Dear Leapool Members,
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and, where your allotment is concerned, productive New Year. Let’s hope the weather in 2025 is more conducive to bumper crops than it was last year!
I’m sorry to report that, due to ongoing health issues, Vanessa Hughes has had to stand down from the Committee. We wish her all the best and thank her for her considerable input to Committee business during the short time she was with us. In happier news, we have co-opted Steve McGill, Associate member on plot 92, onto the Committee. I’m also pleased to announce that Ben Taylor has offered to take on the role of Treasurer. He will, of course, be supported by the Committee, and Marion Garratt, who stood down as Treasurer at the AGM, has offered support and guidance as well. This still leaves us with vacancies on the Committee. If you think you might be interested in joining us, please do get in touch. No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to help others and to make a contribution to the smooth running of our allotments.
Trading Post Update
As you know, the Trading Post is currently closed for the winter, but Steve Hoy and I have already been in contact about a possible date for reopening. We have provisionally set this for Saturday 22nd February, although this is dependent on the weather. If we have thick snow or pouring rain on that date, my guess is we will postpone the opening! Also, should the potato orders be delivered before this, the opening date may be brought forward. Please keep your eyes open for notices nearer the time.
Dates for your diary
The summer competition, barbecue and social will be held on Saturday 2nd August 2025 from 1.00 to 5.00. We will be developing the format of the event to include live music, as well as other features that are still in the planning stage. Suggestions so far include plant and cake stalls, where you will be invited to make a donation as we are not allowed to sell goods on the allotment and activities for children. If you have any ideas, please get in touch, and watch this space for further updates!
The AGM will be on Thursday 25th September at the Waggon and Horses. Further information nearer the time.
The Committee is very keen to increase opportunities for members to meet up socially and also to make better use of our Community Plot, plot 37b. To this end, we have decided to offer free refreshments to members to mark the reopening of the Trading Post. Assuming we are not thwarted by bad weather, hot drinks and cake/biscuits will be offered on the Community plot between 10.00 and 12.00 on Saturday 22nd February. Confirmation of or alterations to this will be notified by posters around the site nearer the time.
Website
Ben Taylor has been developing a website for the Association, and this is now live. The address is leapoolallotments.uk. If you find any issues or mistakes, please let us know. Likewise, if you have any suggestions for additional information/resources that you think would be useful to include in the website, please get in touch. The email address for issues/suggestions is [email protected].
There is a section of the website for the history of the Leapool Allotment site, and we would like to include any old photos, maps, information, and stories that members may have. These can also be sent to the above email address.
Skip and metal collection
Last year, the Committee provided two skips for members to dispose of rubbish found on their allotments, and these proved to be very popular. Unfortunately, the skip in the top car park caused huge difficulties for the lorries delivering and collecting it, and some damage was caused to plots in the process. Consequently, we have decided that, in future, skips for general use will only be sited in the bottom car park. I know this makes things difficult for those who garden at the top end of the site, but we can offer help to anyone struggling to move large items. Skips are also very expensive to hire so we will only be providing one per year, probably at the beginning of the season. In view of this, it would be appreciated if, wherever possible, members would either take rubbish home to put it in their black bin or transport it to the council tip, making sure not to mention the allotment when so doing! Also, garden waste, such as weeds or prunings, should not be put in the skip.
Angela has organised regular metal collections on our behalf, and these have also proved popular with members. The next one is likely to be late February or early March. Notices will be put up around the allotment site, and an announcement will be made by email and on Facebook.
Defibrillator
The response to the defibrillator survey in the last news update was very disappointing, with only a handful of you expressing your views. In the light of this, the Committee concluded that there was no mandate from members to pursue this, so the matter has been closed. However, if a member or group of members wishes to research the installation of a defibrillator on site, organise fundraising to pay for it and undertake the ongoing maintenance, the Committee will, of course, offer its full support. Marie will be sending out an email about this in the near future, and I would encourage you to respond. Paper copies will be sent to those members who do not use email.
With best wishes
Sue Ellis
Chair, Leapool Allotments Association
[email protected]