Following some successful alternatives to your everyday vegetables grown last year, and some fledgling disasters (Peruvian Stuffing Cucumbers) we are again looking to grow some different crops on the site.

However, I am not too sure many of these could be considered experimental, some of which have been given ample coverage in James Wong's book, Homegrown revolution, and one being grown by a plot holder last year who kindly gave me some seeds to try on plot 63.



So, what are the plans. We have already planted a few Alpine Strawberries to see how they fare (and they are looking in good shape) and hardening off in and out of the family greenhouse (also used at other times as a conservatory) are Asparagus Peas, New Zealand Yams (OCA), various varieties of Chillis together with a couple of Padron Pepper plants, Cucamelons and Sharks Fin Melon (grown by Annie and Lloyd).



We haven't been very successful in getting some West Indian Gherkins to germinate, and we are also planning to have a bash at growing Edamane Beans (Soy).

The New Zealand Yams have produced a rush of green leaves which are also edible, and as soon as we view all hint of frost has passed will be planting up and hopefully enjoying the fruits of production later in the year. The Yams chit in similar fashion to potatoes, and potted up in compost pending planting out. They stay in the ground until the winter frosts which stimulates the tubers, and can be harvested two weeks after.



The Sharks Fin Melons are suggested to be prolific growers needing rich soil and very little in terms of looking after, producing as many as 5 large rugby ball fruits by Autumn, and Wong suggests the leaves can also be eaten.

The Asparagus Pea plant has trailing branches which radiates from a central point, with nitrogen fixing roots. The peas require picking young to promote further cropping and to prevent stringiness.

Please check in for further updates to see how these varieties have developed and grown and some information on Cucamelons, Edamane beans and the progress of the Padron Peppers which I am particularly keen to get to harvest.

Many of us take for granted the facilities we now enjoy at Melbourne Park. We have access to a cabin, cloakroom, trading hut and through various donations and effort from members previously chairs and table to enjoy the all too infrequent fine weather afforded us.

However, all these things need looking after and maintenance, and we are once again indebted to an intrepid band of volunteers who undertook various tasks earlier this week to weed all around the cabin, and strip down, repair and restore the furniture. Despite the numbers of volunteers there is still work to be completed, and once dealt with hope we can afford time to thank the likes of Tony Holbrook, Dave Rowling, Ian Moore, Karen Lawrence,Steve Withers, Les Rawlings, and Peter Hunnable for all their effort and time.

Thank you
photograph courtesy of Karen Lawrence

After a really damp April, last weekend provided beautiful weather bringing the notion that Spring had Sprung. There are now a list of tasks for the plot, not the least the task of continual weeding as the pesky other growths develop alongside the items we really want to grow.

Potatoes have been planted (this is the third year) on the opposite side of the plot from the last two years to ensure we rotate. The broad beans and garlic which have overwintered are looking in reasonable shape, and three rows of onions sown just off the runner bean cage.

Half rows of Kohl Rabi, beetroot, and celtuce, to be followed with further half rows over the coming weeks (succession growing), together with two full rows of parsnips form the starting point for the growing season.

The additional raised bed is to be used for various varieties of carrots, along with the furthest (Closest to the IBC). The mid bed has had the first rows of rocket, Pak Choi, and Raddicio placed into 1-2 cm deep drills.

The Poly tunnel has had various varieties of Peppers translated from the household nursery (the conservatory), which despite the migration of a significant number of plants, still has little room to enjoy the longer daylight hours.



One of the best things about the weekend came as a bit of a surprise - we found two pairs of smooth newts had rather taken to the wildlife feature. We consider this to be a really good healthy sign, with the earlier frog spawn now converted to hoardes of tadpoles, am really hoping a new 'herd' of friendly predators will stick around to help keep the native pests (slugs and snails) under control.

As with the first year, we plan to grow some 'different' types of fruit and vegetables, and have planted out 4 alpine strawberry plants, and a curry leaf plant for starters to see how they cope and what we can produce, and have some further, hopefully interesting possibilities we are going to test this season. Watch this blog for further updates.

Finally, as a bit of a photographer, one of the best things about the plot is the diversity of mini wildlife and the detail in some of the plant structures which become visible. Over the years many images have appeared on the site of all sorts of flies, butterflies, caterpillars, slugs, bees and wasps. Having often wondered about a very specific creature that hovered over the plants with a significant proboscis, I managed to catch said specimen which turns out to be a Bee Fly, which despite it's appearance is harmless.



I hope the update has been interesting and please keep coming back to see the progress of our 'interesting possibilities' we are planning to grow this season.

