21st January 2012 Seed potatoes, Byker Farm, Cyrenians gardening courses and new members

The seed potatoes are now in the Trading Hut. First earlies:-Arran Pilot; Duke of York; Rocket.

Second earlies: Charlotte; Kestrel (below left); Maris Piper

Maincrop: Desiree; Pink Fir Apple(above left). For price list click here

The Cyrenians are running free gardening courses at Ellott House, Bentinck Road, to see the different topics and times click here. Also City Farm at Byker have free growing space and need volunteers, to find out more click here

Welcome to Derek and Sarah, plot 59, and to Derek and Olive, plot 93a wishing you happy and successful gardening at Moorside.

10th January 2012 Venue for AGM, committee news, parakeets

The Moorside AGM 2012 will be held in the Church Hall of St Basil's and St James Church just 100 yards from Moorside along Fenham Hall Drive at 7.30pm on Wednesday the 25th January 2012. The entrance to the hall is in Ravenside Road behind the church. It looks as though our rents last year just covered our basic costs, so the Committee will be recommending no change in the rent for 2012. A full AGM pack and agenda will be hand-delivered or posted to all by early next week. To see the Committee minutes for December click here and to see the Trading Hut rota for Jan-Feb 2012, click here. You may have noticed Moorside has acquired a pair of Parakeets, presumably lured from down south by the mild weather. Thanks to David Gray our neighbour in Moorside N for this picture.

11th December 2011. We're back, committee news and AGM date

22nd November 2011 Autumn moth survey, trading hut news and Committee for 2012

Thanks to Jonathon for the Autumn moth survey, which can be seen by clicking here. Opposite, the Sallow moth, a new discovery which feeds on willow and poplar. Jonathon will be continuing his survey next year and w hope to organise a moth trapping evening for Moorsiders, more details next year. The Trading Hut rota for the last of November and for December can be seen by clicking here. We hope to have a delivery of 13 foot scaffolding boards this weekend and two loads of manure. Now is the time to think about becoming a committee member for 2012. If you are interested please contact peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk and I will email you a nomination form

15th November 2011 Committee news and what to do in November

Find the Committee minutes for October by clicking here (well spotted Doug) and welcome to John who is taking over plot 30a. We are sorry that Ben and June have retired and wish them all the best. After 38 years on Moorside they have earned honorary membership of Moorside and we hope to see them walking round the site when the sun is out. What should you be doing in the allotment in November? See the garden organic factsheet by clicking here. Includes advice about what to do about white fly (opposite).

4th November 2011More huts (not for sale), Committee news, Hospice letter

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25th October 2011 Kings seeds; potato tubers; scaffolding boards; manure; all about fruit trees

David (plot 8) is organising our Kings seeds order again this year. Catalogues are in the noticeboards, just fill them in and return to David or the Trading Hut by the 5th November. Sue (29) has ordered potatoes for chitting which will arrive in January: First Earlies:- Arran Pilot; Duke of York; Rocket   Second Earlies:- Charlotte; Kestrel; Maris Piper   Main Crop:- Desiree; Pink Fir Apple. Sue will place our auitumn order for scaffolding planks at the end of the month. Let her know soon or leave a message at the Trading Hut. We also have a new load of well rotted manure, smells divine. To see Sue's October Trading Hut newsletter, click here. The skip arrived today as planned. Get in quick before it is full! Now is the time to think about planting new fruit bushes. See the Garden Organic factsheet on rootstocks by clicking here and on planting fruit trees by clicking here

12th October 2011 Huts still for sale; apples and pears; Autumn skip; Calendar 2012

6th October 2011 August moth survey, trading hut rota, committee news and making leaf mould

25th September 2011 Anne's Moorside gardening blog, Trading Hut news, keys found and huts for sale

The Trading Hut will be ordering scaffolding planks and well rotted manure soon.. put in your orders to the hut now. There is also soil improver ready for use and more wild bird seed ready for the winter in stock. A set of keys on a carabinier was found at the west gate. Two huts on site are available for sale... all reasonable offers considered. For keys and huts for sale contact peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk or enquire at the Trading Hut.

13th September 2011 Moorside successes at the City Show

Congratulations to Harry (32), winning the master gardener vase for the top show plate for the second year running. Harry is pictured opposite with his terrific plate. Well done also to Stan (3) second top show plate and to Frank fourth top plate. Overall Moorside gained eleven first prizes, ten second prizes, seven third prizes and eight fourth prizes. To see a complete list of Moorside prizewinners, click here

More picture from the show can be seen by clicking the Shows and Open Days button above.

9th September 2011 More pictures of the Moorside Show and Committee news

There are more pictures of the Moorside Show, see by clicking the Shows and Open Days button (thanks Tony). Opposite a picture of Stan and Audrey (3) on their prizewinning plot after sweeping the board at the Show (see below). The committee are awaiting the outcome of a Joint Moor Planning Committee to decide on what is to be done about flooding. Krys (22) has produced a planting scheme for the front of the allotments and hopefully the bee-garden group can start planting in October. The committee have decided not to use plot 59 for green energy so it will be let shortly. To see the minutes for August, click here. Remember its the City Show on Sunday.. go and see how to exhibit your flowers, fruit and veg. Moorside will receive its top site prize at around 3.00pm, together with the other Moorside prizewinners if you want to cheer us!

4th September 2011 The Moorside Show 2011

The rain just held off until after the prizegiving and raffle so we had an enjoyable show with lots of exhibits. Thanks to everyone who donated jam and homebaking (see opposite), we had a superb selection of both which went like the hot cakes they were. On the day congratulations to Stan (3) who won Master Gardener; James (8) winning Junior Master Gardener; Audrey (3) Top Vase and Best Exhibit for her Basket of Flowers; John (65) for the Salad Bowl and Best Vegetable Grower; Margaret (96 b) for her decorated cake which won Best for Fun. Thanks to all 29 entrants... the judges said they enjoyed looking at the exhibits. To see more photos and the full Moorside 2011 prize list, click on the Shows and Open days button above

Above Nikki and Krys on the cakes and Paul on the barbeque

19th July 2011 July moth survey, trading hut rota and Moorside Show

5th July 2011 City competition winners, committee minutes and trading hut update

Congratulations to everyone on Moorside, your efforts on site have been rewarded with first place best large allotment site in this years city competition. The judges praised the standard of plots and thought the site showed good community spirit. Well done also to Frank (66)for first prize, wildlife friendly plot, to the Comfrey Plot for second community group prize; to Stan and Audrey (3) for third best full plot with glass and to Peter and Liz (25) for third best fullplot without glass. To see the full results, click here. The Moorside Show Programme (Sat 3rd September) designed by Sue (17) is being printed and will be sent out to all members next week. We have over £250 of gardening raffle prizes so get your tickets dsoon at the Hut. To see the committee minutes for July, click here. The trading Hut has purchased a Sherpa truck , the better to cart away compost etc from the hut and Sue Pownall has a brief update on new hut purchases, click here

Above just some of the prizes for the Moorside Show

27th July 2011 Happy Days at Moorside

At last all our hard work is starting to pay off with fruit and vegetables and there are happy faces at Moorside (Brian top left; Dave top right; Krys  and Dave bottom left) (all Tony, thanks); the Comfrey Project willow workshop bottom right)

14th July 2011 Moorside trophy winners, group news and strawberry tips

The City Ecology Officer judged Moorsides bee-friendly and wildlife friendly plots this week. In the best wildlife plot competition , well done to Frank (66), winner, and to Sue (54) and Michelle and Neil (31) for commendations. In the best bee-friendly competition, congratulations to Annie (10), winner (opposite), and to Sue (54 again) and Dave (38) for commendations. The green energy group have been making progress with ideas for green energy on Moorside. To see an update discussion document, click here, comments to peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk . The bee garden group are making plans to plant some of the spaces between the trees outside the of the allotments along Fenham Hall Drive this autumn, supported by the Greening Wingrove campaign, with bee-friendly shrubs and flowers and have numbered the trees to avoid confusion. The forecast rain this weekend looks like putting paid to this years strawberry crop. Now's the time to think about next year's crop and whether you want to prolong the season by planting lates and perpetuals, click here for the Garden Organic Strawberry Factsheet                                                                              

8th July 2011 June moth survey, committee news, tomatoes and new link

Jonathon's moth survey for May/June has revealed new moths:-the gothic (see opposite), the snout, the spinach and the apple leaf miner. His report can be seen byliclicking here. The committee have approved a Moorside tree strategy consultation document which can be seen by clicking here. A hard copy will be sent to all members with our Show Programme which should be published shortly. Comments on the consultation document to the Secretary orepeter@moorsideallotments.co.uk  The Chairman has met with representatives of the Freemen, the Council and a drainage contractor to consider how to alleviate run-off from the Town Moor onto Moorside after heavy rain. A drainage ditch along the north and east sides of Moorside is proposed, but before this, exploratory work will need to find out how this new drain can join the sewer on Fenham Hall Drive. To see the committee minutes for June, click here. Garden Organic have advice about tomatoes, click here and we have a new link to Garden Fresco which has growing guides for vegetables and a growing tips section.... click the the links button

27th June 2011 Westfield School visit, trading hut update, nominations for city competition

Westfield Juniors with Headmistress, Margot Branson, outside the bee garden (thanks Tony for photo)

10th June 2011 City allotment competition and committee news

As usual, the City Allotment Competition 2011 will have prizes for best full plot with glass, best full plot without glass, best half plot, best newcomer, best organic plot, best wild life friendly plot, best organic plot, best community plot and best site. Our intenal judging to put forward a plot in each category will take place before the end of June. The City judging will be the week beginning the 4th July. If you think that your plot is orghanic (i.e. no herbicide use and no chemical fertilizer use), let Krys Gaffney know as soon as possible. To see the City judging criteria, click here . In view of the City site inspection in July, the Committee requests that all plots are weed-free by the end of June and in particular that weeds are removed from the driveway in front of your fence, thanks. The Committee are producing a consultation paper for members outlining a possible tree and hedge strategy. This will be based on two principles: the conservation and preservation of Moorside's trees and the responsible management of Moorside's trees. On Friday the 24th June pupils from Westfield School will be visiting Moorside to look at our bee garden and to do a bee count. The trading hut has taken delivery of high quality bird-proof netting, 4metre width at £1.20 per metre and has butterfly/bug netting coming next week at £1.75 per metre. The Committee minutes for May can be seen by clicking here

Above George (103) in his city top plot garden in 2009. George was also top city plot in 2010 and is going for the treble in 2011

5th June 2011 Daniel Jackson's dissertation on the benefits of allotments and planning

Thanks to all Moorsiders who agreed to be interviewed (and sometimes photographed) for Daniel's dissertation "Losing the Plot" which argues the case for preservation of allotments in town-hall planning because of their multiple benefits. Daniel describes the personal, community and environmental benefits of allotments with reference to Moorside; also waiting lists, threats to allotments and the sustainability of allotments including the importance to wild-life.

Colin, (24) (opposite) appears on the front cover. To read Daniel's dissertation, click on Colin!

