One Year Plan 2023



Hello Everyone,

Your committee thought that it would be helpful to send out a communication regarding the key projects and goals that we are going for this year. Those who were able to make the AGM last November will have some prior understanding of some of these but thought we would take this opportunity to flesh them out a little.

For simplicity, we have grouped the projects into 3 main headings, they are as follows:

1. RHS competitions

2. Community

3. Site maintenance.

RHS Competitions

Last year you will remember we entered a RHS sponsored competition entitled 'It's Your Neighbourhood' and we received the highest mark which was Level 5 outstanding. This year we will be entering that competition again but will also enter into the larger category of Winshill in Bloom. This second one includes the Peace Wood, the Resource Centre and Newton Park Playing Fields and between them they won a silver gilt award last year. Can our efforts take them to a gold award?

Judging for both of these competitions will be around the 7th July!

For us to meet the requirements of WIB (Winshill in Bloom) we need to excel in a few areas namely;

  • The running down of peat-based compost by 2024 and the reduced use of chemicals as of now.

  • Water conservation. Have you a shed, lean to, or greenhouse you could collect water from? This is a key area for us to excel in.

  • Continued development of the woodland walk, pond and apiary.

  • Continued development of wildflower areas and hanging baskets around the site.

Community

We have traditionally done quite well in this area but to strengthen we are delighted to welcome plot holder Amanda Gates to the committee to help us target new initiatives. It was Amanda who was instrumental in sorting the excess produce from the site to be delivered to the Resource Centre last year.

This year we intend to do the following to enhance our bid, namely;

  • Hold a larger family orientated summer picnic.

  • Locate an area of the site which will have a community greenhouse and a meeting shed for plot holders to gather and have a drink. To this end we intend to re-furbish two greenhouses so that those with no facilities at home can grow seedlings on site. This site will also contain some raised beds for 'planting on'.

  • In conjunction with Stuart (beekeeper), to hold some educational open days for families.

Site Maintenance

We are committed to trying to achieve most areas of maintenance around the site by having work party days. We would really appreciate it if you would consider joining one this year. This approach really helps to keep costs down and there are always jobs for all ages and abilities.

  • However, there are a couple of projects which we need to find funding for, namely the bottom access road and the community plot (see above). We are actively trying to source others means of finance to cover these costs through grants.

In closing, can we thank each one of you for your ongoing support as we take this allotment site to the next level.

John (on behalf of the committee).