Cavendish Allotments

The Open Day will be held earlier this year, maybe in late May. Would the Bank Holiday weekend, 26 May or 27 May be a good time? Or do most people prefer it later or earlier?

Please let us know. Vote in our poll.

Whichever date it is, when you are sowing seeds now, please sow a few extra to be potted up for sale on the Open Day. Everyone likes getting a few extra plants, and the sale is a good source of funds.

Despite the poor weather forecast, the Open Day proved a great success. Families and friends from approximately 30 plot holders came and shared a drink and a meal. Dozens of plants were sold raising enough money to pay for the lovely new pavilion we now own for future events.

What do people think about having an autumn BBQ event? Let us know in the comments.

The social event on 1 July was extremely enjoyable with a barbeque, delicious donated salads and cakes, and stalls for gardening equipment, bric-a-brac and plants. Although the day’s main purpose was to provide a social occasion, we also raised £158 The weather in the preceeding days and weeks had been so wet it was decided to purchase a canopy so, whatever the sky threw down, we could still enjoy the day. As it happened, it was fairly fine but having the canopy meant that people could sit and talk and eat in comfort. Thank you to everyone who donated items and did the work of preparing for the day (and clearing up afterwards!) and of course, to everyone who came.

See also…

Following the success of the event on 1 July we are having another one on Sunday 7 October, 12 noon to 4pm. This will be a barbecue and you are invited to bring food to cook and/or wine, salads, cakes, puddings, etc. There won’t be any stalls this time but if you have any produce, jam, chutney, etc to give away or barter, please bring that. We will be selling soft drinks and crisps. Please come and bring friends and family if you wish. Meet your neighbours, have a moan about the slugs, take pride in what grew well and commiserate about what didn’t. Enjoy the day and , we hope, some Indian summer sunshine.

This year’s Open Day was a great success. Over thirty families came with their bugers, sausages, salads and deserts. Many plants were donated and purchased. The St Margarets Elastic Band played an inspired set and the weather was perfect.

The afternoon lasted far beyond the planned three hours and a good time was had by all. Next time; however, we need to get a second BBQ going for the rush, apologies for that.

Whilst it is a formal requirement that we hold an Annual General Meeting, it is by no means a formal occasion. We invite you all to attend — especially new members — to air your views and exchange ideas. We want to hear from you as this helps us to present a comprehensive picture to the Council of our members’ views, so do come along and have your say.

The agenda will include breif reports from the chair and treasurer, notes of last year’s AGM, election of a new committee and, most important of all, views from the allotment members.

The AGM will be held on Sunday 23^rd of November at 3pm at the Winchester Hall, next door to the Turks Head pub, Winchester Road, St Margarets.