General News

The period between Christmas and new year was not one that I expected to set foot on a frost and fog bound allotment, however, the powers that be had plans for the morning, which included one or two surprises – my Christmas gifts. I was positive that my Christmas list contained many things that I wanted, most of which seem to have been supplanted with other gifts that may have been the bright idea of ‘Mrs Claus’, and wholly more practical in relation to project 63. So the host of computer peripherals, photographic accessories, and one or two articles of clothing, seem to have been disguised as 8 lengths of 2x2 wood, wood stain, innumerable bags of compost, wire and ratchets for training fruit along the cut down 2x2, and other such accessories, including the equivalent number of post holders to be driven into the ground.

The general consensus seems to be that the fresh air and exercise will do me good! All I seem to recall from my exploits in 2016 was constant back ache, a snuffly nose, and the ability to be on the site most weekends, some in conditions that most wouldn’t contemplate drawing the curtains for let alone venturing out in. The phrase little and often seems to have been replaced with right away and all at once!

On a very cold frost laden morning, the 16 ft lengths of wood were cut and stained (need a second coat) in preparation for training the raspberries that had been dug up pre - Christmas and gently heeled in waiting for their new home to be turned over and manured. A couple of extra posts are required as I plan to grow a couple of grapes, a white and a red, which were actually on the list of requirements that Mrs Claus operated with for the festive period. Both are planned for the side of the shed and wildlife area, which is south facing where they should hopefully prosper.



Having considered the successes and failures from the initial project 63 foray, seeds have been ordered for 2017, with the emphasis on those plants that seemed to prosper well, with one or two different varieties to mix things up a little. The intention is to also read some of the instructions this year to avoid the same (easy to make) errors from last year, where the Peruvian cucumber rather overtook the poly tunnel and supressed virtually everything else planted. They apparently can grow in excess of 40ft, and therefore planting 3 in the space of 3 ft now seems a little rash, and more importantly heralded no product.



I am also hoping that the world of fruit and vegetable growing is unlike the world of high finance, and that past performance can be an indicator of future success. There were several veggies that performed really well, specifically some of the courgettes which produced and produced, the Psycho Mira and early potatoes, squashes, and would like to view that we can replicate these successes in 2017.

With almost a years experience behind us producing regular trugs of vegetables for our chosen charity, we are considering whether we add a further charity to our donations for 2017. Of course much depends on how successful we are growing the produce, however, with some valuable lessons learnt, the hope is to improve on what was achieved in 2016.

Project 63 remains as it is described, a project, with the principal rationale to grow and provide fruit and vegetables for charitable causes. The hope and aspiration remains to experiment with some varieties of crop that may not be considered by most.

Finally, During 2016 the project has had considerable assistance from various quarters, not least our neighbour Chris, the Community Payback Scheme, Derek, Peter, Daryll and others, for which we are enormously grateful.

A pretty chilly morning heralded the annual Mulled Wine and Mince Pie morning at the Trading Hut, with the now legendary brew lovingly 'mulled' over by Tony Holbrook again proving a hit. A great turn out from Association members enjoyed various pre christmas treats, plus the presentation of the engraved trophies to the Allotment competition Winners in 2016. Peter Hunnable (pictured here with Steve Withers (competition organiser) and Karen Lawrence (Chair)) was judged best plot, with the best newcomers Greg and Claire Saunders unfortunately not present.



A huge vote of thanks to all those that worked tirelessly to clear the trading hut and prepare for the event, produce food and donation of raffle prizes, plus the after event clear up. We hope that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the morning, which leaves us with the pleasant task of wishing everyone a very merry christmas, and a happy and above all healthy 2017. 'Keep on Digging'.

Sunday last was a bit of a shock for yours truly. Having just returned from India, where the temperature ranged from 26 - 32 degrees, Sunday morning at sub 5 degrees on the allotment truly wakes you up.

With the principal growing season behind us, there is now a list of things to do in preparation for next year, together with general tidying up and completing all those jobs, that either didn't quite get started, or alternatively didn't quite get finished!

