UPDATE FROM THE COMMITTEE

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Annual General Meeting – The association’s 48th AGM was  held on Wednesday, 24th April, at the Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House, WGC.

It has been another strong year for the Association, with plots being let almost immediately and ensuring full occupancy at both sites, with eleven new tenants at Digswell and four at Broadwater. The waiting time for new members to be allocated  plots is approximately one year after application.

There have been a number of long-term investments to improve facilities for members. These include metal covers for the water troughs, the replacement of a bench at Digswell (which was co-funded through a generous donation from a plot-holder), tree clearance at Broadwater, the creation of a wildlife pond at Digswell, centralised rainwater collection at Digswell, and the replacement of garden furniture for the annual barbecue.  Also, the mower shed at Digswell was replaced after being damaged during the storms.

There had been health and safety inspection over the past weeks and that there were no major concerns. Both sites are currently in good condition and plots are well presented.

Louise Humphries updated those present on developments at WHBC and spoke about rainwater harvesting and water resilience. This was well received and gave the committee the opportunity to thank Louise for the Borough’s responsiveness in dealing with maintenance issues at both Association sites – repair to the boundaries fence at Digswell following the recent storms, addressing problems with the gate and fences between the site and neighbouring dwellings at Broadwater, etc.

Andrew highlighted some of the investment that was necessary over the year which, in addition to those listed in the Treasurer’s report, include the replacement mower shed at Digswell which was damaged during one of the winter storms, and the purchase of an additional mower.

The shop enjoyed a record turnover this year and  Andrew expressed thanks to Barbara Wilton for running seed scheme on behalf of the Association. 

The Association held its annual barbecue, which was again a success. Andrew thanked Sue and Peter and Dave for their help in organising and providing catering on the day.

A number of community events have taken place over the year, including a cubs’ visit to the Digswell site and a school visit at Broadwater. These have prompted the Association to apply for status as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).and both sites were designated ACVs by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in March. These are  the first allotment sites in the east of England to be awarded ACV status which provide additional protection against site development. 

Finally, Andrew then expressed his thanks to Christine Smith (who resigned from the committee this year)  for her work over the years as both Secretary and Membership Secretary.

APRIL 2024

Annual General Meeting – The association’s 48th AGM is will be held on Wednesday, 24th April, at the Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House, WGC, at 7 pm. Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a raffle (free entry). 

This is an opportunity for all our members to hear about plans for the Association and to voice your thoughts on how it can be improved. We will we will be discussing the area of water resilience ( how to conserve more and how to use less), and receive an update on allotments within the borough from the council. We hope that you will be able to attend.

As usual, it will be a good opportunity to get an update on matters relating to the LAA, to share thoughts on how we can further improve the Association, and to socialise with fellow Members. 

Broadwater – Having cleared a space near the car park at a recent work party we’re hoping to have two beehives on site this spring.

Digswell – Following the damage caused by heavy winds earlier in the year the mower shed has now been replaced.

Membership Subscriptions – A big thank you to those of you who have renewed their subscriptions. Reminders will be sent out over the next week or so to those that are still unpaid. We are pleased to report that rentals for the coming season remains unchanged from last year.

Contact Details – We are experiencing difficulties sending group emails to our members with gmail addresses which we hope to resolve soon. . If you have changed email address or are not receiving email updates from the Association please send your latest contact details to us at email@longcroftallotmentassociation.org.uk. 

We have found that some of our email notifications have been directed to members’ junk folders – you can help to stop this happening if you add the LAA email address to your contacts list.

Work Parties: The next work parties are scheduled for Saturday 27 April from 09:30-12:00 at both our Digswell and Broadwater sites.

FEBRUARY 2024

Annual Subscriptions: invoices for the 2024/25 season’s subscriptions and rent will be sent out to Members at the beginning of March together with payment details. The cost of the sub and rent remains unchanged, and that prompt payment would be much appreciated, ideally by bank transfer.

Annual General Meeting: This will be held on Wednesday, 24th April, at the Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House, WGC, at 7 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

This is an opportunity for all our members to hear about plans for the Association and to voice your thoughts on how it can be improved – please attend if you can. 

