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.
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
Newcastle allotment holders are invited to send entries for a range of award categories. The deadline's 30 June - you can print off a copy of the entry form from the Urban Green news story here.
The Classes for this year are:
Two Newcastle events have displayed exhibits inspired by gardening and growing. Plotholder Peter Kellett has shown a stunning work at Newcastle Contemporary Arts Gallery - it's called "Keep Digging! Allotment Archaeology" and is pictured here.
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.
Our plots aren't the only ones attracting deer. Peter and Ann Wilson have been chatting about how they've developed their own ways to live happily alongside Newcastle's wildlife - including deer - and help creatures large and small to thrive.
The usual spring inspection took place in early March. This checks that the Plotholder Agreement is being complied with (available in Resources section of website). This outlines the rules (including types of use, tidiness around plot, amount of ground that must be cultivated).