General News
Potato, Onion and Shallot Orders
16th February 2013
16th February 2013
Please note that the Potato, Onion and Shallot orders have now been delivered and are available for collection from the Trading Hut on Saturday and Sunday.
Badger Talk - Update
16th January 2013
16th January 2013
On an extremely cold January evening, the Allotment Association welcomed Frank Last from the Essex Badger Protection Group to provide some insight in relation to the sett located on the Allotment.
The sett was well known in its original location to Frank, and whilst the sett has moved slightly, due to property owners securing a licence to close the original sett, all that has happened is that the issue has moved slightly further along the Allotment. Frank indicated that despite the fact that Badgers are protected under UK Law, it was possible to get a licence to close a sett, subject to various restrictions, however, all this would technically do is move the problem a little further along our own site, and there are also very specific measures that need to be taken within that process.
Frank indicated that Badgers will forage for food for up to 2 - 3 miles although in essence would not travel far from a known or readily available food source. Additionally, even if the Badgers by legal means could be re housed, the chances were that the vacated area would soon be re populated by another group that identified that there was no competition in that specific territory.
Badgers are very strong animials, that can easily break through or dig under weak or poorly constructed barriers. Chicken wire as a form of barrier is inadequate, and strong fencing with heavy wire mesh extended below ground is recommended. Whilst a host of questions were put to Frank, there is very little that can be done outside of fencing of specific crops, or ultimately some form of electric fencing which would then require the support of the council to facilitate which is unlikely to be forthcoming.
A leaflet outlining some of the issues and elements of the talk will be published as a link in this message shortly.
These type of meetings cannot be easy to deal with. Frustrated allotment owners expressing views or discussing an issue with an activity that seeks to protect the cause of that frustration. The Allotment Association would like to express our gratitude to Frank for giving up some of his valuable time, his objectivity in providing an insight into the badgers lifestyle and activity, and expressing some views relative to our position, the law and potential deterrant. Thanks also to those that attended the talk relative to the issue, and for the members that help prepare the hut and make ready for the evening.
The sett was well known in its original location to Frank, and whilst the sett has moved slightly, due to property owners securing a licence to close the original sett, all that has happened is that the issue has moved slightly further along the Allotment. Frank indicated that despite the fact that Badgers are protected under UK Law, it was possible to get a licence to close a sett, subject to various restrictions, however, all this would technically do is move the problem a little further along our own site, and there are also very specific measures that need to be taken within that process.
Frank indicated that Badgers will forage for food for up to 2 - 3 miles although in essence would not travel far from a known or readily available food source. Additionally, even if the Badgers by legal means could be re housed, the chances were that the vacated area would soon be re populated by another group that identified that there was no competition in that specific territory.
Badgers are very strong animials, that can easily break through or dig under weak or poorly constructed barriers. Chicken wire as a form of barrier is inadequate, and strong fencing with heavy wire mesh extended below ground is recommended. Whilst a host of questions were put to Frank, there is very little that can be done outside of fencing of specific crops, or ultimately some form of electric fencing which would then require the support of the council to facilitate which is unlikely to be forthcoming.
A leaflet outlining some of the issues and elements of the talk will be published as a link in this message shortly.
These type of meetings cannot be easy to deal with. Frustrated allotment owners expressing views or discussing an issue with an activity that seeks to protect the cause of that frustration. The Allotment Association would like to express our gratitude to Frank for giving up some of his valuable time, his objectivity in providing an insight into the badgers lifestyle and activity, and expressing some views relative to our position, the law and potential deterrant. Thanks also to those that attended the talk relative to the issue, and for the members that help prepare the hut and make ready for the evening.
Xmas Mulled Wine Morning
13th December 2012
13th December 2012
The not to be missed social event of the year took place on December 1st. No, this was not the second round of the FA Cup, where some of our members could be spied, but the Allotment Association Christmas mulled wine and coffee morning. A seriously chilly morning was well supported, with an array of snacks, mince pies, and other nibbles to accompany tea, coffee and those with a better early morning constitution, mulled wine.
