RAA Newsletter Summer 2011

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RhydypenauAllotment Association

NewsletterSummer 2011

Issue 2 of 2011

Chairmans MessageI'm writing this article during the third week of June and - guess

what - it's raining! Im disappointed because this means that yet

another day of gardening at Rhydypenau has been lost to the

weather.

Im also disappointed because it's not so many years ago that the

month of June was described as "flaming". That may have

changed. However, what hasn't changed is the fact that this month,

June, is often looked upon as the half-way point in the gardening

calendar and, like Janus, we gardeners are looking backwards andforwards at the same time. Yes, we've prepared the ground, we've

sown the seeds; and now we're looking forward to harvesting the

crops. For most gardeners it is likely that the result will be a

bumper crop. For others, things may not turn out so well. Never

mind, there's always next year! Continued on page 2

Kings Seeds Orders for 2011-12

Janet and Allan Bond from plot 53 Right will be taking over the

ob of collecting and placing orders with Kings Seeds on behalf

of Rhydypenau Allotment Association this Autumn.

They would like to encourage all plotholders who will need

vegetable seeds and seed potatoes this year to participate in the

scheme because much better discounts on orders are available

for plot holders for this and future years. The more orders we

place as a group, the better the discounts and benefit to the

plotholders and RAA. So never mind B&Q, Blooms and Pughs

grab a catalogue and seed order from Janet and Allan when

they are available and they will do the rest!

Much more information will be available in the Autumn

newsletter and plenty of Kings Seeds colour catalogues and

order forms will be made available nearer the time.

If you need to contact them, Janet and Allans phone number is

(029) 20761167.

RAA Annual Show & BBQ: Saturday 13th

AugustCome and support our Show & BBQ!List of show classes and further information enclosed with this newsletter.


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Chairmans Message continued from page 1But there is so much more to allotment gardening than simply looking after the soil. At an allotment, we

come into almost daily contact with other people and it is at that point that our gardening takes on its social

dimension. In this respect I feel that we are so lucky to be gardening here at Rhydypenau. Because

Rhydypenau is such a beautiful site and it has so many positive features: the peace, the calm, the scenery,

trees, the brook etc. But, importantly, it's also blest with so many wonderful people; and it is these people

who make this site so special. Indeed, the people here are so friendly, positive, humorous, helpful, willing to

share, to offer advice, to give freely of their time ... I could go on! As I said, there is something more togardening than simply looking after the soil. Whatever that something is, I believe we've got it in abundance

here at Rhydypenau!.

And so, as we look forward to the months of July and August, lets hope for better weather and may I wish

you every success with your crops. But most of all, may I thank you all for making Rhydypenau such a

happy site.

Liam Affley

Two important requests from the Chairman on behalf of the Committee:Children at RhydypenauThere is no question of the fact that young children are most welcome at Rhydypenau allotments. Indeed

we are delighted that so many parents can bring their sons and daughters with them. We're also delighted

that, recently, a party of young boys and girls from a local school was invited on to the site by a plotholder

who most generously gave of his time in order to describe the various plants growing on his plot. Theparty was supervised by several teachers, who were careful to ensure that the pupils were well behaved

and did not run about the site.And that is the point we must stresswe ask parents who bring their sons and daughters on site to make

sure that that their children are supervised at all times. Rhydypenau is a very attractive site; on a warm

summer's day there is nothing to beat it. However, like all allotments, Rhydypenau can be a dangerous

place. Accidents can happen. Last year a serious accident was narrowly averted because a young

(unsupervised) child was allowed to play around while cars were arriving and exiting at the main gate.

It is a pity that the following message has to be put so starkly: The Committee at Rhydypenau canaccept no responsibility for accidents which may occur to unsupervised children on the site .

Our thanks, in advance, to all parents for helping the committee in this very important matter.

No Communal Rubbish Collection This YearAs part of the preparations for Cardiff in Bloom for the last two years, the committee helped plotholders

to tidy their plots during the month of July by hiring a truck to take any unwanted rubbish away.On both occasions the arrangements were subject to some abuse. For example, in 2009, amongst other

things an old refrigerator was taken away! Last year, green bags full of household rubbish had to be

removed. More seriously, large panes of broken glass were left scattered about these had to be loaded

into a committee member's car and taken to the tip, with considerable risk of injury to that individual.

So, after lengthy discussion, the committee has decided that there will be no rubbish truck this year. The

responsibility for taking away rubbish rests solely with the plotholder. For that reason we would ask all

plotholders for their understanding of the committee's decision. Thank you in advance for your support

and cooperation.

