Page 36 - ALG Issue 3 2020

Northern
Northumberland, Cumbria and Durham
REPRESENTATIVE
Glen March
0191 3866291 glendonmarch.northernregionrep@gmail.com
MENTOR
Mike Brannigan
Northern
0191 649 2542 mbrannigan.nas@gmail.com
Update from Neal
Storey, Chairman
We hope you are all fit and well, have still been able to attend your allotments safely, and that your gardens are all planted out. I am taking this opportunity to keep you informed that
the Northern Branch is still working along
with Corby to address issues that might come along, and can still be contacted in the usual ways, so don't be afraid to get in touch with any concerns. The Committee are still discussing ways in which we can possibly benefit the Northern Region as a whole and promoting
us further as a region. I wonder how many of you noticed NAS Chairman John Irwin on the ‘Tonight’ programme the other week, promoting allotments?
We did have plans to attend several shows
this year until the pandemic closed all public meetings. As soon as the Government allow public gatherings, we will look at what we
can feasibly do and get out there flying the banner. We will also be rearranging our general members meetings and, most importantly, our AGM, as we had to postpone it due to the current situation.
I cannot wait to see all your smiling faces again. It seems like a lifetime ago we were able to hold meetings, and we are keen to hold the next as soon as possible, once it is safe to do so. Well, not to bore you too much, I will wish you all a safe and relaxing time on your allotments and hopefully see you all soon. Keep safe.
Our Facebook page is somewhere for you to share news and views: @NASnorth Facebook
36 Allotment and Leisure Gardener
Carlin Pea is catching on!
In these Covid-19 times we have the Carlin Pea – it may become the new super food. I am still receiving many enquiries from across the UK to enable many to grow their own peas. DIG FOR RECOVERY NOT VICTORY.
My crop of peas were sown in root trainers, two peas per cell in mid- February (it may have even been Valentine’s Day!) in an unheated greenhouse and planted out at the end of March in pairs – the buddy system of growing! At the end of May, they are growing well, some 5ft high producing their unique two-colour purple flowers, which will have the crop ready for picking in August.
I have been impressed by the interest, with many packs mailed to new Carlin Pea custodians in the UK – they know who they are and thank you. A request to all who are now growing them: can you send details of your experience to harry@jamesasc.co.uk – lessons learnt, also any problems you have had, but also of your successes.
Harvesting is the next step – try some when they are ‘young’ and green in their pods, then wait until they dry on the plant and pick, shell, and place on kitchen paper before storing in jars ready for use over the coming months towards a celebration on Carlin Sunday 21st March 2021.
Basically, soak the dry peas overnight. Gently boil for an hour or so with some vinegar in the water, drain and gently fry with a dressing of your choice. What did you use other than the traditional mint and/or rum and brown sugar?
“A friend suggested soaking with a teaspoon of bicarbonate to soften them.” – Lyd H Rothbury
“I remember in the 60s and 70s visiting pubs in Bury (Lancs) where they were selling Black Peas (like London pubs selling shrimps).” – Hilary R Stoke on Trent
“I pop to the plot most days. It has been a godsend to garden to old-fashioned principles, and now the heritage Carlin Pea.” – Sarah G Sunderland
“I discovered Carlin’s about 18 years ago and tend to rehydrate a good supply and freeze them ready to be cooked
in vinegar/salt/pepper.” – Margaret H Cheshire
Finally, peas are still available, with more from this year’s harvest at harry@ jamesasc.co.uk.
Harry James Newcastle upon Tyne
Welcome to our new members...
Cambuslang Allotment Gardens Association Deans Meadow A A
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