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Nuffield Road Allotment Society Newsletter Issue No.2: Summer 2012

25th April Vandalism...an update We were all shocked to discover the senseless vandalism and arson when we arrived at the allotment early the next morning to meet the police and fire service forensic and scientific officers. We know that everyone is very concerned with security of the site and the particular losses incurred by some of our members. Whilst it is unrealistic to expect to be able to solve the root causes of such deplorable incidents, nonetheless the Committee has been working hard to try and improve some matters. We take this opportunity to give everyone an update on exactly what has been happening. Meeting Police Crime Prevention Officer We have been working hard to establish a good rapport with our local PCSOs Louise Abbott and Janice Upex. In response to the incidents of 25th April, a meeting was arranged on 16th May with the PCSOs and Police Crime Prevention Officer Kate Kent. The meeting provided an opportunity for everybody to listen to expert advice, ask questions and make suggestions. Kate gave us the most expert advice we can find on preventing as best we can such attacks and thievery. Kate has since conducted a close examination of the site and written a report on her observations and recommendations that we expect shortly. Copies of the report will be put on display on the notice boards when it is available.

Cambridge News reported

on the impact of the

incident on 27 April 2012

Fence Repairs The high wire mesh security fence is the responsibility of the City Council. The lower wooden fence adjoining Discovery Way belongs to the housing association. Strenuous efforts have been made to talk to the new housing association Metropolitan (formerly Granta), but to no avail. However, the City Council has agreed to replace the section of their damaged fencing with panels of a stronger wire gauge. However, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to stop a determined trespasser. The Committee has explored the possibility of purchasing addition fencing. Apparently, we are not permitted to increase the height of the fence or add deterrents such as barbed wire. It seems that the best deterrent is the nature’s own. In consultation with the relevant plot holders, we will establish prickly plants, supported by trellis, on the areas of wooden fences that children sit on and regularly climb over, as advised by the Police. We wish to thank Elaine (Plot 46) for donating two formidably prickly roses to ramble over the new fence. Skip A skip has been promised for Patrick’s clear up party with family and friends and will be available for any debris remaining from the other fires. The date will be advertised on the notice boards. Stephen (Plot has been removing damaged metal, and has offered to remove any from the other damaged sheds; thanks for your help Stephen. These attacks are very distressing and everyone feels for those who lost so much. Trying to get things actually happening on the prevention front is frustratingly slow....but don’t give way to despair....your Committee’s on the case and things are stirring!

Also in this Issue: • Allotment Shop

• Bins Proposals

• Allotment Gate

• Plant Swaps

• Competition

• Plot Report

• Committee News

• Caroline’s Corner

• Letter Box

• New Members

Contact the Committee: Tel: 07927481122 or Email: nuffieldroadallotment@gmail.com

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PLOT RENTS At the Society’s AGM in December 2011, the

Committee was asked to review the current plot rents

and make proposals to be implemented for the coming

year. Following a review by the Treasurer of our

income and anticipated costs, it was estimated that

annual rents should be in the order of £15 per half plot.

However, the Committee agreed in May that the

rent for each half plot be increased from £11 per

year to only £13 per year with effect from 1st

October 2012, and to £15 from 1st October 2013.

PLANT SWAPS

Two successful plant and seedling swaps were held

this year in the allotment building. The first was very

well attended and held indoors. On Sunday 27th May,

a beautiful morning permitted us to spread outdoors

and enjoy the sunshine. Volunteers provided

assistance and cakes and refreshments were served.

Our particular thanks go to Caroline (Plot 25) who

planned and organised both events and raised very

useful funds for the Society.

We plan to hold similar events every last Sunday in the

month during the summer, so watch for notices.

If you would like to propose an event or volunteer

your support, please contact a member of the

Committee.

Allotment Shop

HONEY BEES

The allotment shop is now open on Sunday mornings

10am – Midday, and on Wednesday evenings 7pm -

8pm. Please see Wendy (Plot 24) if you would like to

volunteer to help in the shop. The shop stocks a wide

range of material and seeds for you, as well as

coordinating orders for potatoes, etc. To ensure that

we stock the varieties and materials you want,

please remember to talk to Wendy or leave a

message at the shop. We shall endeavour to meet

your needs.

Letter Box

A letter box is now fixed to the gate so that we receive

mail direct, rather than through private addresses of the

Committee.

As discussed at the AGM in December, we are trialling

bee-keeping on Nuffield Road Allotment in the unused

space behind the allotment building. Lautaro (Plot

75A), member of the British Beekeepers Association,

will initially have a single hive, and Susie (Plot 1) is also

keen to start.