Liam Affley

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Site Information

Our new Toilet!We now have our own portable toilet with disabled

access, purchased from Brandons at a cost of

1,338. It should last us for many years, especially

as John Stanton and Ted Barrett have done such aprofessional job of constructing a permanent basefor the toilet cabin, together with an access platform

for wheelchairssincere thanks to both for their

hard work. Please note that the padlock on the toilet

is opened by the same key that opens our main

gates.

Greenhouse Waiting ListA vacancy in one of the communal greenhouses was

advertised in the previous newsletter and

subsequently allocated by ballot in April. The

remaining greenhouses are all taken and thecommittee has decided to set up a waiting list tomake sure the allocation of any future vacancies will

be continue to be as fair as possible.

Please get in touch with Derek, our Plot Secretary, if

you would like to put your name on the waiting list.

Welcome to new members from

our Plot SecretaryI would like to warmly welcome all new members

in their first season at Rhydypenau. At this time of

year, new plotholders often start to realise just how

much work is involved in managing an allotment,

especially as new weeds seem to appear every time

you turn your back. Its important not to get

disheartened - just keep plugging away, little and

often is best to keep the weeds down. Unless you

have inherited an allotment in particularly good

condition, its often a case of putting the first yeardown to experience. And dont forget that even us

old hands are always learning as we go along!Please remember that Im usually available either

on site (plot 41) or on my mobile 07939 216020

if you have any queries or need some advice.

Derek Salmoni, Plot Secretary

RAA Subscriptions

Final reminderA few plotholders have still not paid their

subscriptions for 2011.

If you have not yet paid your annual subscription

of 3 to Rhydypenau Allotment Association, weurge you to do so as soon as possible so that you

can have your say about the way we manage thesite, and also enjoy the benefits of membership

such as the site shop and discounted seed orders

(as mentioned on page 1 of this newsletter).

Subs can be paid at the site shop on Saturdaymornings or directly to Cliff West (Treasurer, plot

52a) or Derek Salmoni (Plot Secretary, plot 41).

The subscription income helps towards running

costs so that we can continue to improve the site

and its facilities.

Site Shop

The site shop will continue to open on Saturdaymornings for the time being (11am-12.30pm) except

on very rainy days when there are few plotholders at

the site.We have plenty of stock of multipurposecompost and growbags, which can still be used for

growing summer salads.We also have a new batch of 8ft. sturdy bean canes

which are of excellent quality and cheaper than you

can buy in many of the shops.

Results of Council Questionnaire

Last year Cardiff Council asked all plotholders tocomplete a questionnaire about their plot and their

site. This survey was intended to inform the

Councils review of its Allotment Strategy.

50% of plotholders in Cardiff completed thequestionnaire, and we have placed a copy of the

results of the survey in the site chalet for those of

you who would like to read what was said.

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Cardiff in Bloom: Best Allotment Site competitionThe committee placed notices on the site gates several weeks ago to alert everyone to the approaching

Cardiff in Bloom season, but at the time of signing off this newsletter we still have no further newsabout this years Best Allotment Site competition.

Judging usually takes place some time in mid to late July, so we can only guess that the judging has

been postponed this year or that well be informed by the Council at extremely short notice. In spite of

this uncertainty, we would be grateful if all plotholders could put in a little extra time to make sure their

plots and adjoining paths are tidy.Communal areas are included in the judging criteria, so we would like to thank Claire Edwards who has

put a lot of energy into improving the area around the Heath Halt entrance this corner of the site now

looks much more welcoming, with cheerful plants in reclaimed wheelbarrows and painted tyres.

Reseiclo, NewportMaking good use of old wood

Allotment gardeners often have a fondness for old

bits of wood and the art of turning them into useful

objects such as raised beds, planters and compost

bins.

If youre looking for any kind of wood for your

allotment, a visit to the Reseiclo project in Newport

is recommended. Reseiclo is a not-for-profit initiativewith a mission to rescue and reuse as much unwanted

wood as possible, to reduce the amount being sent tolandfill.

A wide selection of reclaimed timber is available for sale at their warehouse and is generally priced abouthalf that of new wood at DIY stores locally. Some of the wood they rescue is used to make useful objects

for home and gardencompost bins and garden furniture are among their most popular products, and theycan make items to order too.

Its a good idea to measure up for any projects before you visit Reseiclo and take a tape measure with you

to assess the pieces of wood on offer in the warehouse. Having some idea of what you want will help to

keep you focused and avoid spending too much if you have even the smallest passion for wood, it really

is like being in a sweet shop at Christmas!

