General News

We are now taking order for farm trailer loads of manure for mid - December (approx.) delivery. The price if £25.50 per load delivered to your plot.

There is a limited quantity and ordering can be made at the Trading Hut or with Peter Hunnable, Tony Holbrook or Karen Lawrence. Orders can only be accepted with full payment giving your name, Plot Number, and contact telephone number. Payment by cash or cheque made payable to Melbourne Park Allotment Association.

Please ensure that you make your order by 16th November. As most plots are now occupied it is expected that most loads will have to be delivered onto the roadways. It will be a condition of ordering that the load must be removed within 7 days to enable vehicular access. Plot holders not ordering manure are asked to bear in mind this temporary situation.

As with previous years the full load can be shared with a neighbour giving each a half load. please indicate on whose plot the load is to be delivered.

The annual allotment association competition was held during the course of July, the results for which were announced on these very pages. On Saturday 9th August, the winners and highly commended owners were awarded their certificates and trophies. Hearty congratulations to Stuart Challis who was awarded best overall plot, Fred Grymula best newcomer (under 18th months ownership), plus John Holt and Paul Wilsonne who both received a highly commended.

On behalf of everyone, we extend our thanks to Steve Withers who organised the judge, collated the information, and tirelessly shadowed our Judge Darren Fazackerley on the day of the event.

Stuart Challis (left), John Holt 2nd from right, and Paul Wilsonne (far right) are pictured with Steve having been presented their certificates and trophies. congratulations.
[webmaster]

The annual Allotment Association competition was held on July 19th, and independently judged by Darren Fazackerly, from South Primrose HIll Allotments. A notice had been posted and displayed on the gates at both entrances to the site suggesting the system he would be using to assess the plots.

We are pleased to announce the result as follows:

Best Overall Plot - Stuart Challis
Highly commended - Paul Willsone
Highly commended - John Holt

Best newcomer plot - Alfred Grymula

Congratulations to all the above. We plan to present the certificates on Saturday 9th August at the Trading Hut, 10.20 am, and it would be great if as many of us as possible are there to congratulate the winners.

Our thanks also to Steve Withers for organising with the judge, and also the judge for the day David Fazackerly for the time and effort in judging the competition.

We are pleased to announce that for a trial period the Allotment Trading Hut will be opened on Wednesday Evening. We hope that for those that cannot make it to the site or shop opening on Saturday and Sunday mornings may find this additional slot beneficial.

Dave Rowlings has kindly volunteered to open and man the shop on Wednesday evenings between 6 pm and 7 pm, and if you are on site or need anything we would be more than grateful to receive your support.

We anticipate that the trial will run until the end of September (which tends to be the end of the busier period) with a view to gauging how successful this step has proven to be.

[webmaster]

Please be guided that the combination on the cabin has been changed. An e mail has been sent by the council to all those with an available address. If there are any issues, please contact
Karen on plot 24
Tony on plot 45
Big John on plot 19
David on plot 54L
or alternatively contact Val McCarthy on 01245 605571.
[webmaster]

Regrettably the Allotment Site has suffered various shed break ins overnight. The incident has been reported to the City Council and the police, and those affected, should contact the crime bureau on telephone number 101 quoting incident reference 395 12/04/14.

The police will take information from those victims affected. Please therefore check your plot as a matter of urgency to identify whether you are likely to be affected.

As a gentle reminder to all plot holders, please do not leave anything of value in the sheds. I know from past experiences that we are all vigilant in this respect, and appreciate that this does nothing to overcome the general inconvenience caused.
[webmaster]

Please be guided that July 19th signifies the date that the Melbourne Park Allotment Association will hold its annual allotment competition. We have received confirmation from an independent judge willing to assess our efforts, and the criteria against which the assessment is undertaken will be attached to the gate along with a notice of the event.

Please be guided that the competition is only open to fully paid allotment association members who have a clearly numbered plot.

Please find under links to the notice which appears on the gate and the assessment that the judge will be using on the day.

