A CENTURY AT SOUTHBYSThe Southbys allotments site was left in trust to the local council, by the Southbys family early in the 20th century for use as allotment gardens by the local community. It is now owned and administered by Newbury Town Council.
Over its 100 year history Southbys has had its ups and downs, like most allotments throughout the UK. Until the late 1970s Southbys was operating to its capacity of around100 plots. We have some tenants today who joined in the late ‘70s having had first to serve time on a waiting list for a plot! At this time the site was busy and in prime condition, with lots of well tended plots and grass borders between plots maintained to ‘bowling green’ standards.
The ‘80s saw a nationwide decline in the popularity on allotment gardening - particularly amongst younger people. Being the largest allotment site in Newbury, this change was particularly marked here at Southbys. A large number of plots were left untended and standards started to slip.
In the ‘90s it was only a relatively small hardcore of gardeners that kept the site going. Problems of vandalism, theft and dumping of rubbish became serious. Rat infestation became appalling. Drug abusers started to frequent the site: Southbys was in trouble.
However, the new Millennium saw the start of a change for the better. Control of Southbys passed from West Berkshire Council to Newbury Town Council (NTC), who soon spent £10,000 on cleaning up the site. Though this expenditure was on remedial work to correct past neglect, it was none the less welcome. In addition NTC decided to concentrate plots, moving the few plot holders on the uphill, South, side of the site down towards the North end to make for a more concentrated and manageable site. Contractors were used to mow untended areas in summer. In 2003 NTC began to employ a full time contractor to tend its sites, again improving matters for us here at Southbys.
What was now needed were the people themselves to take a lead and begin to start helping themselves, and early in 2004, tenants combined to form Southbys Allotments Tenants’ Association (SATA), Newbury’s first tenants’ association for allotment holders. SATA was our own representative organisation able to make real improvements for everyone, and one of its early successes was to encourage NTC to build a new fence along the site’s Eastern boundary thus improving security. Planting against this fence was made and financed by SATA in Autumn 2004.
Since the 2004 season Southbys has attracted many new tenants, many of them first time younger gardeners, and that trend has been continued, boosted by three very successful open days. Southbys is now a much-improved site with a rejuvenated set of tenants continually welcoming newcomers, and we also have a more supportive Council encouraging us. The future is bright.
Footnote: At a meeting with Newbury Town Council (Spring 2004), SATA was informed that for the next ten years there were no plans for building on the site nor for sectioning of it, nor indeed for using any part of it for any other purpose.
ABOUT THE TENANTS’ ASSOCIATION
SATA (the Southbys Allotments Tenants’Association) was formed in March 2004. The constitution holds that it was formed to:
- maintain and improve site security
- seek to add and improve facilities for members
- purchase shared heavy tools and machinery and seek to acquire a secure facility for such; plus establish a toilet facility
- provide a high level of help for new tenants
- work toward 100 percent plot occupancy
- improve and maintain relations with local residents and the wider community
- organise social events for members
- assist where possible on communication with Newbury Town Council
- help with tenants’ grievances and complaints
- assist the Site Steward whereever possible
- raise funds to help finance all of the above
The SATA committee was constituted to:
- work towards the association’s aims
- hold regular meetings to decide/revise policy
- represent tenants at meetings with Councils and other bodies
- operate correspondence on behalf of tenants
Membership of SATA is open to Southbys tenants only. Annual rates (2007) are as follows:
£3 per year (Individual) Rates are applied individually, whether you have more than one plot or more than one person tending your plot
Meetings (both full SATA meetings and committee meetings) are open to all members. An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held each year, and committee meetings each month. Regular updates on Southbys Allotments news are posted on the site notice board(s) and on the SATA web page southby-allotments.blogspot.com. Members with an e-mail address may be contacted by that medium if they wish.
There’s a sociable side to things too. In addition to campaigning business SATA also operates a number of initiatives to benefit members such as member discounts at local garden centres and nurseries, plant sales, discounted seed ordering, organised site improvements and clear ups – these usually followed by barbecues, bonfires and the like. It also organises watering of plots for those on holiday and the looking after of plots for the sick.
2004 saw the first moves in a series of environmental improvements and initiatives by SATA and also its first public lecture on allotments gardening.
KNOWING AND USING SOUTHBYSThe following section explains the layout, facilities and working of the site. Though the emphasis is on how to get the best out of your tenancy and how to enjoy it most we also incorporate certain do’s and don’ts as apply to tenants (for full details on these please refer to both your tenancy agreement and the Rules as declared by Newbury Town Council – copies of both of these are available from the Steward).