Unexpectedly the Community Payback Scheme seemed to have spare capacity, with a commitment elsewhere falling through. With all the many additional hands, the team completed the pathways at the rear of the site, plus added an additional border mid plot between the growing area and wildlife feature, before tidying all the pathways up at the top of the site with barrow loads of shredding.

The group also took the top off, dug over and motivated a section of a neighbouring plot, Hat's off all round.

In terms of project 63, the CPS team have built raised beds at the top of the site, the plot is beginning to look similar to the original drawings that we set out at the start of the year, although now looking a little bare for the winter months.

The courgettes and squashes, which had been pretty prolific were now finished, and these dug up, the soil turned over and heavily manured in preparation for next year. Garlic and Broad Beans have been planted, the former relying on frosts to form the cloves, and the broad beans to encourage an early crop, free from black fly that seemed to plague the crop last year.

The Tomatoes and aubergine plants have in the majority been dug out, and the soil turned over in the poly tunnel, which leaves Chilli's ripening off and peppers, but expecting this to finish soon.

Once again, a big thank you to Brian and his team, for this weeks endeavours which were wholly unexpected but hugely welcome.

Brian and his colleagues from the Community Payback Team came up trumps again this Sunday with some further considerable assistance for the man with a plan that can't (pictured directing proceedings, and some would say in familiar pose!).

Project 63 has focused for some time on ensuring that we had sufficient fruit and vegetables to donate to our chosen charity, and in between times various practical activities have been undertaken to get us up to speed, not least of which was the edging and pathway building undertaken by Brian and the team a couple of months ago. This weekend, the focus was on the top end of the plot, with two 6' by 4' raised beds built out of remaining scaffold boards, plus further tidying up of the pathway at the shed end of the plot to ensure that there is a natural route through the site.

In addition to this and beyond project 63, the team also took the top off a newcomer's plot and then rotivated which provides a great opportunity for the new plot owner to make a decent start to their endeavours.

I would once again like to offer out a big vote of thanks to Brian and the team for all the effort and energy put into Sunday, which is hugely appreciated.

The Chelmsford City Council (CCC) have published a pre planning guide, a consultation document in relation to the St Peter's College Site. (a link is embedded in this news article to a pdf document of the entire consultation document. There are also posters on display at 'The Hub' in Melbourne Park avenue which is between the flats and the Red Berret public house (a pdf of these posters can also be downloaded from the site).

A hard copy of the consultation document can be secured from the above premises.

St Peters College Neighbour Version October 20161

A1 St Peters Display Boards


We would encourage members of the Allotment Association to seriously consider the proposals that are being offered within these documents and communicate your observations either directly to the planners on Friday 28th October between 4.30 and 8.00 pm or Saturday 29th between 10 Am and 1.30 pm at the Langton Road Scout Hut, and that written views or observations should be submitted by 14th November to

St Peter's comments
Planning Services
Civic Centre
Duke Street
Chelmsford
CM1 1JE

The Allotment Association will be presenting a view on behalf of the site, and would welcome any viewpoints that are felt strongly about. Please direct these to Karen, Ray, or any other members of the committee. You can also contact us via the contact page on the Association website.

It is essential however, that individuals also represent their own views in terms of the proposed plans. The more views that are expressed is important if there is to be any serious consideration undertaken by the planners.

It should be noted that this is only a pre planning consultation, after which the planners are obliged to digest all the commentaries and then put forward a revised set of plans for further public consultation.

Please do not ignore this opportunity to have a say in terms of what the future development of this site may represent.

The annual Xmas Mulled wine and coffee morning is scheduled for 3rd December at the trading hut, starting at 10.30 am. For all those that desire a break from all the hassle of christmas preparation, would prefer a little sup in the company of like minded plot holders, and avoid the possibility of shopping in the newly developed Bond Street ( and in the process undoubtedly parting company with wads of cash) this is definitely the event for you, and it's entirely free. (We do hold a raffle during the morning).

The highlight of the morning is the now legendary Mulled Wine prepared by Tony Holbrook. The secret recipe, even more faithfully guarded than some well known fizzy drink, or chicken coating, will be once again bubbling away at the trading hut awaiting your copious consumption. Additionally there is the small matter of awarding the trophies for the annual allotment competition winners.

