Theres a change in the weather, fellow plotters. The glut of goodies coincides with little hints of a change in priorities in the allotment community. Manure landing all over the place. Ground being cleared. Shorts disappearing
And a change in the management. Here's your new Committee!
To be fair, there's a good overlap with the old Committee and big thanks to all of those who've volunteered for another year. The place wouldn't work without you. And a warm welcome to the newbies, Howard, Andy, Bernard and Jonathan - all of whom volunteered for various tasks at the first meeting so they're already indispensable. Carol couldn't make the meeting, but he's such a veteran his picture is all over the website anyway. Jon Hiller has also joined - but couldn't make the group mugshot because, typically, he was too busy leading a bunch of volunteers on another project - assembling the new outdoor furniture!
Don't they look great? And you feel more secure sitting down. And your beer stays in one place. They'll probably be rearranged as time goes by but for the moment they are mostly dotted about in front of the Clubhouse. Please feel free to have a test sit-down at the Produce Show this weekend - more on that story later.
And we haven't finished yet. Look at our amazing new fence! All 100 metres of it.
A thousand thanks to the (BigLottery) Community Fund for funding us to put this up in place of a boundary fence so knackered in places that it was more of an open invitation than a barrier. Thanks also to the team of volunteers led by Dan who are installing the new security equipment, cameras etc. No site is proof against all intruders, but the fence and cameras will go a long way toward deterring all but the most determined. The area in front of the fence is looking a bit raw but Oz will be planting some wildflower seeds there this winter to go with the grass which will inevitably come back.
And there's more. Can't resist showing off a new crop for Moor Green. Who knew you could grow kiwifruit outdoors on a windy hillside in Moseley? The plotholder (top secret location, but it's up in that top section near Russell Road) says it produces flowers every year, but took nine years to produce fruit. Makes asparagus growers look impatient...
If you could persuade the plotholder to harvest it tomorrow (not realistic) this would be a prime candidate for...
The Produce Show! 14th September!
It's this weekend , it's in the Clubhouse, its always a blast! The excitement has already begun thanks to some fine window decoration in the Clubhouse from Pamina and Bernard.
This year’s show will have the same format as in recent years. There are all the usual RHS categories for an allotment show, biggest pumpkin, heaviest onion, longest carrot etc but - due to popular demand - there's also scope for a show of all the fruit and vegetables on your plot displayed as creatively as you like (as long as it fits on the table).  In the former case the class will have fixed certain number of the item, e.g. 3 cabbages, 15 raspberries etc. as written in the class schedule. Judges are looking for identical specimens and specific quality of each item. Marks are deducted from the perfect 100.
Mixed collections are not bound by strict rules, and can include anything grown on the plot, or in the case of manufactured items, eg cakes and preserves, have as the main ingredient something grown on the plot. It can also include photographs and other artwork. Displays will be judged on the quality of the produce presented, the range of items presented and the visual impression the display makes. These displays will not be anonymous but labelled with plot number and names of those contributing to the display. The label may be part of the display.
Please note cakes may be cut and tasted. Jams, wines and spirits may also be tasted
For full instructions on how to enter the competition and key timings etc just download the file below. They are also on display in the window of the Clubhouse .
And there are prize medals for best jams, chutneys, cakes and wines. If you're a photographer there's even a prize for best pic. We're also making an award for best new plot which is going to be gratifyingly hard - we've had some great starts this year in not the best weather conditions. And finally another new idea - a " Peoples Choice" prize. Everyone who comes to the show gets to cast a vote on which exhibit they like best - could be a mixed collection, or a chutney or a particularly glamorous carrot. So do have a go and enter your produce for the judging - what's to lose? ALL ENTRIES MUST BE IN THE PAVILION AND PRESENTED BY 12noon.
And of course there's pizza and an inexhaustible bar. Plus hand tools for sale, courtesy of Tools for Africa. We're also hoping to sell honey from hives on the allotment. Starts around 1.30 p.m after the judging. Deborah and Oz who have organised all this - for which much thanks - will then be able to retire exhausted to the bar.
All proceeds will go to support the Russell Road gates restoration project masterminded by Paul Rooney. We now have the go ahead from the Committee so we're hoping that there will be a picture in the newsletter of our fully restored Russell Road entrance before Christmas.
Seedstore
We are seeking feedback from all plot holders as to what you would like to be
stocked in the seed store for 2025. We will of course be doing the basics, seed potatoes, onion sets, compost, manure, netting, canes etc but welcome your feedback on any other items we
should consider stocking. The Seed Store is a valuable resource for all plot holders, and we aim to make it as relevant as possible to meet the needs of the Moor Green community. All suggestions greatly appreciated. Feedback via the Newsletter or to madahal.seedstore@gmail.com.
Look forward to hearing from you. Phil Tyson
Pay Your Rent -It's still a bargain! Rent Collection 2024
We saved the best news to last. Come and cough up for your share of our little piece of paradise for another year. And tell any friends who don't get the Newsletter. These details are also posted on all Zone noticeboards.
HOW MUCH?
 BCC rent 1st October 2024
                                               FULL         65 and over
Mini Plot (Category M)          £ 63.00              £34.00
Small Plots (Cat A)               £ 78.00              £41.00
Standard Plot (Cats B/C)      £115.00              £60.00
Large Plot (Cats D/E)           £141.00              £72.00
Raised beds (Cat S)             £ 19.00              £12.00
WHEN? Weekends in October as follows
12th -13th 10.00 -1.00 pm
19th -20th 10.00 -1.00 pm
26th - 27th 10.00 -1.00 pm
WHERE? Clubhouse
Please note the new times for Collection. Payment by card or cheque if possible please.
Forthcoming events
Here's an early shout for the Christmas Fair. 14th December all day. All the usual stalls full of Christmas present ideas, food, drink, Tools for Africa, dogs, kids, excitement, snow guaranteed (though we might have to spray it on the windows).
That's all for now fellow plotters. Enjoy the last of the summer!
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