Coronavirus and Allotment Use

Following the instructions around movement and gatherings from the Prime Minister on 23 March 2020, and consultation with the National Allotment Society and the Parish Council we can offer the following advice.

It is still permitted to visit your plot, ideally on your own to take daily exercise. It is vitally important that you comply with all the government advice about social distancing and hygiene, particularly those over 70, those with underlying illness or pregnant women.

The following key precautionary measures should be noted;

  1. Any plot-holder who is self-isolating because a household member is ill with coronavirus should not visit the site.
  2. It is essential that no un-authorised people are allowed onto the plots for the duration of this emergency.
  3. Be stringent about “Social Distancing” with each other at 2 metres minimum.
  4. Do not share tools.
  5. Do not wash your hands in water butts.
  6. The communal shed and its contents are off limits
  7. If you use the water taps use hand sanitiser first.
  8. If you catch coronavirus please inform the Hempcroft Allotment Association Committee so that actions to quarantine your plot area can be considered.

We are living through a crisis, the likes of which none of us has experienced before, not since war time has the community spirit that exists on allotment sites been more important.  Please remember to look out for one another during these very difficult times.

Edward Metcalfe Chairman, Hempcroft Allotment Association
(edmetcalfe@yahoo.co.uk)

Hempcroft Allotments – September 2018

As September approaches it time to inform all allotment holders that the AGM will be held on 27th September at the Dorchester on Thames Village Hall from 7.00 pm. Renewal of our plots with a new rental agreement and a copy of the Allotments Constitution.

This will be the first year the Hempcroft Allotments will be awarding cups to 3 lucky members.

Sub-letting the practice of sub-letting is not allowed, if you are giving up your plot, reallocation can only be approved by the Chairperson/committee

Any members not wishing to renew their plots please could you let me know by telephone or email please call: 01865 340119 or email: stu@horted.co.uk before the AGM, many thanks.

 

Allotment Party and Sausage Sizzle

There will be an ‘allotment summer party this first event will take place on September 2nd from 12.30pm on the allotment all members and villagers will be invited to come along, bring own drinks and picnic food to share with others.  Free of charge and all welcome. See separate advert in Dorchester News, notices on allotment.

Old and new members welcome!

 

Hempcroft allotments Annual General Meeting

to be held at the Village Hall

27th September at 7pm

 

Plots available full and half size.

Please call: 01865 340119 or email: stu@horted.co.uk

Hempcroft Allotments

July/August

Hopefully you’ll be having lots of sunshine, but enough rain to keep things growing. Don’t forget to keep sowing over the summer, there are lots of things to put in now that will keep your garden productive over the winter and into next year.

A seed to try

which may be new to some members, Squash Tromboncino a climbing squash, also aptly called Crookneck Squash. Perfect for growing where space is limited, grown up a trellis the fruits will push through the gaps creating an interesting ornamental display. Italian cultivar from Liguria is actually a variety of butternut squash, picked while still tender and green. As well as looking incredibly ornamental in the garden, it has the flavour of artichokes.

Outside

  • Dwarf french beans (up to early July) in warmer areas only
  • Last sowings of root crops including carrots, beetroot, turnips (July)
  • Winter radishes and swedes
  • Swiss chard & leaf beet
  • Oriental greens ( mustard greens and turnip greens
  • Lettuce, moving over to winter varieties by late August, rocket, cress and salad radishes
  • Fennel
  • Spring cabbage (from late July)
  • Bunching and spring onions

Allotment Party

There will be an ‘allotment summer party’ this first event will take place on September 2nd from 12.30pm on the allotment all members and villagers will be invited to come along bring own drinks and picnic food to share with others.  Free of charge and all welcome. See separate advert in Dorchester News, notices on allotment.

Old and new members welcome!

July / August Pests and Diseases:

  • Slugs
  • snails
  • Aphids
  • caterpillars
  • powdery mildew

An important note: Please do not put eggshells/household waste on your compost heap it attracts vermin.

We have professional grade weed mat which is available 4m wide and sold by the linear meter at £2.50 per linear meter. (Example 4m x 10m = £25.00)

Plots available full and half size.

Please call: 01865 340119 or email: stu@horted.co.uk

The Digging Dorchester project on the Allotments

We have also been made aware of the new dates for the Dorchester allotments archeology activities.  Please do head on down and take part.

  • Undergraduate field school: Sunday 25th June – Friday 7th July
  • Public field schools: Sunday 9th – Friday 14th July, and Sunday 16th – Friday 21st July.

See www.discoveringdorchester.blogspot.co.uk for information on the project so far. Residents of the village are particularly invited to come and take an active part in the exploration of its history.

For more information please email edward.peveler@arch.ox.ac.uk

Ed is talking about the dig at the May Dorchester Historical Society meeting.
Wednesday 24th May, Village Hall, 7.30, members free, guests £3