Please support the association, and absolutely etch this date in your diary. We look forward to seeing you.

I am conscious that there has been a little bit of a broadcasting gap in relation to Project63, and hope that this small piece will bring everything up to speed.



The project is now producing 3-4 trugs of vegetables every week, supplemented with generous donations from other Association members lifts the amount which is delivered to our chosen charity. Derek has kindly strengthened the door latch on the poly tunnel,and our good friend Chris,(who has seemingly been avoiding us for some time for fear of the next allotment 'would you mind if') kindly fitted three fronts to the composting bins that he built earlier in the year.



All of the potatoes have now been dug up, and the area dug over, manured and rotivated, the courgettes have been prolific, and the squashes are now maturing nicely as is the small square of sweet corn (duly protected from badgers!)

In the poly tunnel, peppers, aubergines, cantaloupe melons, tomatoes and chillies seem to be thriving, but the experiment with stuffing cucumbers doesn't seem to have delivered. Despite prolific growth, virtually taking over most of the tunnel, there is little evidence of anything that could even remotely be stuffed, and it may just be back to the drawing board with this particular item.



Bank Holiday weekend has seen plenty of activity on the plot, with the generous and valuable assistance of Brian and his team from the Community Payback Scheme. Earlier in the year S&C Scaffolding kindly donated over 480' scaffold boards, which have laid dormant waiting to be laid around the perimeter of the plot, and also to mark clearly the pathway through the centre.

Brian and his team kindly agreed to assist. A few blistering weeks of sun, and very little sign of rain, meant the task of digging 7 inch trenches all around and through the centre of the plot was going to prove pretty daunting. On Saturday, with everywhere else in the country receiving an absolute deluge, and Chelmsford missing out, all the boundaries were heavily watered with can after can to try and ensure that the area to be dug was at least manageable.



The team duly got stuck in on Sunday, and with further watering and loads of energy and effort, the ground was excavated, boundary boards placed and staked, tidying up the perimeter and defining the area of project 63. A huge vote of thanks to Brian and the team for all of their effort and input, which otherwise would have taken weeks and weeks to complete.

On behalf of the Allotment Association we would like to thank Brian and the team from the Community Payback Scheme for their effort and energy over the last few weeks. Over the course of the last two - three Sunday's Brian and the team have tidied, weeded and trimmed all round the trading hut and cabin, and then kindly took care of the ever increasing volume of nettles and other growth around the manure and chippings point at the base of the site.

This Sunday, the team got stuck into project 63, and dug 7 inch trenches all round the perimeter and laid the scaffold boards donated by S&C Scaffolding, and then created a pathway through the centre of the plot. (further information on the project 63 blog).



We would like to thank Brian and this team for the all the energy and effort involved, which is hugely appreciated.

The Melbourne Park Allotment Association reminds all members of the Annual General Meeting to be held at the Trading Hut on Saturday 8th October, 2016, commencing 10.30 hours.

Whilst it may not be the most glamorous event that we hold, it is none the less a very important date in the diary, which allows a viewpoint to be expressed in terms of the activity for the year, and in turn an opportunity for members to express their views.

The notice is a little earlier this year, with the hope that you can etch into your diaries and give as much support as possible by turning up on the morning. Refreshments in the form of tea and biscuits will be available to soften the blow!!!

We look forward to seeing you on the morning.

As with previous years the Allotment Association will be organising full or half loads of manure for delivery early to Mid December. The last ordering date for Plotholders is Sunday 13th November, with all orders through Peter Hunnable or the trading hut.

Full payment is required with the order at £30.50 per full load or £15.50 per half load if you can find someone to share a partial delivery with. If struggling with the latter, the Association may be able to put loads together.

Delivery dates when known will be advertised on the gates or website, and if access is poor to your plot and the delivery has to be made on an access path or road, it must be removed and put to the plot within 7 days of delivery.



A big thank you to Peter for all the co ordination and effort that goes into this.

