Everyone will be aware of the quickly developing situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impact in England.
Our Association is now in regular contact with the Oxford and District Federation of Allotment Associations as we consider how we may need to change the way in which our association operates in the months ahead.
We cannot give public health advise. All members should follow this themselves through media broadcasts and the internet.
For now, many members will want to continue normal allotment gardening on their own plots and make sure that plots remain well maintained and are productive in the months ahead especially now as we are entering the main growing season.
For this to work we need to respect each other’s space and the fact that some members may not wish to have the normal social contact that we enjoy especially if they are in those groups that the government have said need to take social distancing measures.
The committee will be in regular communication to see how we need to respond – for instance, whether the shop can remain open as normal, whether we need to suspend normal cultivation guidelines or respond to any changing public health advice.
Please keep checking the website for up-to-date information.
Thanks very much for this, Bridget (and committee). I find it very consoling, heartening, encouraging to think that we are lucky enough to be able to go to our own spaces outdoors and grow stuff in the fresh air, and sorry for those confined indoors. And we can still be sociable if we want to – just shout a little louder over longer distances! As it is, I sowwed 11 short rows of seeds in one of my large raised beds on Monday (such a lovely spring day), and anticipate planting seed potatoes over the next 2-3 weeks – some compensation for my 8 days in the Canaries now being impossible…… Stewart
Thanks Stewart
I’ve decided to stay put in Australia for a bit longer so hope the committee will forgive me if my plot isn’t up to its usual tidy condition.
I will be back as soon as I can ?
Totally agree with Stewart! I’ve been on my plot nearly every day recently and it’s amazing to this space to retreat to to forget about these crazy times.
We are coming to the time to switch on the water to the taps along our three grass roads. I would be prepared to bring along my stop-cock key from home and do it this Sunday (23 March) if that suits people. Those of us starting off seeds under glass will be needing clean water…. Stewart
OK Stewart. I will switch the water back on on Sunday. We have the tool in the machinery shed.