Binswood Allotment Society NEWSLETTER December 2011

Message from the chairman

Growing wise, 2011 was not a good year for some.

A new strain of onion fly destroyed a complete crop of summer onions and so far this year we have had 40 per cent less rain than normal. This has affected some crops more than others.

Earlier in the year we completed the renewal of the water mains supplying our tanks and baths within our site. The old galvanised pipes have been replaced with plastic pipe work.

Later this month Geoff Southgate moves to the south coast. Geoff organised the Wheelbarrow and Welly Walk and contributed significantly to the work of B.L.A.S.T.

So a big thank you Geoff and good luck. We will miss you and your colourful and punchy notices.

Dennis Bradley

Do we have your email address?

We currently have email addresses for around 56 of our members. If you don’t receive email updates from us, the chances are that we don’t have your address. Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can add you to our database

Membership numbers continue to flourish

We currently have 125 members tending 165 plots… with more on our waiting list

Facebook

If you’re a fan of Facebook check out our new Binswood Allotment Society community page.

We’ll be using the page as a key method of keeping in touch with our members so please go online and check for our regular updates.

We also hope members will use the page to   post comments, tips, recipes, links and photographs of their plot.

Find us at: http://www.facebook.com and type in Binswood Allotment Society in the search box… then all you need to do is ‘like’ the page and you’ll receive every update

Committee Members Needed

Dennis Bradley, Peter Griffin and Geoff Southgate will stand down from Binswood Allotment Society's committee at the next AGM in March. We are delighted to welcome two new committee members - Rosemary Beale, who has joined as the future Membership Secretary, and Robin Cathcart… but we still need two committee members, a Chairman and a Society plumber to keep an eye on the water supply and baths.

If you are interested in getting involved please email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Paths & hedges

It’s time for the usual annual reminder that the paths between plots should be ‘properly cut and trimmed’. This is one of our by-law requirements and is a condition of the Society’s Public Liability Insurance policy. The Society can be liable for trespassers who suffer injury or death. Please keep hedges clear and free of rubbish from plots. Any pebbles can be put on the driveways

Your Committee

If you’ve got a problem or have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our officers. We’ll be happy to help.

We are:

Chairman & Membership Secretary: Dennis Bradley, 429776

Treasurer:  Martin Hurst, 832491

Secretary: Christine Schweighart, 314202

Committee: Peter Griffin, Geoff Southgate, Catherine Levack, Rosemary Beale, Robin Cathcart.

If you wish to propose alternatives to the above, please contact the Secretary.

Plot Rents

Plot rents are due from 1 January 2012 with full payment due by 31January. Rents outstanding after this date will include a £5 surcharge. Plot rent for 2012 is £27, or £26 for OAP’s.

Cheques should be made payable to Binswood Allotment Society and sent to the Treasurer, Martin Hurst, 40 Northumberland Road, Leamington Spa. CV32 6HB.

John Shuttleworth Cup

The 2012 competition details haven’t yet been finalised but will involve the growing and displaying of sweet peas… so watch this space.

Machinery Hire

Members hiring the Society’s rotovator and/or strimmer are reminded that they do so at their own risk. Please return the equipment in good order. Contact Peter Griffin on 771993 regarding equipment hire or to report any problems.

Date for your diary

Our Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 26th March at the Parish Room, Old Milverton, at 7.30pm prompt. After the meeting John Carrier will give a talk on the growing and displaying of Sweet Peas.