Cathy

Having the admin for a large allotment site isn't always as easy as it may seem, every day there is work in the background going on whether it be plot renewal forms to write and post, socials and group visits to organise or just plot changeovers, being amongst the numerous jobs. I am ably assisted by my lovely wife Ruth and whilst the 'job' is enjoyable most if the time, there are times when another train of thought or maybe just another person is needed that I can rely on to attend and assist at a function such as a garden club visit when the volume of visitors is more than I can focus on to get points across.

All of our committee are helpful and approachable when a second opinion, decision or a job needs doing, I wouldn't change any of them but if I am really stuck, Cathy is the lady who will put forward a sensible, fair opinion and plan for action usually without any prompt as she's spotted the problem already.
 
Considering the busy working life she leads, Cathy will make several visits to her plot each week but always has time for a friendly chat with anyone, having said that, there's no-one to talk to in the first picture below which looks as if she's got the whole 3 acre site to turn over on her own, she's seen clutching a hand trowel ready for action. This photo was taken by the National Trust the day we opened.

These frequent visits have paid off as she won, fair and square, the best full allotment this year, 2012 which was judged by 2 independent people. Cathy was delighted to receive the Viv Brock memorial cup engraved with her name (to be kept for one year) even if it was the first time Ruth and I have ever seen her blush with pride on the presentation. An engraved whisky glass to commemorate was given too, to be kept for ever.

The willow working course that was attended by Cathy was put to good use and when the judges inspected every plot early in July, the arch seen below impressed them as being one of the unique features on a 'different' and 'interesting' allotment. This shot was taken just after the creation of the arch and before the sweet peas took over.

Another photo below shows most of the committee with Hilda the boat who the day before this pic was replanted with spring bulbs and plants and looks a bit bare. From L - R is Dennis, Ruth,Sue,David,Glynis,Me,John,Sheila,Jim and Cathy. Missing from the picture are 3 more key committee members, Kevin, Billy and Neil.

I want to end this last blog of the year, from me anyway, by thanking not only Cathy for being there when I need her, the National Trust local team for their continued support and of course ALL of OUR team, each of them contributes something different to make this a heck of a brilliant, successful, award winning allotment site. Have I mentioned about the award before?

A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL GROWING SEASON 2013 TO YOU ALL !

Our Christmas tree in church

Every year our local church, St.Petrocs, hold a Christmas tree festival during which all the schools and other organisations are invited to attend various events such as carol services to admire the 85 lit and decorated trees.
These trees are sponsored by local businesses, groups, etc and are seen by hundreds of folk.
On behalf of our allotment association, an application was made for us to have a tree. Despite putting this in 6 weeks late we were accepted. This meant on the 3rd and 4th of December the tree had to be decorated with seasonal items that illustrated our cause, the supplied lights were draped around them and a carol had to be suggested for a competition for the children to guess which one it was.
We placed a wicker basket at the foot of the tree filled with veg that will last the festival without rotting and this will be checked every few days and replenished if necessary. Even a vole is poking out from the basket, these little vegetarians are the bane of our life on the plots.

I have put 3 pictures on to show what our tree looked like once we'd finished and I think to sponsor a pretty tree like this is a good way of saying thank you to our creator for giving us the opportunity to enjoy our favourite pastime in such a lovely environment.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL !

OUR CHRISTMAS MEAL

Our Christmas meal for 2012 was attended on the 1st December by 40 members who all contributed to making the evening a memorable one.

Preparations for this had been ongoing for several weeks as ill health, bad weather had made it difficult to keep the socials we all enjoy going during the summer months so we were determined to make this a good occasion.

The Callywith, a table-table restaurant in Bodmin, was our chosen venue and once they had received our booking decided to close the doors to other hungry diners for that night. Perhaps our reputation had gone before us or maybe it was because we are such a free spending crowd that the profit they needed to make that night was enough, either way it made it very personal to just us.

The tables were decked with crackers, poppers and with the subdued lighting looked superb and inviting. We all arrived with our partners dressed in our fineries settled down after being each issued with a Christmas card, a raffle ticket, a plot renewal form and a 2013 allotment event diary.

The staff excelled themselves all evening with great service, plentiful meals over 3 courses with minimal wait between each. All without exception praised the high standard of fayre, the quality and quantity of their meals. The free wine went down very well too.

Suitable reward was made to the staff via a table collection and the manager will be written to complimenting his employees.

As the last of the dessert was being polished off, the secretary made a short speech thanking all who had helped throughout the season, making a presentation to a couple who had made a difference and then announcing the winners of our own internal 'best allotment' competition. The successful plotholders were presented with their cups and awards.
The plots had been judged back in July but due to circumstances, presentations were held until tonight. 

As a final 'bit of entertainment' Ruth carried out her different draw to the norm whereby everyone went home with a Christmas bag containing a gift which pleased all seeing as it was a freebie.

Our locked facebook site was buzzing with talk and photos of the evening and a lot of positive comments were received by the organisers, yours truly and his wife, Ruth.  Job done I'm glad to say, just sorry that a few friends couldn't make the evening due to other commitments, but we'll do it all again next year so maybe next time.