Allotment Plots

At present there is a waiting list for allotment plots. To apply to join the waiting list email:-

info@romseytownallotments.org.uk

We have had a lot of applications from people in Chandlers Ford please note that you are not eligible to join the waiting list.

The above email address can also be used by members to contact the Allotment Committee

Presentation of best kept RTC allotment for 2009

Brenda and Roger Sidebotham's plot has been judged the best-kept RTC allotment
for 2009. The couple were presented with the Jim Holloway Memorial Trophy by
John Ray, the town mayor. The trophy was named in memory of the late
Jim Holloway who was a founder member of RTCA and chairman for 18 years,
who died last year. Joint runners up were Mrs C. Moore and Mr M. Lourens.
The competition takes into account tidiness, cultivation and varieties grown.
It is judged quarterly and a running total of points are shown on the allotment
notice board.

Shown in the photograph are l-r John Ray, town mayor, Norma Holloway,
Brenda and Roger Sidebotham. Photgraph courtesy of Roger House

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

The revised document should be available in March.

Please sign this petition

Gary Trotter of the Romsey Allotment Gardeners association, has initiated a petition on the No. 10 website to try to preserve allotments against developers by giving allotments that have had at least 60% occupancy for 5 years the same status as village greens and therefore not available for building land.

The link is as follows:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/save-allotments

RTC Allotment holders first produce show

The first produce show was held on 20th September at the Romsey Football Club. There were over 150 entries in the 30 classes which included fruit, vegetables, flowers, jams, cakes & chutneys.The shows champion grower was Mrs Brenda Sidebotham who won firsts in six catogories. She was presented with the RTC Allotments shield by John Ray the Town Mayor. The committee was very greatful to the 53 local businesses who supported the show by donating prizes. Next years show is scheduled to take place on August 1st 2010.

Summer Newsletter - June 2009

We have been asked to mention to all drivers entering the allotments to be aware of children! We now have many families with children working their plots and there is the possibility that children will be moving about the site, especially as they get to know one another. So PLEASE take care!

Now that all the plots have been allocated and most are being worked we have the problem with cars being parked on the roadways. The committee have allocated certain areas for parking which we would request all tenants use, even if it means double parking for a short period of time.
We would reiterate that there is no quick fix to the rabbit problem. We are not allowed to shoot them because of the proximity of the houses across the railway line. The answer can only be to surround your plot with wire netting or alternatively use a rabbit trap.

BONFIRES - please ensure that if you have to have a bonfire the smoke is not being blown across the railway line towards the houses. Ensure the bonfire is put out before leaving the site. We do not want to loose our freedom to have bonfires when necessary.

Can we remind all tenants that it is incumbent that plots are cultivated and kept tidy,
And as the Chairman said in his AGM report - USE IT OR LOOSE IT!
The Committee

Allotment BBQ
The annual BBQ was held on Friday 3rd July, the weather was good for once and around 40 members enjoyed the event. Many thanks to John Waterman for providing the BBQ and for supervising the cooking. A selection of photos from the BBQ are now on the website.

Allotment AGM 2009

The AGM took place on Tuesday 12th May, at Romsey Town Hall. There was a really good turn out, many thanks to all members who attended. John Waterman was elected as chairman for a second year and the committee was also elected to serve another year saving one member who had asked to stand down.

Contaminated Manure

Please can all members to be vigilant when buying manure & check with their supplier to ensure his manure or grass suppliers (for his cattle) are not contaminated with a herbicide called aminopyralid, which is found in products marketed by Dow AgroSciences Ltd. More details can be found on the RHS website:-
http://www.rhs.org.uk/news/Weedkiller-manure.asp

Also details on the The Pesticides Safety Directorate website.

Rabbit problems on the Allotments

The Allotment Committee has been all too aware of the increasing crop damage caused by rabbits this year. Could all members ensure that tall weeds, brambles etc. that might harbour rabbits are cut down and kept under control.

Allotment vandalism

A number of allotment sheds have been vandalised and turned over and other items such as fruit cages and stakes have been broken on the allotments.
The police are aware of this and spent some time at the plots with the Chairman looking for any clues as to the culprits. If you have had anything stolen from your plot could you please inform the committee or the Romsy police.

Bonfires

As the weather improves and more people are working their plots please be aware that bonfires can be a nuisance to neighbours.
Please follow the NSCA, (National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection), guidelines with regards to bonfires,
to find out more click here