If any member would like to give a short informal talk at the AGM or knows of someone who would do this, please let us know.

Work Parties: We will be scheduling work parties at both sites during April, July and September – exact dates yet to be confirmed. 

Mower volunteers needed: We are seeking volunteers to help with the maintenance of our mowers.  The works involve blade sharpening, oil changes etc., and do not require any knowledge of engines. If you would like to help the association please tell your site rep or contact us via the WhatsApp group or by email at: email@longcroftallotmentassociation.org.uk.

Digswell: Two IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) have been delivered to site and guttering installed to collect rainwater for all plotholders at Digswell. The storage capacity is close to 2,000 litres. Immediately following the installation (and possibly during) there was heavy rainfall and the containers collected 400 litres overnight - an early indication of the system's effectiveness.

Some large trees were felled by storms late in 2023 but the council were quick to clear the areas affected. A further storm has caused further damage, particularly the mower shed. As a temporary measure the mowers are now being stored in the "cat shed". 

Broadwater: The council has attended to the dropped gate and is in the process of repairing the fence bordering the residential properties at the south eastern corner of the site.

Work Parties: Extensive work has been done to create a nature pond at Digswell and to restore the pond at Broadwater. Many thanks to those who helped with these initiatives. Dates for future work parties will be shared via email, web-site, WhatsApp group and newsletters.

Waiting Lists: Our waiting lists are slowly reducing and there are now sixteen applicants on the waiting list for each site, with nine people on both lists. Waiting times are now approximately 18 months. 

NOVEMBER 2023

Natural Pond – On 7th October work started at the site of the natural pond.

Allotment ponds are an attractive feature and have the potential to help you maximise your growing efforts - they are a retreat for frogs and a feeding ground for hedgehogs and birds – all of which are pest controllers.

Water Harvesting at Digswell – Two IBCs (intermediate bulk containers)  have been delivered to site and guttering installed to collect rainwater for all plotholders at Digswell. The storage capacity is close to 2,000 litres. Immediately following the installation (and possibly during) there was heavy rainfall and  the containers collected 400 litres overnight - an early indication of the system's effectiveness.

For images of the installation see the blog below. 

Bench Restoration – The "iron bench under the big oak tree"  been restored to its former glory for the benefit of all visitors to the site.  The metal bench ends and centre were still in excellent condition but the wooden slats had rotted away so six slats have been replaced in hardwood (Iroko).   

Many thanks to Bindra for his generous contribution to the cost of materials. Also to the six muscular members of the association that moved it to our resting place.

SEPTEMBER 2023

Summer BBQ – The 2023 Summer BBQ took place on 10 September at the Digswell site. Once again the event was well attended and (once again!) Thomas Markatopoulos won the prize for growing the largest pumpkin (congratulations, Thomas). 

The Association would like to express its thanks to Peter, Sue and Dave for again stepping up to the grill. We are sure that everyone greatly enjoyed the food and the day.

Kings Seed Catalogue – the deadline for ordering from the latest Kings Seed catalogue is Monday 30 October. All members should have received an email containing the catalogue, and order form and instructions. An online brochure available from the following link: https://nsalg.kingsseeds.com/nsalg-catalogue.

Water tanks – new metal covers have been fitted to all water tanks at both our sites. These should be a lot more durable than the previous plywood covers which were showing signs of age.

Scout Visits –Late in September at the Digswell site we hosted approximately 30 Cubs (1st Welwyn Garden City) who are seeking their gardening badges. They were learning about the types of crops which can be grown and harvested throughout the year, the tools that are required, and biodiversity (i.e. the “mini-beasts”) that allotments support. 

The weather was kind and as plots were descended upon in swarms and the cubs sampled blackberries, raspberries, mangetout, carrots (complete with dirt) and even a late spear of Asparagus! Digging for worms was another highlight.

Natural Ponds – There will be a meeting on Saturday 7th October (10 am) at Digswell to make arrangements for clearing the site, measuring and ascertaining levels for the pond and determining future action.

The area around the pond at Broadwater was been cleared during the16th September work party. The pond had become stagnant and this will allow more light to allow the pond to recover.