Allotment Competition Notice 2014

Copy Of Melbourneallotmentsbestallotmentcompetition2014 2
Best of Luck to all concerned.

Before Christmas we published details of the Orchard Project and that most of the trees had now been received and planted. One of the other items that accompanied this project was the undertaking to leave the ground surrounding the trees to nature (apart from some tidying up and trimming) and we agreed that we would create an Insect Hotel on the scrappy area towards the front of the Orchard.

We now have some largish logs that have been donated, together with some that we had already rescued from a culled tree, to start the foundation of the Insect Hotel. Whilst it looks a bit unruly at this moment in time, the idea is to allow the logs to rot down, making an attractive home for insects, (hopefully all the right ones), which in turn will encourage both airborne friends and foe, in turn assisting the pollination of our trees.

By posting this message we hope that it deters anyone from believing that these trees / logs have just been discarded and would make great fuel for a wood burner! We are still on the look out for some logs etc.

The webmaster will be checking with camera in hand during the course of the year to see whether we have attracted anything interesting to our insect hotel. Watch this space!

Over the last couple of weeks the council has deposited a pile of road scalpings, and set about repairing or filling in some of the pot holes that have developed during the winter saturation that we have endured. Whilst not finished, a hardy work party got together on Friday and completed further repairs in an effort to improve the route around the site. Even the webmaster undertook a turn this morning. First of all a big thank you to the volunteers last week, and a request that if you should have a spare moment when you next visit, there are still some scalpings left, and a couple of barrow loads to fill some of the dips and holes would I am sure be appreciated by one and all.

There have been on several occasions of late instances where the access gates would appear not to have been closed on vacation from the site. Could we please ask all plot holders to be extra vigilant and close the gate behind them on entry or departure. We appreciate that it may be that someone else is still on site, or due to come down to the site, but in view of the numerous instances we have had this year in terms of uninvited access to the plots, the more safety and control conscious we can be the better. Thank you.

Have you ever wondered why there is such a strong affinity or association with Robins and winter or Christmas? A quick google search throws up the following articles amongst many:

The Robin will forever be associated with Christmas, but did you know the reason why? 'The legend of the Robin' is a lovely little story and holds a tremendous importance to some at Christmastime. A robin was thought to have shared the stable of Bethlehem, when the other animals chose not to respond to Mary's constant appeals for company. It is believed by some that it used its soft and strong breast feathers to reignite a fire so that baby Jesus could stay warm. When he got too close to the fire, the Robin burnt his breast feathers. The red breasts of Robins are associated to the selfless service they provided back then and these colourful birds are regarded as the traditional symbol of the United Kingdom. This is why they are found on greeting cards and wrapping paper. [peakdistrictonline.co.uk]

The answer lies in its red breast. When early Christmas cards were produced in the mid-18th Century, they were delivered by postmen wearing bright red coats. These postmen became known as 'robins' or 'redbreasts', and so the bird on the Christmas card was representing the postman who delivered it.' 'Another explanation is the legend that the robin got its redbreast when it was pierced by a thorn from Jesus' crown as He hung on the cross. Sometimes, the robin's association with Christmas became positively dangerous. As Victorian tastes grew more extravagant, robins were even killed to provide real feathers for decorating cards. [wildaboutbritain.co.uk]

Whatever the answer, the cheeky chap in the image associated with this article perched himself on top of various articles such as canes, stakes associated with the allotment. So whilst not necessarily the most 'christmassy' image that we are likely to see, one that is probably apt, and leads us to wish everyone associated with the allotments a very happy, merry Christmas, and above all, a healthy, allotment filled 2014.

After what appeared to be constant rain of late, a break allowed a group of volunteers from the Allotment Association and the Wilderness Foundation to plant the trees for the Orchard Project. With all the requisite number of holes having been previously dug, the day required the team to plant, stake and secure each sapling, then fill with the previously removed earth and top off with some manure. Finally a protective matting surround was cut and pegged, and topped off with wood chippings to provide the new trees the maximum protection possible.