A huge thanks for all those that helped on the morning, provided, made or contributed refreshments, and for all the donations to the raffle. I think it is safe to say that an enjoyable morning was had by all. A selection of relaxed images from the morning can be viewed by following this link. http://www.melbpark.com/xmas-mulled-wine-2012
If we don't see you before, wishing all of the members a wonderful christmas, and above all a happy and healthy 2013.
[Webmaster]
A huge thanks for all those that helped on the morning, provided, made or contributed refreshments, and for all the donations to the raffle. I think it is safe to say that an enjoyable morning was had by all. A selection of relaxed images from the morning can be viewed by following this link. http://www.melbpark.com/xmas-mulled-wine-2012
If we don't see you before, wishing all of the members a wonderful christmas, and above all a happy and healthy 2013.
[Webmaster]
Badger Talk
06th December 2012
06th December 2012
Over the last 2-3 years the committee have been looking into the problems of damage by badgers on the allotments. So far no solution has been found to be possible.
To enable us to go a stage further we have arranged for a talk by a member of the North East Badger Group where we can put over our concerns and problems and get the up to date legal position. All members are welcome, however, we must stress that we do not want this meeting to become a channel for us to vent our frustrations on the speaker, who has agreed to give up some of his personal free time to appraise us, and who seems it would appear to understand the issues that we face.
The talk has been booked for the Trading Hut at 1900 hours, Wednesday 16th January 2013.
[webmaster]
To enable us to go a stage further we have arranged for a talk by a member of the North East Badger Group where we can put over our concerns and problems and get the up to date legal position. All members are welcome, however, we must stress that we do not want this meeting to become a channel for us to vent our frustrations on the speaker, who has agreed to give up some of his personal free time to appraise us, and who seems it would appear to understand the issues that we face.
The talk has been booked for the Trading Hut at 1900 hours, Wednesday 16th January 2013.
[webmaster]
Shed Break Ins
25th November 2012
25th November 2012
For the second week running the Allotment Association has been targeted with break ins with over 29 sheds affected. The police have been notified and spent considerable time on site Saturday morning and took various statements from individuals concerned. If you have been the victim of a break in, and notice that you have had items stolen, please find the incident number and the details of the officers that have attended the incident who responded to this crime. Please ensure that you identify the articles concerned and potential value, and refer to the incident number and report date.
INCIDENT NUMBER 374 reported date 24/11/12
PC 71157 FAWCETT PC 1352 LEAVETT
TELEPHONE 01245 420386 Ext 101
The officers advised also that if anyone feels that items have been moved specifically for objects that are metallic, glass or with shiny surfaces, not to move them further as it may be possible to gather fingerprints, and once reported may organise a scenes of crime officer, although we believe that the liklihood may be slim.
In the meantime, it would be appropriate to take measures to place additional security on the sheds and ultimately, whilst completely inconvenient leave nothing of value on hand.
We will be, on the advice of the police, talking to the crime prevention unit, in addition to isolating whether any other action may be possible in tandem with the council to make such instances more difficult and less attractive to would be villians.
[webmaster]
INCIDENT NUMBER 374 reported date 24/11/12
PC 71157 FAWCETT PC 1352 LEAVETT
TELEPHONE 01245 420386 Ext 101
The officers advised also that if anyone feels that items have been moved specifically for objects that are metallic, glass or with shiny surfaces, not to move them further as it may be possible to gather fingerprints, and once reported may organise a scenes of crime officer, although we believe that the liklihood may be slim.
In the meantime, it would be appropriate to take measures to place additional security on the sheds and ultimately, whilst completely inconvenient leave nothing of value on hand.
We will be, on the advice of the police, talking to the crime prevention unit, in addition to isolating whether any other action may be possible in tandem with the council to make such instances more difficult and less attractive to would be villians.
[webmaster]
Xmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies
21st November 2012
21st November 2012
Clouded by my desire to get to the mulled wine in haste on 1st December, I have incorrectly advertised the starting time for this event. Please be guided that we are due to start at 10.30 am and we look forward to seeing you all at the trading hut for our traditional free pre christmas celebration.
[webmaster]
[webmaster]
Tree Planting
11th November 2012
Sunday morning was greeted with an overnight frost, but most importantly the sun was out to quickly burn off the chill. It seemed strange when you look at the number to be planted, 105, that they fitted into a small box in a wheelbarrow, but the whips all had small buds, and hopefully will all grow and have the desired effect for us.
