Hello everyone and a Happy New Year to you.
As most of you are aware there was a fire incident in the allotment shop just before we were due to shut for the winter break. As a result, there was smoke and water damage. Steve Uden, the PCC Allotment Officer for our site, advised me that the building was deemed potential dangerous especially regarding the ceiling and needed to be checked by the relevant departments. I cleared the shop, with help from a small band of wonderful volunteers and committee members, rescuing as much as possible. PCC contractors worked on site for 4 days to clean the shop and since then, again with a small band of trusty warriors, I have been sorting, cleaning and trying to ensure the shop would be up and running by the Sunday 26th January which is when it would be expected to open after the winter break.
Yesterday afternoon, Bill and I met with Steve Uden, PCC personnel and a representative from Mountjoy to discuss the next step. The starting point will involve painting the shop and this is expected to start in a few weeks’ time. Naturally this will mean the shop will not be open on the 26th BUT the Polytunnel will be!!!
Lynn and Jeanete will be there to greet you and sign you up for your 2025 membership of the NSALG. After that you will have the opportunity to purchase items from the somewhat limited stock available as this accommodation is only a temporary measure. I have been informed that a few of you await the shop reopening after the winter break in eager anticipation for the stock of potatoes. These are due to arrive this week so will hopefully be ready to purchase in time for the 26th. In order to offer any form of shop to the wonderful plot holders of this site has involved many long, dirty, exhausting and far too many infuriating hours. This could not have been achieved without support and help from my family, Committee Members and the band of trusty warriors that have come to my aid. You have my utmost gratitude and your kindness will not be forgotten. I’m sure your fellow plot holders appreciate all that you have done on their behalf.
So onwards and upwards, certainly not what I was anticipating at the very start (within the first month) of becoming the new Chair of the Allotment Society committee to be sure but it has been interesting to say the least!
Looking forward to seeing you in the poly tunnel: - Sunday 26th January 2025 9:30 -11:30 and every Tuesday and Sunday after that until the shop premises are available again – I will keep you informed.
