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Nuffield Road Allotment Society Newsletter Issue No.2: Summer 2012
25th April Vandalism...an update We were all shocked to discover the senseless vandalism and arson when we arrived at the allotment early the next morning to meet the police and fire service forensic and scientific officers. We know that everyone is very concerned with security of the site and the particular losses incurred by some of our members. Whilst it is unrealistic to expect to be able to solve the root causes of such deplorable incidents, nonetheless the Committee has been working hard to try and improve some matters. We take this opportunity to give everyone an update on exactly what has been happening. Meeting Police Crime Prevention Officer We have been working hard to establish a good rapport with our local PCSOs Louise Abbott and Janice Upex. In response to the incidents of 25th April, a meeting was arranged on 16th May with the PCSOs and Police Crime Prevention Officer Kate Kent. The meeting provided an opportunity for everybody to listen to expert advice, ask questions and make suggestions. Kate gave us the most expert advice we can find on preventing as best we can such attacks and thievery. Kate has since conducted a close examination of the site and written a report on her observations and recommendations that we expect shortly. Copies of the report will be put on display on the notice boards when it is available.
Cambridge News reported
on the impact of the
incident on 27 April 2012
Fence Repairs The high wire mesh security fence is the responsibility of the City Council. The lower wooden fence adjoining Discovery Way belongs to the housing association. Strenuous efforts have been made to talk to the new housing association Metropolitan (formerly Granta), but to no avail. However, the City Council has agreed to replace the section of their damaged fencing with panels of a stronger wire gauge. However, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to stop a determined trespasser. The Committee has explored the possibility of purchasing addition fencing. Apparently, we are not permitted to increase the height of the fence or add deterrents such as barbed wire. It seems that the best deterrent is the nature’s own. In consultation with the relevant plot holders, we will establish prickly plants, supported by trellis, on the areas of wooden fences that children sit on and regularly climb over, as advised by the Police. We wish to thank Elaine (Plot 46) for donating two formidably prickly roses to ramble over the new fence. Skip A skip has been promised for Patrick’s clear up party with family and friends and will be available for any debris remaining from the other fires. The date will be advertised on the notice boards. Stephen (Plot has been removing damaged metal, and has offered to remove any from the other damaged sheds; thanks for your help Stephen. These attacks are very distressing and everyone feels for those who lost so much. Trying to get things actually happening on the prevention front is frustratingly slow....but don’t give way to despair....your Committee’s on the case and things are stirring!
Also in this Issue: • Allotment Shop
• Bins Proposals
• Allotment Gate
• Plant Swaps
• Competition
• Plot Report
• Committee News
• Caroline’s Corner
• Letter Box
• New Members
Contact the Committee: Tel: 07927481122 or Email: [email protected]
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PLOT RENTS At the Society’s AGM in December 2011, the
Committee was asked to review the current plot rents
and make proposals to be implemented for the coming
year. Following a review by the Treasurer of our
income and anticipated costs, it was estimated that
annual rents should be in the order of £15 per half plot.
However, the Committee agreed in May that the
rent for each half plot be increased from £11 per
year to only £13 per year with effect from 1st
October 2012, and to £15 from 1st October 2013.
PLANT SWAPS
Two successful plant and seedling swaps were held
this year in the allotment building. The first was very
well attended and held indoors. On Sunday 27th May,
a beautiful morning permitted us to spread outdoors
and enjoy the sunshine. Volunteers provided
assistance and cakes and refreshments were served.
Our particular thanks go to Caroline (Plot 25) who
planned and organised both events and raised very
useful funds for the Society.
We plan to hold similar events every last Sunday in the
month during the summer, so watch for notices.
If you would like to propose an event or volunteer
your support, please contact a member of the
Committee.
Allotment Shop
HONEY BEES
The allotment shop is now open on Sunday mornings
10am – Midday, and on Wednesday evenings 7pm -
8pm. Please see Wendy (Plot 24) if you would like to
volunteer to help in the shop. The shop stocks a wide
range of material and seeds for you, as well as
coordinating orders for potatoes, etc. To ensure that
we stock the varieties and materials you want,
please remember to talk to Wendy or leave a
message at the shop. We shall endeavour to meet
your needs.
Letter Box
A letter box is now fixed to the gate so that we receive
mail direct, rather than through private addresses of the
Committee.
As discussed at the AGM in December, we are trialling
bee-keeping on Nuffield Road Allotment in the unused
space behind the allotment building. Lautaro (Plot
75A), member of the British Beekeepers Association,
will initially have a single hive, and Susie (Plot 1) is also
keen to start.