The work party to plant the trees secured from the Woodland Trust cleared the designated spots, fed with bone meal, and after planting watered and packed with mulch. The team were helped with the fact that on Saturday, despite the awful weather the areas for planting were strimmed and re marked.
Amongst all of the various trees that were planted, was specifically a Jubilee Oak, included as part of the Queens Jubilee year. This specific whip was planted well away from any potential to encroach on the allotments.
A big thank you to Dave, Josie, Steve, Derek, Carolyn, Peter, Karen, and Tony. (if I have missed anyone, please accept my apologies)
[webmaster]
11th November 2012
Sunday morning was greeted with an overnight frost, but most importantly the sun was out to quickly burn off the chill. It seemed strange when you look at the number to be planted, 105, that they fitted into a small box in a wheelbarrow, but the whips all had small buds, and hopefully will all grow and have the desired effect for us.
The work party to plant the trees secured from the Woodland Trust cleared the designated spots, fed with bone meal, and after planting watered and packed with mulch. The team were helped with the fact that on Saturday, despite the awful weather the areas for planting were strimmed and re marked.
Amongst all of the various trees that were planted, was specifically a Jubilee Oak, included as part of the Queens Jubilee year. This specific whip was planted well away from any potential to encroach on the allotments.
A big thank you to Dave, Josie, Steve, Derek, Carolyn, Peter, Karen, and Tony. (if I have missed anyone, please accept my apologies)
[webmaster]
Tree Planting Urgent Update
09th November 2012
09th November 2012
Please be guided that due to the adverse weather forecast for Saturday, rain and more rain, we have decided to put the tree planting work party back one day to Sunday Morning, 11th at 0930 hrs. We apologise for any inconveniance, and hopefully we can still manage to get some more volunteers to help with the process.
As mentioned in the previous blog, we have a variety of trees to plant in the form of seedlings, 105 in total, and the area around the boundary has been marked today in preparation. All the help that we can muster would be gratefully appreciated, on the basis of many hands make light work.
One final point, if you are planning to assist, it would be good if you could bring wheelbarrow, spade, and if you possess them mattocks, as there is some clearing to take place at certain areas where the seedlings need to be planted.
Thanks in anticipation,
[webmaster]
As mentioned in the previous blog, we have a variety of trees to plant in the form of seedlings, 105 in total, and the area around the boundary has been marked today in preparation. All the help that we can muster would be gratefully appreciated, on the basis of many hands make light work.
One final point, if you are planning to assist, it would be good if you could bring wheelbarrow, spade, and if you possess them mattocks, as there is some clearing to take place at certain areas where the seedlings need to be planted.
Thanks in anticipation,
[webmaster]
Layout Changes
08th November 2012
08th November 2012
For some considerable time an idea has existed to put on the site a diary, or month by month article, highlighting what should takes place or may take place in the allotment year. This was initially driven as an aide memoire, but may prove interesting for other plotholders in terms of managing their activities.
Having considered how best to publish such a diary, it promoted the thought that this may be an interesting source of information for newer plotholders, who face the prospect of tackling an empty plot, and may not have the experience of resource of the 'serial allotmenteers'.
A new plot can be quite a daunting proposition, and as we have seen from those that throw their efforts into the first couple of visits, ne'er to be seen again, there is considerably more to developing a rewarding and productive plot than most people may imagine.
Due to the limited size and capacity that we have available on the website, we have therefore made some changes. The original 'Views' page has been transformed into the 'Allotment Year' page, where it is planned that a series of articles, month by month, together with what we hope are other useful tips will be produced. These articles will be in the form of a series of word documents (pdf) that can easily be downloaded and printed.
These articles do not claim to be exhaustive. In fact we would welcome contributions of any hints and tips, or specific items of interest that would be worthy of inclusion and sharing.
As a consequence of this, the article and interview with Arthur Cornell has been moved to the About page. We considered this to be relevant as this page describes the Allotment and its history, and Arthur's involvement here with over 60 years association, neatly helps to isolate briefly what has happened to the site over that period of time.
