Thanks go to Bruce (Plot 79) for providing this video clip. Well, we all knew they were at it, but here’s the proof positive.
WARNING: This video contains scenes that gardeners of a nervous disposition and Brussel Sprout fans may find upsetting.
Sorry my picture appears – it’s a Google thing that I can’t control.
Obviously, our Volunteer Squad is stood down right now, awaiting a relaxation in the COVID Regulations that will make it possible for the volunteers to come on site as a group. We are going to review this situation at the end of this month.
We ended last year with a team of 12 active volunteers. I am delighted to say that the team has remained in touch throughout the Lockdown. We had a Zoom Catchup this week and those present confirmed they are all keen to return when circumstances allow. How good it that!
We also discussed how members of the Squad might contribute in the meantime as we wait from normal group activities to recommence. We decided that as the Momentum Group (and we are unsure about Club 10) will not now be returning we will make the raised beds available to volunteers to grow their own stuff for this season (if they so choose). This will make sure that the beds are put to good use and maintained throughout the year, and that the individual volunteers can come on site to work their beds – while staying compliant with the Covid and Council Regs. Meantime, 2 beds will be retained for possible use with Club 10.
Additionally, it may well be that the Primary School kids will not be able to come visit with us in the current session. We have agreed therefore, that the Volunteer Squad will plant up and maintain the Primary Plot and the plastic and metal Primary/Community Greenhouses over the season ahead. The volunteers will be able to harvest for themselves, but we anticipate healthy surpluses will be grown and these we will donate to TAMS. This will boost the TAMS dividend paid into our GFAA funds at the end of the year.
So, in the weeks ahead you are likely to see individual volunteers working on the raised beds and the Primary plot and greenhouses: if you do I hope you will stop by and give them a word of encouragement and thanks.
Thanks go to Steve (Plot 72) and volunteers Doug and Irene for agreeing to oversee and manage the volunteers’ Primary School plot and greenhouse activities for the season ahead.
Watch out for further info on the return of the Squad to full duties when circumstances allow. If you are a GFAA Member and have a pressing need for help please use the Requests for Help link on our homepage.
Well, we finally get a day when we don’t open the curtains to find a frosted wonderland – and instead we have a day of solid rain! So, no plot visit for me today, regardless of how much needs doing. Ah well, this too will pass.
If you are at a loose end or doing some thinking about trying out some new things in the year ahead you might find the Dobies Seed site’s advice pages of interest, as well as their new for this season seed varieties.
Remember, if you are tempted to buy seeds as a GFAA member or volunteers you will get a 40% discount on all seed purchases and 10% off other items – but you must use our unique discount code at the time of purchase. If you need the code, there are copies of the Dobies Catalogue with the code included in the Octagon, or just get in touch and I will be pleased to let you have it.
We were delighted to meet up with CFINE Community Growing Development Worker, Rebecca Dunn, who visited our allotment site recently.
CFINE has set up a scheme to prepare and distribute food growing packs to North-East residents. Unfortunately the premises Rebecca was using to prepare the packs are no longer available.
She is looking for somewhere to temporarily store the compost material and prepare the food growing packs which will be distributed in early Spring.
Given the various facilities on our site I think Garthdee Field Allotments Association is well placed to be able to help her and we look forward to doing just that in the very near future.
I was delighted this week to receive news of our TAMS (The Allotment Market Stall) dividend for the season passed. Our funds have benefitted to the tune of £408.23
This really is a magnificent effort and is especially welcome in a year when we have not been able to run our usual fund-raising events such as the Annual BBQ.
I big thank you goes to all of our plotters who gave so generously from their surplus produce, the Volunteer Squad who helped with collection and the TAMS Team for all of their efforts on our behalf. It is great to think of our surplus fruit and veggies going to such a good cause and fresh, locally grown food getting out into the community to everyone’s benefit.
Thanks again everyone.
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