1. New Plot Holders – If you see any of the following new members please do go over and introduce yourself:
   Kirsty Goodwin Plot 18 c&d
   Emma & Dominic Johnson Plot 10 c&d
   Amy & Matt Parkin Plot 5 a&b
   Churyue & John Brian Plot 7a
   Laura & Alex Hadiaris Plot 12 c&d
2. Health & Safety/Plot Inspection – To maintain the Allotments as a safe environment we undertake an H&S review 2 or 3 times a year. This involves 2 people from the Committee inspecting the perimeter fence as well as gates to make certain they are as rabbit proof as possible. This also gives us an opportunity to see if there are any dangers lurking on the plots. The next review will take place in April.
3. Planting – Now is the time to get your seed potatoes in a tray to chit (produce shoots) prior to planting out late March/April dependent, on the weather. Onions sets and garlic can be sown around the same time. If you are uncertain when to start seeds off either in a greenhouse or directly into the ground, please contact a Committee member for advice.
4. Wilberfoss Allotments Website and Twitter Account (Report from the Editor) – Although last year was a very quiet year on the website, it still played a valuable role in attracting new allotmenteers searching for allotments in the area. As Editor, I’m determined that 2021 will be different!! There are already some really good articles on the website covering a range of subjects from growing garlic to blossom-end rot on tomatoes and what to do about it. The target for the coming year is a minimum of at least one new article per month. So, if you have some great tips and want to show off your expertise – or there are subjects you would like to see covered, please contact me via the website or directly by email: editor@wilberfossallotments.com
   Can I also point those of you who Tweet to the Wilberfoss Allotment Twitter account: @wfossallotments We have 74 Followers on Twitter – but only a handful of our own allotmenteers!! If I commit to providing a steady stream of tweets and retweets on relevant topics this year, I know I will be able to count on everyone to join the conversation. So get tweeting… Volunteer required – social media fame awaits! And here’s another area you can help. I don’t really use Facebook – I know I should, but I’ve just never got round to it. I’m looking for a real Facebook enthusiast who would volunteer to manage our Facebook presence. Any Takers?? Think of the social media status you would gain – who knows with the right content we could even go viral.
5. BBQ – In previous years we have held a barbeque at Grant Burton’s farm which has proven very successful, giving members & family time to meet up and enjoy other people’s company. Last year we were going to do the same at the Sports Pavilion but this was cancelled due to Covid. If we are allowed to gather would you be interested? It will be subsidized and could take place later in the year. If you are interested please contact Steve on 380546.
6. Surplus Crop/Item Exchange – Please place exchange items by the community shed (plot 2c) for any allotmenteers to take, in addition to asking John to place on the Website
7. Covid 19 Rules – It is imperative that we all follow the rules laid down by the Government. Only one allotmenteers tenant’s bubble allowed on the plot and social distancing at all time. We have to enforce this rule to stay open, so please respect this ongoing request.
8. Gates – Please make certain that the 3 gates are closed as soon as you enter and exit the allotments. This will ensure that rabbits do not go in and destroy our crops
9. Track – We are once again getting complaints about the number and size of vehicles travelling on the track to our allotments and the speed that some are travelling. If this continues we are likely to lose ALL vehicle access, so please adhere to the guidelines below: Only cars and small vans my use the track to transport items to your plot. Vehicles should then be parked on the parking area at the entrance to the site. You should not exceed 5 miles per hour whilst on the track as this is also used by families and dog walkers.
10. Deans Garden Centre/ Vertigrow – We are pleased to inform you that you will be able to get a 10% discount on some items again this year at the York store. Please show your membership card at the till point. You will still be able to obtain your Deans loyalty points (if you have a card) as well. Vertigrow also offers us a discount with your card. Membership cards for 2021/2022 will be with you soon!
11. Community Orchard – We have created a community orchard on plot 2c which includes dwarf stock apples, plums and pear trees. It will be interesting to see it develop and bear fruits in the ongoing years. Thanks to Tony Bryan, George Brabbs and Colin Terry for their input and continued support.
12. Manure – We are hopeful that once again we will have two loads of manure delivered at both ends of the allotment track. Manure should be used sparingly and not piled on top of the plot as this will affect the acidity of the plot and inhibit a lot of plants from growing. As a good neighbour please adhere to the ‘useful tips’ section of your contract pack ad only use what you need on the day and do not store excess manure on your plot.

Wilberfoss Allotment Committee

Spring 2021

The three Musketeers (Tam, Colin and Tony) dismantled the shed at the Community Centre and transported it with loving care to the Wilberfoss Allotments where with a lot off huffing and puffing it was erected onto pre laid paving slabs( thanks George for getting them for us) . Despite the fact the door was useless a new one was made and fitted within hours giving us a much needed storage space for the Association mower and other items.
SO PROUD!!
Steve

New guidance for Social Distancing from the Government comes into effect from the 2nd January 2021:

1. Always keep 2m distance from fellow allotmenteers

2. It is permitted to visit your allotment during lockdown but you can only visit on your own or with your household bubble, support bubble or one other person from another household.

