News Archive 2010
* New Editor for The Watering Can - Claudia Botello
* New HAHF Chairman and Committee Members
* Hillingdon's Best Allotment Sites and Top Plots Announced
* HAHF at the Hillingdon 60+ Fair 2010
* All London's Best Allotment Plot Competition Award for Reno Poetti
* London in Bloom Success for Hillingdon's Best Large Allotment Site
* Centenary Celebrations at Joel Street Allotments
* Growing Allotment Waiting Lists
* Contaminated Manure Problems Continue
* Questionnaire About Distribution of Newletter
New Editor for The Watering Can - Claudia Botello
The Winter edition of the allotment newsletter 'The Watering Can' has just been published online. It contains photographs of the allotment competion winners, details of the 1st and 2nd round marks in the Top 50 plots group. Claudia has written a tribute to the previous editor (David England) who worked hard to improve the profile of the newsletter. There are interesting additions in the new edition. Copies of the newletter will be distributed to plot holders by email. A printed copy will be sent to each Site Secretary / Contact person for the site notice board. Plot holders may also pick up a copy from the Green Spaces department at the Civic Centre.
New Chairman and Committee Members
Vanessa Bonner was appointed as the new chairman at the AGM in November. There are a number of new committee members. Click here for details.
Hillingdon's Best Allotment Sites and Top Plots Announced
The 2010 Allotment Competition results were announced on Wednesday 10th November. The best large site is Hayes End, the best small site is Hill House in Harefield and the best London Borough of Hillingdon Managed site is The Fairway. (Click here for details).
The mayor of Hillingdon Councillor David Anthony Yarrow presented award cups to representatives from the best sites and the plot holder who achieved the highest score in the Individual Plot Category. This plot holder also received a certificate and garden centre vouchers. Similar certificates and other vouchers were presented to the plot holders in second and third place.
(Click here for the top fifty list, and photos of award winners).
HAHF at the Hillingdon 60+ Fair 2010
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John Davey, Vanessa Bonner, Trevor & Angela Dixon, Carina Browne Cavin Higgins (L - R) |
HAHF members presented an impressive display of produce from various allotments in the area. There was a steady stream of visitors to the stall. Interesting conversations about the fruits, vegetables, flowers, eggs and preserves. There were queries about growing food crops and general gardening. Leaflets about the Council allotments and the Joel street allotment were also available.
All London's Best Allotment Plot Competition Award for Reno Poetti
Reno Poetti won first prize in the Hillingdon allotment plot competition last year. He has been informed that judges from the London Gardens Society were impressed when they visited his plot this year for the all London competition. They have invited him to a presentation ceremony at the Guildhall.
London in Bloom Success for Hillingdon's Best Large Allotment Site
Hayes End allotment site has been the best large allotment site in Hillingdon for the past six years. It has finally achieved recognition from the London in Bloom judges. The site was awarded won 3rd place in the best London allotment site category.
National Allotment Week - Open day at two allotment sites
The London Borough of Hillingdon has organised special events to promote allotments on Monday 9th August. There will be a guided tour at Hayes End and a practical gardening session at Belmore. Details available on the Local Events page.
Centenary Celebrations at Joel Street Allotments
Congratulations to members of the Ruislip-Northwood Smallholding & Allotment Society Limited. They will be celebrating their Centenary on Sunday July 18th. It is encouraging to know that the society has provided opportunity for local people to have access to land for growing crops and rearing animals since 1910. The Society received funding from the National Lottery for a Kazuba composting toilet earlier this year. They invited the former Mayor of Hillingdon (Mrs Jill Rhodes) to officially open the toilet before the Centenary celebrations.
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Presentation of £9940 cheque from the National Lottery by Alison Rowe (National Lottery representative). The Kazuba composting toilet was opened by Jill Rhodes (a former Mayor of Hillingdon).
Growing Allotment Waiting Lists
A survey about allotment waiting lists in English Local Authorities shows increased demand. The National Association for Allotment and Leisure Gardeners report indicates there is a 20% increase in the number of people on waiting lists. Some people have to wait for 40 yrs. Click here for a copy of the report which was published in May 2010.
Contaminated Manure Problems Continue
The Soil Association and the Organic Growers Alliance have reported that there are new cases of crops damaged by the herbicide aminopyralid* (a selective hormone type herbicide used to control broad leaf weeds on grassland). Growers and gardeners are advised to check their crops for misshapen and twisted vegetables and fruits, low seed germination, weak plants and reduced harvest. The Soil Association has advised growers to be careful about the source of the manure they use of their crops. Click here for further information. *Aminopyralid was banned in 2008 after a number of reports about contaminated crops. It was reinstated by the Chemicals Regulations Directorate (CRD).
Questionnaire About Distribution of Newletter
Hillingdon Green Spaces team has announced that the allotment newsletter 'The Watering Can' will be distributed to plot holders by email. The Allotment Officer (Nick Porter) sent a letter and questionnaire to allotment plot holders with the Spring edition of the Watering Can. Plot holders are asked to complete the questionnaire and send their email address to the Civic Centre. One copy of the newsletter will be posted to the Site Secretary / Contact for the notice board. Visitors can download a copy from this website.