4th June 2011 Bee boards, Newcastle Allotment Bee Group and the annual Allotment Forum

At last our bumblebee board art work has been designed and hopefully the boards will be in place soon. To see the first board, "the plight of the bumblebee", click here

The Newcastle Allotment Bee Group (NABG) were formed last year as a subcommittee of The Newcastle Allotment Working Group (NAWG). The aim of the group is to stimulate interest in allotment bee-keeping in line with the Newcastle Bee Strategy (see www.newcastle.gov.uk/bees) and to construct comprehensive rules and recommendations for Newcastle allotment beekeeping. You can read more about NABG in the Spring edition of the NAWG

newsletter "DigThis" click here. which also has articles on the Newcastle Allotment Strategy targets for 2010-2015, bonfires and crime on allotments. To see the NABG rules and recommendations for beekeeping click here

The annual Newcastle Allotments Forum is to be held on Thurday the 9th June in the Civic Centre at 6.30 pm with talks on bees and on composting following voting for area representatives to NAWG. To view the details see the flyer by clicking here

Above the Moorside Bee-garden in May 2011 and a close up of its aquilegia. Thanks to Tony(95) for the photos.

18th May 2011 Committee news and how to beat slugs and snails

The Inspection Team reported that the standard of weed control and cultivation at Moorside this year was, in general, excellent. However they would like to remind members they are responsible for keeping the driveway immediately in front of their fences clear of all weeds. Tony (5) has repaired our motor mower and has been energetically mowing the lanes where required. He would like members to remove any large stones from the driveways near their plots as these can be a hazard when mowing, thanks. There have been meetings of the bee-garden, disabled beds, green energy and wildlife groups, more later. To see the Committee minutes for April, click here. Now that our young plants are being planted out our old adversaries slugs and snails are hard at work undoing all our painstaking plant care. Garden organic factsheet S20 describes methods of slug/snail elimination, click here. Recent research indicates that if you chuck snails into the next door allotment they will just trek back to your allotment thereby neutralising "the allotment lob", so don't use this traditional method!

6th May 2011 Nunsmoor Garden Festival and Moorside Seedling Swap

This year our Moorside May seedling swap will take place as part of the Nunsmoor Garden festival to be held at the Nunsmoor Centre on Studley Terrace from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday the 15th May Click here to see the festival poster. The Garden Festival is part of the Greening Wingrove campaign and will include arts and crafts; face-painting; bird and bat box making; bee advice; healthy eating advice and gardeners question time. Moorside will have two stalls, one for seedling swap/sale and one for the sale of homebaking. As usual Emma (14) will be in charge. We would welcome any surplus seedlings/plants/seeds you can donate.. bring to the Trading Hut on Saturday the 14th or directly to our festival stall on Sunday the 15th. Homebaking take directly to the Festival stall on Sunday the 15th...many thanks.

Above Emma (left) not only selling our home-baking at the seed swap day in March but also engaged in quality control sampling!

4th May 2011 Moth Survey progress; transplanting; ARI visit; the government and allotments

Jonathon Wallace is continuing his survey of Moorside moths and this April has found new moths including the currant pug, the small quaker, the least black arches, the red-green carpet and the herald moth (picture opposite). To read Jonathon's Spring 2011 report with more pictures, click here. One of the main tasks now is transplanting your seedlings into the allotment and to see the Garden Organic factsheet A22 on how to do it, click here. All the Garden Organic factsheets we have previously published are now archived under the What to do Now button for easy access. The Allotment Regeneration Initiative (ARI) is a charitable organisation with the aim of regenerating, creating and managing allotments www.farmgarden.org.uk/ari . They are holding a meeting of council allotment officers from all around the north-east on Tuesday 10th May in Newcastle and Moorside has been chosen for a lunch-time site visit so if you see a mob of civil servants on Tuesday that is who they are. Incidentally the ARI website has the news that following consultation the government now do not propose any changes to council's statutory duties for allotments so it looks as if we are safe for the time being!

24th April 2011 Schoolhouse allotments plant sale, Trading Hut price list, NSALG news

Schoolhouse allotments in Jesmond Vale are holding a plant sale on Saturday the 30th April 11.00 to 2.00pm Schoolhouse are a well -run site and allotment sales are often where you can pick up plants to fill up empty spaces in your allotment at very low cost. For further details, click here. Our own Trading Hut has a new supply of very good quality manure. A delivery of excellent soil conditioner from Jesmond Nursery sold out almost straight away but we hope to obtain some more shortly. To see our up to date April price list, click here. The Trading Hut will be open Easter Monday (tomorrow). The government are reviewing all statutory council legislation to see if it is "an uneccessary burden" and this includes the 1908 Small-holding and Allotments Act that makes councils responsible (in theory) for providing sufficient allotments. The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (to whom Moorside is affiliated) are concerned that the government might classify allotment legislation as an uneccessary burden, see www.nsalg.org.uk for a discussion (thanks to David (8) for bringing it to our attention).

9th April 2011 Potting on and Bee-friendly seedlings and Newcastle EAT edible miniature gardens

April is the month for potting on seedlings in the geenhouse or on window sills in the back bedroom. To see how to do it click here for the Garden Organic factsheet A21. The Moorside Bee Garden Group met last weekend and are hoping to extend the bee-garden concept to other locations at Moorside including in front of the main fence alongside Fenham Hall Drive as Moorsides contribution for Greening Wingrove. Thanks to David (22) it looks as if the council are prepared to let us manage the five feet between the fence and the second row of trees. The bee garden group are keen to bring on bee-friendly plants from seeds and if you want to help out and plant some bee-friendly seeds to donate find a list of Moorside bee-friendly plants by clicking here and drop the seedlings into the Trading Hut for collection by the bee garden group, thanks. This year Newcastle's EAT festival takes place On Sat/Sun 18/19 June see www.eatnewcastlegateshead.com  Allotment sites are invited to produce an edible miniature garden for the festival and a workshop to tell you what an edible garden is and how to produce one is being held at Scotswood Natural Garden (John Marley Centre)on Thursday the 21st April from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. If anyone is interested to go could they email the Chairman on peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk

7th April 2011 Committee and Trading Hut news

18th March 2011 Greening Wingrove, growing from seed and new member

Those members who live in Wingrove ward (80% of us) may be interested to find out about the Greening Wingrove campaign. There are ten priority projects, which can be seen, together with contact details, by clicking here. The public are invited to three monthly forums to discuss progress, the next forum being on Tuesday the 26th April at 6.00pm in the Robert Stewart Memorial Hall. The project which concerns Moorside most directly is the Nunsmoor Garden Festival on Sunday the 15th May. Moorside have been invited to provide a stall and advertise the allotments and possibly sell off surplus seedlings. To brush up on how to grow seeds, see the Garden Organic factsheet by clicking here. When you sow, remember to put in a few extra seeds to donate as seedlings for our garden festival seedling stall in May and also for plant sales for our own Show in September. Welcome to Moorside to new members Stephen and Naomi (90b), Sarah (49a) and Gail and John (49b) and happy gardening. Above: Wingrove... getting greener?

13th March 2011 Committee news: minutes and task groups

The committee have now received most of the rent forms; thanks to everyone who has volunteered for the various tasks. An approximate list of task groups and volunteers can be seen by clicking here for page one and by clicking here for page two. If the groups are not correct or you want to add, delete or change groups, please let us know on peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk  . The committee has arranged a convenor for each group and we hope to be able to arrange preliminary meetings within the next month or so. Our insurers require that we show members we are carrying third party insurance, so you can view our insurance front piece by clicking here. If you want to see the small print, ask our Treasurer, Nicola. For the committee minutes of the 1st February 2011, click here. Don't forget the seed swap at Moorside this Sunday the 20th from 10.00am till 1.00pm.

10th March 2011 The Moorside Show 2011: draft show categories

The Show Committee have produced an early draft for the categories for the 2011  Moorside Show. The categories are the same as for 2010 except the children's categories have been changed a little (47-52) and we have three new categories; decorated cake (40); best carved pumpkin (46) and best photo of Moorside Allotments(53). To see  show categories page one, click here and to see show categories page two, click here. We will need more show tables for this year and the Show Committee are actively looking for second hand folding tables. We hope to increase our plant sales this year and if you would like to seed an extra tray or take cuttings this spring to grow on for the show, what we are looking for are perennials, herbs, shrubs and dahlias, click here for advice from Rob about this

   Above:-Neils(83) in action at the 2010 Show

4th March 2011 Website up again and Trading Hut News

Over the last few weeks our allotments email has been intermittently off and then over the past ten days the website was unable to connect with the server so no new news could be posted. Apologies for that. However thanks to Sarah (w/l) we have changed server and there should be no further problems with the email or website. Expect a rush of backlog news posted up over the next few days including Show Committee news, The Greening of Wingrove and details of membership of our 15 task groups. In the mean time click here for the Trading Hut Rota for March/April and click here for an up-todate Trading Hut price list

26th February 2011 Seed Swap Sunday 20th March

Emma (14) is again organising her very successful seed and seedling swap mornings this year in conjunction with Fenham Seed Savers. The seed swap will be on Sunday the 20th March from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm at the Community Hut. Bring along your unwanted seeds and swap for new and exotic varieties. Refreshments and home baking available, too. The seedling swap will be in May. To see Emma's flyer, click here . Emma also notes that although it looks as if the Govt have done a U turn on the proposed sell-off of England's forests, the Woodland Trust still needs our support to protect our ancient forests. See www.woodlandstrust.co.uk

11th February 2011 Committee and AGM minutes, Trading Hut news, New Members

The new committee for 2011 met last week. To see the January Committee minutes, click here and to see the minutes of the AGM 2011, click here. One of the first tasks of the committee will be to produce a list of all those volunteering for the various working groups and then to facilitate these groups meeting and getting going. So far we have had a really good response, thanks to everyone who has volunteered. From the Trading Hut the demand was so great for scaffolding boards we will order some more., so place advance orders now. We have had a new delivery of manure.. enquire at the hut. Welcome to new Moorside members George (plot 101b) Duncan and Joanne (plot 59b) and Mike and Abi (plot 9b) and best wishes for successful gardening. Site inspections begin first week in March. Stop press good news... looks like the council will raise rents for 2011 only in line with inflation. Moorside can absorb this without a further supplementary rent increase in 2011.

Above.... our new Trading Hut sign (looks like our old hut could do with a makeover though)

30th January 2011 AGM, rents for 2011 and Trading Hut News

15th January 2011 Trading Hut News and Tips on Potatoes and Soil

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The Trading Hut has ordered four seed potatoes for the end of January, from L to R Rocket (first early), Charlotte (second early) Maris Piper (main) and Desiree (main). Place your order with the Hut now. The scaffolding boards have arrived... a snip at £3.00 for 13 feet. To view all the Hut items with prices, click here. To view the Trading Hut rota for January/February click here

Garden organic have two good factsheets this month related to the two main tasks this month, buying in seed potatoes and getting the soil ready for 2011. To find out all you need to know about growing potatoes click here and to find out all abouit managing your soil click here

10th January 2011 Have a prosperous gardening 2011 and AGM reminder

Best wishes for the new gardening season especially to Moorside newcomers Renny and April (89b), Kevin (89a), Asif (82b), Beverley (79b), Graham and Kay (105a), Dave (105b).

