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ARCHIVES
 
LOCAL INFORMATION FOR ELSON & GOSPORT SITES. 2000-2002
 
JANUARY 2000
Welcome to the new Season.
Now is the time for members to renew their membership with the Gosport Allotment Holders and Gardeners Assoc. to continue to receive the benefits of buying from your site stores etc. New members are very welcome and do not need to have an allotment to join. Please contact the site warden for your area.
 
During the Winter several of the vacant plots at Elson have been covered with a black material to keep down weeds etc. making it a less daunting task to get started. If you are interested in taking on a new plot please contact Mrs. Pat Clipstone on 02392 353877.
 
Our thanks to Gosport Council, Leisure Services dept. for renewing and repairing our perimeter fencing. This has made the site more secure and we hope will go a long way to deter vandals.
 
Elson has now been given Wild Life status by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and Pat hopes the work will start shortly to clear the top end of the site to extend her Wild Life area. This is to be a community project and and I am sure Pat will be very grateful for any offers of help. We wish her every success in this new venture. If you would like to follow the progress of this venture please click here.Conservation Project.
 
COMPETITIONS: Have you considered entering your plot?
Application forms for the Hampshire Federation of Horticultural Societies can be obtained from Mr. P.J. Harden, 50 Warfield Avenue, Waterlooville, Hants. PO7 7JN.
Tel: 02392 263556. Judging takes place during the first 2 weeks of July and all application forms should be returned to Mr Harden by the 1st June together with the fee of £1. Points are awarded in various categories i.e. condition of the plot, good workmanship, quality of crops, ingenuity of overcoming problems etc. Do have a go if only for the experience of having your plot judged by the experts. The results will be returned to you.
Gosport in Bloom application forms will be available sometime from March onwards at the Town Hall and Libraries. This competition is part of the Southern Counties Britain in Bloom and is open to all other towns and villages. Please contact your local Authority for details. There is a wide range of categories in this competition not just for allotments, i.e. gardens, hanging baskets etc.
 
Since this website was featured in the Computer Active magazine (issue 49) I have been delighted with the response and interest taken. Thank you to all. Your comments have been noted and acted upon.
 
My Best wishes to you all for the coming Season. Keep digging.
MARCH 2000
On the 22nd March at the G.A.H. & G. Assoc. A.G.M. it was announced that there is now a Police Officer assigned to deal with the problems of the allotments in Gosport. If you have any complaint however small, be it vandalism, steeling your crops etc. please contact PC Misstlebrook on 02392 584666. The more information received the more chance there is of combating the problems.
MAY 2000
I have recently collected an application form for this years Gosport in Bloom Competition from the Town Hall and was dismayed to find that there is no specific category for Allotment Holders this year. I made enquiries as to why and was told that since the allotments now come under the unbrella of Enviromental Services it was decided to reduce the classes. However, allotment holders can still enter under the heading of 'Best Confined Space'. I feel this is unacceptable as no way can you describe an allotment as a confined space. Lets hope Gosport Council will think again for the year 2001.
On the 13th May a petition signed by 30 plot holders was handed in to the Council together with relevant photographs protesting at the actions of the residents of No. 62 Findon Road who have completely destroyed the hedgerow between their boundary wall and that of plot 6. There is some confusion as to who owns this small strip of land and until this is clarified we would like the Council to confirm that this will not be allowed to spread to other house owners in Findon Road whose gardens back on to the site.
RESULT OF PETITON.
It was confirmed by Councillor Rigg on 26th May that the strip of land between our allotments and the rear of Findon Road, is a pathway owned by the Diocese of Portsmouth. Permission must be obtained from them before any building or alterations can take place. It has been noted that the occupier of 62 Findon Road has now ereceted a high fence his side of the boundary wall.
My sincere thanks to all who supported our petition.
RELOCATION OF BADGERS During May all plotholders were sent a notifcation from the Council concerning the relocation of Badgers to Elson allotments. This has become necessary due to the work being carried out at Priddys Hard. However, due to the position of the allotments next to the playing fields, many plotholders are concerned that the site is not a suitable and safe place for the Badgers to be re-homed. Many debates and discussions are taking place and there will be a meeting of Councillors on June 5th before any final decision is made.
RESULT It was decided at the meeting of Councillors NOT to relocate Badgers to Elson.
JUNE Ref improvements to the site. In a letter received from Mr A. Gibson it was confirmed that the Council intends to 'grade out' the two main paths to a level surface, then to install a sub base with a Geotexile membrane material on which wood chippings are to be laid. Given the cost of the work, it is the Council's intention to undertake this on an annual 'rolling programe' commencing this year.
SEPTEMBER Seed catalogues and potato order forms have now been distributed to members and orders for seed potatoes should be placed by 29th October. with your site storeman on production of your membership card.
OCTOBER. On Monday the 9th October there was an Extraordinary meeting of the Health and Leisure Committee at the Town Hall with the purpose to reconsider the relocation of Badgers to Elson allotments. The vote was 7 for and 7 against with the deciding vote given to the chairman being in favour of the move. This decision is still subject to a licence being granted by English Nature. Many plotholders are very unhappy with the decision due to the unsuitability of the site and feel an alternative solution must be found.
19th OCTOBER - Work has started to construct the artificial Badger sett. If you would like to follow the progress of this please click here.
 
