Page 61 - ALG Issue 3 2014

South West
2014 marks centenary year for Bristol East Allotments
2014 marks the centenary year for the Bristol East Allotment Association (BEAA), which was formed one week after the declaration of WW1, and we have been working very hard to make it a celebration to remember! We would like to invite everyone to come and help us enjoy the day. Our show is on Sunday 17th August 2014, from 11am in the pavilion, St Aidens Allotment, St Nicholas Lane, Bristol, BS5 8TY.
In addition to our usual show and horticultural exhibition, we have arranged all sorts of other local interests and activities.
Well-known horticulturalist Mary Payne will be at the show from 12.30 to 3.30pm to answer any gardening questions you may have.
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Faith & Betty, producers of natural cosmetics, will bring a selection of lovely goodies, and there will be a range of crafts and tasty food to try.
For the children we have a bouncy castle, roundabout, hook a duck and more.
From the early afternoon we have a brass band and then from 3pm we have a 60s rock band, Kabinrock, to entertain us.
For further information and to keep up with latest developments please visit https://www.facebook.com/ bristoleastallotments.
The Verwood and Three Legged Cross Allotment Holders Association (VAHA) was formed mid 2009 to create allotments for willing gardeners in the area so they could cultivate their own produce. The long
and hard fought campaign finally came to fruition when 34 quarter and half plots were officially opened at Potterne Park.
Verwood Mayor Councillor Peter Richardson, watched by many civic dignitaries, plot holders and friends, performed the opening ceremony by cutting a tape, commenting on his pleasure that the allotments were completed.
Land for the project was made available by Verwood Town Council and before the VAHA started work it was just a field over- run by rabbits. Members of the association worked tirelessly to raise funds and lay
out the plots until, in November 2013, the keys to the site were handed over. VAHA, headed by a hard working committee,
then set about running the allotments themselves, not helped by the torrential rain of the winter months. However, after five hard months, secretary, Pam Parsons said, “I am absolutely delighted
to look around at the
allotments with produce
already growing so well.”
the allotments would bring pleasure to members, whatever their expertise and it became clear as the plots were being utilised that this was happening. All plots
are allocated and many have regulation green sheds, with a splendid scarecrow guarding one allotment. Emma and Mark Addiscott, helped by their young daughter Emma, are great fans of the initiative and plan to grow staple vegetables. Other gardeners of all ages were also looking forward to reaping the fruits of their labours and
applauded the strong sense of community which the allotments have created.
Pat Scott
Site manager Melvin
Drewitt echoed those
sentiments adding,
“Everyone has worked so
hard to make this happen.”
Speaking before the official
opening, chairman Mike
Andrews thanked all those
who had assisted with
finance, advice, practical
and moral support and acknowledged the work by the dedicated VAHA committee and members during five long years.
It was the wish of the VAHA that
“I am absolutely delighted to look around at the allotments with produce already growing so well.”
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