Various maintenance jobs have been planned by the Association committee over the winter period, but the inclement weather has meant some have been a little delayed. However, one essential task which has been completed was a tidy up or spring clean of the community orchard.

A combination of removing all of the grass which had grown up to the trunks surrounding 40 dwarf stock trees, a little pruning and tidy up, together with labelling of all the fruit trees was completed recently. (our image shows Ian hard at work taking back the grass)

Where we have unfortunately lost a couple of trees, these have been replaced.

A big thank you to Ian, Peter, Karen, Kevin, Les and Tony who all assisted on the day.

There are a few other tasks coming up for which volunteers would be really appreciated. We need to repair the table and chairs by the cabin, plus weed and tidy all round the cabin itself. Additionally, over the years the boundaries have naturally collected various rubbish which in collaboration with the Wilderness Foundation we plan to have a clear up. Watch this space and the Association noticeboard for further news, and if you can get stuck in with us it would be really welcome. Please contact Karen for information.

It has been some time from the last post, and the anniversary of the project would seem to be as good as any time to provide an update. Two years ago, we embarked on Project 63, on what was a much brighter and if I recall warmer easter weekend. This easter, marking the start of the third year, the weather has been altogether miserable, and the hopes of early planting scuppered with the saturated soil. Despite this various activities have continued.

The last deliveries to one of our chosen charities were made in late January with the remaining parsnips, carrots, and a few small beetroots delivered to Sanctus.

From this period, my trusty (and still friendly) neighbour helped construct an extension to the shed roof to catch run off water into an IBC which we have laid our hands on. We coated the exterior of the IBC with a black protective layer to prevent algae and greening of the water due to direct sunlight, and mounted on an additional pallet to provide easy access for watering cans.



The compost bin has been cleared out, and sieved, with the content scattered and forming part of a new raised bed which has been constructed. Two additional beds have been built to house strawberry plants, some of which have been removed from the front of the plot to make way for other vegetables planned during the year.

Garlic and Broad beans have been planted over the winter period, and these seem to be in good shape towards the poly tunnel and we have modified an old water butt into a container for growing carrots and other vegetables.

The manure deliveries took place over the winter, and this has been spread over the plot and in the poly tunnel to enrich the soil, save in the area where we intend to grow root vegetables.

Our house has been converted into an extra ordinarily large greenhouse as usual, with all manner of pots, plants and seedlings covering every last window sill available, with further plants in the conservatory. Everything from Peppers, chillis, tomato, aubergines are being coerced into growth, with the spare room accommodating the potato chitting process. Once again this year, we are going to experiment with some 'alternative' varieties of vegetables, and watch this space for further news to see how we get along.



Just as a reminder, project 63 is growing fruit and vegetables and providing the majority to the Association's chosen charities. During the year if you have any excess fruit and vegetables you would like to donate, please do not hesitate and contact Karen or Ray.

We have been advised the main supplier who controls the Sarpo Mira potato has an issue with quality and consequently the tubers are not available.

Our supplier has offered us an alternative, ‘Setanta’ where the tuber is resistant to blight, and has moderate foliage resistance. It is also suggested the Setanta has:
- An improved taste
- Good keeping time
- Very good resistance to common scab
- Slug damage minimal as they are thicker skinned
- High Yields
- Can be easily roasted, chipped, sautéed and mashed.

On this basis we have accepted the alternative offered. We are expecting the tubers to be delivered mid next week, and then we need to split and bag them ready for collection.

A 'slight dusting' of snow was insufficient to deter those intrepid Allotment plot holders at Melbourne Park, with the scheduled tree chipping proceeding despite the elements best attempts to thwart. Gary Steggall, a local tree surgeon had agreed to come on site and chip the tree cuttings for us.



We did check with Gary in the morning when we saw the conditions to find he was already out 'on a job' with the snow considered a minor hindrance. A Huge thank you too to David Ling who deposited his off cuts and then duly got stuck in to help the process despite the inclement conditions, and to Ian Moore for his support.

Please would all members of the Association be aware of the festive period trading hut opening times.

Saturday 23rd December, Open as Usual
Sunday 24th December, Closed
Saturday 30th December, Closed
Sunday 31st December, Closed

Open for business as usual Saturday 6th January.



I am sure everyone would wish to join us in thanking Tony Holbrook for all his amazing effort during the year, together with the support of committee members, which provides us such a valuable facility throughout the year.

It just leaves us to thank everyone for their support of the trading hut over the year, and to wish all a very merry christmas, and above all a healthy 2018.