[webmaster]
Having considered how best to publish such a diary, it promoted the thought that this may be an interesting source of information for newer plotholders, who face the prospect of tackling an empty plot, and may not have the experience of resource of the 'serial allotmenteers'.
A new plot can be quite a daunting proposition, and as we have seen from those that throw their efforts into the first couple of visits, ne'er to be seen again, there is considerably more to developing a rewarding and productive plot than most people may imagine.
Due to the limited size and capacity that we have available on the website, we have therefore made some changes. The original 'Views' page has been transformed into the 'Allotment Year' page, where it is planned that a series of articles, month by month, together with what we hope are other useful tips will be produced. These articles will be in the form of a series of word documents (pdf) that can easily be downloaded and printed.
These articles do not claim to be exhaustive. In fact we would welcome contributions of any hints and tips, or specific items of interest that would be worthy of inclusion and sharing.
As a consequence of this, the article and interview with Arthur Cornell has been moved to the About page. We considered this to be relevant as this page describes the Allotment and its history, and Arthur's involvement here with over 60 years association, neatly helps to isolate briefly what has happened to the site over that period of time.
[webmaster]
Tree Planting Saturday 10th
08th November 2012
08th November 2012
On Saturday 10th November, we are planning to plant 105 tree seedlings that we have acquired from the Woodland Heritage Trust. The trees were acquired free of charge as part of the Jubilee year celebrations. The idea is to plant these small trees around the edges of the allotment to improve security.
We have managed to secure a variety of trees / hedging, which include Hazel, Blackthorn, Crabapple, Elder, and Dog Rose. If anyone manages to read this article in time, and would be willing to assist on the morning we look forward to seeing you. Planting is planned to commence at 0930 on site.
[webmaster]
We have managed to secure a variety of trees / hedging, which include Hazel, Blackthorn, Crabapple, Elder, and Dog Rose. If anyone manages to read this article in time, and would be willing to assist on the morning we look forward to seeing you. Planting is planned to commence at 0930 on site.
[webmaster]
Wilderness Foundation
29th October 2012
29th October 2012
The allotments are not just the sole domain of the Association and its members. The Wilderness Foundation, a convservation and educational charity started community allotment gardening in 2008 and has numerous plots on site. Fruit and Vegetables are grown by volunteers, and surplus is distributed to those in need and the volunteers that participate.
The project on the Melbourne Park Site is run as a community resource, and further information can be found on the leaflet that can be downloaded by following the link in this article, or by calling 01245 443073. Wildnerness Grou
The project on the Melbourne Park Site is run as a community resource, and further information can be found on the leaflet that can be downloaded by following the link in this article, or by calling 01245 443073. Wildnerness Grou
Recipe Ideas
26th October 2012
After a long dormant period, some new recipes have now been added to the recipe page. Whilst not a huge number at this point, they can be found in pdf attachment documents that can be downloaded from the site. Two new documents have been added, winter and winter puddings, the latter of which includes the recipe for the above Plum and Apple Meringue, which has to be the scrummiest pudding I have had the pleasure to sample. If you do nothing else, cook this one!!! It has taken over as my favourite from the Plum and almond crisp.
The plan is to add various other pages, in the form of spring, summer and autumn, and would appreciate any ideas that you may have with respect to how we can keep this going, or indeed with your own recipes that you may wish to share with other members.
[webmaster]
26th October 2012
After a long dormant period, some new recipes have now been added to the recipe page. Whilst not a huge number at this point, they can be found in pdf attachment documents that can be downloaded from the site. Two new documents have been added, winter and winter puddings, the latter of which includes the recipe for the above Plum and Apple Meringue, which has to be the scrummiest pudding I have had the pleasure to sample. If you do nothing else, cook this one!!! It has taken over as my favourite from the Plum and almond crisp.
The plan is to add various other pages, in the form of spring, summer and autumn, and would appreciate any ideas that you may have with respect to how we can keep this going, or indeed with your own recipes that you may wish to share with other members.
[webmaster]
Potato, Shallot and Onion Order Forms
25th October 2012
25th October 2012
Pleased be advised that the order forms for Potato, Shallot and Onions are now available. These can be collected from the trading hut, or alternatively can be downloaded and printed by using the link that follows. The deadline for return of the order forms with payment is the 9th December.
