Welcome to our newsletter. It is the wish of the Management Committee to be able to inform all of our plot holders of the latest news
MAY NEWS
Please be patient, content which has been a little limited, this will improve in due course (With your help)
NOTICE TO ALL M.W.G.H.A. PLOT HOLDER'S
Please help us to help you, send your email address via my phone (Below).
We do not share email addresses with any third party.
It is with sadness we have to report that two of our plot holders and previous committee members have passed away recently:
Barry Smalley r.i.p.
Roger Speight r.i.p.
STRICTLY NO FIRES This is not a request it is an ORDER
Coronavirus (CO-VID 19)
12 NOON. 8th April 2020
CORONAVIRUS: What the NAS is doing to help members
The National Allotment Society is working to provide clarity for our members on what the virus outbreak and ensuing impacts will mean for Allotment Holders. As more information become available, we will be updating our advice to our members, please read the Q & As below (as of 8 April 2020) on how the outbreak is affecting Allotment Sites and their use.
NAS Q & A On Allotments and Social Distancing
Protect yourself and your family
We are all living through a crisis, the likes of which the country has not experienced since war time. The community spirit that exists on allotment sites is now vitally important. Please remember to look out for one another during these very difficult times and take all the steps you can to reduce the risk of contagion from the Covid- 19 virus when you visit the plot.
Covid -19 - The virus that causes Covid 19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and they quickly fall and contaminate floors and surfaces.
Smaller airborne particles can remain in the air for some time. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of a person who has Convid-19- hence the 2m social distancing requirement, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
Can I still work my allotment during the Covid19 lockdown?
Yes, allotments are a great way of both getting exercise and obtaining food during this crisis.
Can I visit the allotment with my family?
Yes, government guidelines state that you can exercise with members of your household
Why then is the NAS suggesting that we consider going alone to the plot?
This is just a suggestion and plot-holders can decide for themselves but we are looking at the bigger picture and concerned about the risk of sites being shut – as they have been in Ireland and France. If some plot-holders are happy to visit alone or stay away for a few weeks that reduces this risk.
How long can I stay at the plot?
Government Ministers have suggested that an hour’s walk is reasonable and asked us all to limit time spent outside the home. The Society believes that if you are using your plot for daily exercise it would be reasonable to spend an hour or two doing the jobs that need doing for that day and then to return home.
How can I ensure my family’s and everyone else’s safety at the plot?
Do not attend the plot if you have coronavirus symptoms or a family member is self-isolating
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Take a flask of hot water, soap and paper towels to the plot with you (cold water will work too).
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Use hand sanitiser (should be 60% alcohol content) before entering the site and opening any gate locks
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Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after closing the lock, dry with a paper towel
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The most effective part of hand washing is the drying using preferably paper towel to remove the layer of dead skin scales - on which virus and bacteria sit. Paper towel to compost heap.
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DO NOT touch your face after using anything that has been touched by other people- use an elbow to work the push taps.
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Wash your hands again for 20 seconds, dry with a paper towel before opening and closing the lock to leave the site
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Use hand sanitiser after closing the lock
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Wash hands when you get home
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DO NOT gather together for a chat even if you are 2 metres apart
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Observe “Social Distancing” with each other 2-3 metres
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If you take your children to the plot, ensure that they stay within its confines and do not run around on communal paths and spaces.
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Do not share tools
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Do not wash your hands in water troughs
Can I drive to my allotment?
We do not have an overall answer to this question. Police forces are clamping down on non-essential travel, some have said that a short drive to the plot is permitted if there is no other choice, others are still enforcing the prohibition on driving to exercise. Check with your local force. Walk to the plot if at all possible and do not take public transport.
What about if I have hens or other livestock to care for at the plot?
Animal welfare considerations mean that this would be seen as essential travel even if further movement restrictions are put in place.
Phil Cooper (Chair) if you are still unsure call or text me 07873502470
Now is a good time to take on a new plot, it gives you time to plan and prepare in good time for the new season. This way you can start your planting schedule from March onward with the main planting season starting in April.
We have had applications for new site reps on Longyards
We will let you know who will be there to help in due course.
The new Rents have been published by Mansfield District Council as follows:
Full plot: £43.86 Half & Starter plots £22.00 NOW DUE
Third Party Insurance has become a requirement of the association. This has come about as we have a duty of care towards our plot holders. Also included is membership which gives plot holders access to Kings Seeds at special prices, Seed potatoes and items like compost and fertilisers at a lower cost than retail. You also have affiliated membership to the National Allotment Society, All for just £4.55 per year.
