Hello plot holders,
Autumn seems to be fast shading into winter this year, with so many wet days getting in the way of the usual routines of readying the plots for winter. Before we go into hibernation, here’s a brief round-up of what’s been happening on the allotments recently.
Plot clearance
Occasionally, we find that a vacated plot has been left in a mess and not fit to be let, usually because the plot holder has been unable to cope over a number of years. One such plot recently presented a big and expensive challenge. It took six days, two skips and many hours of labour to get it in a condition fit for a new tenant. Fortunately, it’s an extreme example, but it shows why we need to enforce our tenancy rules and cultivation guidelines.
Asbestos removal
In a similar vein, we have also arranged for Pathways’ specialist contractors to remove the asbestos panels and smaller fragments that have been found in recent months. If you see anything that you suspect is asbestos cement, or any other form of asbestos, please get in touch.
Greenhouse update
In addition to the routine plot maintenance tasks, the community work days in September and October focused on getting on with the greenhouse. The good news is that, thanks to the hard work of a crack team of volunteers, we’re nearly there! And very impressive it looks, too. There’s still more to do, but the goal of finally fixing on the front door is in sight.
Fruit collections
Our fruit collection on the weekend of 17th and 18th August resulted in pounds and pounds of produce to donate to Hanwell Homeless Concern, which was much appreciated. Even so, there was much more to be picked, so volunteers on the October community work day again picked and delivered pounds of fruit to local good causes, including Ealing Soup Kitchen, Age UK, local churches and Hanwell Homeless Concern.
Administration
We’ve simplified the process of applying for a plot by replacing the old hard copy form with a straightforward online application which comes direct to us, rather than being routed through Pathways – easier all round. Mark Hickson, our main contact at Pathways, has left the organisation and our contact pro temp is the CEO, Bukky McGlynn.
Reminders
- Please contact us if you haven’t received your tenancy agreement for renewal
- We’ve arranged for a skip to be on site at the Haslemere end on Saturday 2 November from 10am onwards. The skip must only be used for the disposal of allotment rubbish.
- The last community work day for the year will be on Sunday 3 November
Here’s hoping for a dry spell so that we can get on with weeding, feeding and covering. Happy gardening!
HAA Committee