Allotment News

A couple of recent incidents with the gates means I need to warn you about your safety when opening and closing them.

I'm asking for your help in making sure you leave the gates correctly and also don't injure yourselves whilst operating them.

Tip One

When you close and lock the gates, please secure the gate on the right (as seen from the outside) with the bolt that goes into the ground and make sure the bolt on the other gate is not hanging free - it does have a notch so you can set the bolt not to drag on the ground.  If left down when opening the gates from the outside, the bolt catches the ground and bounces the gate back into you.  So also be aware that this may happen to you when opening the gate.

Tip Two

When operating the gates, please only work one gate at a time and make sure the other gate is not left to swing free in the wind.  Last week one of the gates blew into a plot-holder causing a bruising and black eye.#

Tip Three

The bar that slides between the two gates can easily clip your fingers, especially when opening it - be aware and slide it carefully.

I know that sometimes we can be just popping in and the gate is not a priority, but please take time to make sure you and others are not at risk.

Thank you

Woking Allotment Competition

The Woking Allotments competition judging will take place in early July. In addition to the Tunis Cup for the best kept allotment site, there are individual plot holders prizes awarded.

If you want to be nominated for any of these categories, please let me know before 19th June.

Individual categories are:

• Ted Smith Shield - Best Plot in Borough
• Leam challenge Shield  - Best 1st Year Plot holder
• Benstead Scroll - Best Plot Cultivated by a Gardener over 70 Years of Age
• Ashley Slocock - Best Plot Cultivated by a Lady

Attached is the judging criteria.

Last year WBA plot holders were awarded 2nd prize for best plot and 3rd prize for best ladies plot, whilst the site went from 2nd equal to 5th for best allotment site.

Other Show Dates For Your Diary

Pyrford and Wisley Flower Show
www.pyrfordflowershow.org.uk
Saturday 9th July 2016

Chertsey Agricultural Show
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August
www.chertseyshow.co.uk

Woodham & New Haw  Horticultural Club
www.wnh-horticlub.co.uk
Sunday 4th September

Do consider entering, as a show is not a show without entries!

Waitrose Green Token Scheme

Waitrose have selected the West Byfleet Allotments and Gardens Association to receive a donation from their Community Matters Green Token Scheme.

If you are shopping in Waitrose during June please donate your green token to the Association, using the collection box provided in the store.  The number of tokens collected will determine the size of the financial donation from Waitrose. This donation will be used to fund the replacement of the trading hut roof and the safe disposal of the old asbestos roofing sheets

Trading Hut and Rent for 2016

The trading hut is open on Sundays from 10:00 - 12:00. If you haven't yet paid your rent for this year please do so.  For all those who have paid promptly, thank you. 

The main gates will be left open during Sunday trading times.

Allotments Gate and Padlock

A few plotholders are still having problems operating the padlock on the gates. Please note that the padlock should be open and closed as follows:

To unlock: Set the combination with the indented line showing to the right and left of the number, thus -XXXX- Press the shackle and the padlock will open.

To lock: With the combination showing, press the shackle down and rotate the number wheels.

Under no circumstances must tools or other items be used to force the padlock. If you are frustrated by the lock then please mention this to a committee member.

Local Honey

On sale at the trading hut or by request from Jane on plot 36a and alternatively by emailing janeanddavid@ntlworld.com The bees, whilst not located at the allotment site, are close enough to forage here. proceeds of sales to be donated to bee research charities.

Trading Hut and Rent for 2016

The trading hut will be opening on Sundays from 7th Feb. 10:00 - 12:00.  The main gates will be left open during this period.

Rents are also due at this time of year, so once the hut is open, please come on down and settle your fees. As you will have seen from the AGM rents are £1 more than last year £23.00 made up of £22.50 per 5 rod plot + £0.50 membership.

Payment methods:

Cheque/cash at the trading hut on Sundays
Cheque posted to the Chairman (Fairwinds, Faris Lane, Woodham, KT15 3DJ)
Bank Transfer (Please email me if you intend to do this and I will give you the WBA bank details)

Cheques should be made out to: "West Byfleet Allotments and Gardens Association"

Trading Hut Restocked - Prices Fixed

Our normal range of items has been re-stocked, and although wholesale prices have risen, we ordered enough to get a better discount, so prices remain as per last year (for now).

Lower Road Closed

Due to the wet weather during January the bottom road is currently closed.  It there is a decent dry spell and the paving gets firmed up, it will be reopened.

Tips for the Padlock & Gates

One or two people have commented that they can't open the padlock.  The trick is to set the code and then press down the shackle which then releases it.  Similarly, when you lock it the correct number must be set then press down the shackle and un-set the numbers.

The bolts on the gates which go into the ground do have a notch so you can set them not to drag on the ground when opening/closing.  It's not immediately obvious, but each gate has one - it is there!