DECEMBER. The artificial badger sett has been constructed but as it is now the closed season for badgers. No further work has been carried out.
Most of the allotment site is under water. The main path is dangerous and not useable. It will be sometime before work can be undertaken to make it safe.
It is now time to renew your membership to the Gosport Allotment Holders and Gardners Assoc. to continue to receive the benefits. This can be done at any local site office.
JANUARY - 2001
Welcome to the new gardening year. For those of you who are able to get on to your plot we wish you a happy and productive year. Most of the Elson site is under water and few of the plots are workable at this time.
MARCH.
The G.A.H. & G. Assoc. AGM is to be held on March 21st in St Lukes Hall at 7.30 pm. All members are very welcome, do come along and have your say and let the committee know how you would like to see the shape of things to come.
APRIL
A special report was featured in The News on 11th April headlined 'Dig or lose your allotments'.
Allotments are used, to be treasured plots of land handed down through the generations, but now they are facing the chop because people are not using them. RICHARD WHITEHOUSE looks into the fight to save the threatended patches.
 
A rallying call has been made in a bid to fill empty plots with the main aim to make the sites thriving again before they are lost. David Gattrell, chairman of the G.A.H.& G. Assoc. said he hoped the campaign would attract new younger owners. It has been suggested that the title 'allotment' should be dropped in favour of 'leisure garden' to increase awareness that it can be a very rewarding hobby. Posters displaying the new slogan 'Use it or lose it' are being distributed thoughout the area.
 
A follow up article 'Leisure label could signal new lease of life for plots' was printed by The News on 12th April. All the plot holders that were interviewed thought it was a great idea to change the name.
If you would like a full copy of either of these articles please mailto:berylsau@saundersallotment.co.uk
MAY
As a follow-up to the Chairman's article in The News, a poster campaign will start this month in the hope we can attract more gardeners. Posters will appear on all Gosport public notice boards.
JUNE
There is to be a meeting between the chairman, of the G.A.H. & G.A. and The Leisure Services Dept of Gosport Council early in June to discuss the best way forward to promote a better up take of allotments and ways to improve the sites. I will bring you information on this as soon as I have it.
The meeting was held on 14th June, details of which have been outlined in the G.A.H. & G. Assoc Newsletter. To read this Newsletter and any future newsletters please go to the 'New' G.A.H. & G. Assoc News letter page.
Please note e-garden.co.uk have discontinued their Club page and news letters can no longer be read at their site.
JULY
There is growing concern that the long grass on vacant plots on all the Gosport sites is becoming a dangerous fire risk due to the long spell of dry weather. A meeting was held on the Camden site with David Gattrell, John Saunders, the local councillor for the Camden area Julia Salter and a reporter from the Daily Echo in the hope it will draw attention to the plot holders concerns. A petition signed by the residents of Thorngate Court has also been sent to the council on their behalf.
 
The main object of the meeting was to highlight the proposed building of a Doctors Surgery on part of the Camden site. Dr Knapman & Partners argue their current Forton Road surgery is too small to cope with the rising demand for medical services in the area. Gosport council's director of developemnt and environment, Ian Lycett said "People are absolutely crying our for health facilities in the area but the new surgery planned was at a very early stage". An article was printed in the Southern Daily Echo on Monday 16th July 2001. If you missed it and would like a copy please email me and I would be happy to forward it.
OCTOBER
The Association held a stall at the Alverstoke Michalmas Fair on 29th September. A variety of vegetables and flowers were sold and a profit of £62 was made. The Association was encouraged by the interest shown by the public in our allotments and will endeavour to hold stalls at any future events.
NOVEMER
Latest up-date on the proposed Dr. Surgery to be built on Camden Site.
A letter from the Council was sent to all plotholders on the Camden site outlining the proposed area which is appox. 57 x 57 yards and at present is occupied by 3 tenants. It is anticipated there will be some financial benefit from this development and the council has requested plotholders to return the form with their surggestions as to how they would like to see improvements made to the site. ie. car parking facilities, toilets and storeroom, increased security and pathways.
 