The trees that we have planted include a variety of apples, including cookers, plums, a damson, and a couple of gages. Whilst the saplings (pictured) don't look much at the moment, with careful care and attention it is anticipated that we should see our trees bearing fruit within 18 - 24 months.

The morning was rounded off with coffee and doughnuts, and on behalf of the Association offer our sincere thanks to all those that donated their time and effort to virtually complete the initial stages of our orchard project.

For everyone who ordered Manure, the first deliveries were made to the site this morning, with the balance being completed tomorrow, 18th December. There are a couple of loads that will be deposited on walkways or roads where the plot is inaccessible to the vehicle. Please would those and any affected, ensure that the manure is moved to your plot, and the walkways / roads are clear for access within 7 days, preferably earlier if possible. Peter Hunnable has organised for us this year for which we are grateful.

The recent AGM witnessed with considerable regret our chairman of the past 10 years, Tony Holbrook, vacating his position. There is no doubt that Tony's leadership is going to prove virtually impossible to replace.

Tony's involvement at the site started almost 12 years ago when he and Karen took on their first plot. They both rapidly decided that they didn't have sufficient space to grow all the crops they wished, and took a second. At that time the number of populated plots was probably less than 30%, the hut was not in the best state of repair, and there was certainly no storage building. The facilities constituted a wooden shed - not in the rudest of health - with a chemical bucket in it, not that enticing a proposition when need calls!

Arthur Cornell convinced Tony that it might be the right time to re start the Allotment Association some 10 years ago, which in turn led to the formation of a committee, and then the re opening of the trading hut. The hut itself was overhauled, stripped clean, floor sealed,tidied, stock requirements identified, ordered, priced and sold.

As more plots were taken, membership grew, and Tony made it his mission to meet and greet everyone, advise them of all that takes place, the social events, which were organised with the committee, and promote the web site and general well being of the site, as well as dealing with our general moans and groans.

His keen eye for all that needed to be fixed, repaired, upgraded continues, and aside of the post of Chairman, basically operated the trading purchases for the hut, organising replenishment stock, and taking deliveries in, all of which taken in his stride. The additional organisation of many site specific work parties to strengthen the perimeter with tree planting, fence repairs, to all manner of other general improvements, the indication of tasks here not exhaustive.

By far we are fortunate that at the time of the 'Allotment land grab' for the new property development, Tony's diligence, dogged determination, effort and relationship with the council and specifically the relationship fostered with the builders, not inconsiderable time and endeavour, secured the use of funds to provide us with the excellent facilities that we enjoy today and are justly proud of.

If we look at the site now, 95% populated, hopefully everyone will view a friendly environment, significantly in better shape, with facilities that don't require you to take your life in your own hands at time of need.

I think it would be fair to suggest that Tony's hand of influence has been appreciated by us all, and in addition to all the above, he has also found time to maintain and develop his own 'patch', and build a chicken hotel with Peter Hunnable and Karen. Outside of the Allotments, Tony has many interests. A keen fisherman, and avid historian in relation to the working Thames Barges being just a couple that spring easily to mind.

It would be completely remiss of us, if we did not recognise on behalf of everyone the enormity of the input that Tony has provided to the Allotment Association. This recognition in part was undertaken at the Mulled Wine and Mince pie morning with a presentation and gift, a small token of our appreciation, and hope that the additional detail, albeit brief in relation to Tony's tenure as Chairman, appropriately recognises and pays tribute to such endeavour and friendship, that has stimulated a sense of real community.

On behalf of us all, thank you Tony.

The Annual Mulled Wine and Mince pie morning was held on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who turned up on the day and we hope that the fayre provided was enjoyed by all. Tony's now legendary mulled wine proved rather popular, so much so that there was none left for the author of the website, hugely disappointing. On a more serious note, we broadcast at the AGM that we would recognise the services of Arthur Cornell and Tony Holbrook at this event, the former in view of his long term association with the Allotments, and the latter for his enormous contribution to the Allotment Association which Peter described as 'going well beyond that which anyone could expect of someone'.

