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Issue Number 11 |
Spring 2002 |
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ALLOTMENTS: A PLOT HOLDER'S GUIDE In February 2002 the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) published a free 24 page guide for existing and aspiring allotment gardeners. Allotments: A Plot Holder's Guide covers the reasons why allotments are good for you, how to get a plot, permitted uses of an allotment, contents of a tenancy agreement, barriers to the disposal of allotments, and plot holders' responsibilities. There is a quick guide to the complex legislation on allotments, and a list of useful contacts - including the QED Virtual Potting Shed, an internet project now in its fourth year promoting examples of good practice in allotment management from around the country. QED has been active in publicising the existence of the Guide, by arranging coverage in Amateur Gardening, Garden News, The Kitchen Garden and other magazines. To obtain a copy of the Guide, contact DTLR, PO Box 236, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7NB, Tel: 0870-1226-236, E-mail: dtlr@twoten.press.net (quote Product Code 01 UP 0769). QED AT CITY FARMS AND COMMUNITY GARDENS RE-LAUNCH On Wednesday 27th March the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens (FCF&CG) was re-launched at Surrey Docks City Farm in Rotherhithe, South London, following a successful campaign to protect city farms from the devastating financial consequences of foot and mouth disease. The event was attended by the FCF&CG's Patron, HRH the Prince of Wales. Richard Stone, Chair of the QED Allotments Group, was delighted to tell Prince Charles about his own allotment, which he gardens organically, and both agreed that the fruit and veg taste far better grown this way. The prince than gave a speech about how city farms play an important role in the education of children, teaching them about horticulture and where vegetables originate from - which is NOT from a tin or a frozen packet. He praised the work of all city farms, allotment holders and like minded groups for all their hard work and efforts. The day was very successful, with media coverage from both television and the South London Press. If you are in the area why not visit this little oasis overlooking the Thames and Canary Wharf.
DARTFORD FEATURES AT POTATO DAY Members of the QED Allotments Group attended the annual "Potato Day" event on February 3rd at the Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA)'s Ryton Gardens. The day included a talk on pesticide residues in potatoes, an informative presentation on the work carried out at Audley End - HDRA's walled garden in Essex - and a talk on pests and diseases affecting potatoes. It was also an ideal time to buy tubers from a selection of over 100 varieties and to look at the gardens. The highlight of the day was the presentation of the QED Lawrence Hills plaque by Alan Gear. Alan explained the work of Lawrence Hills, HDRA's founder, and said that his first horticultural job was at Central Park in Dartford. Richard Stone, Chair of QED Allotments, then gave a brief talk on this very important historical link between QED and the HDRA. THE SPRING ALLOTMENT GARDEN: IT ALL FITS ... A special offer for readers of the Daily Telegraph: you can now sit back and relax on those rainy afternoons with a luxury jigsaw puzzle of an allotment garden in spring. The puzzle is made of robust plywood, and comes in its own cloth bag. Each piece of the puzzle is a different shape, and some are cut in the shape of garden tools, including a mower, trowel, mower and secateurs. You'll have to save up for it though: the price is £22.95! The puzzle can be ordered over the phone (payment by credit card) at 0870-122-6905 (quote product code GNB064).
DARTFORD FESTIVAL ALLOTMENT COMPETITION 2002 This year's competition will again be for three trophies: the Borough Shield, the Villages Cup, and the Fred Brown Cup, which will be awarded at a prizegiving ceremony at the Civic Centre in the Autumn. Judging will take place on the weekend of July 6-7, 2002, and will be in the hands of a senior officer from the allotments federation in Bexley, who has been asked to give consideration to the following criteria: (1) crop quality, (2) crop planning, (3) good husbandry, (4) waste management within the plot, (5) use of organic methods, and (6) visual amenity. If you have an allotment in Dartford and would like to take part, please return the slip below, and await further details. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ To: Dartford Festival Allotment Competition, 18 Stanham Road, Dartford DA1 3AW. I would like to enter the 2002 Allotment Competition: please send me further details.
Your Name: ____________________________________ Allotment Site: _________________
Your Home Address: ______________________________________ Phone Number: _______
Were you gardening on this site before January 1, 2000? YES/NO |
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