3. Do not use other people’s equipment without wiping it clean with wipes or gels

4. We will place a notice at the entrance to the allotments path reminding people that it is not a right of way and only Allotmenteers and the farmer are allowed

5. The mains water tanks are also a potential source of cross contamination as you are relying on individuals (including children) to disinfect the tap before and after use so it may be a good idea to ask people not to use these without taking precautions

Please follow the current guidelines, but if you have any further questions please contact a Committee member or Steve on 01759 380546

Steve

A very warm welcome to the Spring Newsletter!

1. Summer BBQ – Our 2nd barbecue took place at Grant Burtons farm this summer and was a huge success with over 40 people enjoying the summer weather and the barbequed morsels. A big thanks to Grant and to everyone that made it a successful event
2. Surplus Produce, Tools or Plants – If you have any of the above and you want to share them with your fellow allotmenteers, please leave them with a small notice under the notice board by plot 1 Alternatively go on line and register your offering on the website
3. Gardening club Discounts – Thanks to Gill we should all now have our Association Membership Card. Just a reminder this also acts as a discount for Deans and Vertigro where you can save money on a wide range of gardening items
4. New Track between snicket and Allotment Path – I am delighted to be able to tell you that sometime in September our contractor will be removing the grass in the centre of the track and laying and compressing planings The cost of this is just short of £1000 of which half comes from fund raising we did two years ago and the other half will be matched by the Parish Council. This should make access on the track more navigable
5. Autumn Clean Up – At the end of a very busy growing season it will be time to clear and prepare the allotment for next Spring. Old vegetation should be dug up and composted where possible or incinerated if you have the appropriate container. Please do not dump allotment waste in the hedge bottom or in the Farmers field. As a good neighbour please make certain that weeds are not allowed to seed and spread to other allotments
6. Manure – Please be aware that we are unable to confirm if we are likely to receive any free manure this year. But in case we do here are a few tips: Autumn is a good time to dig over the soil and SPARINGLY spread manure over the surface. Heavy mulching with manure will do more harm than good and potentially alter the PH level (acid/alkaline levels) making it impossible for some crops to grow. The onion and legume family do not like to be planted in freshly spread manure
7. Rats – Rats and rabbits remain a potential problem and we ask all plot holders to remain vigilant and take appropriate action – that means making sure ALL GATES ARE CLOSED to keep rabbits out and taking care not to damage the perimeter fence
   Good housekeeping measures can deter rats, notably putting chicken wire under compost bins, removing piles of rubbish where rats can nest and avoiding areas of standing water where they can drink.
   As harvest time comes to an end the supply of food in the fields dwindles dramatically. Rats therefore look for an alternative source of food. Please ensure that all crops likely to attract rats e.g beans, sweetcorn, courgettes, marrows, pumpkins are harvested and taken off the plot asap. Please do not leave produce lying around.
   If you spot signs of rat infestation please notify Colin on 07922662824 who has a supply of rat bait.
8. Trees – Should you have fruit trees on your allotment please can you check that these do not need pruning/lopping as they should not over shadow your neighbours’ plot. Recommended height should be 6-8 feet.
   Should you be thinking of growing fruit trees on your plot why not consider growing dwarf fruit trees
9. Website – Report from the Editor, Wilberfoss Allotments web-site http://www.wilberfossallotments.uk/
   Wilberfoss Allotments Association Website and Twitter Account
   Although there has been relatively little activity in recent months with no new gardening articles added to the web-site, there continues to be a steady stream of visits to the site.
   The Twitter account also has well over 70 followers. So, the basis for a much more active on-line presence is there. But it needs more contributors and more time (which the editor has lacked over the last 6 months).
   So the editor is looking for:
   Volunteers who are knowledgeable about Twitter would be invaluable – as they could provide support in generating regular posts or suggesting re-tweets useful articles on the site.
   …And importantly, volunteers for a new team to meet once a month to add a new article to the site to coincide with the gardening calendar.
   If you are interested and can spare some time – please contact the editor at
   editor@wilberfossallotments.com
10. AGM – 7th NOVEMBER, COMMUNITY CENTRE, WILBERFOSS STARTING AT 7.30PM prompt. If you would like to become a Committee member please contact Gill on 380725 before the AGM. Gill will send out a reminder before the due date. Please do try to attend your Allotment AGM
11. D T Brown Catalogue – The Allotment Association have special prices from the above company equating to 50% off packet seed prices and 20% off onion, garlic type products (these discounts available on minimum Association volume) Catalogues should be available at the AGM
12. Autumn Planting – it is possible to sow broad beans, onions and garlic around the end of September/October. Subject to the severity of the weather over winter you should get early crops next year. Your local garden centre should be able to supply and help with these items
13. Inspection of plots– This will be carried out by two Members of the Committee and will take place in October.