Mapa Order Form For Potatoes Onions And Shallots
By following this link you can save and print the order form directly.
In addition to this, broad bean seeds (Aquadulce) are now available from the trading hut. For any further information or details please contact Tony or Karen.
[webmaster]
Mapa Order Form For Potatoes Onions And Shallots
By following this link you can save and print the order form directly.
In addition to this, broad bean seeds (Aquadulce) are now available from the trading hut. For any further information or details please contact Tony or Karen.
[webmaster]
Important Announcements
24th October 2012
24th October 2012
Please find details of various important announcements relating to manure, seeds, and membership.
(1) MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOW DUE. The annual general meeting has passed and this is the time of year where membership fees become due for the Allotment Association. Quite a number of plot holders and associates have already done the deed, and it would be greatly appreciated if all those which are overdue could seek out Arthur at the trading hut to renew for the year 2012/13. Thank you.
(2) MANURE ORDERS - Orders are being taken for manure. This constitutes one load at £25.50 and once again all those wishing to partake please contact Arthur at the trading hut or Karen / Tony, to place order and settle. If you do not wish a full load and only require a half, this is still possible, but please seek out a partner who will take the other half and organise how you will move the load as it can only be delivered to one plot. Once again your co operation appreciated.
(3) Not quite so important but maybe of interest. By tuning into I player catch up, there is a program entitled 'Lives in a landscape'. This is broadcast relative to a Hastings allotment and may prove an interesting listen for plot holders.
(1) MEMBERSHIPS ARE NOW DUE. The annual general meeting has passed and this is the time of year where membership fees become due for the Allotment Association. Quite a number of plot holders and associates have already done the deed, and it would be greatly appreciated if all those which are overdue could seek out Arthur at the trading hut to renew for the year 2012/13. Thank you.
(2) MANURE ORDERS - Orders are being taken for manure. This constitutes one load at £25.50 and once again all those wishing to partake please contact Arthur at the trading hut or Karen / Tony, to place order and settle. If you do not wish a full load and only require a half, this is still possible, but please seek out a partner who will take the other half and organise how you will move the load as it can only be delivered to one plot. Once again your co operation appreciated.
(3) Not quite so important but maybe of interest. By tuning into I player catch up, there is a program entitled 'Lives in a landscape'. This is broadcast relative to a Hastings allotment and may prove an interesting listen for plot holders.
Xmas Mulled Wine Morning 2012
04th October 2012
04th October 2012
Please be guided that the Annual Christmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies morning is to be held on Saturday 1st December 2012, at the trading hut. The event was advertised in a previous post as the 2nd which is a mistake.
This highly popular morning is due to kick off at 10,00 hrs and hope that everyone will absolutely pencil this date in their pre christmas diaries.
This highly popular morning is due to kick off at 10,00 hrs and hope that everyone will absolutely pencil this date in their pre christmas diaries.
Happy Birthday Ada
29th September 2012
29th September 2012
Members of the Allotment Association surprised Ada this morning with tea and cake to help celebrate Ada's 90th birthday today. Normal trading activities from 10-11, where Arthur and Ada operate the trading facilities for members were set aside, and the trading hut taken over to help recognise such a special day. Tea, coffee and Cake were enjoyed by all who came during which Olivia offered congratulations on behalf of all the membership, followed by a rendition of happy birthday that the presenters and audience of 'The Choir' would be proud of. A small collection of photographs can be seen by clicking the link that follows. http://www.melbpark.com/ada-90th
Council Allotment Winners Announced
15th September 2012
15th September 2012
Many of the allotment holders may already have received a newsletter from the council advising of the results of the competition held, together with how the sites were broken down for judging. The Melbourne site was judged alongside Woodhall, Springfield Hall, Somerset Place, Sawkins Gardens and Kings Road.
The news letter advises that the best plot winner in group 4 as Bruce Morgan, with Tony Holbrook awarded runner up and John Holt the best newcomer. In addition to this achievement, Musa Byford was nominated runner up in the Children' scarecrow competition.
Finally there was also recognition awards for charity and community plots for which the Wilderness Foundation were named.