Rob has produced our Winter Newsletter with articles by Rob on seasonal tasks and seeds, by Sue our Trading Hut Manager on the Trading Hut year, by Sue(17) and Dave (39) on what 2010 was like for them and winter feeds for birds by Liz (25). To view click here

The AGM is nigh... Wednesday 19th Jan 7.30 pm Robert Stewart Memorial Hall, Wingrove Road. A full pack of documents for the AGM will be hand posted to all members on the 12th Jan... no need to pay your rent till the fee is fixed at the AGM.

......The AGM needs You

19th December Happy Christmas to all Moorsiders from the Trading Hut Volunteers

The Trading Hut customers were treated today with Christmas songs by Gillian, Dave and the amazing singing dog (see opposite).

To remind you the Hut is closed for Christmas but will re-open on the 2nd January 2011. There are still copies of our excellent moorside calendar available, a bargain at £6.00 so make sure you get yours from the Hut when it re-opens or send an order to peter@moorsideallotments .co.uk

(Thanks for the photo, Dave and to see the video just ask Dave)

18th December 2010 Look after our moorside finches in this cold weather................................

We have fresh stocks of bird seed at the Trading Hut for our finches (L to R goldfinch, bullfinch, chaffinch, greenfinch) Niger seed (reduced price), £2.50 for 2 kg; Black sunflower seed £2.50 for 2kg; mixed wild bird seed £1.60 for 2 kg. If you would like finch feeders leave an order at the Hut and we will purchase for you.

To see the Committee minutes for December , click here. There are important discussions on rent and on site maintenance which will be brought to the AGM in January

8th December 2010 Committee news

The AGM has been arranged for Wednesday the 19th January at 7.30pm. in the Robert Memorial Hall, Wingrove Road. Everyone welcome. We need more committee members so if you would like to be nominated just download the committee nomination form by clicking here and return to the Secretary by the 6th January. The Trading Hut has secured a really good deal for scaffolding planks so if you need some please leave your order withm Sue Pownall or at the hut a.s.a.p. Montse Ferres is just completing designing a colour A4 Moorside calender. It has lots of pictures of Moorside and Moorside members for each month, together with Rob Germany's What to do in Moorside now for each month so you can see what tasks to do that month at a glance. Cost £6.00, professionally printed on glossy paper, it is a bargain and makes a good Xmas present. A first draft mock-up of January can be seen by clicking here and a full draft will be available to study at the Trading Hut this weekend. Order yours from peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk or at the Trading hut now. To see the Committee minutes for October, click here

4th December 2010 Hardy Moorsiders brave the snow

When the going gets tough... Harry and Barbara get going. More pictures of Moorside snow in plots and projects. For Dec-Jan Hut rota click here note Hut closed from 19th Dec to 2nd Jan so stock up on paraffin now

25th November 2010 More Moorside history.. 1963-1983

25th November 2010 NAWG consultation document on buildings and structures

In conjunction with the plot cultivation consultation document (see below), the Allotment Working Group have produced a review of Buildings, structures, greenhouses and polytunnels also for consultation, click here. Over the years the Moorside Committee has kept a close eye on structures, so Moorside is not blighted with unsightly structures as in other city allotments. The proposal is that unsightly or overly large sheds etc be removed when the plot becomes vacant so there wont be a sudden influx of bulldozers in January! Comments upon the document to P. Whewell or S.Pownall by the 6th December, please.

Opposite a picturesque Moorside Hut in the November snow (whose days are probably eventually numbered if the consultation document is passed)

19 November 2010 Moorside Allotments: the First Twenty Years

As far as we know, our allotments were created in 1940 as the Nunsmoor Wartime Allotments Association as a temporary measure as part of the Dig for Victory Campaign. We were then 150 allotments strong and we were on our present site to the north of Fenham Hall Drive and also to the south. The south allotments were returned to grazing in 1954 and we were renamed Moorside Allotments as a permanent site of just over 100 plots in 1956. Our first minute book begins in 1948 and the minutes are being summarised by the Webmaster under the Our History button, up to now the first 20 years (but gradually more). You can read about such things as a proposal that the Chairman and Secretary fly a flag to announce they are on site; a complaint that the sweep has been dumping soot indiscriminately on site; 600 yards of fencing being taken during the 1954 miners strike for firewood. The first twenty years also reflect fluctuations in interest in allotments, so that whilst in 1955 75 members attended the AGM, by 1963 only 23 members attended the AGM and a member "stood up and wondered what the point was in electing a committee if it never met". Read more under the History button.

19th November 2010 Hedges and wildlife

Hedges are important wild life refuges, providing food and shelter for beetles, spiders, caterpillars, small mamals and small birds . Unfortunately there has been an enormous decline in the quality and quantity of hedges in the countryside and in towns which has had devastating effects upon wildlife. The Newcastle Allotment Strategy recognises the importance of hedges for both wildlife and security and Target 16 aims to greatly increase hedges round the boundaries of Newcastle's allotments. OPAL have a new survey to follow their water survey, it is a biodiversity and hedges survey which is great fun, especially for children, see www.opalexplorenature.org.BiodiversitySurvey You can survey any hedge near to where you live and send in the results on-line. We will have special OPAL survey packs available at the Trading Hut from tomorrow.

14th November 2010 NAWG and Cultivation Standards: A Consultation Document

The only detailed discussion of allotment cultivation to be found is an article by the Allotment Regeneration Initiative which is worth reading as background, click here

The Newcastle Allotment Working Group intend to have rules on minimum standards for plot cultivation in force by 2011. Definite criteria are that a minumum of 75% of each allotment should be fully cultivated and weed-free. Our Moorside Chairman has produced a draft consultation document for consideration by NAWG in December,click here. Your comments to either of our two NAWG reps, Peter Whewell or Sue Pownall on this consultation document before December would be very welcome. This will affect everyone so this is your chance to have your say! Opposite: the current Chairman's plot, October 2006, would not have passed inspection (but was great for wildlife!)

7th November 2010 The Moorside Moth Survey and next Garden Club

Jonathon has sent an update of his moth survey, to see click here On left is the Brimstone moth which likes hawthorn so should do well with our new hedge. On right is the large yellow underwing, Moorside's commonest moth which like docks!

The Garden club last month had to be cancelled so on Saturday the 13th November at 10.00 a.m. we will combine the Oct/Nov topics with Fruit and Grafting. see you there

1st November 2010 The City Allotment Strategy 2010-2015 and Moorside helps Newcastle top the Sustainable City League Table

The Newcastle Allotment Strategy 2010-2015 was presented to the Council executive last week. The Council were pleased with the strategy and it is now formally adopted. The executive summary of the strategy and the sixteen action plan targets can be seen by clicking here. The first target is concerned with establishing and enforcing cultivation standards and there will shortly be more detail about this on our website with a chance for you to be consulted about this potentially thorny matter. Newcastle came top of the Sustainable Cities Index for 2010 helped by allotments and the City Bee strategy, see

www.forumforthefuture.org/files/Newcastle_Sustainable_Cities_Index_2010.pdf

The Guardian lead the story with "Bees help keep Newcastle at top of green city table" and mentions our designated bee garden, though unfortunately forgets to add that it is the Moorside bee garden! see www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/18/bees-newcastle-green-city-sustainability

Above: the Moorside bee garden in September 2010.

29th October 2010 The Autumn Newsletter and Committee News

The Autumn Newsletter has arrived, thanks Rob. There are articles on composting leaves (a wire mesh bin as opposite is ideal), on the Moorside Show and on the British Trust for Ornithology birdwatch scheme. To view page one click here and to view pages2,3 and 4, click here.

We are sorry that former Committee members Rob (103) and John (82) are leaving Moorside this month. We are grateful for the hard work they have both put into the association as well as maintaining their own allotments to a high standard and we wish them well for the future. We will particularly miss Rob for his Garden Club expertise and for editing the newsletter for several years... we hope he will continue to contribute articles for us. To view the Committee minutes for September 2010, click here

21st October 2010 Dates for your diary

The bonfire ban ends Monday the 1st November

A skip is ordered for Friday the 29th October

Kings seed catalogue orders to Trading Hut by 30th October

City Show 2011 will be Sat/Sun 10/11 September 2011

Moorside Show 2011will be Saturday 3rd September 2011

Water turned off & toilets closed for Winter 6th November

To see the Trading Hut Rota for Oct/November click here

8th October 2010 Garden Club, hedge care, manure is here, anyone for topsoil?

..Garden Club Everything about Fruit

Sat. 9th October10.00am Community Hut: All welcome

29th September 2010. The Kings Seeds Catalogue

Every year, as a member of the Natonal Society of Amenity and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG), Moorside has the benefit of joining in with the NSALG-Kings Seed Scheme. Kings Seeds are a longstanding reputable seed specialist from Essex and they produce a comprehensive seed catalogue every autumn which is acknowledged to be the cheapest and best available. The current autumn 2010 catalogues have now been placed in all the noticeboards. Fill in your seed requirements for 2011, add £1 for individual packaging and give your order form either direct to Seed Supremo David Vincent (plot 8) or to the Trading Hut by the 30th October at the latest. David puts in our communal order and we get an extra 15% discount, not bad and the seeds arrive mid-January

23rd September 2010 A Moorside calendar ?

Montse has volunteered to collate a calendar for Moorside for 2011. The Committee decided her initial suggestion of a "Calendar Girls" calendar was not viable but if we can find photos of Moorside the year round that would be great. Any photo you think would do for the calendar please send in asap to peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk

Above Anne on plot 55 July ..........................................................................Snow cross lane February

20th September 2010 Committee News and more hut vandalism

There was further hut vandalism last night. We have collected up some scattered tools. If you think that you have lost some tools please call in at the community hut at 10.00am on Saturday the 25th September. Community PC Riley has given us some hut alarms and a magic pen marker which are also available at the community hut. If you have any equipment with a serial number please leave the number at the trading hut so we have a central register.

The committee are currently looking at site maintenance options to be discussed at our next AGM and are looking to finding a grant to build raised beds for the less able next to the toilet block. The Show made a small profit. To see the committee minutes for the 31st July, click here

The Guardian Environment Editor, Alison Benjamin was impressed by bee-friendly Moorside

Above, Tony and Hameed with Alison by the bee garden

14th September 2010 New Hive; Guardian author visiting Moorside; Meeting with Community PC

There have been more hut break-ins and our Community Policewoman, Simone Riley, is coming to the next Comittee meeting at 10.00am on Saturday the 18th Sept in the community hut . Any Moorsider who wishes to attend for this item and report/discuss breakins is welcome. Alison Benjamin, the Guardian Environment Editor is visiting Moorside on Wednesday. She is writing a book on urban bees and is to look over our hives and bee garden. For the Trading Hut rota for Sept/Oct click here

What's Hameed so pleased about?...................................................................... Its his new plastic hive!

8th September 2010 City Show Prizewinners and the history of allotments in Newcastle

The complete list of all Moorside first, second, third and fourth prizes can be seen by clicking here. Apologies if you have been missed... let the webmaster know.There are more photos of the City Show 2010 under the Shows and open days button.