AUGUST 2023

Summer Barbecue - Please join us at the 2023 Summer BBQ at the Digswell site on Sunday 10th September from 12:30. Burgers, sausages, vege-burgers and hot/soft drinks will be provided but please bring salad, fruit/dessert, cake, wine etc. to share with others, as well as crockery and cutlery for your own use. The cost is £6.00 per adult, £3 for a child, or £20.00 for a family of two adults and up to 4 children. Contact any Committee member if you would like to come along to enjoy the food and drink, meet old friends and make some new ones.

LAA WhatsApp Group - If you would like to join the Association’s WhatsApp group please ask your site rep to add you to the circulation list.

Digswell– There will be a work party on Saturday 16 September from 09:30-12:00. Further details to be provided closer to the time.

An email has been sent to Digswell plot-holders concerning the introduction of a natural pond on the site. Positive responses were received from several members. The Committee will now give thought to details such as dimensions and design, and agree how the pond can be progressed.

The problems experienced with the pump seems to have been overcome and that at the moment the use of mains pressure to fill the tanks is satisfactory.

Broadwater – The working party of 8 June was a great success and an area close to the car park has been prepared for the two bee-hives that we are planning to host. Many thanks to those who helped out on the day. 

The condition of the pond has deteriorated and a working party will be arranged to help restore it. Details to follow.

Dust and other construction waste from the Bio-Park demolition has continued to be a problem which has been reported to the Council. A response has been received stating that a construction management plan (CMP) had been developed for the site to ensure that construction waste materials travel as short a distance as possible and to control dust generation. The Council consider that this plan has not been adhered to and have requested that urgent action be taken by the demolition contractor to prevent these issues from occurring again.

JUNE 2023

LAA Annual General Meeting – our 47th AGM was held on Wednesday, 19th April 2023 at Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House.  

The event was well attended with eight representatives from the committee and 25 other members. 

It was a good opportunity to celebrate some of the improvements that have been made over the year: displaying plans at each site showing members’ names and the locations of communal fruit trees; the continuing growth of the LAA WhatsApp group (now with 80 members), the annual Barbecue which had its highest ever attendance, numerous woodchip deliveries; successful work parties at both sites; laurel hedge trimming at Digswell and repairs to the gate at Broadwater. Suggestions for further improvements include a wildlife pond at Digswell, marking parking spaces at Broadwater, a different competition at the barbecue (maybe one for children), and further rainwater collection.

The Association’s accounts were agreed and it was reported that all rents and subscriptions were received by 6 April (another record!) and an increasing number of members are paying on-line. Existing Committee members were re-elected and Kate Sims volunteered to join the Committee. Thanks were given to all Committee members for their work over the year and to Barbara Wilton for (again) co-ordinating the seed scheme.

A number of long-standing members have recently left the association including Gavin Duncan at Broadwater (sadly, deceased), as well as Neil Holmes-Smith, Cyril Phelps, Colin Pope and Philip Fotheringham at Digswell. Philip was a past-Chairman and Treasurer and all were wished well.

Louise Humphreys, Landscape and Allotment Officer at Welwyn Hatfield Council, spoke briefly about developments in the borough, experiences of other sites in Welwyn and Hatfield (which, like ours, are experiencing a higher turnover of tenants since the end of the pandemic), and the need to renew our existing lease which expires in 2024 (only minor changes anticipated before we renew for another ten years). Louise confirmed there is a statutory requirement to provide allotments in the Borough and responded to a number of questions from the floor. 

Andrew explained that it was hoped to change the Association year to align (if only approximately) with the calendar year so that new tenants have a chance to work their plots before the start of the growing season. If permissible  within the new lease, we hope to introduce this from 1st April 2024 with pro-rata (reduced) invoices for the remainder of that calendar year.

The meeting ended with a raffle and a chance to chat with fellow gardeners. 

APRIL 2023

Annual General Meeting – The association’s 47th AGM is will be held on Wednesday, 19th April, at the Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House, WGC, at 7 pm. 

Light refreshments will be provided, and there will be a raffle (free entry) and a ‘seed swap’ table so that members can exchange any spare and surplus seeds and seedlings. 