Please be guided the manure deliveries are being made 4th and 5th of December to the plot holders who have ordered. As usual if your plot is not accessible and the delivery is made over road or pathways, we would respectfully request the access be cleared within the next 7 days.

A big vote of thanks to Peter Hunnable for all the effort involved in organising and liaising with the farmer in relation to the deliveries to site.

If you are reading this message with a note in your diary about the annual mulled wine and coffee morning, am afraid to advise you have missed a great morning. A well attended event, with Tony's legendary ruby nectar in full flow gave everyone a couple of hours to catch up with fellow plot holders. A big thank you to everyone for supporting the event on the morning.



Importantly we were able to thank our guests for the morning Ian and Liz for the continuous supply of manure which they provide to the site through the years for which we are hugely grateful. The potholders and members of the association clubbed together to present Liz and Ian with a token of our appreciation. (pictured here with Chair Karen Lawrence)



These events don't just happen. A lot of activity goes on behind the scenes to prepare the trading hut, solicit raffle prizes and conjure up food and refreshments, and after the event is finished, put everything back as it was. A huge thank you to all those who assisted Friday and Saturday with all the preparation, putting straight post event, and helping throughout, plus those who kindly donated or prepared food or raffle prizes.

A quick reminder to all Association Members. The date should firmly be in your diary, and with your taste buds thoroughly tickled from last year's mulled wine morning, we look forward to seeing everyone Saturday 2nd December at 10:30 AM.

The annual festive morning is free of charge, with refreshments available, a raffle, and the opportunity to catch up with all of our friends and colleagues on site. It's a welcome distraction from another major event just 23 days away!!!

We still haven't managed to prize the secret formula for the mulled wine out of Tony yet, so the best bet is to simply sup and enjoy.

We are sorry to report the Site has been hit with an overnight break in and several sheds along with the trading hut have been targeted. The Police and the Chelmsford City Council have both been notified and we have tried to contact those plot holders we view have been affected.

Please carefully examine your sheds and if you have anything missing contact the police (101) quoting incident reference 268 dated 16 November 2017. Please also refer the incident to an overall incident number reference the trading hut 42/162418/17.

As previously broadcast please continue to be vigilant on site, closing and locking the gates behind you. Please also refrain from storing anything of value on site.

Earlier in the year the Melbourne Park Allotment Association held it's annual competition. Split into two categories, members with under 18 months occupancy and the second group comprising the more experienced plot holders, and judged independently.

The Awards and certificates were presented after this years Annual General Meeting, and whilst the meeting itself was disappointingly attended, didn't prevent those present from celebrating this years winners.



A big thank you to Steve Withers pictured here congratulating the overall winner Patrick Tilley. Steve organises the judging on the day and accompanies our guest judge around the site, come rain or shine, or this year a combination of both!

For the third successive occasion Melbourne Park Allotment has been awarded 'the best large site' in the Bi Annual City Council competition. Valerie McCarthy from the Chelmsford City Council kindly spared time to present the certificate today. Receiving the award on behalf of the site were Josie Rawling, Ian Moore and Karen Lawrence.

A plaque will be placed on the trading hut alongside the 2015 award.

Hats off to everyone on site. With such a large community of plots it is no mean feat to keep ourselves looking slick and sharp, and we are very proud to have been recognised for the third successive year.

The Allotment Association would like to invite and welcome everyone to the Annual Xmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Morning, Saturday 2nd December commencing 10.30 am at the trading hut.

This is an ideal opportunity to catch up with our fellow plot holders, and a welcome escape from the pressures of christmas preparation. As the morning is completely free (we do hold a raffle) it could also prove to be an economic alternative to the lure of Bond Street and the possibility of parting company with wads of cash on the pre christmas spending frenzy!

We have again encouraged Mr Tony Holbrook to bring out his legendary recipe for mulled wine for the morning, and we hope as many of the association members will support this event and importantly have a sup and something to eat on us.

We look forward to seeing everyone,

As with previous years Tony Holbrook is organising a bulk order of Sarpo Mira Potatoes. This particular variety has proved to be specifically more resiliant to blight and crop quite productively.

The order is being placed on the 19th November, so please rush your order to Tony or Karen at the trading hut. The price is £2.70 for 2.5 kgs.

It would be really appreciated if suitable net bags or other could be donated to the trading hut for when the bulk order arrives as we need to split them into 2.5 kg lots.