As part of the Newcastle Allotment Strategy John Griffiths, a Historian, was commissioned to write a history of allotments in Newcastle. John did a lot of original research and as far as we know it is the only existing account of our collective history. You can read it by clicking here

Above George receives the Top Plot shield from Cllr Pauline Allen

5th September 2010 City Show and Garden Club reminder

Good news from the City Show 2010 with 13 first prizes today. We also had 14 2nd prizes, 11 3rd prizes and 11 4th prizes... not bad! Pride of place goes to Harry (32) with his fruit and vegetable show winning first prize for the City Master Gardener award. What is it with Moorside and runner beans? We won 1st (Stan), 2nd (Harry), 3rd (Wingrove Primary)and 4th (Frank) prizes. To cap it all Pat and Tony won first prize for the longest runner bean. Send in your explanations please! Lots more photos and a full prize list coming soon.

A reminder that next Saturday the 11th September there is our monthly garden club at 10.00 am. It is an essential item and the very basis of good gardening... improving your soil, digging and green manure. To whet your appetite click here for the Garden Organic factsheet on green manure

Above Harry's winning show

30th August 2010 University research: Final Report and full Trading Hut products list

The full 35 page Newcastle University report on allotments based upon the Moorside survey is now available and can be downloaded by clicking here . The report intoduces the concept of the allotment as a therapeutic landscape and an anti-dote to the obesogenic environment we have created in our towns in recent years. Interesting facts include that for each person working an allotment at Moorside, three others benefit from fresh produce and that year round the average weekly time spent working a Moorside allotment is 8 hours. The research concludes that for Moorsiders a major attraction of allotments is one of the freedom and creative potential of personal green space as well as the more obvious benefits of leisurely exercise and of a fresh, organic diet. The report also notes the high value Moorsiders place upon wildlife and upon Moorside as a "wildlife haven". Moorside comes across as a progessive and sociable allotment site. Well done everybody and read and enjoy! We hope to have some hard copies available at the Trading Hut soon

An up-to-date list of all our Trading Hut products can be downloaded by clicking here

Above, Annie face-painting at the Moorside Show

24th August 2010 Pictures from the Moorside Show

There are now pictures of the Show, click on the Shows and Open Days heading above. It you have pictures of the show you want to post, send to peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk This email only has a 2mb capacity so if you want to send a large picture, or several picutures, downsize them (right click on the photo then click send to mail recipient; when box appears... check you want to downsize).

22nd August 2010 Moorside Show Prize results

The weather was kind this year for our Show and there was a good turnout with 36 entrants and over 300 exhibits; well done everybody! There were more children exhbiting than ever and some very funny faces and scary monsters made out of vegetables. Thanks to Annie's facepainting and Nicola's explorer's game the kids were kept well entertained too. For our main prizes the ladies almost cleaned up this year with Charleigh (68)winning the Master Gardener for the third year as well as Best Vegetable Grower. Audrey (3) won Best Exhibit for her basket of flowers, Ethnie won Top Vase and Charleigh won Top Tray. Only young James (8), who won Junior Master Gardener, prevented a ladies clean sweep.More pictures coming soon under the Shows and Open Days button

Above: Charleigh and Ethnie with their Top Tray and Top Vase certificates (Thanks to Dave, 38, for the photo)

17th August 2010 Show details for Saturday the 21st August

The Show Schedule for Saturday is as follows:- 9.00-11.00 am staging of exhibits; 11.30 judging by Neville Lee and Bill Spoor;12.30 show open to public; 2.00pm prizegiving by Cllr Phil Risk of Blakelaw Ward; 3.30pm raffle draw; 4.00 sale of show produce.

The Trading Hut will be open from 2.00 to 5.00 pm on Friday and you can bring your show entry forms then if you want to. At 4.00pm on Friday we will be erecting the marquee.. anyone who can help turn up please

On Friday afternoon or Saturday morning please bring any plants you can spare for our plant sale and if you have any excess produce please bring to the Trading Hut for our produce sale.

Our stalls will include: jam stall; plant stall; card stall; art stall; book stall; Transition Fenham Stall; bee stall; Northiumberland Wildlife Trust stall; OPAL stall; Comfrey Project stall; childrens explorer stall; childrens face-painting; homebaking and barbeque.................. see you on Saturday!

6th August 2010 OPAL at the Moorside Show, Raffle and Trading Hut news

OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) are sponsored by the Natural History Museum to increase interest in wildlife via surveys conducted by the public. Currently they are facilitating a water survey which can be done on any pond. OPAL will have a stall at the Moorside Show with water survey packs for children and adults and the packs will also be available at the Trading Hut. To find out more about them go to: http://www.opalexplorenature.org/?q=watersurvey

To see the Trading Hut rota for August, click here

3rd August 2010 Moorside Show news

Preparations are well underway for the Moorside Show on Saturday the 21st August. The trophy winners this year are:- best plot George(104); best newcomer Doug (89b); Unsung hero(ine) Barbara (79), Long service Ben(30a); wildlife Frank(66). The new bee-friendly trophy was won by Sue(54) with commendations for Jo (84)and Annie (10). The Show Committee want to encourage as many as possible to have a go at showing produce on the day. If you have no previous experience thats fine... the Garden Club on Saturday the 14th August, 10.00 am will have a section on how to show fruit and veg as well as advice on composting. You can download a Show entry form by clicking here. Use it in conjunction with the categories in the final programme, click here.We need help with your second hand books &CDs; plants and homebaking. For further details click here. This year we have a strong children's section and children's activities including a new allotment explorers game; to see the details click here.

Above Sue's bee-friendly prize winning plot

28th July 2010 City Competition results

Moorside has won five prizes in the 2010 City Allotment Competition.

Pride of place goes to George Taylor who has won the best full plot with glass for the second year running. There are 2,500 plots in Newcastle, so well done George. Frank Lightfoot was second in the Best Wildlife category, David Vincent gained third prize for Best Organic and Wingrove Primary School third prize for Best Community Plot. Moorside was third Best Large Site, behind Three Mile and Littlemoor. For the full results, click here

Above:- Wingrove Primary School plot

22nd July 2010 Northumberland Wildlife Trust, breakins and Committee minutes

We are pleased to say that Northumberland Wildlife Trust will be setting up a stall at the Moorside Show on the 21st August. We have added a link to the NWLT website via the links button at the top of the page.

Unfortunately there have been further shed breakins on all three lanes over the last few days. If you have had anything stolen please let us know on peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk . This is another reminder not to keep anything of value in your shed or greenhouse.

The committee minutes for June 19th can be seen by clicking here

Above a Painted Lady butterfly (thanks for the photo to A. Lister of NWLT)

14th July 2010 Moth survey update and fruit and veg appeal

Jonathon Wallace has sent us an update on his moth survey for May and June showing 28 species. His excellent report, which can be seen by clicking here, includes 8 colour photos of moths.

Sometimes at this time of year plot-holders have more fruit and/or veg than they can consume or give to families or friends. If this is the case for you we would be very grateful if you could donate surplus produce to the Trading Hut where containers will be available to fill. As an association we can sell surplus produce at our Trading Hut for the benefit of the asociation. It is our intention not to charge any direct fee for the produce, but ask recipients to donate whatever fee they think is fair and reasonable for the produce, as we do with our plant sales at our annual show

Above the Poplar Hawk Moth (thanks for the photo Jonathon)

11th July 2010 Newcastle Allotments News: Show and Strategy

The Newcastle Allotment Strategy 2010-2015 is now on the Newcastle Allotments website:- www.newcastleallotments.co.uk (click on the green header at the top of the page. You can also download an entry form for the City Show via the home page) The document is now out for consultation over the next month. If you have any comments on the document please send to peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk Recognise the picture on the front cover of the strategy?

City Show exhibits ready for the judges

9th July 2010 The Summer Newsletter and more nominees

Rob has produced our summer Newsletter, which can be downloaded by clicking here. There are articles on how to show produce; a list of bee-friendly plants; an update on the Newcastle Allotment Strategy 2010-2015; our Moorside Show Newsletter; recipes and other growing tips. Apologies to David, nominated again for best organic plot, and Wingrove Primary School, nominated again for best group plot ...they were missed off the nominations list below. The City have now judged all the categories apart from the best wildlife plot, which will be judged by the City Ecology Officer in around two weeks. He will also judge for the new Moorside bee-friendly and wildlife friendly trophies at the same time. Garden Club tomorrow 10.00 am: Companion Planting all welcome

Above David watering in his organic wonderland

4th July 2010 West is best, welcome to new Moorsiders and aphids

The west lane won the majority of the nominations for the City Allotment Competition. Congratulations to the following nominees:- George (104) best full plot with glass; Nick and Gina (105) best full plot without glass; Doug (89b) best newcomer; James (82b) best half plot and Frank (66) best wildlife-friendly plot. The City inspections will be on July the 5th (tomorrow) at 11.15... good luck everyone.

We are pleased to welcome Renny and April to plot 88b and Kevin to plot 88a, happy gardening folks. We are just coming into aphid season and Garden Organic have a useful factsheet on how to deal organically with the little green mites, to download, click here.

Above, Nick and Gina's plot 105 in full bloom

21st June 2010 Committee News, Show Programme, Inspection Dates and more

The Show Committee have now finalised the Moorside Show Programme, which can be downloaded by clicking here Copies will be available at the Trading Hut, and entry forms available in August. Judging for nominations to the City competition and for the Moorside allotment competition by our Moorside judges takes place this week and the Allotments Officer will inspect Moorside between Monday the 5th and Wednesday the 7th July for the City Show judging. To see how allotments are judged (we use the same points system as the City), click here for the criteria. N orthumbria in Bloom will inspect Moorside on Thursday the 8th July . Thanks to everyone who has made an effort to tidy and brighten their plots and Moorside... after the 8th July we can all relax!

The Committee minutes for the 5th June can be viewed by clicking here. Congratulations to Sue Pownall who has been elected as the area representative for area five (Moorside, Littlemoor, Highbury South and Triangle allotments) on the Newcastle Allotments Working Group. With the Moorside Chairman representing area six (the west of Newcastle excluding Nunsmoor and Moorside), Moorside now have a high public profile in the local allotments world. To view the Trading Hut rota for June/July, click here.

15th June 2010 Bees have landed at Moorside

Tony's bees have arrived from Wales and are making honey on Moorside. Tony says that the bees seem to prefer to travel to the gardens of Moorside North so it looks like we will need to increase our allotment bee forage and plant a few more bee friendly plants. Hamid hopes to have bees in his hive soon. If you are interested in being a bee apprentice and learning more about beekeeping let Tony know.

Opposite:- the bee guards keep intruders away from the hive entrance

(Thanks to Tony for the photo)

8th June 2010 Committee news and Garden Club reminder

The committee report that we have been measured up for our canopy and it should be ready in a few weeks. Northumbria in Bloom will be judging us sometime in July and the City will be inspecting in the first week in July so could members please weed and especially tidy up the driveway in front of your plot. The Moorside inspection team will be inspecting this weekend and will be writing to all members whom they feel need to improve. The next Garden Club is this Saturday the 12th June at 10.00 am on Weeds and Pests, a must for all serious gardeners.