Address: Reseiclo, Unit 2, Harlequin Industrial Estate, Alderney Street, Newport NP20 5NH

Tel: 01633 856 622 / www.reseiclo.co.uk

Ruperra Conservation TrustWoodland products & land management services

Ruperra Conservation Trust, which owns and manages Coed Craig Ruperra near Caerphilly, is offering

woodland products for sale, including hazel bean poles, pea sticks and plant stakes, and land management

services, with all profits going back to the Trust. I can recommend themI ordered bean poles earlier this

year and asked them for help to set up some fence posts and wires to support my raspberry canes. They are

friendly, the services are very reasonably priced, and its good to know that your money is going to a

worthwhile cause. The Trust can be contacted on 07984 665958 or [email protected]

Karen Allen

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Seasonal Recipe: Raspberry LeatherWhen deciding how to preserve raspberries, most of us would probably think of making jam.

Raspberry leather is an alternative way of preserving excess fruit and it makes a healthy snack.

From Grow Your Own magazine, October 2008.

Raspberry Leather:Boil up 800g of raspberries until they turn into pure, and then pass them through a sieve to remove anypips. Return them to the pan with the juice of one lemon and 100g honey, and simmer for five minutes.

Then pour onto a baking tray lined with foil and pop into the oven at 70oC (gas mark

1/2)it should take

around six hours to dry. Once cool, roll the leather up and place it in an airtight container. It will keep

for two months in the cupboard, four months in the fridge, or one year in the freezer.

Herbal HintsThanks to Lorna Davies for this collection of tips for making the best use of home-grown herbs.

Chop fresh parsley in a cup with a pair of scissorsmuch faster than chopping on a board.

Wash fresh parsleyunder the cold tap, pat dry with kitchen paper, and use the stalks as well for adeeper flavour.

Dry fresh rosemary instantly in the microwave. Place several stalks between two sheets ofkitchen roll, put in the microwave on full power for 20 seconds, turn over and repeat four times.

You will see the kitchen roll absorbing the moisture. Then just crumble into your herb jar.

The above tip also works for fresh thyme and sage.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley onto freshly cooked vegetables to enhance presentation. Thymealso works well with carrots, and sage with parsnips or swede.

Always tear fresh basil leaves,dont cut them, as this bruises them. Decorate any pasta disheswith these, particularly any with tomato sauces.

Basil has a strong affinity with tomatoes, and is great when torn and sprinkled over a tomatosalad. Try adding a little parsley as well, for added flavour.

Add chopped fresh chives to any egg dishes, such as omelettes or scrambled eggs. This gives aslight onion-y flavour, but not too much.

Add a large sprig ofmint after draining new potatoes, replacing the saucepan lid to trap thesteam. Leave for a few minutes before serving the smell of the mint is amazing!

Use freshly chopped herbs in stuffingthe difference in flavour is very noticeable!

Sprinkle halved tomatoes with dried mixed herbs, add a little chopped fresh garlic and a knob ofbutter, and oven-bake for 15 minuteslovely with fish.

Sprinkle any freshly chopped herbs onto soup for added flavour and aroma.

Add either dried mixed herbs or oregano and basil to a tin of chopped tomatoes, when using ina recipe.

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RAA Committee for 2011:

President: Ruth West Plot 52a Tel: 2075 4477

Next Newsletter:

The next newsletter will be

produced in early autumn.

Please send any newslettercontributions to KarenAllen by 1st September(contact details below).

Your ideas, suggestions,questions and articles will begenuinely welcomed.

Chairman: Liam Affley Plot 74 Tel: 20770161

Vice Chairman: Ted Barrett Plot 27 Tel: 20259476

Treasurer: Cliff West Plot 52a Tel: 2075 4477Admin Secretary: Penny Owen Plot 85b Tel: 2062 3972

Plot Secretary Derek Salmoni Plot 41 Tel: 2063 2277Mob: 07939 216020

OtherCommitteeMembers:

Colin Smith

Claire Edwards

Lorna Davies

John Stanton

Karen Allen

Plot 53a

Plot 24

Plot 22

Plot 28b

Plot 68b

Tel: 20764248

Tel: 20756493

Tel: 20618516

Tel: 20764649

Tel: 20455866

Who to Contact:Plot queries & advice, waiting lists for plots, brick cubicles, etc:Derek Salmoni, Plot Secretary, 32 May Street, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4EX / Tel: 2063 2277 / 07939 216020

General correspondence:Penny Owen, Admin Sec, mail via the Red Post Box next to the Association Shed, near Heath Halt entrance.Tel: 2062 3972 /[email protected]

Newsletter & website contributions:

Karen Allen, 6 Jellicoe Court, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4AJ / 029 2045 5866 / [email protected]

Photograph by John Chichester (plot 94)

The Big Butterfly Count 2011The Big Butterfly Count is a nationwide survey aimed at

taking natures pulse during July. It was launched in 2010

and an impressive 10,000 people took part, counting 210,000butterflies and day-flying moths across Britain.

