S.H.A.G.S. New Year newsletter 2023
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S.H.A.G.S NEW YEAR NEWSLETTER 2023
Spring is in the air and soon the nights will start drawing out, so thoughts of 2023 planting season, manuring and digging will be upon us. With the snow and ice early in December the shop survived with one plumbing joint that popped apart and quickly fixed, despite the water having been turned off. With that fixed then the stop cock started leaking, requiring another repair. Now the water heater is leaking.
Following the annual stocktaking, the shop is due to reopen on SUNDAY 15th JANUARY. Our 2023 seed order has been placed so in the next couple of weeks we will have the new stock, including broad beans and vegetable seeds, with the seed potatoes due at the end of the month. We still have a good stock of onions and shallots.
At last we have a new volunteer to take over the everyday management of the shop and Steve Case (PH) will ease into the job during the next few weeks.
CAROLE’S 80TH BIRTHDAY
As our December committee meeting had to be cancelled due to the weather we were unable to celebrate her birthday in person, but a signed card and a present were organised for the proper day (31st) It is Carole’s busy time just now with the end of the financial year and in March the rent renewals. As the majority of member now pay on line and from last year’s experience there will be just the one rent collection day SUNDAY 5th MARCH in the Ted Allen Room from 10:00 am until midday.
If you feel that you are likely to give up your plot please let Alex know before the renewal notices are sent out, please email : [email protected]
COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Our Committee is getting older and we are seeking some more young blood and new ideas for the future of the Allotment Society. Jim Machin has decided to relinquish his committee position now that the lettings management is under Alex’s control. Carole has vowed to continue as long as possible, but since her accident last year her mobility issues have made many chores really hard work, especially up and down stairs to her ‘office’.
If anyone feels that they could be of future help to the Society, please make contact with any of the committee Officers (on the website) or call in to the shop on a Sunday morning.
PLOT SO FAR
Our Editor, Geoff is now seeking articles, reports and items of interest for inclusion in the next issue, due in time for the rent collection day. Email your contribution to [email protected]
ELECTRIC MOWERS & STRIMMERS
Our new stock of battery machinery has worked out very well through our first season and everyone has found the equipment very easy to operate. As older machines need to be replaced we will be looking at continuing the changeover to battery operation.
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR PROJECTS 2023
Our site reps have submitted proposals for various site projects for this year and these have been discussed at the recent committee meeting. We also have the new repairs budget from HTC amounting to £4,000. Amongst the proposed schemes are new sheds for Churchfield and Topstreet Way, site improvements to the pathways at Oakley Road, a manure pen for Aldwickbury, and new safety handrails for the ramp to the Ted Allen Room. One of the shop deliveries in the summer resulted in damage to one of the PH gateposts and after a long delay with the haulage contractor insurance company in deciding not to cover the estimated replacement costs we may have to seek HTC funds for replacement.
BEST WISHES FOR A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE 2023
Spring is in the air and soon the nights will start drawing out, so thoughts of 2023 planting season, manuring and digging will be upon us. With the snow and ice early in December the shop survived with one plumbing joint that popped apart and quickly fixed, despite the water having been turned off. With that fixed then the stop cock started leaking, requiring another repair. Now the water heater is leaking.
Following the annual stocktaking, the shop is due to reopen on SUNDAY 15th JANUARY. Our 2023 seed order has been placed so in the next couple of weeks we will have the new stock, including broad beans and vegetable seeds, with the seed potatoes due at the end of the month. We still have a good stock of onions and shallots.
At last we have a new volunteer to take over the everyday management of the shop and Steve Case (PH) will ease into the job during the next few weeks.
CAROLE’S 80TH BIRTHDAY
As our December committee meeting had to be cancelled due to the weather we were unable to celebrate her birthday in person, but a signed card and a present were organised for the proper day (31st) It is Carole’s busy time just now with the end of the financial year and in March the rent renewals. As the majority of member now pay on line and from last year’s experience there will be just the one rent collection day SUNDAY 5th MARCH in the Ted Allen Room from 10:00 am until midday.
If you feel that you are likely to give up your plot please let Alex know before the renewal notices are sent out, please email : [email protected]
COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Our Committee is getting older and we are seeking some more young blood and new ideas for the future of the Allotment Society. Jim Machin has decided to relinquish his committee position now that the lettings management is under Alex’s control. Carole has vowed to continue as long as possible, but since her accident last year her mobility issues have made many chores really hard work, especially up and down stairs to her ‘office’.
If anyone feels that they could be of future help to the Society, please make contact with any of the committee Officers (on the website) or call in to the shop on a Sunday morning.
PLOT SO FAR
Our Editor, Geoff is now seeking articles, reports and items of interest for inclusion in the next issue, due in time for the rent collection day. Email your contribution to [email protected]
ELECTRIC MOWERS & STRIMMERS
Our new stock of battery machinery has worked out very well through our first season and everyone has found the equipment very easy to operate. As older machines need to be replaced we will be looking at continuing the changeover to battery operation.
MAINTENANCE & REPAIR PROJECTS 2023
Our site reps have submitted proposals for various site projects for this year and these have been discussed at the recent committee meeting. We also have the new repairs budget from HTC amounting to £4,000. Amongst the proposed schemes are new sheds for Churchfield and Topstreet Way, site improvements to the pathways at Oakley Road, a manure pen for Aldwickbury, and new safety handrails for the ramp to the Ted Allen Room. One of the shop deliveries in the summer resulted in damage to one of the PH gateposts and after a long delay with the haulage contractor insurance company in deciding not to cover the estimated replacement costs we may have to seek HTC funds for replacement.
BEST WISHES FOR A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE 2023