Articles

2023: review of a year to remember!

Submitted by Olwyn Hocking on Tue, 12/12/2023 - 18:39
View of allotment with blue sky

STOTES HALL CHAIR NICK POLUNIN WRITES: What a year it's been! Glorious sunshine in the early summer - it seemed to go on and on in a way I can't remember in the North East - but then July, August (and beyond!) saw extensive rain. It's good for our plants, but too much deters gardening and encourages lots of other plants (and slugs, snails and probably deer).

Moonlit frost on the plots

Submitted by Olwyn Hocking on Thu, 30/11/2023 - 17:07
Full moon over allotment

As the shortest day approaches, we've more opportunities to savour the beauty of the allotment bathed in moonlight. This week had a special treat -  the full moon was in full view at teatime. And a PS from web editor:  We love to capture all your results in images as well as words, so keep your varied photos coming. Email to editor@stotes-hall-allotment.org.uk. ** Here's our web service guidance - enjoy! 

AGM news: subs frozen!

Submitted by Olwyn Hocking on Thu, 30/11/2023 - 16:32

Despite a rise of 7% rise in rent charged for our allotment site and water supply costs, the AGM agreed with Treasurer John Farrington's recommendation that subs should remain at a standstill. Topics discussed at the meeting, held at Jesmond Library, included security - fortunately the thefts did end after several months of difficulties - and the increased problems arising from overgrown plots, such as paths not being kept clear.

Newcastle Allotment Show - our winner!

Submitted by Olwyn Hocking on Thu, 24/08/2023 - 16:22
Rob Creswick holds winning pickled blackberries

Rob Creswick was proud winner of 2nd prize at this year's Newcastle Allotment Show. He entered his blackberry pickles in the category for chutneys and pickles. The event in September at Leazes Park was a great day out! a full report on entertainment and many brilliant winning allotment entries can be seen here on the Urban Green website.

Newt neighbours

Submitted by Olwyn Hocking on Wed, 31/05/2023 - 08:11

A survey one year found more than 30 newts on our site. They're a protected species, so take care to return to a pond if you find any. This year's Springwatch series has featured them again.

If you want to find out more, here's a link to their report a couple of years ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfhHmrvIBnY

And this has background info on the kind of newt we host - the smooth or common newt: https://www.arc-trust.org/smooth-newt

 

TIM ROBINSON 1953–2023

Submitted by Olwyn Hocking on Tue, 21/03/2023 - 06:23
Evening at the allotment

Our allotment society adds thanks to the many tributes shared at Tim’s funeral. His conscientious attention to detail and support were qualities we were fortunate to benefit from, thanks to his vital role creating our website. Our condolences have been passed to Caroline, a plotholder with us for more than 30 years.  "Read more" for Tim's photos.