For the Committee minutes for April, please click here

Above floral enemy no 1, Marestail and floral enemy no 2, Bindweed

7th June 2010 Montse's management report and University research summary

Montse Ferres has completed her report on the management of Moorside Allotments based upon interviews with 21 Moorside allotment holders. She has surveyed member attitudes towards our rules; the Trading Hut; future developments of Moorside; communal activities and communication. She has also made some summary recommendations which will be looked at by the Committee. Thanks to all who gave their time and to Montse. To read her report, click here. We now have an interim summary of the University research at Moorside from Tim Townshend which can be read by clicking here

Above:- allotments in sunny Barcelona

18th May 2010 The Moorside Show Programme, Bee Aware and a comprehensive Trading Hut price list

The Show Committee have produced a draft Show programme which is now open to consultation with members. To view it just click here If you would like to suggest any changes or additions to the categories, email peter@moorsideallotments .co.uk

The City have a new bee website called Bee Aware on www.newcastle.gov.uk/bees which has a great selection of bee info including downloads of lists of flowers good for bees and honeybees at different times of the year. Essential reading if you want to win the Moorside bee friendly plot at the Show in August. Also new: the Trading Hut rota for May and June, click here, and a complete list of all 78 products available at the Trading Hut with prices (well done that Trading Hut Manager), click here

Above the Moorside Show marquee 2009

14th May 2010 Moth survey update, NGS gardens open to the public, plant sale

Jonathon Wallace has kindly sent us an update on his moth survey, to see it click here. It seems that moths are having just as miserable time as us gardeners with this cold May!. The National Garden Scheme have a 16 page brochure describing 38 gardens which are open to the public in the North-East this summer with a map of where they are. To view to plan interesting days out, click here. Finally High Heaton Allotments are holding their good value plant sale again this year on the 22nd May, to see the details click here.

Opposite, a Hebrew Character Moth (thanks Jonathon)

4th May 2010 Show Committee news

The Show Committee has confirmed the date of the Moorside Show as Saturday the 21st August The show classes will probably be the same as last year, but with an expanded children's section to include prizes for drawing, making and growing. We will be having new trophies for the best wildlife friendly plot and the best plot for bee flowers, both judged by the City Ecology Officer; so get planning now! The format of the Show will be the same as last year but we hope to have a much wider range of stalls and children's games. If anyone can help with planning and organising children's games, for instance a treasure hunt, please get in touch with a committee member, thanks

Opposite a snakes head fritillary, great for butterflies, flowering at Moorside (thanks to Tony for the photo )

26th April 2010 Committee News, Show dates, more grants and more committees to join

The City Show 2010 will be on Saturday/Sunday the 4th/5th September.

The Moorside Show will probably be held on Saturday the 21st August. The Moorside Show Commitee meets on Thursday the 29th April at 6.00pm at the Community Hut and anyone who wants to help run our show is very welcome. More good news on grants... Blakelaw and Wingrove Wards have given us matching grants to cover the cost of a new canopy to give us shelter between the two huts; thanks to both Ward Committees. We also have a working party to plan our Northumbria in Bloom campaign which will meet on Sunday the 9th May at 10.00 am. Again anyone who wants to can join in and will be welcome

Above, Ethnies prizewinning mixed flowers, City Show 2009

16th April 2010 Seed and seedling swap day, more grant success and more lost keys

On Sunday the 2nd May there is a seed and seedling swap day on site. If you have any spare seeds or seedlings come along and swap or just acquire with a small donation if you want. Music, local food, home bakingand face painting as well. For more info contact emma_hughes1@hotmail.co.uk

All welcome

Good news on the bee front. Moorside have been awarded a grant from the Sustainable Communities Fund for bee conservation. This includes information boards for our Bumblebee Garden, generous start-up grants for beekeeping on Moorside and the production of an educational leaflet explaining all our bee projects for visitors

The Chairman has had a complaint about cars parking in the road immediately in front of the three gateways, obstructing the entrances to the gates from the road... please remember not to park there, thanks. There has also been a complaint about the unneccesary use of water. Remember we are on a metered water supply so the Association has to pay for all water used, so please don't use hoses unless strictly neccessary, thanks again.

A set of keys has been found in the East gate and are being held in the Trading Hut or email peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk

9th April 2010 New stock in the Trading Hut, revised rota and more research (but Spanish this time)

29th March 2010 Garden Club 2010 and March Committee Minutes

We now have the 2010 progamme for the Moorside Garden Club, to see the whole programme, click here. The Club will meet on the second Saturday of each month at 10.00 am in the Community Hut. Expert information and all your questions answered all free of charge! Everyone welcome. The first meeting will be :

Saturday 10th April : Understanding seeds and sowing techniques

25th March 2010 Trading Hut Rota

23rd March 2010 Committee and Trading Hut News and a lost key

22nd March 2010 A Moth Survey on Moorside

A Burnished Brass Moth

19th March 2010 Bee nests to let, the Newsletter, more Skip, Prizes and lots of Manure

.The Moorside bumblebee garden has two desirable residences available for queen bees with the added attraction of nearby heather pollen. Potential tenants please fly direct to the garden and inspect the nest via the small tubing provided

The Spring Newsletter has now arrived, to view click here The University researchers have been conducting interviews, thanks to all those who gave their time to be interviewed. The winners of the research prizes were:- Susan (plot 4), Pat (formerly plot 4a) and Jo (plot 84). The skip was full within 5 hours last week but dont despair we will be ordering another for Easter weekend. Our Trading Hut manager has ordered a new load of manure which will be delivered this weekend.. enquiries to her at the hut. Remember that the bonfire ban begins on April 1st so you have ten more bonfire days

11th March 2010 The scaffolding planks and a skip are here

9th March 2010 Moorside in Bloom and Getting Started with Seeds

Moorside has been chosen to be a part of Newcastle's City entry for Northumbria in Bloom. Judges will make a preliminary visit to Moorside in April, then there will be a final judging in July. You can view the judging criteria and past results by going to www.northumbriainbloom.co.uk ..(look at the How to Enter page for the judging criteria). We will be showing the judges our communal garden and our new hedge but we also hopen up to brighten up the site with flowers and we hope to have two large planters sited just outside the middle gate. If you would be interested to help with finding flowers/tubs/planting as part of an in-bloom working party please contact a committee member or peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk

Now is the time to start sowing seeds indoors or in a greenhouse and Garden Organic have an excellent Get Started Guide ... Growing from Seed which can be viewed by clicking here. Its not too late to start chitting potatoes and we still have all five varieties for sale at low cost in the Trading Hut. Dont forget that you can find out what other tasks you need to be completing in Moorside in March by going to the What to Do Now button.

27th February 2010 Flooding, scaffolding board for raised beds and a reply to our Council petition

................

Flooding from Nunsmoor onto plot 13..................Flooding onto plot 14 from plot 13

We have again had heavy flooding on site. Water is flooding off Nunsmoor onto our north and north-east borders and we are getting ponding in all the dips on site, particularly along the middle lane. The Chairman has opened discussions with the Freemen about the possibility of a drainage ditch being put in around our north and east boundaries, more news soon. For more flooding pictures go to the plots button.

Sue our Trading Hut Manager is now taking orders for cheap scaffolding planks to make raised beds, to find out more click here

We have now had a helpful letter from David Slater, Executive Director of Environment and Regeneration, regarding our waiting list petition. To view the letter click here

21st February 2010 We have a new Committee

14th February 2010 AGM and Committee news

For those unable to attend the AGM last month you can view the Chairman's report 2010 upon the past year by clicking here. The minutes of the AGM 2010 can be viewed by clicking here, and the minutes of the Committee meeting of the 16th January 2010 seen by clicking here. The Trading Hut rota for February and March can be viewed by clicking here..... thanks to the new volunteers who will be seen in the hut in person soon!

9th February 2010 New additions

..............

5th February 2010 Still time to send in your University research questionnaire

The University say they have received 46 research questionnaires, which is good, but they want to get to 50 if possible to give a 50% reponse rate. They are therefore delaying the prize draw for a few days, so anyone who has not done so please send your questionnaire in and you will still be eligible for a prize!

3rd February 2010 New hedge and new seed potatoes

Exciting new developments. The wildlife/ security hedge was put in today with the help of Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Wildplaces Trust patron Traigh Anfield. It consists of mainly of hawthorn and blackthorn with some guelder rose and hazel. Traigh will be showing pictures of the hedge on Thursday the 4th February on Look North and there should also be pictures of the hedge in the Chronicle on thursday in the green section. Pictures also on our website soon.

The seed potatoes have at last arrived and will be available from the Tradng Hut from Saturday the 6th February. Only £1.05 per kg. we have bought in the most popular varieties based on your feedback from 2009. Come along on Saturday and get chitting! For David's (the seed supremo) excellent description of and pictures of the five varieties available, click here

21st January 2010 Committee and other news

The Committee have set the rent for 2010, a small increase for full plots only, and sent out the demand form with the AGM bundle this week. If you haven't received the bundle let us know. Apologies from admin... a few AGM bundles were sent out without stamps but hopefully the matter was rectified by direct delivery. The hedge is now due to be planted on Tuesday 2nd February at 10.00 am. Anyone who wants to join in the planting is very welcome. Before that we still need to dig over the backs of plots 10-12 on Saturday 30th January at 10.00 am volunters also required. To see the committee minutes for December 2009, click here

11th January 2010 AGM, Research Questionnaire and Trading Hut Rota

...............A G M 2010...................

The AGM will be held at the Robert Storey Memorial Hall in Wingrove Road on Wednesday the 27th January starting at 7.30 pm prompt. Its your Association, come and enjoy and give us your views. You are welcome to apply to be a committee member. The nomination form can be downloaded by clicking here and sending to Krys our Secretary or bring along to the AGM itself. Any specific agenda items also to Krys a.s.a.p. Everyone will be posted out an AGM agenda and rent demand for 2010 on Monday the 18th January. Included will be the finalised University Questionnaire with a SAE to return to the researchers. All completed and signed forms will be eligible for a Fenwicks token for £30 drawn by lottery on January the 31st so send your questionnaire in time! We need a high percentage of replies to make the research valid, otherwise everyone's efforts will be in vain, so lets work together and get those questionnaires sent.

The Trading Hut Rota for January/ February can be seen by clicking here

6th January 2010 Snow envelopes Moorside!

Looks like our working party will be cancelled. News of planting soon. For more pictures of Moorside in the snow, see under plots and projects button

2009

26th December 2009 Working party wanted and good diggers especially welcome

The Trust volunteers survey the fruits of their labours

Before Christmas a group of Moorsiders and Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteers lopped and dug along the east boundary to create a bed for planting our new security-wildlife-friendly hedge. We dug from the road up to and including plot 9, but we need a further dig at the back of plots 10, 11 and 12 to be ready for planting a native species prickly hedge on January the 12th. So we are having a further working party on Saturday the 9th January at 10.00 am providing the ground has thawed! The backs of plots 9 to 11 contain reinforced concrete chunks and lots of broken glass all gripped solidly with tree-roots so its a diggers paradise/nemesis. Who is up to the challenge? See you there.

21st December TheComfrey Project win Guardian Charity Award

.....Can you spot Jayne and Sanja from the Comfrey Project amongst the winners?