This is an opportunity for all our members to hear about plans for the Association and to voice your thoughts on how it can be improved. We hope that you will be able to attend.

As usual, it will be a good opportunity to get an update on matters relating to the LAA, to share thoughts on how we can further improve the Association, and to socialise with fellow Members. 

Membership Subscriptions – A big thank you to those of you who have renewed their subscriptions. Reminders will be sent out over the next week or two for the few remaining unpaid membership fees. 

Contact Details -We have found that some of our email notifications have been directed to members’ junk folders – you can help to stop this happening if you add the LAA email address to your contacts list.

School Visit - On Friday 24th March, the Broadwater site had a visit from a class of Year 5 pupils from Templewood school. The 30 children, together with their teacher, teaching assistants and a few parents, spent just over an hour on site as part of their ‘Sow, Grow and Farm’ topic. 

They were keen to understand what was growing, what problems allotment holders have to overcome, and our facilities (our composting loo being a highlight for the second year running. Feedback from the school indicated a high level of engagement with some children reportedly asking their parents if they could have an allotment. 

Work Parties: These are scheduled for the following Saturdays, from 09:30-12:00: 15th April and 16th September at both our Digswell and Broadwater sites.

Health and Safety Inspections – our six monthly inspections will take place in April at both sites so please ensure your plots and free from broken glass and any other potential hazards.

FEBRUARY 2023

Annual Subscriptions: invoices for the 2022/23 season’s subscriptions and rent will be sent out to Members at the beginning of March together with payment details. The cost of the sub and rent remains unchanged, and that prompt payment would be much appreciated, ideally by bank transfer.

Annual General Meeting: This will be held on Wednesday, 19th April, at the Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House, WGC, at 7 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.

This is an opportunity for all our members to hear about plans for the Association and to voice your thoughts on how it can be improved – please attend if you can. 

If any member would like to give a short informal talk at the AGM or knows of someone who would do this, please let us know.

Lock Combinations: The combinations at both sites were changed in January to improve security. If you do not know the new combination please either contact your site rep or contact us via the WhatsApp group or by email .

Digswell: The Council has made repairs to the pipework work in the pump house so the tanks should now fill more reliably than experienced towards the end of the last growing season.

Broadwater: There will be a school party would visit Broadwater on Friday, 24th March, following the success of the one last year.

The Council arranged for the gate repaired in late 2022 and it now operates as if new.

Work Parties:  These are scheduled for the following Saturdays, from 09:30-12:00: 15th April and 16th September at both our Digswell and Broadwater sites. 

Skips: Both sites have been surveyed and found to be in good order and so deliveries of skips will not be made during 2023.

DECEMBER 2022

On behalf of the LAA Committee, I wanted to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and an abundant New Year.

My abiding memory of this year was innumerable trips with the watering can, despite which my beans and raspberries were miserable. That said, other crops thrived in the heat; I have enough chillies in the freezer to last for years!

The Association lost a few familiar faces and gained a number of new members. Demand for plots remains strong, with a waiting list of c2 years being maintained. 

Our shop was very well patronised - I would like to thank not only our customers, but those that helped unload innumerable bags of muck, as well as my fellow shop assistants.

Given the heat, water availability was of course at a premium and was (mostly) uninterrupted. At Digswell, we have replaced the main pump and recently upgraded the supporting pipework, to hopefully ensure continuity of supply for years to come. 

Further work at both sites should help ensure a safe and productive environment for all our Members.  

Andrew Hepher (LAA Chair)

OCTOBER 2022

Summer Barbecue – The 2022 Summer BBQ took place on 11 September at the Digswell site. The event took place only three days after the death of Queen Elizabeth whose sad passing was toasted by those present. 

More than seventy members of the association attended the event. There was some concern that this would provide logistical challenges with regard to parking and seating. However a combination of lift sharing and members bringing their own folding chairs.

The Association would like to express its thanks to Peter and Sue once again for organising the grill and cooking the selection of sausages, burgers and vege-burgers. We are sure that everyone greatly enjoyed the food and the day. 