A ladybird larva

Nature: ladybirds Feeding on aphids, ladybirds are very welcome on allotments. The most common is coccinella septempunctata, so called because it has seven black spots on its red wing casings. Harlequin ladybirds, with very variable markings, came to Europe a few years ago from the United States, where they were introduced for pest control. Some native species have been in decline since the arrival of the harlequin, but it doesn't seem to compete with the common seven-spot ladybird. Ladybirds emerge from their dormant winter state in spring. Mating in May and June, the female lays yellowish eggs on the underside of leaves - nettles are a favourite. The eggs hatch into larvae that also feed on aphids before pupating. In late summer, a new generation of ladybirds emerges, looking yellow at first, they build up reserves for over-wintering, while the old generation dies off. The young ladybirds hibernate in old plants, trees, bushes, bits of wood or crevices. Eating 5000 aphids during its lifetime, they have few natural predators, but are vulnerable to insecticides. (Contributed by Sue, Plot 37).

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COMMITTEE NEWS

The current Committee was formed by remaining

members and new volunteers approved at the AGM in

December 2011. In addition, Lola Craft and Elaine

Andrews agreed to assist in organisation of social

events. If you would like to volunteer to help with the

work of running the Society and its activities, please

contact a member of the Committee. It may be that

you have particular skills or interests that will be of

value. At the moment, we would welcome anybody

who has knowledge of the working of the Society’s

machinery (mowers, strimmers, etc) who would be

prepared to help with their management and

organise maintenance.

Water

As reported in the Spring Issue, the water for irrigation

remained turned off until 1st April, as usual. This also

allowed monitoring of the meter and leaks that arose

during the winter. Following the repairs, we have been

in discussions with Cambridge Water regarding the

unusually large water bill and potential replacement

and location of the meter. It was disappointing that

some plot holders took it upon themselves to turn on

some of the tank supply taps on during this period of

monitoring and remove notices requesting the taps to

be left turned off. As a result of this action by the few,

next winter the water supply will be turned off centrally.

Finally, the cost of water will continue to rise and we all

need to use it wisely. Therefore, if you become aware

of any apparent leaks on site please notify a member of

the Committee as soon as possible. Please take any

steps that you can to reduce consumption or

capture rain water to benefit both the

environment and our bank balance!

Front Gate The unreliable lock

at the main gate was repaired on 29th May. However, it

is not really suited to the type of use it gets and the

code has become widely known to non-members. In

consultation with Dents, a new coded padlock is to be

put in place shortly. Please check notice boards for

details of when the changeover will take place and

for issue of the new code in person at the shop.

Please remember to keep the gates locked at

all times and DO NOT share the security codes

or keys with non-Members

Caroline’s Corner Curious about compost? Worried about

weeds? Bugged by beasties? Caroline

probably has the answer.......

Send you questions for the next issue

MYSTERY OBJECT COMPETITION

Can you guess what this object was used for? Answers

in the letter box or via email to

nuffieldroadallotment@gmail.com

by Sunday 2nd July 2012. The first correct answer out

of the hat on the next Sunday 8th July 2012 will win a

prize! If no-one answers correctly the first incorrect

answer out of the hat will get the prize, so it is worth

having a guess. Contributed by Sue (Plot 37).

CHESTERTON FESTIVAL.

We have applied for a stall at Chesterton Community

Fun Day at Pye’s Rec Sat 30th June, 1pm to 5pm.

We’ll sell some plants to raise funds, but the main

purpose will be to promote the Society and encourage

new members. Volunteers needed to help in the

afternoon.

Please see a Committee member if you could

spare an hour to help.

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Proposal for bins

Leaves, wood chippings, etc are heaped by the entrance.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to keep materials separate and

they are rendered unusable as they become infested with

roots and brambles. So, in consultation with the City

Council, our proposal is to concrete the area up to the

perimeter fence and construct up to six bays. These

improvements will allow us to take much more recycled

material, maintain better control and introduce a proper

recycling and composting regime.

Plot News

This year we were pleased to welcome new plot

holders Kevin (Plot 3B), and Fausto and Claire (Plot

45A). Fausto told us “When you see a plot full of

wilderness your imagination starts to work. What

should we do with it? Two months later we have a

garden. All that thanks to the time, support and

resources of members of NRAS. Thank you all!”

Claire and Fausto (Plot 45A)

Railway

Sidings

Cambridge News published

the latest proposals for the

new station on the railway

siding next door to our

allotment. We’ll being keeping

an eye on developments. The

next step appears to be the

Public Consultation at the end

of the year. Not shown on the

plans, but expected following

surveys by the County

Council’s consultants, is a

pedestrian and cycle route

through to Nuffield Road via

our existing entrance.

Adherence to

our Rules and

Regulations ….has become a bit lax!

The Nuffield Road Allotment Society has a set of

Rules and Conditions that as allotment members

we all sign each year when renewing our

tenancy, and which the Committee is bound to

enforce. These rules are generally common

sense and seek to ensure that we behave with

consideration for others. However, it is important

that we all keep these rules in mind. In

particular, please note that if you intend to start

a new project, such as erecting a shed or

planting a tree, remember to apply to the

Committee for approval first. We won’t pick up

on retrospective sins, but will need to be more

vigilant of new ones on our monthly walkabouts.

*********The deadline for contribution to the Autumn Issue is 1st

September 2012. **********