Congratulations to the Comfrey Project for winning a prestigious Guardian Charity Award last week. To see the details link to:-http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/dec/09/comfrey-project-charity-award-winner and to see a video of the project based upon their Felling allotment link to:-http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/video/2009/dec/03/voluntarysector

16th December The winter newsletter has arrived

Articles include a review of three books on allotment history, plants and artificial light, seaweed and some useful gardening tips from Neils. To download, click here

At the Trading Hut from Sunday we will have thistle seeds for finches (and finch feeders) as well as general wild bird seed on sale. Its the season of goodwill so give your birds a Christmas treat

5th December Committee news

The Committee were informed that our grant application for paving to access the toilet block has been turned down by Grassroots (again) so we are forming a special grants subcommittee to investigate details of around 40 grant organisations to see where to go to next. The AGM has been fixed for Wednesday the 27th January hopefully as usual in the Robert Stewart Memorial Hall in Wingrove Road. There are potentially three vacancies at least on the Committee and an election proposal form will be posted on the web sometime this month. To see the Committee minutes for October, click here

5th December 2009 Trading Hut news

.....Sue and Pat stand and deliver at the hut

The Trading Hut Managers are investigating the possibility of stocking horticultural sand, sharp sand and horticulltural grit at the Hut. If you might use these materials please let Sue know at the Hut and we can estimate how much we might need. Also is anyong interested in Biotal leaf compost maker which activates the fungi on leaves and speeds up decomposition cutting years off compost time? Again let Sue know.

25th November2009 Change of date and NAWG minutes

We have to change the date of the first clearance to Thursday the 10th December, cancelling the 8th December.

To view the September NAWG minutes, click here (anyone want anti-vandal paint? Our new allotment Officer Mark Todd will give us some to order, place your orders now)

21st November 2009 Backwoodsmen needed: Clearing the east boundary

We are assembling a working party to clear the whole of the east boundary of Moorside from the road to the top of the east lane and every able-bodied Moorside gardener who is able to help is very welcome. Should be hard work but fun. So far we have two working days set aside for the clearances:-

Tuesday the 8th December starting at 9.00am but join anytime

Saturday the 12the December starting at 9.30 am

12th November 2009

Trading Hut Team News

Sue has written a newsletter, see by clicking here, New stock available includes:Perlite for potting, wild bird seed at a very reasonable price, landscape fabric for weed control and broad beans for sowing now. A special offer is a veg/tuber strorage sack free with every item purchased while stocks last. Hurry to the Hut.

To see the Trading Hut rota for November/December click here

8th November 2009 Bonfire week and Garden Club reminder

Farid (44) enjoys his first fire of the autumn

The council fire ban lifted for the rest of the year on the 1st November, but it rained heavily and most gardeners left their first fire till this weekend. Unfortunately the accumulated piles were wetter than would have been the case two weeks earlier so there was a lot of smoke on Moorside.

Dont forget that next Saturday, 14th November, at 10.00 am, the Garden Club meets in the Community Hut to discuss how to find the holy grail of a free draining moisture retaining soil; get that right and the rest is easy! Everyone welcome.

5th November 2009 Chairman presents Moorside petition to Mayor at Council meeting

1st November 2009 Webmaster loses his buttons but finds them again

24th October 2009 Committee News

..........Plot 89

Gwyn and Jeanette are leaving plot 89 after many years and the Committee have decided to relet the plot as two half plots. We therefore welcome Michael and Angela on plot 89a and Doug and Jenni on plot 89b. Both couples have young children, a nice counterbalance to our existing golden oldies. It would be interesting to know how many children there are now on Moorside? Anyone interested in doing some research? Talking of research the Committee are supporting research by some M.Sc. students on the benefits of allotments under the supervision of Tim Townshend of the Dept. of Urban Planning at Newcastle University. Look forward to being encouraged to fill in some questionnaires soon!

For the committee minutes of the 17th September 2009, click here

20th October 2009 Skip, manure and more lost keys

As autumn progresses the progressive gardener begins thinking manure. The two farmers recommended by Moorside are Mr Waugh of Westerhope tel 07833522455 and Mr Ireland of Dinnington tel: 0191 2363515. If you want less than a trailer load there is available our own stock of Mr Waugh's vintage 2008 horse manure, for 50p per barrow. Enquire at the Trading Hut.

The autumn skip arrives at 7.30am on Friday the 23rd October. No wood or weeds just plastic/stones/metal please. Skip early to avoid disappointment.

Another allotment key found, this time on a blue ribbon. Enquiries to the Chairman or via the Trading Hut.

16th October 2009 Kings seeds and strimmer/rotovator training

A training volunteer in action, but who is it? Hover mouse over picture to find out (thanks Emma for the photo)

There was a very successful strimmer/rotovator training morning last weekend thanks to Jerry Reavell and Mark Todd (who will shortly take over as our new Allotments Officer). Jerry has kindly compiled an official list of those able to strip an strimmer and hug a rotovator and it will be displayed in the Trading Hut.

The Kings seeds catalogue for 2010 will be in the Trading Hut and noticeboards this weekend. Orders are being handled by David (8) who can be contacted for queries on:- david@moorsideallotments.co.uk

David is particularly interested to know from all members what seed potatoes we should buy in this year

13th October 2009 Apple Day and other news

There is an Apple Day at West Jesmond Allotments on Saturday the 17th October 2009 organised by the Jesmond Community Orchard and Transition Newcastle with apple pressing and tasting and advice on apple trees as well as lots of other fun. For more details, click here

Kenton Lodge Special School are starting a fruit and vegetable garden and would be extremely grateful for any surplus fruit bushes (strawberry, currants, raspberry, gooseberry etc) or any seeds or anything else that can be planted. Please leave at the Trading Hut.

9th October 2009 The Moorside Garden Club

........Calling all Moorside gardeners

The Moorside Garden Club is back up and running this autumn. Packed with useful information from Moorside experts the garden club is good value and everyone is invited. Topics and dates are:

1. Saturday the 17th October Dealing with weeds: learn how to get the better of all forms of weeds and ensure peace of mind

2. Saturday the 14th November Understanding your soil : learn how to acheive the holy grail of a moisture retaining but free draining soil

All meetings at 10.00 am prompt in the Community Hut. See you there.

7th October 2009 The Freemen are coming!

The Newcastle Freemen, linear male heirs of the old City Craft Guilds who could be called upon to fight marauding Scots threatening the toon, will be inspecting Moorside on Saturday the 10th October. These visits are fraught with a soupcon of anxiety as the Freemen have statutory and ancient right to determine the use of the Town Moor and have in the recent past razed allotments at Grandstand Road and part of Nunsmoor. Your intrepid Chairman wrote to the Freemen enquiring about the rationale for such erasures and received a civil reply which included the following:

The Freemen are very mindful of the benefit to be gained from well-run, cultivated, allotment plots. It was when the terms of the lease for enclosing land are not complied that the Freemen will act both from a strategic and operational perspective to ensure the prerequisite open space of traditional rights of air and exercise as well as grazing is given paramount priority. If it were not for this policy and practice I do hope you will acknowledge there would not be a Town Moor as we know it today.

So if you see the Chairman flying round Moorside tidying up, thats the reason!

Learn more about the Freemen via www.freemenofnewcastle.org

4th October 2009 Bee beautiful

......................

Thanks to Tony (95) for these exquisite pictures of bees in the Moorside bee garden

4th October 2009 Keys found

1st October 2009 The Autumn Newsletter has arrived

Rob has edited the Autumn Newsletter and there is news and photos from the summer shows as well as advice on how to clear weeds organically including specifically that horrible weed Mares Tail (take note everyone on the East Lane) and on rusty leeks. To download a copy, click here

To see the October-early November Trading Hut rota, click here

27th September 2009 More City Show pictures

The Chairman receives Moorsides second prize, best large allotment site, from Councillor Pauline Allen (Thanks to Barbara for the photo)

27th September 2009 Committee news

The Committee were pleased to learn from Show Secretary (thanks Neil) that the Show made a profit due to the raffle, the barbeque(thanks Krys) the teas and cakes (thanks Barbara) the books (thanks Liz) and the plant sale (thanks Rob). The committee are thinking of spending most of the profit on a tailor-made tarpaulin to connect the Trading Hut and Community Hut for use in future shows and open days. Following our successes in the city show, the committee are keen to enter a Moorside display plate next year which everyone can join in with.

To see the Committee Minutes for August, click here

13th September 2009 Moorsiders grab sixteen first prizes in the City Show

David's plums are sweet enough for a first prize

Our first prizewinners at the 2009 City Show were:-

Top City Plate............. Frank (66)_____ Garden Compost............... Harry (32)

Mixed Flowers............. Ethnie (33)____ Single Rose ........................ Ethnie (33)

Largest Bean................. Nicola (15)____Radishes............................. Adi (76)

Biggest Sunflower.......... James (8)_____Minigarden.......................... Adi (76)

Scarecrow..................... Abdel (76)____Jar of Jam............................ Audrey (3)

Pears............................. David (8)-------Plums.................................. David (8)

Peas.............................. Nicola (15)-----Runner Beans...................... Charleigh (68)

Salad Collection............ John (64)--------Shallots............................... Charleigh (68)

Well done everyone! To see a full list of Moorsiders 16 first prizes, our 18 second prizes , our 16 third prizes and our 11 fourth prizes, click here. To see photos of eight exhibits, click the Shows and Open Days Button to your left.

6th September Moorside Show a Fruitful Success

The marquee with Moorside produce ready for the judges. But who won these prizes?

Master gardener:-Charlie (plot 68)

Champion Vegetable Grower:-Charlie (68)

Junior Master Gardener:- Anthony (72)

Best Exhibit:- George (104)

Best Allotment:- John and Marie (48)

Trevor Storey Unsung Hero:- Sue (29)

Best newcomer:- Tony and Pat (5)

Moorside Long Service Shield:- Bill (83)

More photographs coming soon under the Show and Open days button... see if you can spot yourself!

2nd September 2009 Nearly Show Time

Only three days to go before the 7th Annual Moorside Garden Show on Saturday so post your entries in the red post-box outside the Trading Hut soon!

We will be setting up the marquees at 2.00 pm on Friday and if you are free then your help would be appreciated. You can bring books and cds and any plants you would like to donate for sale on our stalls on Friday or on Saturday.

The raffle has over 20 prizes including six garden centre vouchers totalling over a hundred pounds as well as champagne. You can buy tickets at the Trading Hut on the day. See you there.

23rd August 2009 Committee and Trading Hut News

The Moorside beekeeping group is making progress and it looks as if we may have at least two hives up and honey-making for next summer. All prospective beekeepers have to be members of the Newcastle Bee-keeping Society and to have undergone an official training course. In addition there will be strict practical protocols for the hives, monitored by the Committee. If you have specific anxieties about honey bees please discuss these concerns with Tony (plot 94) or the Chairman.

The rotovator and the strimmer are available at £2.50 per two hour session and the generator by negotiation. There will be a rotovator/strimmer training session withJerry Reavell on Saturday the 10th October at 10.00 am (hopefully) and everyone who uses these machines should come along (please also put your name on the list in the Trading Hut). Paraffin is going back up in price and is now £3 for 4 litres.