There are several articles on the web site that provide a little insight in relation to Arthur Cornell, and am sure that if prompted Tony and Arthur would be delighted to regale you with some of the stories over the history of the Site. Arthur was presented with a framed photograph originally taken on his 90th birthday, when many of the plot-holders helped him celebrate the day, as official recognition of his post as 'Honorary President'.

Tony regrettably vacated the post of Chairman this year, and all those associated with the Allotments will understand what a significant impact he has had. The Association presented Tony with a gift that had appropriate personal interest as a small token of our gratitude. A more detailed post will appear on the site that highlights in a little more detail the contribution that Tony has made. A gallery containing a few images from the morning, including the presentations can be viewed by following this link http://www.melbpark.com/xmas-mulled-wine-2013

A hugely enjoyable morning would not be complete without a huge vote of thanks to all the helpers and organisers on Friday and Saturday pre and post event that made everything possible.

As regular readers of the news section, and from a view of the Allotment site on entry will attest, the Orchard Project gathered pace during October, to the point where we are ready to plant the trees. 40 dwarfing stock fruit trees will be delivered to us early morning on the 17th, and we are therefore holding a tree planting day so that we can get the stock in the ground straight away to provide the best possible chances of these trees flourishing.

Peter Hunnable has offered to provide guidance in terms of exactly what we need to do at the planting stage, and we are expecting an additional load of manure to be delivered specifically for this project. There is already a load of chippings on site to surround the base of the trees.

Similar to the Orchard dig, refreshments and potentially doughnuts (as they seemed to go down very well) will be available. Whilst we appreciate the day is rather close to Christmas, and all of us have busy schedules, there is only so much pre Christmas spirit and shopping that we can endure, and look forward to seeing anyone who would be willing to volunteer on the morning to assist. we are expecting to start around 1000 - 1030, and hoping to be complete by 1400.

Thanks in advance

The trading hut has available a stock of quality timber, posts, or stakes. With the increasing use of frames, supports, stakes, and materials generally on the allotments it was considered that this may be an appropriate item to stock, and there has already been considerable demand. Prices, size and quantity available at the trading hut.

Once again we have to record the dispiriting news that the Allotments have suffered a series of shed break ins on Monday Night. We have been round and catalogued those sheds that seem to have been targeted, and in those that we have met plot holders yesterday determined that little if anything has been stolen. However, in some cases quite extreme force has been used to prize open doors, or gain access, and therefore all sheds will require some element of repair outside of replacement locks or catches etc.

The incident has been reported to the City Council Allotment Officer, and also to the police. However, individual plot holders have to report the crime, we cannot just record it en bloc, and each individual report will be added to the overall incident record or crime number. For reference the crime number is CF0970481213.

Following the storms that hit England overnight Sunday and Monday Morning, the allotment site has suffered some damage, although talking to most on site today, less than we may have feared. There are unfortunately a couple of sheds that have been uprooted, fleece and black covering scattered, and some damage to less rigorous structures (cane trellis for beans) and some smaller cloches or covered frames.

The shed pictured has come to rest on a water stand pipe, - our apologies if this is your structure. We would recommend Plot holders to check their sites as soon as possible.

Anyone visiting the Allotment site over the next few days could be forgiven for thinking that we have had a giant mole attack. Mounds of earth now litter the top of the site where a series of holes dug in preparation for the dwarf stock trees that we have ordered to start our allotment orchard project.

Blessed with decent weather, the volunteers, including support from the Wilderness Foundation quickly excavated 40 holes, spurred on by the promise of tea, coffee, biscuits and doughnuts.

Our sincere thanks to all those that volunteered and assisted on the day and made light work of the requirement.

Please watch the web site for further information in relation to this project.