Latest News
Emergency Fire Prevention Measures
Due to the extreme drought and advice from the Fire Brigade, we have temporarily banned:
All BBQs
All Gas Burners
Smoking
This is to ensure the safety of our members and the surrounding properties.
This ban will be in force until further notice.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Using a Hosepipe On Your Plot
You should be aware that Affinity Water has introduced a hosepipe ban which includes the EN4 area of Barnet. You will be pleased to know that allotments are exempt from this ban where water is needed for food crops and watering cannot be reasonably or safely done by other methods.
During this drought period, use water responsibly and sparingly. Focus the watering on the roots of your vegetables and avoid unnecessary use.
Produce Show
Our annual Produce Show is now less than a month away. It has been a particularly difficult season for all of us this year. The unprecedented lack of rain and the intense heat has made growing our crops extremely difficult. Many crops such as apples, potatoes and tomatoes have had trouble reaching their usual size but bear in mind that everyone else has had the same problems.
It does take quite an effort to stage an event like this so please can you try to find as many entries as you possibly can and bring them along to the marquee.
It would be lovely to see some more children's entries this year - I think there was only one last year!
Click Here to see Show schedule. It gives all the details of timings, produce categories and helpful tips for successful showing. You should read it very carefully. Every year, a few entries are disqualified because the plot-holder has not entered the right number or has displayed their entry incorrectly.
Even if you are unable to enter any produce ,please come along to view the exhibits and enjoy a cream tea. New plot-holders will be especially welcome - our social events are a very good way of meeting your fellow plot-holders and picking up advice on successful growing.
As usual, we are asking for donations of scones, bought or homemade (Please let me know if you can provide some) These can be delivered to the Trading Hut at any time on the morning of the Show.
We would also really appreciate any help you can offer serving the teas. Please let me know if you can help.
The Trading Hut will be closed for normal business on this day.
SITE SECURITY
The safety of our plotholders is our primary concern and even allowing for the recent problems with padlocks, it is very worrying that gates to the site are sometimes left unlocked. PLEASE, PLEASE, always lock the gate behind you, even when popping into the site for a short time. Our padlocks have been behaving badly recently but new ones have been bought and the older ones refurbished. To help them last longer, please handle the locks patiently and do not try to force them when they are not working as easily as you would like. A gentle wriggle is best.
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.
BBQs
As the warmer weather is approaching, we may fancy enjoying a BBQ on our plot. Please remember that charcoal is the only permitted fuel and be reminded that the burning of wood on a bonfire or wood-burner stove is not allowed. You may use gas canisters to heat water etc. but these must always be stored outside your shed and appropriately labelled. This is on advice from the Fire Brigade.
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.