To see the Committee minutes for July, click here

To see the Trading Hut rota for August/September, click here

22nd August 2009 Bee happy

Frank(66)on his wildlife-friendly prize-winning plot

Congratulations to Frank for again winning top prize for wildlife friendly plots in this years Newcastle Allotment competition. Frank has homes for mice, hedgehogs, bats, birds and bumblebees as well as a fox den. Of particular interest are his homes for solitary masonry bees. If you would like advice about how to home-build for these prolific pollinators, and tips about how to be wild-life friendly, see Frank on plot

17th August 2009 Newcastle Allotment News

Moorside was very sorry to learn that our able Allotment Officer, Michael Cranston, is to retire this month after over four years in post.We wish him all the best in his next life in the family firm Riders North in Shiremoor (sounds like it could be straight out of the Hobbit but in reality it is a quality animal and bird feed enterprise so don't be surprised if quality bird seed arrives at the Trading Hut soon).

The Newcastle Allotment Working Group are busy planning research into allotment demand in Newcastle and preparing for the City Show on the 12th/13th September; to see the August minutes, click here, and to see the Summer edition of the Nawg newsletter, Dig This , click here

14th August 2009 Show News

6th August 2009 Comfrey Project in the news

5th August 2009 Dates for your diary

The new Moorside Bee Group is meeting with an experienced allotment bee-keeper to discuss how to keep bees on an allotment site on Wednesday the 12th August at 6.30 pm at the Community Hut. If you are interested in bees come along. More info from Tony, plot 95

A rotovator and strimmer training session to include safety and maintenance will be held by Jerry Reavell of the City Parks department at Moorside on a Saturday morning in October, date to be confirmed. If you want to attend, please add your name to the list in the Trading Hut

This Saturday the 8th August at 12.00 noon is the deadline for handing in your ladybird surveys to the Trading Hut. Don't forget

Dont forget also the Moorside Show is on Saturday the 5th September. Latest info is that the Northumberland Wildlife Trust will have a stall illustrating urban wildlife in Newcastle.

2nd August 2009 What to do now in August

George in his prize-winning plot. But what should he be doing in August (besides taking a well-earned rest)?

28th July 2009 City Allotment Competition: Two golds, a silver and a bronze for Moorside!

Moorside has had a successful Allotment competition

First prize : George and Barbara (104)Best full plot with glass

First prize : Frank ( 66) Best wildlife-friendly plot

Second prize: Moorside Best Large Allotment Site

Third prize: Peter and Liz (25) Best plot without glass

To see all the City Allotment prizewinners, click here

22th July 2009 Grant news

Moorside are very grateful to the Wingrove Ward Committee for approving, last night, a grant of £300 to cover printing our new Constitution and Rules into an A5 booklet. We can now go ahead with the printing and, when ready, a booklet will be sent by post to each member. We are also appying to Grassroots for a grant for paving and ramps to allow easy disabled access to our toilets.

17th July 2009 Committee declare war on weeds

At the July Committee meeting last night the committee reverted to Moorside's "dig for victory" roots and declared war on the weeds which have proliferated in our communal areas due to the recent warm but wet weather. A spokesperson for the committee said "we will fight the weeds along the fences, we will fight them down the driveways, we will fight them around the toilet block". A committee war party will assemble at 10.00 am tomorrow (Saturday the 18th) and then at 10.00am on Sunday. All Moorsiders are invited to join this latterday Dad's army; bring whatever weapons you can muster and help the Committee acheive a Moorside free from weeds.

To view the June Committee minutes, click here

14thJuly 2009 Another break-in at Moorside

Unfortunately sheds and a green-house have been broken into on the east lane (once more!). It does not seem that anything valuable was taken, which reflects that plot-holders as a rule no longer leave anything valuable on site, even if it is locked up. More worryingly the intruders also jemmied there way into the Community Hut. Again nothing valuable is stored there and it seems that nothing was taken. We have been liaising with our neighbourhood policeman Peter (Ned) Kelly and now special (but secret) extra security measures are in place, so if you are reading this, intruders, next time you might not be so lucky. There is a police-community meeting to discuss neighbourhood crime on Tuesday the 28th July at 7.00 pm at St Roberts Curch Hall in Bolbec Road and all plotholders are invited to attend to discuss security at Moorside; you are particularly welcome if you have suffered damage or loss over the past several months.

11th July 2009 Participate in Natalies Ladybird Survey

          7-spot                                  2-spot                                       10-spot

Natalie Whitehead is an M.SC. student at Newcastle University and for her dissertation she is conducting the first comprehensive survey ever of ladybirds in Newcastle. As part of the survey she is visiting Moorside and has already found the only ten spot lady bird so far in Newcastle at Moorside. (The ten spot must have heard about our fat aphids?). The survey is very important as our native ladybirds are threatened by the imminent arrival of the voracious and nasty Harlequin ladybird which eats our native ladybird larvae and which is creeping up from the south, last known location York.You can help Natalie by recording any ladybirds you see when at your plot on Natalie's survey form which has pictures of all our common native ladybirds. The survey can be done at any time between Saturday the 18th July and Saturday the 8th August.

To download Natalies survey click here

To learn more about the nasty Harlequin ladybird, click here

10th July 2009 Trading Hut news: new volunteers required

7th July 2009 Picture quiz answer

5th July 2009 Tidy up for the City Inspection, please

5th July 2009 What to do now in July

Robs horticultural mesh in action (see our June Newsletter) but what should he be doing in July?

To see what to do now in July click here . We now have 11 months of what to do now archived under the what to do now button, thanks Rob.here

30th June 2009 Bee-keeping at Moorside

30thJune 2009 Found

28th June 2009 June Committee news

The team who will judge all plots to be put forward for the City Show is:- Krys (22), John (63), Frank (66) and Rob (103). They need to know which plots are organic in order to choose a plot from that category. There is no precise definition for organic gardening, but the commonly accepted usage is gardening without any chemicals; that is, no chemical pesticides or artificial fertilisers. If this applies to your plot please let any of the team above know as soon as possible.

2. Calling all community-minded plot-holders

The Committee want to set up a maintainence team to look after the communal areas of the site e.g. pruning, mowing, fence mending. No previous experience needed and a good time guaranteed! All welcome, even if you have limited time available. Volunteers please contact the chairman via the contact us button.

27th June 2009 Picture quiz

21st June 2009 Greenhouse thefts

Last night three greenhouses on Moorside were dismantled and the aluminium stolen. Three other greenhouses were interfered with, several panes of glass having been removed. All the incidents took place on the east lane. The police have been informed and are being vigilant. We would ask that each plotholder who has had a greenhouse damaged or removed make an individual complaint directly to the police by ringing 03456 043043 .The Committee will be contacting the police separately to discuss what further measures can be taken

14th June 2009 The June Newsletter is here!

Thanks to our Editor Rob for our June Newsletter with info about brassicas and horticultural fleece. It also contains a fascinating sequence of pictures from Tony of a clutch of blackbird chicks. You can download by clicking here and remember back numbers are archived in Our Newsletters section.

12th June 2009 The Moorside Show: How to win prizes

The Moorside Show is on Saturday the 5th September and you can now put together the programme as follows:-

To see the outer page, click here, to see the inner page with the list of show classes, click here.

If you are a beginner your entry is equally welcome and a good way of finding out how to show your produce and how it is likely to be marked is to buy the RHS Horticultural Show Handbook available from the RHS for only 7.50, see the RHS website and type in the search box. Of course the main prize is the fun of entering!

10thJune 2009 The Newcastle Show: How to be Top

The Newcastle Allotment Show is on Saturday and Sunday the 12th-13th September. As part of the show prizes are awarded for:- best half plot; best full plot with glass; best full plot without glass, best organic plot; best newcomer (less than one year);most wildlife friendly; best group-community plot, best site.The procedure is that Moorside puts forward to the Allotments Officer one plot in each category and he will then visit Moorside to judge sometime after the 20th July. The criteria he uses to judge plots are complex and can be seen by clicking here. Moorside will form its own team of experienced gardeners to decide which plots to put forward to the Allotments Officer; if you feel you are experienced in judging and want to be part of this team please let any Committee member know in the near future.

7th June 2009 Comma punctuates Moorside

6th June 2009 Our Show : help needed!

The Moorside Show takes place on Saturday the 5th September and it should be a good afternoon. Neils (plot 88) is the Show Secretary. This year we have, in addition to our extensive flower and vegetable prizes, a fun section and also a childrens section with a mini-garden, a painting of a flower and a small scarecrow. Also there will be face painting and quoits for the kids. The brochure will be printed shortly and available via noticeboards and the Trading Hut.

Help is needed at three levels:

1. Any member who wants to get involved in the planning of the Show can be co-opted onto the Show Committee, just see Neils

2. We need volunteers on the Friday to help erect stalls and volunteers to help with events on the Saturday such as the face painting and quiots for the kids, again see Neils

3. We need help accumulating raffle prizes; if you have any item you wish to donate we would be very grateful, please leave at the trading hut. We are going to have a stall for books and CDs, so if you have any unwanted books or CDs please also leave them in the Trading Hut too and we will store them in the Community Hut

2nd June 2009 Trading Hut news

There really is a new supply of compost in the Trading Hut this week! Its still £4 per 60 litre bag and paraffin is still £2 for 4 litres. To see a complete and amended Trading Hut price list valid from the 1st of June, click here

To see the Trading Hut volunteers rota for June, click here

28th May 2009 What to do now in June

Harry (plot 32) enjoys the late May sunshine: but what will he be doing in June?

Rob has sent in his list of tasks for June, which can be seen by clicking here

15th May 2009 A Highly Calorific Cauliflower!

Thanks to David(plot 8) for this terrific picture of a near perfect mouthwatering cauliflower that he grew (just before he ate it). If you have pictures of equally awesome veg please send them to the webmaster.

15th May 2009 Committee News for April and May

1. Rotivator and Strimmer

The rotivator and strimmer are availabe via the trading hut at a nominal cost. The strimmer has to be used in conjunction with the safty equipment:- helmet, visor and shinguards and you should use steel tipped boots. The Committee want to facilitate a list of those trained to use these machines and hope to arrange a training day with an approved trainer soon . If you are interested in attending a training day please let the Trading Hut know (there will be a list there) and we can then try to find a mutually convenient time for everyone to hold the training session.

2. Trading Hut Update

There is a new supply of compost in the hut. The Committee sought opinions about the future of the compost enclosure. On the downside it compromises our public area between the huts, on the upside it is convenient for the Trading Hut volunteers and those collecting the compost. It was agreed we would attempt a compromise by storing excess compost in cages behind the two huts themselves.

