We have many unseen friends appreciating our efforts at the gardens. This spiky neighbour emerged from the shadows to say a quick hello, en route to finding a snack or two :
Have you time to help an MSc student doing a project on slow worm distribution on allotment sites around Newcastle?
The project is based on a questionnaire, and a link to the survey can be found here and on https://forms.office.com/e/hLvV1nmgkQ
Let us know how you get on!
Everyone's welcome at this year's Allotment Show on 15 September in Exhibition Park. You can enjoy music, street food, trader stalls and best of all, view all the winners and other entries from allotments across the city.
And 6 September is your deadline to enter - children's entries are welcome, categories include chutneys, cakes and drawings, nd there are also new sustainability categories. To check out the dozens of categories:
Donations to the People's Kitchen can be made on weekdays between 1pm and 5.30pm. The address is 56 Bath Lane, a couple of streets away from the Newcastle United stadium. Olwyn recently dropped off several kilos of Jerusalem artichokes and a box of windfall apples. If you face the main entrance, you will see a little yard to the left - go into it and there is a door to the kitchens. Ring the bell and a friendly person will come to the door and thank you!
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).
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!
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.
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.