Wilberfoss Allotment Committee

Autumn 2019

A very warm welcome to the Spring Newsletter!

1. New Plot Holders – If you see any of the following new members please do go over and introduce yourself:
   Celine & John Durkin 2a
   Roy & Linda Turner 12a
2. Health & Safety/Plot Inspection – To maintain the Allotments as a safe environment we undertake an H&S review 2 or 3 times a year. This involves 2 people from the Committee inspecting the perimeter fence as well as gates to make certain they are as rabbit proof as possible. This also gives us an opportunity to see if there are any dangers lurking on the plots. The next review will take place end of April
3. Allotment Track – As the track is in need of repair can we ask that you do not use vehicles on it until it is repaired and also refer you to the Dos and Don’ts which state that vehicles can only be used to drop off or collect items. Vehicles must then be taken home or parked on the hard standing (at the beginning of the Allotments) only. Thank you for your consideration
4. BBQ – Last July saw us celebrate our 10^th Anniversary by holding a BBQ at Grant Burton’s farm to the rear of the allotments. This was a huge success and we have been asked by Members if we could do a similar event this year. We therefore propose to do the same again in July and would ask that you contact Steve on 01759 380546 to register your interest
5. Web Site – The Wilberfoss Allotments website goes from strength to strength with nearly half the members signed up to access the site – which will shortly restart providing regular gardening tips for the new season.  The site is a steady source of enquiries about allotment availability from new residents and even some in the process of moving to Wilberfoss and has helped us ensure we have full occupancy on the site.
   The Twitter account also continues to make progress with some 45 followers – if you aren’t amongst the followers of @wfossallotments on Twitter – why not get involved in the conversation!
6. Gates – Please make certain that the 3 gates are closed as soon as you enter and exit the allotments. This will ensure that rabbits do not go in and destroy our crops
7. Surplus Crop/Item Exchange – Please place exchange items by the shed for any allotmenteers to take, in addition to asking John to place on the Website
8. Vacant Plots Do you know anyone who would like to grow their own fruits and vegetables and live in the Parish of Wilberfoss. If so get them to ring Gill on 01759 380725 as we have two plots available now
9. D T Brown SeedsThis year again saw most people using the above and saving 50% of seeds and 25% on some non-seed items. This continues to be a helpful service offered to members of Wilberfoss Allotment Association.

Wilberfoss Allotment Committee

Spring 2019

Dear Members

Wilberfoss Allotment Association AGM will take place on:
Thursday 1st November 2018
at the Community Centre in Wilberfoss
Commencing 7.30p.m.

If you would like to be a part of the Committee please contact Gill on 07779 723805 or email me on gill.ponting@gmail.com before 28th October.

We look forward to seeing you on the 1st.

Gill Ponting

Acting Secretary

A G E ND A 2018 AGM

1. Welcome
2. Apologies for absence
3. Minutes of 2017 AGM
4. Annual Reports
   • Chairman
   • Treasurer
5. Election of Officers
6. Chair
   • Secretary
   • Treasurer
   • Committee
7. Trees
8. Membership Cards
9. Seed Orders (insert date for last orders)
10. Any Other Business
11. New Web Site – John Cooper will give an update on the new Wilberfoss Allotment Web site.

2018 marks the 10th anniversary since the foundation of the Wilberfoss Allotment Association and the year starts with yet more improvements to the amenities at the site. As announced at  the AGM, 5 trees are being planted on the grassy area behind the hard-standing.

The official planting will take place this Saturday 6th January
at 10:30

Everyone is welcome to come along and the event will be attended by Grant Burton who owns the land and Lesley Hoyer who is Chair of the Parish Council. Let’s make this year a great year for the Association.

Dear Members

Wilberfoss Allotments Association AGM will take place on Thursday 9th November, 2017at the

Community Centre in Wilberfoss commencing at 7pm

If you would like to be a part of the Committee please contact Christine on tel 01759 380383 before 9th.November 2017

2018 is the tenth anniversary of the founding of the allotments Association

We think it would be a good idea to celebrate this in some shape or form so please come along with as many ideas as possible.

I have included the Agenda below and look forward to seeing you on 9th November.

Christine Dennison
Secretary

A G E N D A   2017 AGM

• Welcome
• Apologies for absence
• Minutes of 2016 AGM/Matters Arising
• Annual Reports
  Chairman
  Treasurer
• Election of Officers
  Chair
  Secretary
  Treasurer
  Committee
• Update on new lease
• Seed Orders
• 10^th year Anniversary      
  
• Any Other Business