Your Site StewardOur Site Steward here at Southbys is John Hatchman, who has served in this position for many years. Stewardship is an unpaid, voluntary position (though Stewards do receive their plots rent-free). John should be your first point of contact as regards:
· Enquiries/information about the site and its facilities
· Regulations on how you use your plot and what you should/should not do
· Complaints about the site/other tenants/Council/Weather etc. etc.
· Suggestions you might have for the site
The Council is presently developing a ‘Stewards’ Charter’ that sets out the role of the Steward more clearly. A draft copy is available from John or Newbury Town Council.
You will find John Hatchman at Plot No. 12, close to the main entrance. Contact him on 01635-550038, or email
mailto:joh.phillimore@btopenworld.comJohn now has a deputy, Stan Allen, who spends a lot of time on the site and is always on hand to give advice.
Site Maintenance - George Russell
George Russell is a self-employed contractor hired by Newbury Town Council to tend various tasks at the town’s six allotment sites. His main job here at Southbys is to keep grass under control on the large communal areas. He is also as allotment man himself, a tenant and Steward at the West Mills site for many years.
Newbury tenants are fortunate to have such a service. To help Mr Russell work more efficiently please pay close attention to the notes below on waste and rubbish disposal:
· Ensure you do not drop any stones, fragments of wire or mesh etc. from your plot onto those main pathways that are mown by George (this is particularly dangerous for him and harmful to his machinery)
· Refrain from hanging old plastic bags on your canes. Apart from making the site look like a third world slum these bags can fly off, create litter and become entangled in George’s machinery. No working machinery means grass up to our necks!
· Refrain from storing glass (like window panels) in the open – this again is very dangerous for George. Keep glass panels in your shed unless in use on plots.
Entry and security
The site is entered through the main South gate or else the East gate (pedestrian). Your key, as provided by the Council, fits both. The town council rules require all gates to be locked at all times and tenants are urged to abide by them - everyone spending the extra 15 seconds to do this saves the odd lapse that can result in a chance visit by vandals – or ‘travellers’.
Crime & Vandalism
Tenants are also urged to keep any equipment that might be attractive to thieves out of sight when not in use, especially items that can facilitate crime such as hammers.
All tenants are urged to report any instances of theft, attempted theft, or vandalism to the Police (tel 01635- 31000). Though chances of the crime being solved may be small it is important that everything is reported – it is the headline figure of reported crime that moves Police forces and Councils to take action. “There’s no need to take action if crime isn’t being recorded as increasing.”
SATA endeavours to operate a warnings system for its members. Within 24 hours of any burglary, vandalism or damage to sheds from severe weather, members are informed so they can get down to the site and rectify things promptly.
Composters
You will notice two wire-surrounded, concrete-based bays on the East of the site marked ‘Composters.’ These bays aren’t what you might think
The first bay houses a metal shed that is used for storage. The other is actually an incinerator. Here you will see heaped, pieces of wood, old canes and dried plant material that will burn. Mr Russell burns this every so often. You are free to use this facility, only add things that will burn to the heap – if in doubt see the Steward. Similarly, this ‘Composter’ also has a space for waste such as metals and plastics. We, the tenants, dispose of this occasionally and again you are free to add to this, but do not use this space for glass, spent gas cylinders or lunch leftovers – it isn’t a tip.
Note this bay is solely for allotment waste. Do not bring in anything from home or work. Soil-encrusted weed clumps and the like from plot clearance aren’t to be dumped in here either – this must be stored on or adjacent to your plot (but not on pathways). The composter is not for earth. Earth won’t be taken away by anyone else – it’s your earth.
Finally, next to the bays is a small marked area set aside for the disposal of stones. It’s important to use this and keep stones off walkways and paths.
FiresYou can of course burn your own material at your plot. In this case we ask you keep this to a minimum and burn nothing that produces extra dangerous smoke like rubber. Tenants are only allowed to do so after 6pm and not on Mondays. Please, out of courtesy, inform other allotments holders on site before lighting bonfires, especially those downwind!
CompostingMuch allotment waste can of course be composted. SATA hopes that every tenant will maintain a compost heap and can help arrange delivery of pallets (at a small cost) for you to make a cheap composter.
As part of a nationwide scheme including West Berkshire Council, you can acquire quality plastic composters and water butts at discount prices – often at less than half shop price.
As for left over produce we suggest you follow the time-honoured tradition of shredding it then digging well in to a deep trench for composting underground over Autumn/Winter.
