Latest News
Work Party
There will be a work party this coming Sunday 6th. Please come and help if you can – 10am at the Trading Hut finishing with refreshments at 11.30am. I believe that gloves and secateurs could be useful.
Produce Show
A very big thank you to everyone who supported our recent Produce Show. After such a difficult season, we were delighted by both the number and quality of the entries. We were especially pleased with the number of new members who entered produce. The David Brinkworth Cup for “Best in Show” was awarded to Diane and Bob, plots141/143.
Awards were also presented for the outstanding plots of the year:
Lisa Sturley (plot 72) Best Full Plot
Robert Beer (plot 148b) Best Half Plot
Anca David (plot 161) & Linda Saitowitz (plot 70a) both won cups for Best Newcomers
Well done, all of you!
Park Road Entrance x2
A little over a week ago, the lock on the Park Road gates went missing. These locks are extremely expensive, costing nearly £200 each. If you know what has happened to it, please let us know or if you have it, please return it to the table outside the Trading \Hut. The replacement key was unfortunately faulty and had to be replaced.
Tree clearance and building work will soon begin (September 9th) at 121b Park Road. The owner has permission for some initial work to dismantle a lean-to outhouse attached to the house. This will allow contractors side access to the rear garden via his garden for the duration of the project. A protective fence will be installed from the gate alongside the kerb for at least 20 metres and removed once the work is complete. Please note that the strip of land between the roadside and the fence does, historically, belong to the house. We have made it clear that any hindrance to access to the site for us must be minimal and security must be maintained at all times. It will be necessary to temporarily remove some fence panels to allow machines into the property. If you incur any problems because of these works, please let us know immediately.
Following the tree work, a good supply of wood chip will be left in the Park Rd car park.
Hosting the BAF
On Thursday evening, we will be hosting a meeting of the Barnet Allotment Federation. Committee members from other sites in the borough will be shown around the site and then gathering under the Cat Hill car-park shelter for a brief meeting.
Rent Renewal
Please don’t forget that rent renewal is fast approaching. You will be able to pay, as usual, over the first 3 weekends of October. (details to follow) If you are planning to be away over this period, please let us know before you go so alternative arrangements can be made. Perhaps you are planning to give your plot up – if so PLEASE tell us. It would save a great deal of work at this end.
Emergency Fire Prevention Measures
It seems that this drought is going to persist for a while yet. Until such time as we advise otherwise, we would like to thank you for continuing to observe the temporary ban on all BBQs, gas burners and smoking.
Using a Hosepipe On Your Plot
We must remind you that HOSES MUST BE HAND- HELD. Do not use sprinklers or leave them lying on the ground, running water. Neither should you “hog” a shared tap for ages - be aware that your neighbours may also wish to use it!
Both of these have sadly been happening on our site recently FYI it is possible to but garden hose splitters which will enable 2 hoses to be used at the same time. (£6.99 on Amazon)
SITE SECURITY
A number of plotholders have expressed an interest in putting their own CCTV / Trail camera on their plots and we are aware that some of you have already installed such a device. We need to ensure that all such cameras comply with privacy and data protection laws. If you wish to or already have a camera on your plot, you must complete the attached form and bring a copy to a committee member at the Trading Hut or contact your Zone Rep. As stated on the form, a sample image or screenshot showing the camera’s field of view must be provided with this form. You can also pick up a copy of the permission form from the Trading Hut.
Too Many Courgettes?
A friend has just recommended using spiralized courgettes to make a coleslaw, adding carrots, onion and mayo as usual. I think I might try that!
PLOT INSPECTIONS
As you may be aware, your zone reps monitor the plots in their area and if they have any concerns, will probably get in touch with you informally to see if there are any problems and how they can be sorted. The committee also carry out 2 full site inspections each year. If it is decided that a plot is showing signs of neglect then the process, outlined in the attachment to this Newsletter, will kick in. PLEASE do not ignore any communications about your plot. Working with your zone rep will be the best way to reach a successful result.
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
We have also realised that we do not hold emergency contact details for plotholders should any accident or crisis occur. Please let us know the details of who to contact should the need arise. You can pop a note under the TH door, let you Zone Rep know or email me.
The National Allotment Society
You may be aware that as members of our Association, you also become a member of The National Allotment Society which is the leading representative body for allotment holders. Their website is full of useful information including an online version of their magazine. To access the member’s area on the website, you will need to enter, under email address, s507c (this is our Association number) and enter the password 2188214 You are also able to view the King’s Seed catalogue but, please note, you will not be able to order online.
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
Linked below is the Association’s new Health and Safety Policy together with statements outlining the required responsibilities of both the Committee and you, as plot holders. Please read and familiarize yourselves with these documents.