3. Plot moves

The Association does not have a formal mechanism for those plotholders who have attained a good standard of cultivation on a half plot to move up to full plots. The Chairman will in due course write to all half plot holders asking if they would like to join a waiting list to move to a full plot if this became available. This would inevitably mean leaving behind your half plot when a full plot came up. Also, if you wish for any reason to move from one whole plot to another whole plot or from one whole plot to a half plot please let the chairman know on

peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk

4. Youth Community Order Scheme

The Committee want to consult with the whole membership on the question of allowing small groups of youths on Community Order Schemes under the direct supervision of a Probation Officer, to do heavy digging. This might be helful for plots in very bad condition where the owners have problems digging and weeding and if you would be interested in this please us know. On the other hand the scheme would expose the allotment to a small degree of risk and if you feel that you would be reluctant to have the youths on site, please also let us know, thanks. Again contact

peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk

5. The Newsletter

Rob is hoping to publish the next newsletter in June. Articles or interesting photos would be very welcome by the end of May to:

rob@moorsideallotments.co.uk

To see the committee minutes, 2nd April 2009 click here

To see the committee minutes, 7th May 2009 click here

3rd May 2009 Seedling Sunday, 17th May

Following the success of Seedy Saturday in March, Moorside are pleased to accommodate Seedling Sunday on Sunday the 17th May from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Swap seedlings or buy some at low cost to a background of live music and home baking. See flyer by clicking here

The home baking stall on seedy Saturday

3rd May 2009 What to do in May

Cliff and Anne (26) have immaculate beds in April, but what should they do in May?

22nd April 2009 More skip and NAWG forum

Our skip over Easter was full up within 3 hours, so another has arrived on site but is already filling fast. This is definitely your last chance to get rid of rubble and metal. No garden waste or wood please!

The Newcastle Allotments Working Group hold their annual forum, open to all allotment gardeners, on Wednesday the 6th May at the Collingwod Suite, Civic Centre starting at 6.30 pm. If you want to find out about the allotment scene in Newcastle then this is your chance. Free coffee, tea and biscuits, too!

12th April 2009 Butterflies in Spring

painted lady

red admiral

ppeacockeap

Thanks to Sue (plot 54) for spotting these butterflies for us at Moorside already this year. Let us know if you have seen different butterflies on your plot

12th April 2009 Beware of Antipodean predators

The New Zealand Flatworm, at rest and moving

Jo (plot 84)sent in this picture of a flatworm, having found one in her garden at home. These New Zealand worms live on our own earthworms and can greatly reduce populations of our earthworm with dire consequences for us as gardeners and for the wildlife that depends upon a good worm meal. Jo has investigated the web for information and has found this useful site http://www.dgsgardening.btinternet.co.uk/flatworm.htm

If anyone thinks they have seen a flatworm on Moorside please let us know!

6th April 2009 Dig this and that

1. Dig This The Newcastle Allotment Working Group both represent allotments in Newcastle and manage/oversee them. The Group produce a Newsletter, edited by Michael Armstrong, called Dig This and we are beginning the process of uploading back numbers.To see the Winter 2008-2009 edition please click here or go to the Our Newsletter button where Dig This will be archived below our own newsletter

2. Dig our new trading Hut Price list. To see an updated price-list click here

3. Dig our community Hut. The Community Hut will be opened at the same time as the Trading Hut, Sat and Sun 10.00 to 12.00. There is lots of information about gardening on display and we also have a good supply of second hand gardening books. If you have any gardening books you could contribute to the library or any other literature you think may be of interest to members just drop them off in the hut.

3rd April 2009 What to do in April

The Bumble-bee Working Party (Sue and Jo) working hard to dig out the communal garden, but what should they be doing in their own plots in April?

3rd April 2009 Committee News

A skip has been arranged over Easter from Thursday the 9th April to Tuesday 14th April. Please note that this is for metal and rubble but should not be used for garden waste or wood. Happy skipping!

The Committee has noticed a recent spate of dog fouling on site. If you bring your dog on site please respect others and remove any deposits, thanks.

To see the minutes of the EGM in February2009,click here

To see the Comittee Minutes, the 26th February 2009, click here

27th March 2009 Another newsletter back-number on-line

We now have the Summer 2007 MoorsideNewsletter on-line; articles on soil structure and companion planting worth checking out. Go to Our Newsletter button

26th March 2009 Bonfire ban nearly upon us

22nd March 2009 Whats going on here?

Spot the Frog!

Thanks to Tony (95) for this terrific picture of a Moorside frog immersed in frogspawn.

22nd March 2009 Newsletters on line

The recent Spring 2009 Newsletter is now on line and also available are the Winter 2007-2008 Newsletter and the Spring 2008 Newsletter. The older newsletters are well worth browsing. The Winter 2007-2008 edition has information about soil pH, liming and understanding your soil and the Spring 2008 edition has tips about composting and all about F1 hybrid seeds.

To view all three newsletters go to our Newsletter button. Happy reading.

20th March 2009 Trading Hut news from Susie

Your new Trading Hut team is beginning to take shape and we have two joint Managers – Susan Pownall and Susan Hrisos – to share the administrative workload.

Harry and Stan will be a hard act to follow but at the recent EGM, we were overwhelmed by the number of volunteers willing to help out either on a Saturday or Sunday, ensuring our well respected and much needed trading hut continues for thebenefit of all plot holders. Many thanks to you all.

We are in the final stages of drawing up our volunteer ‘duty rota’ for the next few weeks, so we can open on both Saturday and Sunday for two hours each day.We are seeking the views of our volunteer force to decide whether they prefer the trading hut opening hours to remain at 10 am to 12 noon or move to a slightly later time of 11 am to 1pm.

If there is anyone who feels able to give a couple of hours once every five or six weeks to help out in the hut, please get it touch, if you have not done so already.Even if you are only available once in a while, it would be good to have a reserve list in case of illness, holidays and so on.

We also plan to open the Community Hut to coincide with the Trading Hut opening hours, so you can all use the facilities.We still have some early and main crop seed potatoes on offer at good prices, as well as a new supply of paraffin for those of you who need it. See you there.

Sue Pownall Joint-Manager The Trading Hut Team.

15th March 2009 Committee News

2nd March 2009 What to do in March

The east lane in February snow.. but what should plot-holders be doing in March?

Rob has sent in our instructions for March so lets get cracking! Click here for What To do in March

Dont forget that the seed exchange is this Saturday the 7th March from 12.00 t0 2.00 Bring your seeds and swap for different seeds and browse the unusual seeds from Fenham Seed Savers. Music and refreshments too!

1st March 2009 Heritage Panel is coming this Tuesday

The Committee Minutes 11th February 2009... click here

22nd February 2009 Birds seen on site in February

Thanks to Sue, plot 54, for letting us know of the following sightings, amongst others, on Moorside in February. Let the website know what birds you see on Moorside this month or in March and we will post them up.

longtailed tit

lesser spotted woodpecker

fieldfare

goldfinch

22nd February 2009 Moorside News

1. More break-ins

There were two break-ins last weekend, with thieves completely dismantling two greenhouses and attempting to force a way into the trading hut. The police are investigating the incidents and we are in discussions about incresased site surveillance.

2. Show dates

This year the Newcastle Allotments Show will take place on Sunday the 13th September 2009

The Committee have provisionally booked the Moorside Show to be held on Saturday the 5th September 2009. Start planning your campaign now!

15th February 2009 Seed Swap Saturday the 7th March

Click on image to view large version

15th February 2009 The Cavalry are here!

At the EGM, Julie Marshall (63a) and Susan Pownall (29) were voted in as our new Trading Hut Managers. Congratulations Julie and Susan. In addition an astonishing fifteen further members volunteered for hut duties. Thanks to plotholders 4a, 4b, 8, 10, 14, 17, 25, 26, 37a, 38, 79, 80b, 82, 95, 103. (Its going to be quite a squash in that little hut?). We hope to have the hut open for trading from 10.00 am to 11.am on Saturday the 21st February and then at 10.00am on Sunday the 22nd February and after that the new regime will decide regular opening times.

12th February 2009 February Committee News

1. Minutes now available

You can download the follwing documents:-

The AGM Minutes 2009........ click here

The Chairmans AGM 2009 Report....... click here

The Committee Minutes 29th January 2009.... click here

2. New Treasurer

Nicola Loose (plot 15) has been co-opted to the Committee as Treasurer so our accounts are in safe hands. Thanks Nicola.

3. Bird Conservation Working Party

We are adding yet another working group to our Flood Prevention and Bumblebee groups. This new Bird Conservation group will look to identify our site birdlife and look at ways of helping birds nest and feed in safety and will be lead by Sue Johnson (plot 17). If you are interested to join in, please contact Sue on plot or via the new committee contact details which will be available here next week.

8th February 2009 More February News

Our seed potatoes are selling well! We have run out of Desiree, but we have a few Charlotte second earlies left and we still have plenty of Rocket and Lady Chrystll first earlies and Nadine second earlies. Our Seed Secretary will be selling them again this Saturday the 14th February from 10.00 to 10.30 a.m. at the Community Hut.

The minutes of the 15th January 2009 Committee meeting, before the AGM, are now available by clicking here. The draft minutes of the 2009 AGM and the 29th January Committee meeting should be available later this week after approval at the next Committee meeting this coming Wednesday.

Rob Germany is producing a Moorside Newsletter for March. If you have any interesting or amusing topics you would like to write about and if you have any pictures of interest just email them to me on peter@moorsideallotments.co.uk and i will forward them on to Rob.

4th February 2009 What to do in February

The most colourful plot at moorside? Plot 108

Rob has sent in What To Do in February which you can view by clicking here. He has also sent in a fertilizer guide.. click here and an allotment guide giving the nitogen requirements for different vegetables, soil ph requirements and a crop rotation scheme.. click here. Phew! Cheers Rob youll get us all sorted soon?

1st February 2009. EGM: Future of the Trading Hut

All members are invited to an important EGM to discuss the future of the trading hut.

Saturday 14th February, 12.00 Noon

Robert Stewart Memorial Hall, Wingrove Road, Fenham

19th January 2009.                    Committee News

Rents 2009 pegged at 2008 rates!
Good news from last week's committee meeting:- rents will remain at £40 per annum per full plot. Everyone should have been emailed or posted a rent form for 2009 but if you have mislaid yours you can download one by clicking here
Rent is due by the 31st January 2009.

Culling magpies and crows
The Committee were alarmed at the decrease in small birds especially song birds on site last year. The main factor is probably two bad summers but a likely contributory factor is the high density of crows and magpies which have been seen killing small birds. A Moorside member is a qualified BASC member and we would like to engage him to cull magpies and crows on site. The Committee wishes all members to be aware of this intention and in view of the fact that members may have strong alternative views on the matter it will be raised as a topic at the open forum at the AGM on Thursday 22nd January (7.30 pm Robert Stewart Memorial Hall, Wingrove Road)

Working parties open to members
The Committee agreed to the formation of three new working parties which all members are warmly invited to join:

To look at ways of preventing flooding on site

To organise a regular Saturday morning club to discuss gardening topics and techniques

To make our communal garden bumble-bee friendly in partnership with the Bumble-bee Trust
The working parties will be discussed in more detail at the AGM but if you would like to join any or all of the groups please contact the relevant group leader.

2nd January 2009.

The Chairman wishes all Moorsiders

2nd January 2009.                  What to do in January

Looking N-W from the Community Hut. What should these gardeners be doing in January?
Rob has sent in his tips for what to do in January. Click here to view or go to the What to do now button for last years tasks if you are still catching up!

2nd January 2009.          New Trading Hut Price List
For a 2009 Trading Hut price list Click here.