Pumpkin Competition - Congratulations to Thomas Markatopoulos regained the prize for the largest 

pumpkin from Christine Smith (he was also commended for growing the second and third largest pumpkins!).

Kings Seed Catalogue – The latest Kings Seed catalogues have now arrived and are available to collect from the Digswell Kitchen or the Broadwater shed. Please note that the deadline for ordering is 31 October. We have ordered fewer catalogues this year and encourage those with access to the internet to access the online brochure.

AUGUST 2022

Summer Barbecue – Please join us at the 2022 Summer BBQ at the Digswell site on Sunday 11th September from 12:30pm. Burgers, sausages, vege-burgers and hot/soft drinks will be provided but please bring salad, fruit/dessert, cake, wine etc. to share with others, as well as crockery and cutlery for your own use. The cost is £6.00 per adult, £3 for a child, or £20.00 for a family of two adults and up to 4 children. Please come along to enjoy the food and drink, meet old friends and make some new ones.

Contact any Committee member by Friday 2nd September to reserve a place.

LAA WhatsApp Group – If you would like to join the Association’s WhatsApp group please ask your site rep to add you to the circulation list.

Digswell– There will be a work party on Saturday 10 September from 09:30-12:00. Please help if you can.

Broadwater – The working party of 21st May was a great success - the car park area has been transformed and the Association is extremely grateful to those who attended. The next work party on Saturday 10 September from 09:30-12:00. 

JULY 2022

Annual General Meeting -

LAA Annual General Meeting – our AGM was held on Wednesday, 27th April 2022 at Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House.  Because of restrictions caused by the Covid pandemic, was the first meeting since 2019 and was well attended with 32 members in attendance in addition to those on the Committee. The Treasurers Report and Chairman’s Report were received and those existing Committee members standing for re-election were proposed and seconded, as were new Committee members Bev Kleiser and Kayleigh Tuvey.  Then followed two discussions: the first led by Louise Humphreys, Landscape and Allotment Officer at Welwyn Hatfield Council, who talked about  Longcroft Allotment Association’s relationship with Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and the latter’s management of various allotment sites in Welwyn/Hatfield; the second encouraged the No-Dig method of cultivation which was encouraged by Kayleigh Tuvey (Digswell). Other members are using this method and Sam Miller (Broadwater) highlighted a version of the No-Dig method known as Hugelkultur (see article below). The meeting ended with wide-ranging discussion arising from an invitation to those present to suggest ideas for improving the Association to the benefit of its members. The minutes of the AGM are available from the members’ area of the web-site: https://longcroftallotmentassociation.org.uk/m/login?r=%2Fagm

Summer Barbecue – The 2021 Summer BBQ will take place on Sunday 12th September - 1pm, at the Digswell site, Brockswood Lane. Please come along to enjoy the food and drink, meet old friends and make some new ones. LAA WhatsApp Group: The WhatsApp group continues to be well used for exchanging seeds/plants, weather updates,  sharing success stories, welcoming new members and various other purposes If you haven’t joined yet and would like to then ask your site rep to add you to the group. 

APRIL 2022

Annual General Meeting – Following a two-year lull caused by the pandemic, we are planning to hold the Association’s AGM this year. This is planned for 7-9pm on Wednesday 27th April, at the Jack Lee Hall, Woodside House, Welwyn Garden City. Light refreshments will be provided. We hope that you will be able to attend. We will circulate an agenda closer to the date. As usual, it will be a good opportunity to get an update on matters relating to the LAA, to share thoughts on how we can further improve the Association, and to socialise with fellow Members.  

Membership Subscriptions – A big thank you to those of you who have renewed their subscriptions. Reminders will be sent out over the next week or two for the few remaining unpaid membership fees.  

The Shop – There was a good day of trading when on the shop’s first day of the year: Saturday 26th February. A price list was sent to those members who have supplied email addresses in advance so that members were aware of the range available.  Contact Details - If you have changed email address or are not receiving email updates from the Association please send your latest contact details to us at email@longcroftallotmentassociation.org.uk.  

A Fond Farewell – to Paul and Pauline Canter after maintaining plot 129 at Digswell for 27 years. They send best wishes to fellow plot-holders and leave with happy memories of their time with us.