The successful plot holders of the Annual Allotment competition, together with the winners of the 'fun' Sunflower growing competition were congratulated at the Trading Hut on Saturday 6th August. Clive Emberson, a RHS judge cast his eye over the plots this year and awarded based on a combination of appearance, range and variety of vegetables and fruit being grown to reach his decisions.

The images under show Peter Hunnable, overall winner of the best plot 2016, plus second place Josie Rawling and third overall Paul Willsone. with Organiser Steve Withers, and Chairman Karen Lawrence.








Greg and Claire Saunders were judged best newcomer plot (for those that have been on site for less than 18 months)

Following the success of last years fun pumpkin growing competition, the Association held a Sunflower competition, and managed to secure the expert officiating services of Mr Dave Ling to measure and determine the winning plants based on either height or the size of the head. Tons Holbrook produced the tallest specimen, with Pat Tilley the sunflower with the widest head. Unfortunately Pat was not able to make the presentation and his daughter Karen O' Meara ably stood in to collect the certificate.





Thank you to everyone who took part, and to Steve Withers for organising the competition. Just a reminder, the trophies will be engraved and formally presented at the Annual Christmas Mulled Wine even, December 3rd at the Trading Hut.

Saturday 6th August.

Any purchase of a product or activity that requires instructions to be carefully studied and followed should come with some form of warning. Pretty much a bloke thing (so I am often advised), instructions or guidance notes are very rarely followed, and are usually a bit of a drain on getting to grips with what we have purchased, or have set out to accomplish.

The same sort of warning should relate to the growing of plants. As early blogs have suggested, the writer started with a viewpoint of how difficult could it be, and now some of that rather laissez faire approach is providing a few important lessons.

The biggest exists in the poly tunnel, where the drive to grow some different exotic vegetables at face value seems to have heralded some results, but also some unexpected issues. In particular the stuffing cucumber, whose leaves resemble another growth fondly recognised by smokers, is scrambling everywhere. A quick google search and a read of the notes on the seed packets suggest that these plants can grow to 3m x 4m in terms of spread! Oh dear - I've planted three of these in the space of 3 foot and the growth is now spreading rather quickly!!! I should have read the notes first - oh well, the results are at least eagerly anticipated.

Despite all this a steady stream of produce is now being harvested and sent to our chosen charity organisation, together with donations from other plot holders which have been gratefully received, thank you.

The plot itself has a spray of colour at the front from the planting of cornflowers, candelula, and dahlias, and some small lavender shoots has been planted close to the decking with the hope that this takes and grows well. Lavender and similar plants attract all sorts of bees and butterflies, which are good for the plot.



There isn't that much to offer up on the wildlife front, the only strange looking visitor a couple of weeks ago was this Clearwing. It is actually a moth, although when it first landed looked a little like a wasp. It tends to lay its eggs on current or berry bushes, and some further information can be found under.



Scientific name: Synanthedon tipuliformis

June - July. Britain and Ireland. Small, transparent wings. Said to mimics wasps or hornets for protection from predators. Can be seen in gardens, allotments and fruit fields. Often found near currant bushes.

All Britain's resident clearwing moths fly by day. Several are superficially similar. This clearwing is small and black with a yellow collar and two yellow lines along the thorax which are absent on the similar Sallow Clearwing. Females have three and males have four thin yellow bands across the abdomen. The dark outer band on the forewing is streaked with orange on the Currant Clearwing which helps to distinguish it from the Thrift Clearwing.

Flies by day in sunny weather, often around larval foodplants and can also be found resting on leaves. Males are readily attracted to females, often in great numbers.

Size and Family
Family – Clearwing (Sesiids)
Small Sized
Conservation status
UK BAP: Not listed
Scarce (Nationally Scarce B)
Particular Caterpillar Food Plants
Cultivated and sometimes wild Black and Red Currant, less frequently on Gooseberry.


Information from butterfly conservation website.


..//.. Project 63

Whilst Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall has been campaigning against the unnecessary cosmetic requirements for accepting fruit and vegetables into their stores, we wonder what they may have made of these Potato samples.

Josie managed to produce two potatoes that resembled knuckle dusters and we are curious to understand what may have happened or what circumstances may have prevailed to allow the crop to grow like this. Any suggestions or information would be most welcome.