Gosport Council is also currently undertaking a BEST VALUE of allotments and a questionaire has been sent to all plotholders at all sites.
JANUARY 2002
A reminder that is is now time to renew your membership to the G.A.H. & G. Assoc. This can be done at any of the site stores.
FEBRUARY.
The G.A.H. & G. A. has finally taken the decision to close down their hall on St. Luke's Road, Gosport and hand back the site on which it stands to the owners, the Borough of Gosport on Friday 22nd March 2002.
The Association was flourishing when it took it over and boasted over 1700 members. Regretfully many of its early members have now passed on and would be saddened to see it go, as are its present members.
The decision to close the hall has been brought about by a combination of rising costs and a deline in membership. It has forced the organisation to become 'leaner and fitter' to withstand the financial pressures prevailing at the present time.
Future meetings will be held at another venue, yet to be decided, in the town. The changes will give the Assoc. the best chance to move forward and meet the future with more confidence. With changing times and competition from television, the Assoc. aims to encourage gardening as a healthy pursuit. It will still offer the same facilities to members to purchase seeds etc., and membership is still open to anyone with an interest in gardening whether they are an allotment holder or a private householder.
MAY
After lengthy negotiations, permission has been granted by the Secretary of State for the sale of land on the Camden site to build a Doctors Surgery. The G.A.H. & G.A. is not apposed to this as long as any surplus monies is invested back into the allotments. Planning permission has now been applied for.
 
The G.A.H. & G. Assoc. AGM was held on 21st May at HEDCA, Coombe Road where all future committee meetings and AGMs will be held. The position of Social Secretary was created and accepted by Steve Thurston who will endevour to put together a programme of events for the coming year. Steve has also agreed to take over the runnning of the stores at Elson.
JUNE
Two events for your diary in July when the G.A.H. & G.A. will be available on their stall to answer all your questions about allotments in Gosport and the advantages of joining the Association.
July 6th - 'Alive and Kicking' at the St Vincent College. Gosport. A free fun day out for all the family.
July 13th - 'G.A.D.S.A.D Charity Fayre', Walpole Park. Gosport. Stalls, Arena Events, Fun & Games etc. Disability Aid Equipment on display.
JULY
There was a good deal of interest shown at both events at the Assocation Stall with applications for 5 new plotholders taken and 7 new Assocation members.
Gosport Council has now produced a web site providing a one stop shop for whats happening in Gosport. They can be found at http://www.gosport.com
 
It is with regret that the G.A.H.& G.A. Secretary has had to resign due to family commitments. The position of Secretary is an essential legal requirement for the Association to function lawfully. It is hoped a volunteer can be found as soon as possible. If you can help in any way please contact David Gatrell (Chairman) or 023 9258 0389 or Val Somerford (Registrar) on 023 9258 3047.
SEPTEMBER
We welcome Sandra Lister who has agreed to take over as the new secretary for the G.A.H.&G.A.
The Association stall, which sold produce and flowers donated by gardeners and plotholders at the Michaelmas Fayre on September 28th was a great success. 2 new members were signed up and several enquiries were made about renting allotments. This event was an excellant 'shop window' for our Assocaition. Our thanks to all who helped to make the day such a success.
OCTOBER
We were pleased to learn that the Council are due to start work at Elson on the 14th, leveling and surfacing the main paths. This will be a tremendous improvement to the site.
NOVEMBER
Unfortunately due to the bad weather the work to our paths has been delayed. The men require 5 dry working days to complete the job.
[Home Page] [A Year in the Life of our plot 2000] [Diary 2001] [Diary 2002] [Diary 2003][Diary 2004]Diary 2005[Diary 2006][Diary 2007][Diary 2008][Typical Plots on the Elson Site][Up-dated information for Gosport & the Elson site] [Gosport's Allotment Sites][G.A.H. & G. Assoc Newsletters] [Wild Life Area] [Conservation Project] [Badgers] [Ray's Plot] [Links Page][Hints & Tips]