NEWSLETTER Number 22

President's message

I'm writing this in late February. After two beautiful weeks of spring-like weather with the crocuses up and even some daffodils out, we are back to very wet and windy weather. I've managed very little work at the plot over the winter because of other commitments, but am beginning to feel it's time to get going. No doubt many of you are feeling the same, and hoping for some dry mild weather in March.

The new Committee elected at the November AGM has already had it's first meeting (allotment association committees can't hibernate) and we were pleased to hear that, after frustrating delays, serious progress had been made on our access plot.

We also discussed plans for the Spring Gathering announced elsewhere in this newsletter. We hope this will provide a good opportunity for plot holders to meet informally and swap ideas and information.

Those of you who have a plot will know how rewarding it can be as a healthy leisure activity, away from the bustle of the rest of everyday life; while those of you who are in our long waiting list will know the frustration of the shortage of plots in Glasgow. I'd therefore like to acknowledge the very important work being done by members of our Association who are active in the Glasgow Allotments Forum and in our national association, SAGS. This work brings the importance of allotments to decision-makers and it is only through patient lobbying and campaigning work of this kind that we are likely to see new allotments, desperately needed, opened up in our towns and cities. The SAGS conference on June 21st in Dunblane, on "New allotments in Scotland" is a timely and important event that I hope some members will be able to attend.

Finally, I hope that you all have a successful growing season.
Roger Downie

SPRING GATHERING

SUNDAY 16TH MARCH 2008, 3.00 - 6.00 PM
Venue: Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow
G12 0QF. Tel: 0141 339 6185
Further information about the Spring Gathering

Access Plot

Construction of the plot is now complete, and at the AGM members approved draft guidelines for their use. The first step is to apply the procedure agreed by the members regarding eligibility, namely:

'An applicant for the Access Plot waiting list must satisfy the association committee that they have a long term disability that prevents them from cultivating an unadapted plot. It will be assumed that applicants are capable of cultivating an adapted plot.

There will be two levels of priority on the waiting list

a) Existing plot holders who develop a disability that prevents them from cultivating their current un-adapted plot
b) People who are not plot holders and who have a disability which would prevent them from cultivating an un-adapted plot.

To avoid the Committee alone making decisions in this area, the GCC Allotments Officer has agreed to confirm the eligibility of all applicants.

If you wish to be considered for a place on the access plot, please send a short note to that effect, with a brief statement of the disability which prevents you from cultivating an un-adapted plot by Saturday 29th March 2008

(a) to me at the address at the end of this newsletter
AND
(b) to Robert Watson, Allotments and Recycling Officer, Glasgow City Council, 37 High Street Glasgow G1
email:[email protected]

The allotments officer will then advise the committee that the requirements have been met, or otherwise, and the committee will then act accordingly.

MMore generally, we are arranging an event to open the plot formally and to thank those who contributed to it: information about this will be placed on the notice boards.
David Boddy

Plot inspections

The first plot inspection of the year will be on Sunday 20th April Here are some extracts from the Association rules which guide the committee at inspections:

Plot and Allotments maintenance

• a) Plot-holders must maintain their plots and cultivate them fully.
• b) Paths must be kept clean and weed-free. Plot-holders are responsible for their paths between plots, and half of that portion of the main path adjoining their plot.
• c) Plots must be clearly numbered.
• d) Each plot should have an area for composting.
• e) Plot-holders must ensure that plastic/paper/metal/glass/wood waste does not accumulate on their plots. Rubbish should be removed, not left in common areas, or along the fences.

Please check your plot against these criteria, and so save the committee needing to get in touch...

GCC Allotments Strategy

GCC will soon publish their Draft Allotment Strategy, which will be open to consultation. I have therefore ordered one for each member, and will place them in the huts for you to collect.
David Boddy

Open Day - Saturday 14th June, 12.00 to 4.00pm

As our annual contribution to the West End festival, both plots will be open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity for members of the community to visit our plots, and to show the wide benefits of these open spaces. We can always raise valuable funds for the Association from sales of teas and plants - so...... please ensure that we have well-stocked plant stalls by preparing a few cuttings or pots of seeds, perhaps of slightly unusual things, that will be in good shape by June.