Every year the Association organises for an independent judge to come and take a view of all the member's plots and award what they believe to be the 'best in class'. The judging is split into two categories, those that have are long standing plot holders at the site, and an award for the best newcomers, those who have held a plot for less than 18 months.

This year, we were fortunate to secure the eagle eye of Mr Clive Emberson, a member of the RHS allotment judging panel, and member of Hatfield Peveral Horticultural Society to complete the honours for us. On Monday 16th July Steve accompanied around the site and we can now announce the winning plot holders.

In the category of long standing plot holders, the winner was Peter Hunnable (plots 48 and 78L), runner up Josie Rawling (plots 104F, 105R, 106R) and in third place Paul Wilson (plot 120).



In regards to the newcomers category, Plot 63 was inadvertently included in the judging, and whilst it was suggested that this was a winning plot, it has been cultivated by long standing association members, and therefore considered it inappropriate to be included in the competition. The winner of the best newcomer category is therefore plot 15L, Gregory Saunders, whose neat and organised lay out caught the eye.



We would like to offer our congratulations to all those plot holders, and plan to hold a presentation morning to award certificates on Saturday 6th August at 11:00 by the trading hut along with the winners of the for fun sunflower competition. It would be good if you are able to help us celebrate the winners on this morning.

Finally the Association would like to offer a huge thank you to Karen, Derek, Josie, Peter & Sybil, Darryl, Dave R, Dave L and Ian who have got stuck in with Project 63. Also to our neighbour Chris, not a member of the association, who got stuck in for a couple of weekends with various building activities. Your input is hugely appreciated.

The last vote of thanks to Steve Withers for organising and co ordinating the judging, and to Clive for the time and diligence in looking at all the plots and reaching his decisions.

The 'for fun' competition this year revolved around sunflowers, which seemed at one point a little ironic in view of how little the sun had shone. However, our overnight expert and independent judge Mr David Ling kindly availed us of his measuring tape and eagle eye on Friday to assess. There was still one undecided factor - what constitutes a winning specimen - it's height or the width of the head. On this basis we decided to award for both.

We are pleased to announce that Tony Holbrook was the winner of the tallest sunflower, and Pat Tilley the winner of the largest flower, congratulations to both and a big thank you to David Ling and Karen for their eagle eyed measurements.

The original plan was to provide a small presentation on Sunday 24th, however we suggest it may be more appropriate to combine this with the awards for the Allotment plot competition and propose to hold both presentations on Saturday 6th August at the trading hut for 11:00.

Welcome to the latest update from Project 63 and we are pleased to report the production of various foodstuffs now well underway, and donations to charity have been gratefully received.A selection of strawberries, raspberries, early potatoes, broad beans and two different variety of courgettes have all been donated. What remained of the magic carrots, - the non magic variety which were actually carrots and not a weed) - seem to have progressed reasonably well, and the patch next to the sweet corn area now dug over with french beans and leeks planted.



The poly tunnel is alive with green growth, with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and a couple of more oriental vegetables seemingly thriving and the results of the latter eagerly anticipated. Finally the area by the shed and decking also fully dug over and weeded in preparation of create a wildlife area, and a big thanks to Derek who has kindly fixed the guttering on the shed, which would otherwise have remained a puzzle of epic proportions for yours truly to figure out.

Whilst the weather conditions seem to have adversely affected the growing of sunflowers, we are proposing to measure all those sunflowers that have actually made it for this years 'fun' competition on Friday 22nd July.

The plan is to judge all those that originally took seeds, with David Ling kindly volunteering to act as an independent adjudicator.

A small presentation to take place on Sunday 24th July at 11.00 at the trading hut, and we hope as many as possible will turn up to witness the outcome of this fun event.

Regrettably for yours truly, my sunflower produced many weeks ago, and is currently a sad reflection of the image accompanying this news article. Never mind.....It's the taking part that counts!

At differing points in time on the Allotment various different mushrooms /fungi have been spotted on site. Whilst we have tried our best to identify and provide some information within this article, any more experienced fungi experts who could identify and advise more fully would be appreciated.