CleanlinessA key element to an efficient and attractive allotment site is cleanliness. Given that Southbys has had a rat problem in the past this message is vital and all tenants are urged to do their bit. Regrettably rats have been seen on the site in the summer of 2007, and rat bait boxes have been sited in various locations. It is incumbent on all tenants therefore to do their bit and not provide any encouragement, particularly food.
The main thing is to keep lots tended. If plots are left to overgrow with weeds that means weeds for everyone else. SATA is now working with the Steward to ensure every plot is kept tended and we have no qualms about asking the Council to withdraw tenancy from those who allow their plot to rot. However, SATA will endeavour to support you if you suffer from illness, work pressures or personal problems by helping keeping your plot in order during absence – just ask – help is there. There is no excuse therefore for a plot running to seed.
Following on, vegetable crops should be harvested and not left in the ground for successive seasons. Rotting crops encourage weeds and vermin. They also make the site look a mess. As if that weren’t enough they also attract pests and diseases that can affect others’ crops.
Next comes rubbish again. Do keep plots free from mess and waste, non-green waste should be disposed of as soon as possible at the Civic Amenity Site in Pinchington Lane – less than a mile from Southbys. If covering the soil you are not permitted to use carpet, but plastic sheet or weed suppressing mats can be used - when out of use roll up and store in your shed.
PathwaysIt is your responsibility to keep the grass on both the pathways running either lengthways between or at right angles to plots) in good order. In addition to helping the site look good this also improves your own footing and personal safety. Clear pathways are important for the overall look of the site.
All existing pathways must be left in situ and not ploughed up and cultivated (even if you have an adjacent plot), nor must sheds or compost bins be placed on them. There are two
reasons for this: others must be allowed the quickest route between places on site; and to avoid the effort and expense of restoring pathways once people have ceased to be tenants.
A lawnmower to help with pathway maintenance is kept in the Steward’s shed. This is available free to SATA members.
Sheds and Greenhouses
Some of the nicest things about Southbys are its sheds. Tenants here have opted for proper (and sometimes ornate!) sheds instead of the shabby ‘shacks’ made from old scrap material that so let down the appearance of other sites. You needn’t spend a fortune to keep up with the Jones’s either. Many tenants have sourced a good second hand shed from the Newbury Weekly News (see the updated website for best bargains) from as little as £30. Ask around for advice.
The Newbury Weekly News is also a good source for Greenhouses at bargain prices, and even the odd one that is “free to the collector”. Also ask around the site, often other plot holders know of forthcoming bargains.
Local residents
Southbys enjoys a good relationship with its local residents and seeks to improve this for mutual benefit. Like us they don’t wish to see the site go over to housing. Several of our tenants have homes adjacent to the site and so have direct access to the site from the rear of their properties. You’ll see the odd resident using the perimeter for dog walking too. All this helps improve our security.
Following on, local residents looking out of their windows on to an attractive and successful allotment site means happy residents - more likely to help us in times of need. We can help keep them other plot holders and the wider community ‘on-side’ by the following:
· keeping plots tended and in order: not piling up rubbish (nobody ought to have to look out of their home and on to a mess)
· keeping noise levels down: Use portable radios considerately, do not use car radios as the noise travels far beyond your plot; Keep children and dogs under control; Don’t use machinery or power tools before 8am weekdays, 9am Saturdays and 10am Sundays.
Southbys Allotments Open Day
Started in 2004, SATA hosts the Annual Southbys Allotments Open Day that has proved a popular event with local residents and people from further afield. The aims of the open day are:
· To promote allotment gardening in general, and tenancy of Southbys in particular.
· To raise funds for SATA and charity
· To strengthen links with the local residents
· Encourage other Southbys tenants to join SATA.
In conclusionThere aren’t a lot of don’ts associated with tending a plot at Southbys. The Council’s rules and regulations are far from restricting and our advice as detailed above really does simply boil down to your showing consideration for others.
Enjoy your gardening.
Enjoy Southbys
GETTING STARTED ON GARDENING
At last – a section on what it’s all about!
Clearing plots
Unless you are lucky enough to be taking over an established, cultivated plot you will first have to clear the ground in preparation for gardening. This is invariably the biggest problem faced by new tenants. Consequently, your first year will always be the hardest.
Taking your time
Depending on what time of year you start your tenancy you can choose an approach to ridding the surface of weed and grass and digging over that suits. These options are listed below.
However, there are three important points to note first:
· Don’t rush things. There is plenty of work involved but (sometimes) plenty of time before planting out, which is usually late May. And you needn’t fully cultivate 100 percent of your plot in your first year
· Pace yourself. Don’t do too much heavy digging in one session. Warm up first and take breaks. Avoid overdoing it and, either making yourself sore or sickening yourself. After a session digging or bent over, do stretch off, you’ll be surprised at how it will reduce stiffness the next day or two.