A ladybird larva
Nature: ladybirds Feeding on aphids, ladybirds are very welcome on allotments. The most common is coccinella septempunctata, so called because it has seven black spots on its red wing casings. Harlequin ladybirds, with very variable markings, came to Europe a few years ago from the United States, where they were introduced for pest control. Some native species have been in decline since the arrival of the harlequin, but it doesn't seem to compete with the common seven-spot ladybird. Ladybirds emerge from their dormant winter state in spring. Mating in May and June, the female lays yellowish eggs on the underside of leaves - nettles are a favourite. The eggs hatch into larvae that also feed on aphids before pupating. In late summer, a new generation of ladybirds emerges, looking yellow at first, they build up reserves for over-wintering, while the old generation dies off. The young ladybirds hibernate in old plants, trees, bushes, bits of wood or crevices. Eating 5000 aphids during its lifetime, they have few natural predators, but are vulnerable to insecticides. (Contributed by Sue, Plot 37).
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COMMITTEE NEWS
The current Committee was formed by remaining
members and new volunteers approved at the AGM in
December 2011. In addition, Lola Craft and Elaine
Andrews agreed to assist in organisation of social
events. If you would like to volunteer to help with the
work of running the Society and its activities, please
contact a member of the Committee. It may be that
you have particular skills or interests that will be of
value. At the moment, we would welcome anybody
who has knowledge of the working of the Society’s
machinery (mowers, strimmers, etc) who would be
prepared to help with their management and
organise maintenance.
Water
As reported in the Spring Issue, the water for irrigation
remained turned off until 1st April, as usual. This also
allowed monitoring of the meter and leaks that arose
during the winter. Following the repairs, we have been
in discussions with Cambridge Water regarding the
unusually large water bill and potential replacement
and location of the meter. It was disappointing that
some plot holders took it upon themselves to turn on
some of the tank supply taps on during this period of
monitoring and remove notices requesting the taps to
be left turned off. As a result of this action by the few,
next winter the water supply will be turned off centrally.
Finally, the cost of water will continue to rise and we all
need to use it wisely. Therefore, if you become aware
of any apparent leaks on site please notify a member of
the Committee as soon as possible. Please take any
steps that you can to reduce consumption or
capture rain water to benefit both the
environment and our bank balance!
Front Gate The unreliable lock
at the main gate was repaired on 29th May. However, it
is not really suited to the type of use it gets and the
code has become widely known to non-members. In
consultation with Dents, a new coded padlock is to be
put in place shortly. Please check notice boards for
details of when the changeover will take place and
for issue of the new code in person at the shop.
Please remember to keep the gates locked at
all times and DO NOT share the security codes
or keys with non-Members
Caroline’s Corner Curious about compost? Worried about
weeds? Bugged by beasties? Caroline
probably has the answer.......
Send you questions for the next issue
MYSTERY OBJECT COMPETITION
Can you guess what this object was used for? Answers
in the letter box or via email to
by Sunday 2nd July 2012. The first correct answer out
of the hat on the next Sunday 8th July 2012 will win a
prize! If no-one answers correctly the first incorrect
answer out of the hat will get the prize, so it is worth
having a guess. Contributed by Sue (Plot 37).
CHESTERTON FESTIVAL.
We have applied for a stall at Chesterton Community
Fun Day at Pye’s Rec Sat 30th June, 1pm to 5pm.
We’ll sell some plants to raise funds, but the main
purpose will be to promote the Society and encourage
new members. Volunteers needed to help in the
afternoon.
Please see a Committee member if you could
spare an hour to help.
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Proposal for bins
Leaves, wood chippings, etc are heaped by the entrance.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to keep materials separate and
they are rendered unusable as they become infested with
roots and brambles. So, in consultation with the City
Council, our proposal is to concrete the area up to the
perimeter fence and construct up to six bays. These
improvements will allow us to take much more recycled
material, maintain better control and introduce a proper
recycling and composting regime.
Plot News
This year we were pleased to welcome new plot
holders Kevin (Plot 3B), and Fausto and Claire (Plot
45A). Fausto told us “When you see a plot full of
wilderness your imagination starts to work. What
should we do with it? Two months later we have a
garden. All that thanks to the time, support and
resources of members of NRAS. Thank you all!”
Claire and Fausto (Plot 45A)
Railway
Sidings
Cambridge News published
the latest proposals for the
new station on the railway
siding next door to our
allotment. We’ll being keeping
an eye on developments. The
next step appears to be the
Public Consultation at the end
of the year. Not shown on the
plans, but expected following
surveys by the County
Council’s consultants, is a
pedestrian and cycle route
through to Nuffield Road via
our existing entrance.
Adherence to
our Rules and
Regulations ….has become a bit lax!
The Nuffield Road Allotment Society has a set of
Rules and Conditions that as allotment members
we all sign each year when renewing our
tenancy, and which the Committee is bound to
enforce. These rules are generally common
sense and seek to ensure that we behave with
consideration for others. However, it is important
that we all keep these rules in mind. In
particular, please note that if you intend to start
a new project, such as erecting a shed or
planting a tree, remember to apply to the
Committee for approval first. We won’t pick up
on retrospective sins, but will need to be more
vigilant of new ones on our monthly walkabouts.
*********The deadline for contribution to the Autumn Issue is 1st
September 2012. **********