THANKS, FAREWELLS AND VACANCIES

Janice receiving trophy

Thank you to all those who returned the questionnaire included in your last issue. Apparently 45.8% of

Dennis Dixon

you were satisfied with the Plotholder newsletter, 53.1% very satisfied. It is therefore with regret we have to announce that Dennis Dixon and Valerie Ledgard have both retired from their roles. Valerie helped to found The Plotholder in 1988 and has been quietly supporting our efforts to keep in touch ever since. The Association would like to thank them both for their contribution.

Also thanks to Janice Shambrook, who supported the Association's show but has relocated.

The Association committee now has a vacancy and, being 90% male, would be particularly interested in hearing from any female gardener who can redress the balance. Volunteers to the Secretary, Paul Eustice (address above).

QUESTIONNAIRE AND SELF-MANAGEMENT

There is so much to announce this issue we haven't room for an extended analysis of the results so we'll hold them over. Ninety-six people replied by the deadline - 17.6% of the membership. Of the 92 people who own allotments, 66 thought we should explore self-management in principle. Forty-eight would definitely prefer self-management and 10 more might do so, with 41 willing to help and 13 offering specialist knowledge. Twenty-three prefer the council to manage directly and only 7 preferred to keep Continental, with 4 don't know or no entry. The first meeting of the Working Group is scheduled for 6-8 Monday June 27th . We'll keep you posted.

Forty-seven people were willing to act as mentors so in future new members will be offered help from their nearest volunteer. If you are a recent arrival and would like a mentor, let us know through the Secretary. The next issue launches Bill's Corner, where a more experienced plotholder will pass on useful tips. We'll also follow up your other comments and suggestions. For example....

Manure delivery was very popular (81). It is provided free from time to time at Tarring - first come first served. At Humber it is bought in and sold on at 50p per barrow (any size). Ian Williams (07717515321) will deliver you a trailer for £5, or you can collect it free from Sompting. Graham Herryet is also at Sompting; collect free by prior arrangement (01948 880078 / 07850 556597). He is there about every 6 weeks.

ANNUAL SHOW

Saturday, 20th August 2011

By the time you read this, the Show will be little more than two months away. I hope you have picked up a copy of the Show Schedule from the shop to see what you can enter. (You can also download one from this site - Showing page) There are classes for everyone, experienced or novice, children, cooks, flower arrangers and photographers, so have a go.

We have tried to widen the appeal this year with various sale stalls and displays by people who share a common interest with us. Also, the White Elephant Stall will sell all sorts of things donated by members to help defray the overall cost. If you have anything suitable please ring Jack and Celia Powis on 243216 or Bob Bingham on 07968482311.

A new venture this year is a Home Produce Stall selling fruit, vegetables and flowers that are surplus to your requirements, plus home-produced goodies such as jam or chutney. If you think you can help please let me know or chat to our storemen. The income from these stalls is vital to the financial success of the event.

Last year at the show we had a magnificent well-stocked cake stall and this year we aim to do even better, but we can't do it without your help. We need all sorts of cakes, large and small, both for our cake stall and to cut up for the refreshments stall. So why not get out your cook books and contact either Anita Nutt on 243114 or Lyn Willo on 247555 to let us know if you can help.

For younger growers, the show includes a tomato growing competition. It's very simple - we supply a tomato plant in a pot, you grow it on and the person with the most tomatoes on the plant is the winner.

If you would like to enter then contact Terry Edwards on 877958 with your name and address and telephone number. When the plants are ready, in a few weeks time, we will contact you to arrange collection or delivery. The plants must be grown in the pots that we supply and the competition is open to all children, but only one entry per person. Entries have to be at the Oak Grove College by 10.00am on the day of show.

Good luck.

Jack Powis (Show Secretary)

BEST FRONT GARDEN AND BEST KEPT ALLOTMENT COMPETITIONS

Entry is simple, just fill in the form on the back cover of your personal Plotholder and send it in by Thursday, 30th June. The gardens will be judged by our 'experts' about a month later and the lucky winner will receive a trophy at the Annual show. Judges will take account of the condition of plants, colour and harmony, design and layout (including any special features), lasting potential and cleanliness (i.e. weed free).

We know that in general our members are very modest people, but do not think that your garden is not good enough - that is for the Judges to decide, so let's make this a bumper year.

The allotments will be judged during the first half of July and prizes awarded at the Annual Show. The lucky winner will receive the trophy and £25 cash. The second prize is £10 and if there are enough entries a third prize of £5 will be given.

Judges consider the condition of plot - well stocked with crops and soil in good condition; good workmanship - weed free, tidy, good pest control; quality of crops; originality of layout and planting and visual aspect of the plot. No account will be taken of sheds or greenhouses as some plots do not have them.

We know there are lots of very good plots out there so please have a go and give the Judges the happy task of sorting them out. Please make sure your Plot Number is clearly displayed. The entry form is on the back cover of your personal Plotholder, to be submitted by Thursday 30th June.

Jack Powis (Show Secretary)

PLOTHOLDER @email?

56% of the questionnaire respondents said they would be willing to receive their Plotholder by email. If 50% of our total membership did that it could save us over £400, and a lot of shoe leather in delivery. If you have already answered 'yes' then this is the last print copy you will receive. Check your inbox now to see the new e-version and let us know if it failed to arrive.

If you are willing to receive it electronically but haven't yet said so, please email plotholder@hotmail.co.uk and I will add you to the list. If you prefer it in print, don't worry. Just do nothing and it will continue to pop through the door as before.

Paul Eustice

HIGHDOWN VINEYARD TOUR AND TASTING

This is arranged for Friday, 24th June at 7.00pm (try to get there a little before.) There is parking on site. The visit includes a conducted tour of the vineyard, followed by a talk on English wines in the Winery Building and an introduction to wine tasting, sampling the 4 wines produced here. The spirit of Highdown is relaxed, with no 'stuffy' tastings or preaching.

The cost is £7.50 per person. A 3-cheese Ploughman's is available for £7.95 but we have been offered a deal of £14.50 per head to include the tour & tasting + 3-cheese Ploughman's (a selection of 3 Cheeses which comes with Apple Chutney, Grapes, Coleslaw, Salad Garnish and Warm Crusty Bread). Wine will also be available to buy by the glass or bottle should you wish.

To get this deal I do have to book in advance with payment. Please send the form (click here) indicating your choices and payment to John Nutt to arrive no later than Friday, 17th June. Cheques should be made payable to Highdown Vineyard.

John Nutt

YOUR ASSOCIATION CONTACTS:

THAT'S ALL, FOLKS! HAPPY GARDENING AND HOPE TO BE BACK WITH EDITION No4 IN AUGUST