· Avoid injury. Likewise, keep tools in good condition, clean and dry before putting away. Don’t use tools for jobs they’re not designed for.
Sourcing tools
Don’t rush out and spend. First find out what your needs are by starting to clear your own plot and see what things other people find essential to cultivate theirs. SATA has a small stock of tools to help new tenants get started and these are kept in the shed of the Steward. Just ask and these can be yours.
And much cheaper than paying a local tool hire firm £50-plus for a day’s rotovator hire (which might be in vain through rainfall) do see the Steward about which tenants have rotovators. Some will either do the job for you or else let you use their machine for a very reasonable cost.
That first clearance
Back to that first year gut out…Some people simply dig over or else rotovate the soil and get on with it. Quick, but this also means perennial weed like couch grass chopped into many pieces – each of which will come back to haunt you.
Others fork out the top layer and lay it aside (as above). Two pitfalls here: first it’s a load of hard digging and second you remove what’s often the richest top soil. Others spray the plot with a chemical that contains Glyphosate such as Round-Up, then dig over the lot once the top has been killed off (usually two to three weeks). Downside here is the use of chemicals (though Round-Up does readily break down on contact with the soil). And it’s still a lot of forking, though you do lose much less top soil.
These are the three main approaches. You are however, liable to opt for a combination of at least two – all depending on the time of year. But whatever you prefer do take advice. Talk over your options with the Steward and some of the more ‘seasoned’ gardeners on site. Then talk to a couple of people who went through the same last year as new tenants.
How far you wish to take an organic approach – or else one that’s quicker or easier depends on you. But our advice is to adopt an approach that suits both your plot and its condition first, you own resources in terms of time and expenditure second.
That first year will be hard, there’s no getting away from it. But the subsequent years will prove easier. Regular weeding and good cultivation techniques go a long way to keeping weeding to a minimum. So too do crop rotation, companion planting, wind breaking and provision of facilities for wildlife like beneficial insects. You can find information by clicking on the following link :
https://email2.btconnect.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://naturalengland.communisis.com/naturalenglandshop/docs/NE20wildlife_on_allotments.pdfSpraying
If you are ever spraying we ask that this is kept to a minimum and that this only takes place on the most wind-free of days. Spray from the back of your plot so you don’t walk over sprayed planting and transfer the solution to pathways – and please dispose of the containers as directed in the instructions.
Where there is a trough with a tap attachment this is for use of tenants measuring water into containers for spraying purposes only. Never add chemical to a container then dip the can into a trough for water – remember people are using the trough for watering plants.
PLANTS & PLANTING
Plants and planting are very much personal matters of choice. We hope however that the following will help you make your own decisions…
Soil conditions
Southby’s has fairly good, productive soil. What few analyses have been made show it to have a pH of 6.5 to 7, making it the slightly alkaline type that is suited to most vegetable crops (you are advised to test your own). Though certain plots suffer from a lot of stone very few have anything but good drainage and flooding is extremely rare. Despite Southbys being an exposed site it is not prone to frost pockets, although wind can be a problem at times.
Some early reading
Those new to allotment gardening might find it useful to consult the following publications:
· Kitchen Gardener magazine – a monthly title that covers all aspects of vegetable, fruit and herb cultivation. Usually includes features on allotments. Available from WH Smith in Northbrook Street and a few other stores in town.
· The Expert series of books. Dr Hessayon’ series (the biggest selling gardening books in the world) like The Vegetable Expert are excellent for getting to grips with how to grow vegetables. He also has fruit and herb titles . Note his instructions on spacing and distances between plants while planning your plot
· Caroline Foley - who has published several books on allotment gardening
Sourcing seeds and young plants
SATA is negotiating discounts with local retailers. So far there are two to report: The Yew Tree Garden Centre at Ball Hill to the south west of Newbury (01635- 255250,
http://www.yewtreegc.co.uk/ ) offers SATA members (on production of membership card) a 10% discount everything in store with the exception of gas, gift vouchers and ‘furniture deals.’ This is a good nursery and a most supportive of us. For 2007, we have added the Tower Hill Garden Centre Aldermaston, a more traditional nursery and with a terrific range of plants and potatoes, and good prices on pots, composts and so on. Again Tower Hill are offering a discount on production of a SATA membership card. This nursery again deserves our support.
In addition, SATA operates a bulk seed and plant order scheme which, by grouping tenants together, obtains substantial discounts from catalogue prices. The Seed Member will send out details to SATA Members and publish details on the site notice board(s) in the Autumn and early Spring.
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