Some time ago, a log pile was placed on Karen's allotment, and two differing types of fungi have now been photographed. The first was a considerable spread of Tramatus Vericolor, apparently quite common and gets it's name from the rings of colour on the fungi. Trematus vericolor translating 'of several colours'.

More recently a rather more glorious specimen developed, Dryad's Saddle Cap, significant in size, apparently edible and thrives on dead or rotting wood. Individual caps grow to between 10 and 60cm in diameter and are 5 to 50mm thick. Often in tiers, the caps are attached to the host tree by a very short lateral (occasionally eccentric but not quite lateral) stem that darkens towards the base.

Beneath the yellow to tan upper surface, the cap flesh is white and tough.



Spotted last weekend on the pathway of project 63, and a small fungi known to grow on areas of mulch or rotting wood, Parasola Auricoma. When young, its rusty brown to orange-brown cap lacks woolly or scaly veil remnants--and as the cap matures, developing grayish, umbrella-like striations, the center area remains smooth and orangish brown. Under the microscope, Parasola auricoma features fairly large, ellipsoid spores and a cap surface adorned with very long, reddish brown hairs.



Recently spied on a heavily manured plot along the middle of the site a considerable volume of Panaeolus Semiovatus, known to produce on cattle manure.

Panaeolus semiovatus var. semiovatus, also known as Panaeolus semiovatus and Anellaria separata, is a medium-sized buff colored mushroom/toadstool that grows on horse dung, and has black spores. While some guides list this species as edible, a few people experience gastric upset after consumption. Its common names are the shiny mottlegill, or egghead mottlegill



Images of the above are contained within this article, and if there are any observations or corrections we would welcome these to ensure that the information contained is as accurate as possible.

Project 63 now has some colour, plenty of growth, and this all coincides with lots of colour around the rest of the allotment site.

For the novice grower there is a lot to be excited about: the potatoes seem to be doing well, and have flowers; the sweet peas are starting to flower, all of which adds colour to the plot, and amazingly we have our first courgette.



However, amongst all this good news is some disappointment. An earlier blog highlighted the fact that we had some magic carrots that had seemingly absconded and determined to grow outside of where they were sown. Alas this rather romantic notion was dashed this weekend when the plants that were supposed to be the projects answer to Jack and the Beanstalk produced some flowers, which could be immediately identified as Fumitory, and viewed as a weed to most.


- not magic carrots, after all, but a plant called Fumitory -


Common fumitory has been used medicinally, as can be seen from its old Finnish name and its scientific species name officinalis. A century and a half ago folk medicine was highly nuanced, and common fumitory was used to treat stomach and gall problems, haemorrhoids, migraines, bad blood, and a host of other conditions. Folk healers had to be very careful with common fumitory: its stems are poisonous and the fumarin that they contain can affect patients very differently in different dosages.

Nowadays common fumitory is generally regarded as a weed, although its red flowers make it an attractive annual in fields and gardens. The species’ seeds germinate early in the spring and the plant might begin to flower already in June. It can stand frost long into the autumn. Despite being common, the plant hides itself so well among other vegetation that it isn’t easy to find. It often goes unnoticed by insects too and has to self-pollinate in order to produce seeds.
Information from a web site called Nature Gate.


None the less, it had to go, and now in the place of magic carrots, have planted some dahlias.

From a photographer's perspective the success of the plot naturally encourages lots of insects, some of whom we would consider to be friendly, particularly those that feast on all those beasties that allotment holders wage a constant battle against (green fly, black fly and other), and the flowering plants, including comfrey encourage the bees and pollinators. Check in for future posts for further wildlife updates.

So Fumitory can be formerly added to our rogues gallery, or our collection of 'know your enemy'.

The Allotment Association is organising a day out to Hyde Hall on 16th July, on the basis that entry is free to all members as part of the Association's membership of the Royal Horticultural Society. The general idea is to make our own way to Hyde Hall for a set time so that we can take advantage of the free entrance.

We have to book in advance with Hyde Hall to benefit from this facility and we will be placing the booking on 22nd June. If you would like to visit, please contact Karen, Tony or the Trading Hut so that we can add your names to the list.