Membership Reminder

MELBOURNE PARK ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION reminds everyone the annual membership fee is due for renewal. If you haven’t done so already please make a concerted effort and visit the trading hut to renew for the 2017 – 18 year.

The membership fee of £2 per year remains unchanged from last year and helps to support our activities on site. Along with the generous donations of articles for sale at the trading hut, plus the supplies themselves, this all contributes towards the upkeep of the site, general maintenance, and the ability to host the now legendary Mulled Wine morning in December which relaxes us all from the pending christmas bash.

Your continued support is really appreciated.

Free Chipping Service Trial
Saturday 10th December – 10.00AM

Gary Steggals can often be seen on site providing us with chippings which are deposited at locations top and bottom of the site. Removing branch and woody bush cuttings via a brown bin proves awkward and we have decided to trial whether there is enough support for Garry to attend the site with his machinery to chip up plot holders cuttings. Garry will be on site at 10 AM prompt and anticipate no longer than an hour in view of his other commitments. It would be helpful if you could let Karen Lawrence know if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity so that support of this endeavour can be assessed to determine whether we fix further dates in the calendar.

Regrettably, looking after an allotment is a real commitment and when it comes to vacations, despite the best efforts of all your colleagues, somethings get missed. Project 63 was no exception in September, and despite continuing deliveries of vegetables to our chosen charities, several of our courgettes were found hiding under the foliage on our return. Now the suggestion is, when your chosen veggie passes an optimum size it loses its flavour and seem to be jettisoned. I was determined to prove our king size vegetables still had plenty to offer and cooked up one of our medicine sized courgettes to prove the point. If you are interested, for ordinary sized veg too, you will need:

Olive Oil
smokey bacon
onions, carrots, peppers, celery and garlic, all grown on the allotment of course,
salt and pepper.
two chicken stock cubes
6 ounces rice ( for three people)



First and foremost decapitate the courgette (Image above) and then carefully relieve it of all the seeds and 'mushy type' middle area. Then scoop out all of the flesh so you are left with a hollowed out courgette.



Roughly chop all the vegetables and bacon. in a hot saucepan (quite large in this case) heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil and saute the onion until it is soft. Then add the roughly cut small pieces of bacon) and once cooked add carrots (very finely chopped), celery and peppers together with all the excavated courgette and cook until the carrots are soft. You will have quite a moist pot of food due to the water in the courgette at this point which is fine. Once this is all dealt with and suitably cooked add the bashed and finely chopped garlic and leave lightly on the ring for approx 3-4 minutes and stir in the two chicken stock cubes until they are completely dissolved, adding seasoning to taste.

whilst this is all taking place, boil up 6 ounces rice (or appropriate quantity for the mouths being tempted. Wash through hot water to remove any starch, and then add to your above mix and stir in, and again cook through for a short period.

Place the hollowed out courgette and lid in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes or slightly longer, then drain and place on top of baking foil, criss crossed in the bottom of a baking tray and then add all of the mix, wrap up tightly with the foil, and put in the oven approx 160 degrees for half an hour or slightly longer.

When ready, remove from the oven, and dish up. The longer the initial simmering process of the empty courgette, or the stay in the oven the softer the outer shell becomes, and it is truly just like a soft marrow or courgette at this point and very tasty. Serve with your chosen meat, in our case we coated and seared medallions of pork with a salt and pepper mix, cooked until just loosing its pink tint, leaving a moist piece of meat to accompany our king sized stuffed courgette. (in the end there was sufficient courgette for two lunches the day after!!!)



The above received the thumbs up from our household, and hopefully may allow you to look at those outsized vegetables a little differently in future rather than just feeding them to the chickens etc.....

Earlier this week a very pleasing e mail popped into the inbox in relation to the Bi-Annual City Council Allotment Competition. For the third consecutive year (following 2013 and 2015) the site has been awarded best kept large allotment site 2017. This is really pleasing news and a big thank you to everyone who does their bit in terms of their own plots and the wider association and site in general. The full statement from the City Council follows:

Dear All tenants at Melbourne Allotment Site. CONGRATUATIONS. Following the recent site inspections for the Allotment Competition this year; it is with great pleasure that we reveal that Melbourne Allotment Site has been awarded:- BEST KEPT LARGE ALLOTMENT SITE 2017 In due course we will arrange for the plaque and certificate to be delivered to the Allotment Association. It is only with the combined energies of the Allotment Association and all of the tenants working together that have made Melbourne Allotment Site the winner this year. Keep up the good work. Sarah Adkins, Customer & Business Support Manager, Chelmsford City Council, Tel: 01245 605574