Please Note: it is a requirement to give a minimum of one months notice should you wish to give up your plot. Rule 28.a. You are not allowed to hand over your plot to any third party, Rule 5.
Motor Vehicles must not park on the cart roads on Longyards allotment site.
It has been brought to our attention that vehicles are causing obstruction on cart tracks at Longyards. Only use a vehicle if you have items that are to heavy to carry, then park outside of the site.
PRIORY ROAD ALLOTMENT SITE
(Sites for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople). Mansfield District Council shortlisted our site to the final 4 sites.
This has now been overturned due to the overwhelming support for allotment plots.
on behalf of our association I would like to thank everybody who played their part in securing Mansfield District Council's desision.
UPDATE: There are 27 people now on the waiting list, requiring a plot. Mansfield District Council are aware that those on the waiting list are keen to get started. Note: Work has already started on the site (special funding has been obtained). Half plots will be available from the end of March 2020. The water system will be installed by the end of April 2020.
Plots still available on our other sites
RENTs
Full Plot £43.86
Half or Starter Plot £22.00
Third Party Insurance including Membership £4.55
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING MEMBERSHIP
It has become apparent that several plot holders have not been offered or do not understand why membership is required.
The list below will give an outline of what our membership offers plot holders
1. Helps the management team to protect your interests as gardeners.
2. When Mansfield District Council increase rents beyond inflation, we will act.
3. Members are covered by valuable Third Party Insurance, a must these days.
5. Associate membership to 'The National Allotment Society' giving full access.
6. Membership seed catalogue from Kings Seeds giving excellent value.
7. Purchase garden products from our sheds, (Quality compost and sundries.
8. Members are more likely to help members.
5. A strong membership will give us more power in the event of land grabbing.
All this and more for only £4.55 per year (2020-21). So please support your fellow gardeners.
KINGS SEED CATALOGUE 2020 (members only) If you have missed the association's group collection, you can send in your order direct to Kings Seeds, you must include £2.00 for postage and packing. A few catalogues still available at Longyards Sales Shed.
In due course we will publish a site reps guide to help you understand why we need such people (volunteers) to share your concerns and wishes. Please stick to the allotment agreement, if you have lost or don’t have an agreement please ask for one asap.
How would you like your site to have a general open day with seed and plant swaps. This year. Maybe a best plot competition and if you think you can grow produce to impress have a completion for the best. Get your rep to make it happen, it is important that you can help along with your fellow plot holders. Priory Road Allotments held one on the 31st August 2019 with great success with over 90 people passing through. Well done to Gary, Gemma and plot holders who made it happen. Look out for new events. Priory Road are planning events to be published shortly.
For the latest weather, click onto the weather site.
We welcome your comments on anything allotment, just let your rep know. If there is anything that you are not sure of, just ask!
Mansfield District Council have made a few amendments to the 'Allotment Holders Agreement' Please take a look on the open members area. These are correct as of 1st. April 2019 you may print a copy if you wish. If you are unsure or require help, contact your site rep. Please note: amendments are ongoing, so please check that you are up to date.
You are welcome to make a contribution to our Newsletter if you think you have any useful ideas that would help our members.
I have been asked by Mansfield District Council to remind plot holders about the rule regarding fires.
there have been complaints of fires on all sites. Help our Reps to help you NO FIRES.
It has been brought to our attention that vehicles are being taken onto the cart tracks on Longyards and Priory Road without good reason. Due to the amount of rain in recent weeks the cart road is being damaged. Refrain from such use or expect a total ban of all vehicles.
Sad news of the passing of former MWGHA Chairman, Kelvin Twigger.
Kelvin took over as Chairman of MWGHA during some turbulent times for the Association. He handled matters with a calm professional air and ensured that everyone was treated as fairly as possible. His sense of humour helped him through many situations as he sought to improve MWGHA allotments, making regular visits to each site and liaising with site reps to resolve problems. He did much to make sure that most sites were full to capacity or nearly so and to encourage gardeners to take up plots.
His past experience working for MDC helped in negotiations with the Council and Kelvin was always ready to listen to members and was keen to resolve any problems.
Stepping down as Chairman to spend more time with his family, Kelvin continued with his own allotment plot on the Park Hall Road site and still very much enjoyed his gardening. A well-known figure around Woodhouse, Kelvin was always ready to stop for a chat and willing to pass on his gardening knowledge. He will be missed my many.
Barbara Berry.
