Page 58 - ALG Issue 3 2016

West Midlands
Quarterly Meeting
Welcome to our new members...
Lord Street Allotment Assoc
Did you know that the colour of a ladybird depends on the temperature of the air at the time it is in the chrysalis? Apparently if the weather is cold at the time of incubation, it will be black with red spots and if the weather is warmer it will be red with black spots, hence the reason you should see “traditional” red ladybirds later in the summer when the weather has warmed up. That was but one of the fascinating facts we learned from Sally Cunningham, the guest speaker at our Quarterly Meeting held at Rugby in May, with her talk on ‘Garden Predators and Friendly Bugs’. Recommending spraying with water as a means of removing green y, Sally was opposed to the use
of chemicals to rid plants of the pests because of the risk of harm to ladybirds – even the harlequin ladybirds are “good”.
Without our regular Chairman, Tom Terrence (the Regional Rep) stepped in to take the chair for the business part of the meeting. After dealing with the matters arising, we heard that the Annual Grant
was not forthcoming this year because of
a lack of spend by the region. Regional associations were reminded to enquire about funding that might be available to them when
promoting the National Allotment Society e.g. banners, publicity, printing, etc. for local shows and open days. The application process is painless; simply ask the Regional Secretary and, if the purchase is approved, the money is quickly forthcoming. If you are in doubt as to what is fundable, please ask.
Regrettably we understand that the Edible Garden Show, which had returned to the midlands at Stoneleigh, after two years
in London, and despite attracting record numbers this year, was not being planned for 2017. New NAS members had been recruited at this show, both individuals and associations and it will be a great shame
if this show, which is so relevant to us allotment holders, does not take place.
The hope was expressed that the show would take place next year, but operated by another company.
In a new initiative, Coventry District Allotment Association is running a pest control course with fteen attendees. Requests for further training sessions had been received and this is being considered.
Nothing had been heard by the region about Gardeners’ World Live 2016 and the Secretary was asked to make enquiries.
It does seem that we need to be far more
proactive in pursuing events like this as it is an event of national importance offering a show case for the Society. (I must make a note to try harder.)
The next meeting will be hosted by the Leominster Allotment Association on 6th August, but the venue and the speaker still have to be con rmed.
John McNab
Ward End Gardeners – Events
Annual Flower & Vegetable Show
Date: Saturday 10th September 2016 Venue: the Northleigh Road Allotment, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2QL
Macmillan coffee Morning
Date: Saturday 24th September 2016 Venue: the Pavilion, Northleigh Allotment, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2QL
Admission to all above is free.
Fully accessible toilets no water, no power no smells, no fuss
South East
Welcome to our new members...
1 individual member Sandown Allotment Sandwich
May 28 - South East Region AGM
This year’s meeting was held at the Camden Centre in Royal Tunbridge Wells. 18 members attended in total and there were apologies from 11 others that could not attend. The usual reports were covered and accepted after some discussion. The main item on the agenda was a presentation by Liz Bunting, followed by a question and answer session. The proceedings nished at approximately 4pm with the Chairman indicating that perhaps March would be a better time of the year next time and this will be looked into.
Many thanks to all that attended.
Steve Clements
NatSol the specialists
01686 412653 info@natsol.co.uk www.natsol.co.uk
compost toilet
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