Herbs sell especially well - so please see what you can do.

Trees and Borders

Both the sites are bordered by trees, and most of the time these cause no problems. However, some of the trees are getting very tall and in some cases threaten damage if blown down by gales - not to mention the shade cast over some individual plots. An added complication is that Julian Avenue is within the West Glasgow Conservation Area, which means that trees cannot be removed without planning permission.

We spent a lot of time two years ago negotiating with the relevant section of Land Services to remove or trim the trees along the border at Julian Avenue behind the hut. Although the GCC official issued the line for the work to be done nothing has happened despite regular nagging - the Secretary will try to persuade them to do the work required this year.

At Kirklee the main tree problem is rapidly growing trees on the waste ground between the site and Kirklee Mansions, overshadowing plots in that area. We have written three times to the land owner asking him to remove these nuisances, with no effect. The Secretary has now asked the GCC Allotments Officer to take up the matter, since the owner may take more notice of a letter from GCC...

There are, however three things that members can do: Sum please remove any self-seeded trees before they become established; Sum if you have trees on your plot, please maintain them to cause minimal interference to neighbour's growing conditions and access; and Sum remember Rule 2b 'Cultivation of trees is not permitted without the consent of the Committee'.
Jill Slicher

Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society

The Annual Conference

Saturday June 21st 2007
11am to 4pm in the Victoria Halls, Dunblane

The theme this year is 'New Allotments in Scotland'. Many groups are springing up across Scotland seeking to set up new allotment sites. The conference will address planning and legal issues, cost and design of sites and access to land and funding.

Further details will be put on the notice boards.

Committee for 2008

Office holders
President: Roger Downie
Vice President: John Hancox. Treasurer: Margaret Williams.
Secretary: David Boddy.

Ordinary members:
Brian Dunabie, Heather James, Diana Ritchie, Jill Slicher, Robbie Stewart, Tom Whitmarsh, Judy Wilkinson, Aline Williamson.
Any enquiries to the Secretary please at
15 Beaumont Gate, Glasgow G12 9ED
email: [email protected]

SPRING GATHERING

SUNDAY 16TH MARCH 2008, 3.00 - 6.00 PM

Venue: Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF. Tel: 0141 339 6185.

This is a free event for members and friends of Kelvinside Allotments Association.

The organising committee for the Spring Gathering, look forward to welcoming everyone to a Gardeners Question Time, followed by afternoon tea.

Thinking that maybe not all of our younger members of the allotments might be interested in the Gardeners Question Time, we have organised a Puppet-Making Workshop, children from 4-6 years are welcome with a parent and 7yrs up to 75yrs unattended! No charge will be made to members for the workshop and children will be able to take their puppets home. Places are limited, so please book in advance with Sarah (a member at Kirklee, and Manager of the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre). Tel SMPC: 0141 339 6185 or E.Mail:[email protected]

The Gardeners Question Time will have a panel made up of people with horticulture experience, a background in environmental issues, garden design, and most importantly an interest and experience of working with allotments.

Terry Daly would like to invite questions from allotment members in advance of the event to organise the timings of the Gardeners Question Time, which will last approximately 45 minutes to one hour. E-Mail [email protected] or please feel free to phone Terry on his mobile 07802817003.

All members are invited to join us for afternoon tea as part of the event and the organising committee would be very grateful if you could bring along your favourite home-made baking or shop bought.

The primary purpose of the Spring Gathering is an opportunity to meet and talk to each other in informal surroundings so please feel free to come at any time between 3.00 - 6.00pm. Look forward to seeing you on the day.
Terry Daly

Programme

• 3.00 - 3.30pm Tea and Coffee and Welcome.
• 3.30 - 4.30pm Gardeners Question Time Panel.
• 4.30 - 6.00pm Afternoon Tea and Socialising.
• 3.30 - 5.00pm Puppet Making (4-6yrs with parent support, 7yrs-75yrs unattended!).

Further information: Kelvinside Allotments