I had noticed for a few weeks that something or somebody was chomping its way through the remains of my chard, but late this afternoon we arrived in time to catch the culprit in the act.
He/She stood her ground for a few moments before showing off her effortless hurdling skills over the fences between the plots: I finally caught this photo as she arrived at Michael’s plot up by the railway line.
Can anyone throw any light on the species and gender?
Stuart and I represented GFAA today at Aberdeen Council’s lunch to celebrate the award of a Gold Certificate to the city in the 50th Anniversary Year of the Britain in Bloom Competition.
Lord Provost George Adam
Lord Provost George Adam made a very good speech thanking the 26 community groups represented for their help in securing the highest possible level of award from the judges. He included a very good line about Aberdeen being a city of grey stone, but green spaces and clearly was delighted with the city’s recognition for the efforts of its diverse horticultural communities.
It was good to have GFAA’s contribution to this success noted along with all of the others.
The 2014 Aberdeen in Bloom awards were announced recently and congratulations are due to several GFAA plotters. Seven of our association members stepped forward into the competition this year and all received honorary mentions. However, Stuart Oram and Sandy Inkster did exceptionally well, coming First and Third respectively in the City Allotments category. Hearty congratulations go to both, along with thanks for putting GFAA well and truly on the city map.
While none of us needed confirmation of how exceptional Sandy and Stuart’s plots are, it’s still great to see two of our GFAA plotters in the top three of a competition that drew entries from across the city. Our two winners better not rest on their laurels however, as I hear that several other members are going to enter their plots in the coming season and are already clearing spaces on their mantlepieces to hold their cups and certificates!
I am delighted to report that the Allotment Market Stall Project has had a very successful season. The project seeks to sell surplus allotment site produce to the public, so spreading the benefits of good, local food growing to the wider community. This year TAMS sold almost £1000 of veggies over the summer weeks – a magnificent effort.
Here is an extract from the thank you letter we received from the TAMS team:
The return from TAMS to GFAA this season has totalled to over £140. I want to offer my congratulations and thanks to all who contributed to this magnificent community effort and to the TAMS team for making this possible.
Sandy Scott from ACC
Aberdeen was well represented at this week’s IYN event in Stirling. Fifteen city organisations won awards and Aberdeen provided two of the keynote speakers.
Sandy Scott from Aberdeen City Council gave an interesting account of his experiences as a Beautiful Scotland judge. He stressed that he and his fellow judges likes to see passion, a sense of place and history and lots of community involvement in projects and organisations – especially from youngsters.
Sandy offered lots of practical advice for those being considered for IYN or Beautiful Scotland awards:
Wendy Gibson (Slopefield)
Wendy Gibson from the Slopefield Allotments Association gave a great account of their history and work towards achieving their outstanding award. They have worked hard at site and association improvements including:
Michael Hart and Norman Coutts subbed for Stuart at this week’s It’s Your Neighbourhood event in Stirling. A full report of the event will follow, but we were surprised to find GFAA were to be presented with an award having achieved a thriving level assessment in our first year of participation in the scheme. Here’s what IYN had to say about our efforts:
“Working in partnership with Aberdeen City, Robert Gordon University and its Student Union, the group has established broader community involvement in the allotment. The group has established, and maintains, a community orchard and is developing a Community Garden for use by people with disabilities.”
As well as a series of very interesting presentations the event featured an exhibition area with stalls hosted by a range of commercial and charity organisations. A folder of their publicity materials has been placed in the bothy. Just the thing in case a rainy day or two interrupts your winter digging and you are looking for something to read!
Thanks go to Aberdeen City Council for laying on the mini-bus that took us to the event and Sandy Scott who did all the driving. As I say, the presentations were packed with good practical ideas for improving our plots and site and a full report will follow in a later post.
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