To take part in this years survey, the basic idea is to count

butterflies for 15 minutes during bright (preferably sunny)

weather on any day from 16th to 31st July.

Records are welcome from anywhere: parks, gardens,allotments, fields and forests. You can count from a fixed

position or on a walk - further details are available on

www.bigbutterflycount.org/about

Results can be logged online until the end of August.

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Rhydypenau Allotment AssociationAnnual Mini-Show

Saturday 13th August 2011

Come and support our Show and BBQ

Bring your friends and family

Entry:Adults 2 / Children 1Includes food & drink tickets plus Quiz sheet

BBQ from 2pm

3pm Show Judging

4pm Viewing of results and exhibits

4.30pm Raffle draw

4.45pm Quiz answers

(All times are approximate)

SHOW INFORMATIONPlease Note: Exhibits to be staged from 11am - 2.30pm in Christ Church Hall

Cards will be available for exhibitors to write class number, plot number and their name.

For each exhibit - the card MUST be placed face down next to the exhibit.

Judging by Bob Webb takes place 3pm - 4pmRosettes to be awarded for 1

st, 2

nd, and 3

rdplaces in each class.

A Special Rosette willbe awarded for the Best in Show exhibit in classes 1-27, plus a voucher.

Exhibits can be removed after raffle draw and quiz answers (about 5pm).

Parents and grandparentsplease encourage your children/grandchildren to be

creative in the 2 classes listed specifically for them.For Children's Classes (28 & 29), rosettes will be awarded with vouchers for prize winners.

Volunteers & Donations of raffle prizesIf any plotholders have some spare time on the Saturday morning, the committee would be grateful for

help with preparations for the show. Derek will be at Christchurch hall from 10am onwards.

If anyone has any bottles, jams and preserves, or chocolates they would like to donate as raffle prizes,

they can be delivered to John Stanton (Plot 28b) and will be gratefully received.

Show Information prepared by Claire Edwards


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LIST OF SHOW CLASSES 2011

VEGETABLE CLASSES

1. PAIR OF MARROWS or SQUASH - wash exhibits leaving about 1 on stalk

2. 3 CARROTSclean and uniform shape

3. 3 BEETROOT even size, twist leaves off leaving about 3 of stem tied individually

4. 3LARGE ONIONSwashed and dried, with unbroken top skin. Stalks cut 1 from top and tied

5. 3ONIONS- under 250 grams eachuniform, firm, well ripened. Stalks cut 1 from top and tied

6. 6SHALLOTSuniform, firm, well ripened with tops tied and displayed on a bed of sand/sawdust

7. 1 BULB OF GARLIC- Stalks cut about 1 from top and tied

8. 5WhitePOTATOESuniform, good shape & washed displayed on a paper plate -name variety

9. 5red or coloured POTATOES - as for white potatoes above -name variety

10. 5TOMATOES uniform, firm and ripe, displayed on a paper plate. Name variety

11. 6 BEANS OTHER THAN RUNNER - uniform size with small part of stalk left on.

12. 6RUNNER BEANSuniform size with a small part of stalk left on.13. 1 BRASSICA- firm head with root & damaged outer leaves removed

14. 2 COURGETTES - uniform size up to about 15cm - any colour - can leave flower on

15. 1 ANY OTHER VEGETABLEgrown under glass/polythene not listed above -name vegetable

16. 1 ANY OTHER VEGETABLE grown outdoors on allotment not listed above -name vegetable

17. COLLECTION of different HERBS (maximum 5) -display and name

NOVELTY CLASSES

18. HEAVIEST POTATOwash off excessive dirt

19. HEAVIEST ONION

take off roots with about 1 stem20. HEAVIEST PUMPKIN, SQUASH OR MARROWwith stalk cut off about 2 from fruit

21. LONGEST RUNNER BEAN

FRUIT CLASSES

22. Plate 4 APPLES (1 variety) and/or Plate of 4 PEARS (1variety )

23. Plate or dish of any OTHER FRUIT not listed above

NEW CLASS

24. HOME MADE JAMS, CHUTNEYS, PICKLES

FLOWER CLASSES

25. VASE OF FLOWERS3 blooms of any 1 type (e.g. Rose, Dahlia, Chrysanthemum)

26. SINGLE FLOWERone exhibit of one flower to be shown in a vase/container

27. FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

CHILDRENS CLASSES

28. MINIATURE GARDENdisplayed in a seed tray or similar. Max dimensions 12 x 18

29. ANIMAL OR BIRD made out of fruit and/or vegetables.

Documents

RAA Newsletter Summer 2011