Hi Everyone
I have been lurking around on this fab site for a year or so trying to absorb your expertise (and sense of humour). This site has been an endless source of inspiration, so thank you to you all. I have finally just today filled up the first half of my plot (mostly with plants that black fly like, but at least it's dug at last!)....
Anyway, I have finally been encouraged to post for the first time after a chat with my plot neighbour this morning. He is struggling to keep on top of his plot and is planning on giving it up at the end of the season. I think this would be such a shame as he's had it for years and loves it, and just needs a bit of help, really, to share some of the slog (and the rewards). We're talking him carrying on providing the plants and seeds in return for help with regular upkeep and a share of the produce, including the best blackberries I have ever tasted. I'm really sad at the thought of him having to give it up, but as I share his bindweed problem, I can understand him feeling overwhelmed with it.
We are at the Oakwood end of Enfield in EN2, if any of you know someone who might like to help and be rewarded in produce, please let me know, and I will put you in touch with him as he doesn't have a computer. If you have any other ideas about how to go about finding him some help, please shout. Thanks. NellieB
http://landshare.channel4.com/
It rather depends on who is running the site.
Ours is self managed and we do organise smaller plots, by splitting a plot in two even three. Each is responsible for their own area and if one wants to give away or swap produce, they do.
This year we were approached by a youth leader of a nationally known organisation who thought it might be a good idea to take some of his boys on to a plot and 'help' under the supervision of an old grower who, in turn would pass on his expertise to the youngsters.
Great idea? Not these days, it seems that the powers that be are so concerned that the kids might become the victim of a pervert. It can not be allowed.
The oddest thing is that the old grower we had in mind is actually a retired school teacher with the best possible credentials. Although the organisation did not enquire that far, they just said. NO
So, I can't pass that idea on.
Quote from: PurpleHeather on June 14, 2009, 08:07:08
It rather depends on who is running the site.
Ours is self managed and we do organise smaller plots, by splitting a plot in two even three. Each is responsible for their own area and if one wants to give away or swap produce, they do.
This year we were approached by a youth leader of a nationally known organisation who thought it might be a good idea to take some of his boys on to a plot and 'help' under the supervision of an old grower who, in turn would pass on his expertise to the youngsters.
Great idea? Not these days, it seems that the powers that be are so concerned that the kids might become the victim of a pervert. It can not be allowed.
The oddest thing is that the old grower we had in mind is actually a retired school teacher with the best possible credentials. Although the organisation did not enquire that far, they just said. NO
So, I can't pass that idea on.
The well known organisation should be perfectly capable of running CRB checks on any volunteer helpers, just as such well know group does on any parents that are going to be helping out or coming in to offer a course in some field of expertise.
You need to check what the rules are on your site. On my site, you can have people help you (but no paid labour) but they have no rights to the plot and the tenant is still responsible for keeping it properly cultivated. Is there no-one already on the site who could help him? Has he asked the committee for help?
Agree, volunteers can be CRB checked (organisation organises and pays for this) My husband has had this done regularly to allow him to do some support work (outside his job) with children and yound people)
Nellieb, maybe approach LEAs...inour area one of the local schools for adolescents with additional learning needs have a garden club and they do all sorts of community support activities to do with gardening and learn loads at the same time. good luck with it :)
It might be worth contacting the Enfield Society or Friends of the Town Park. Both have members who care about the environment, many of whom are keen gardeners.
http://www.enfieldsociety.org.uk/
http://friendsofthetownpark.wordpress.com/about/
G x
Hi Nellie and welcome, sorry can't help but Georgies web sites should help, do you get your manure from the Trent Park Riding Stables. ;D ;D ;D
We are perfectly aware of CRB checks, and how they work. I have had myself have been cleared to do voluntary work.
The point is that the movement, discounted this and just said NO.
I hear what you are saying Purpleheather...some don't want "the hassle" and suggest that or say they cant do it...was just saying they can :)
Strange that the original poster hasn't been back yet to check on replies?
G x
Quote from: PurpleHeather on June 14, 2009, 21:17:45
We are perfectly aware of CRB checks, and how they work. I have had myself have been cleared to do voluntary work.
The point is that the movement, discounted this and just said NO.
No doubt you're aware of CRBs. When you say the organisation just said 'no' was this a local, regional or central decision? If central or regional I am very surprised, because if it is the organisation I think you're talking about they freely CRB parent helpers in my area. It's disappointing that they'd chose to pass up such a great opportunity.
I've known this to be used as an excuse; they may just not want the hassle.
Can we have an update please NellieB? How is your plot neighbour and have you taken up any of the suggestions?
G x
Hello everyone
Thank you all so much for your replies - sorry have not been on sooner - the storms on Monday took out my broadband, not sure why, so I could not get back on the site until now. I have been at work all week but will be off to the plot first thing tomorrow to pass on/investigate your suggestions and advice. I'm really grateful for your help, and my neighbour will be too, I'm sure. I'll keep you posted.
And Cornykev and Georgie - thanks for the welcome and the websites,I'm going to check them out straight away. I haven't had manure from Trent Park stables...yet. I got scared by all the problems with manure last year, and to be honest I have also been put off by what I think has been not the best behaviour by the stables over the past few years. We had to get the council involved to force them to clear up their rubbish as we had a real rat problem as a result. I'm a bit concerned that their attitude to hygiene type stuff (allowing their rubbish to litter the paths and burning it illegally (so I understand...) may mean that the manure might not be a good idea. That said, to be fair, they do seem to have sharpened up their act this year, and we've had nowhere near as many rats, so I would not like to judge too severely. A friend of mine on our site goes to Hadley Wood for manure - I can find out where exactly if anyone would like to know. Whereabouts are your plots - I'd love to come for a visit!
Thanks again for the great welcome and all the replies, You're great.
NellieB