Newsletter

Welcome to the AAAA Summer 2006 newsletter.

It’s that time of year again when our collective labours begin to bear fruit. The bees are buzzing – literally, as we have two hives on site. The fruit is ripening, the new potatoes just need a sprig of mint to bring them to perfection and all appears well in the garden. Or nearly so….

Despite the rain we had in May, we are still in the grip of a drought. Thames Water have applied for a drought order which, if granted, will come into effect in August and will inevitably bring certain restrictions on water usage. Added to that, we had a substantial leak in the water system which left the Association with an even more substantial water bill! So, please, it is important that everyone exercises prudence in using the water supply so that there is sufficient for everyone’s needs.

The AAAA, unlike many allotment associations, benefits from having a water supply readily accessible to all members. This is due in no small part to the voluntary efforts of some Committee members, who without fail are to be seen about the site, armed with wrenches and pipe cutters, fixing leaks and maintaining the system so that we can all enjoy an uninterrupted supply. Without their efforts we would have to employ contractors, the cost of which would inevitably impact on the membership.

It is disappointing therefore to have to report that there has been evidence that some of the water tanks have been tampered with, presumably in an attempt to attach a hosepipe. It is a moot point as to whether this constitutes criminal damage; however, I need to remind members that this is strictly forbidden and anyone found doing so, will have their lease terminated.

The crop raiders also appear to have been in action again. It is difficult to comprehend the mind set of those who prefer to pilfer produce rather than grow their own, but yet again, the strawberry thieves have been about. There is almost nothing the Committee can do about this other than rely on the vigilance of members to “name and shame” if they discover anyone doing this. Suffice it say, the guilty party, if discovered, will lose their lease.

Now to more positive matters…..

The Summer Party will, weather permitting, be held again this year on Saturday July 22nd at 6pm in the memorial garden. This has been a great success previously and is a good opportunity to renew acquaintances and meet new friends. Please bring along some food and drink to share and something to sit on.

Thanks to the efforts of the monthly work parties, a number of previous vacant plots have been brought back into good order and have been let to new tenants. It is always encouraging to have some “new blood” and the site is now almost completely let.

Unfortunately there are still some plots which although let, do not appear to be being worked. As per previous decisions by the Committee, all members are expected to keep their plots in reasonable order and for there to be some evidence of active cultivation. We will be undertaking a site inspection in early July and regrettably, members will be required to relinquish their leases in respect of those plots, which do not appear to be worked. If you need help, remember there are a range of power tools available to tackle “unruly” plots. These are available free of charge from the site office every Sunday morning or at other times by prior arrangement with any committee member. Also a skip will be available in the autumn to help with the disposal of rubbish around the site.

At the AGM held in March, the Treasurer, Jean Galsworthy gave notice of her intention to stand down from the Committee at the end of this financial year. Jean has performed this role so efficiently for many years, her absence will create a significant gap in the Committee’s resources. We are understandably anxious therefore to recruit a replacement. If anyone feels they have a few hours to spare and have basic IT and accountancy or book-keeping skills, the Committee would be very pleased to hear from them.

We are also saying goodbye to Jim Mansbridge who at the age of 89 is our oldest member. Jim has been associated with the site since he came here with his father more than eighty years ago. While he remains a life member of the Association, he has decided not to continue to work his plot. In recognition of his interest in the site and, in particular the wildlife area, the Committee recently decided to name this area after him.

An increasing number of members have access to e-mail and will be aware of how effective and convenient a means it is of communicating. If you have received a paper copy of this newsletter and have e-mail facilities, please drop me a line at the address below and I will update your records.

A final thought on the topic of weeds and our old adversary “equisetum arvense” – horse tail to you and me. It is a remarkable plant which has been with us since before the dinosaurs (and presumably will survive long after we have made a complete mess of the planet). In medieval times it was used as a form of fine grain sandpaper, hence it’s other name “scouring rush” and in the modern world its extract is used to treat a diverse range of illnesses from nosebleeds to kidney and bladder problems. Notwithstanding the above, it is very invasive and many plots (including my own) are plagued by this seemingly impossible-to-eradicate weed. Do not despair –according to a 15th century gardening text I happen to have to hand, the solution is to sow the ground thickly with turnip seed. There is apparently something in their leaves which horsetails dislike and after a couple of seasons they apparently wither and die. Worth a try for those of us who endeavour to garden organically.

Happy gardening!!

Peter Houghton
AAAA Secretary

* Email: alric_allotments@blueyonder.co.uk
: Webpage: www.alricallotments.com