Img - Allotment Competition Newsletter
The original document can be viewed by following the above link. All that remains is the offering of Congratulations to all.
The news letter advises that the best plot winner in group 4 as Bruce Morgan, with Tony Holbrook awarded runner up and John Holt the best newcomer. In addition to this achievement, Musa Byford was nominated runner up in the Children' scarecrow competition.
Finally there was also recognition awards for charity and community plots for which the Wilderness Foundation were named.
Img - Allotment Competition Newsletter
The original document can be viewed by following the above link. All that remains is the offering of Congratulations to all.
Seed Orders 2012
30th August 2012
30th August 2012
This year we are once again separating the seed orders, and Onion sets/ Shallots / Potato orders.
The catalogues and order forms for Vegetable, flowers and herb seeds are now available from the trading hut or from Tony Holbrook and Karen Lawrence, plots 45 or 24. Orders will close on Sunday 21st October.
We will place notices on the gates / notice board and web site when orders are ready which should be during December.
We will advise in due course when order forms are available for Onion Sets, shallots and potatoes. Broad Been seeds are available anytime at the trading hut.
Please support your association. You could save up to 50%.
[webmaster]
The catalogues and order forms for Vegetable, flowers and herb seeds are now available from the trading hut or from Tony Holbrook and Karen Lawrence, plots 45 or 24. Orders will close on Sunday 21st October.
We will place notices on the gates / notice board and web site when orders are ready which should be during December.
We will advise in due course when order forms are available for Onion Sets, shallots and potatoes. Broad Been seeds are available anytime at the trading hut.
Please support your association. You could save up to 50%.
[webmaster]
More Moths and Caterpillers
25th August 2012
25th August 2012
A careful inspection of the ravaged cabbage, brussel sprout and broccoli leaves uncovered one of the allotment owners enemies, the caterpiller of the Large White. These voracious caterpillers have munched their way through all the outer leaves at some speed, and it may be worth checking your own crop. Additionally, and not quite so numerous quite a few pale green with white underbelly caterpillers were found on the same crop, and believe these to be the Small White (Pieris Rapae).
Additionally, various other species have been found, some a little more unusual. Anyone that is growing mint or mint related herbs may well find a peculiar looking moth, red, brown in colour with yellow spots, relatively small, called Pyrausa Aurata. These moths feed exclusively on mint and mint related plants, and despite their colour are quite well camouflaged.
Found by mistake is this furry beast (pictured), which would appear to be a white Ermine (Spilosoma Lubricipeda) caterpiller. Unusually, this specimin was found curled up in slightly long grass underneath rhubarb, and we came across him quite by accident.
Finally, butterflies, in particular red admiral and peacock seem to be less frequent, and various of our more experienced allotment folk have commented that these are rarely seen. So it was interesting to find a few Peacock butterflies making the most of the White Buddleja.
Images of all the above can be found in the Butterflies and moths gallery.
Additionally, various other species have been found, some a little more unusual. Anyone that is growing mint or mint related herbs may well find a peculiar looking moth, red, brown in colour with yellow spots, relatively small, called Pyrausa Aurata. These moths feed exclusively on mint and mint related plants, and despite their colour are quite well camouflaged.
Found by mistake is this furry beast (pictured), which would appear to be a white Ermine (Spilosoma Lubricipeda) caterpiller. Unusually, this specimin was found curled up in slightly long grass underneath rhubarb, and we came across him quite by accident.
Finally, butterflies, in particular red admiral and peacock seem to be less frequent, and various of our more experienced allotment folk have commented that these are rarely seen. So it was interesting to find a few Peacock butterflies making the most of the White Buddleja.
Images of all the above can be found in the Butterflies and moths gallery.
September Surprise 29/9/12
24th August 2012
24th August 2012
September 29th marks Ada's 90th birthday, for which we are planning to hold a surprise tea and coffee morning (plus obligatory cake) starting at 10 am. As you will be well aware from previous posts on the site both Arthur and Ada have been involved with the Allotment for over 60 years. We hope that as many as possible may be able to turn up and help Ada celebrate such a special day. However, Arthur and Ada are unaware so shhhh.... mum's the word. See you on the day.
[Webmaster]
[Webmaster]